The Marriage Game

A Novel of Queen Elizabeth I

De: Alison Weir

Narrado por: Julia Franklin

In this compelling novel of Tudor drama and suspense, acclaimed author Alison Weir brings to life one of England's most scandalous royal love affairs: the romance between the "Virgin Queen" Elizabeth I and her courtier Lord Robert Dudley. Only 25 and newly crowned, Elizabeth vows to rule the country as both queen and king. But her counselors continually press her to form an advantageous marriage and produce an heir. Though none of the suitors have yet worked their way to her throne, the dashing - though married - Lord Robert lays claim to Elizabeth's heart. Their flagrant flirting, their unescorted outings, and the appointment of Lord Robert to Master of Horse inspire whispers through the court, and even rumors that Elizabeth has secretly given birth to Lord Robert's child.

Events take a dark turn when Robert's wife is found dead. Universal shock is followed by accusations of murder. Despite the scandal, Elizabeth and Robert manage to navigate the choppy political, economic, and religious waters around them. But the greatest obstacle to marriage between the Queen and her true love may come not from outside forces, but from within.

©2014 Alison Weir (P)2014 W. F. Howes

Great performance as Elizabeth I

Loved this performance - the narrator captured the essence of Elizabeth I with wonder. The story is a bit slow and tedious, but overall captures her life and relationships well.

Not my favorite Alison Weir Fiction

I am a HUGE Alison Weir fan but I was honestly disappointed in this novel. It lacked Weir' s usual passion and suspense. Still worth reading but doesn't compete with "The Lady Elizabeth " or "Innocent Traitor"

Grating Narration

I've been a fan of Alison Weir for some time now and will continue to be; however, this story was a struggle to finish. The narrator has a glaring lisp that grates on the ears and while her voice is not unpleasant, the lips is distracting and she is oddly breathy at times. I would not listen to a book narrated by Julia Franklin again, regardless of who the author is.

nice story

I read a lot of novels about this time period. Rod one was not my favorite, but I did enjoy it overall. I was not a fan of the narrator, I have trouble envisioning Queen Elizabeth as being as whiny as she portrays her.

Thoroughly enjoyable!

Continuation of Weir's Elizabeth I story. She weaves fact with fiction in a totally plausible and very entertaining tale of politics and life in the Tudor court.

Very good but drags in places

Really well written but drags on in several places. Could’ve been about half as long and still been a good, fact based story

Overall very good.

Narration for the first fourth of the book was hyper and tiring to listen to. I was ready to switch to another book when it seems like a different narrator finished the last part of the book. Ended up being very good.

Very enlightening piece of history!

I couldn’t stop listening! What an amazing view of Elisabeth’s life told through her own eyes! I love the personal view & the ideas of what may have happened which explains why she never wanted to marry! Well done Alison Weir! As all of her books are!!

Made me cry.

This book made me cry. It was the epic tale of Elizabeth's true love with her "Sweet Robin" measuring her stride for stride as an equal in a partnership that lasted over 30 years. They say his name was her last words. I'm not sure if that's true, but it should be.

Great Story

I enjoyed this story but not the narrator. It continues the story from the last book in the duo. They should have used the narrator from the first book