Dawnlands

A Novel

By: Philippa Gregory

Narrated by: Louise Brealey

Palace intrigue, defiant heroism, and a long-awaited love fulfilled from New York Times bestselling author Philippa Gregory in her Fairmile series.

It is 1685 and England is on the brink of a renewed civil war. King Charles II has died without an heir and his brother James is to take the throne. But the people are bitterly divided, and many do not welcome the new king or his young queen. Ned Ferryman cannot persuade his sister, Alinor, that he is right to return from America with his Pokanoket servant, Rowan, to join the rebel army. Instead, Alinor and her daughter Alys, have been coaxed by the manipulative Livia to save the queen from the coming siege. The rewards are life-changing: the family could return to their beloved Tidelands, and Alinor could rule where she was once lower than a servant.

Alinor’s son is determined to stay clear of the war, but, in order to keep his own secrets in the past, Livia traps him in a plan to create an imposter Prince of Wales—a surrogate baby to the queen.

From the last battle in the desolate Somerset Levels to the hidden caves on the slave island of Barbados, this third volume of an epic story follows a family from one end of the empire to another, to find a new dawn in a world which is opening up before them with greater rewards and dangers than ever before.

©2022 Philippa Gregory (P)2022 Simon & Schuster Audio

Critic reviews

"Philippa Gregory is one of the best loved writers of historical fiction. In DAWNLANDS, narrator Louise Brearley's firm voice takes listeners to the chaotic world of England in the late 1680s, when James II was king. There are characters from earlier novels in this installment in the Fairmire series, including the villainous but intriguing Livia—with her syrupy voice and Italian accent. One new character is the Native American captive, Rowan, who enchants listeners with her gentle voice and fierce spirit. This audiobook reveals the political turmoil and religious bigotry of the Stuart years, as well as confrontations between former lovers and enemies, and the author's own takes on historical mysteries such as the "Warming Pan Baby.""—AudioFile Magazine

love love love Gregory

always an amazing read. not only are the stories compelling and hard to put down, the performance is always perfect match to the story.

What an amazing listening experience!

I read the first two books but decided to listen to the 3rd installment. It did not disappoint! The narrator was clear and precise and completely engaging.

Another Home Tun for Phillippa Gregory

Well written, beautifully read, enthralling story. This is sequel so read Tidelands first. And Enjoy!

a trilogy definitely worth the listen.

I am so sorry it is over. The characters are rich and the history is different from any I had heard before. Very interesting and well preformed.

Dawnlands

it is so hard to put it down. Wonderful novel. Now, I want the next book. I need to know more. There's so much story left to be told. Fantastic series. I do hope Olivia gets what's coming to her in the next book.

Wow.

Just as gripping as the other two in the series. I seriously hope she does a 4th. The only bad thing about the book is the open ending. So many ways this could go. And I’d really like to know what happens to everyone.

Frustrated

After being hooked in and listening to all 3 books - bit of a love/repulsed relationship with the characters, I still don’t know for certain what the great ‘secret’ is! Was certain it would be finally revealed by the end of this book.

Good

Love it! Great read! Love the whole series! Want more! Hate writing this! The end!

Great trilogy

Love the plot the writing and the narration. Philipa Gregory is a writing master. Looking on the list for another great story by her

Always love this author

As always, I loved learning about history through this author’s book. Great characters too. Fun ending!