The Story

This volume picks up right after King Charles V of France dies, leaving his 12-year-old son, Charles VI, on the throne. Suddenly, everyone with a title and an army sees an opportunity. Uncles, dukes, and councilors all jockey for control, treating the young king like a prize to be won. Meanwhile, regular people in cities across France are fed up with taxes and decide they've had enough. Froissart walks us through these parallel crises—the power struggles at court and the popular revolts in the streets—showing how they feed off each other and push the kingdom toward chaos.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this so gripping is Froissart's approach. He was a journalist before the job existed, collecting stories from knights, merchants, and officials. You get multiple sides of every conflict. One minute you're sympathizing with overtaxed peasants, the next you're understanding the panic of a noble whose authority is crumbling. It's messy, complicated, and incredibly human. These aren't statues from a history book; they're people making desperate, ambitious, and sometimes foolish choices with real consequences.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves a good power struggle, whether in historical fiction, fantasy epics, or true political dramas. If you enjoyed the maneuvering in Game of Thrones or the tense court scenes of Wolf Hall, you'll feel right at home here, with the added thrill of knowing it's all true. It's also a great pick for readers curious about how societies fracture and what happens when the center cannot hold. Just be prepared—it's hard to put down once the scheming begins.