Description
What would you do for absolute power?
For many monarchs throughout history, it was a question that ruled their lives. Step into the world of palatial intrigue, where holding the throne means evading death . . . or causing it.
Some sovereigns were cunning at avoiding their killers. Cleopatra of Egypt once rolled herself into a rug and was carried out past her enemies’ noses. Other royals were brutal when dealing with foes. Vlad the Impaler’s monstrous methods inspired the legend of Dracula the vampire.
From monarchs murdered at the hands of their subjects to kings killed on the battle field, the stories of ten royals are told:
• Cleopatra of Egypt (69 BCE – 30 BCE)
• Vlad III the Impaler of Wallachia (1431 – 1476)
• Richard III of England (1452 – 1485)
• “Bloody Mary” I (1516 – 1558)
• Mary, Queen of Scots (1542 – 1587)
• Elizabeth I (1533 – 1603)
• Louis XVI (1754 – 1793)
• Marie Antoinette (1755 – 1793)
• Elisabeth of Austria (1837 – 1898)
• The Romanovs of Russia (1872 – 1918)
A final section offers examples from the 20th century, from assassination attempts in England to a royal massacre in Nepal.
Blending dramatic storytelling and historical fact, and complete with fascinating photographs and artwork, Royal Murder is a compelling account of scheming sovereigns.
Author Bio
Elizabeth MacLeod has written more than 80 books, including biographies, picture books, cookbooks and other nonfiction titles. Dinosaurs, royal murder, forensic science, horses that changed history—she’s written about them all. Liz is a Member of the Order of Canada and has won the Sharon Fitzhenry Award for Canadian Children's Non-Fiction, the Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction and the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Juvenile or Young Adult Crime Book. She has also won children’s choice awards across the country, including the Hackmatack, Red Cedar, Red Maple and Silver Birch. Liz's most recent books include How to Become an Accidental Activist and Get Out and Vote!. She lives in Toronto.
Prizes
- Best Books for Kids & Teens, Canadian Children’s Book CentreJoint winner 2009
- Best Bets List, Ontario Library AssociationJoint winner 2009
- VOYA’s Nonfiction Honor ListJoint winner 2009
- Red Maple Award, Ontario Library AssociationWinner 2009
Review Quotes
“Students fascinated by tales of kings and queens and all things royal will thoroughly enjoy this book.”
— Resource Links, 11/08“A stunning blend of historical fact and storytelling . . . will leave readers thirsting for more.”
— Professionally Speaking, 06/09“Without question, you learn a lot about history, and it’s the sort of book that young boys and girls as well are going to find fascinating.”
— Ken Setterington, Children & Youth Advocate for Library Services, Toronto Public Library“Audiences in grades five and up will love hearing these gory, intriguing tales.”
— School Library Journal, 02/09“Elizabeth MacLeod . . . knows how to make history exciting for young readers."
— Quill & Quire, 05/08“Thrills and chills galore . . . will give readers lots of history along with a good, gory read.”
— Canadian Children's Book News, 09/08