To Remain Vigilant

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As Sir Harry Percy patrols England’s rugged North, even the Scots, his frequent adversaries, admire his audacity and courage. Claiming his ceaseless vigilance means his spurs never cool, they call him Hotspur. Yet when Harry questions royal corruption, Richard II bestows another name: traitor.

 

Escaping death, Harry joins Duke Henry Bolingbroke, whose fortune Richard stole and who leads a campaign to improve Richard’s governance. Soon, though, Henry, too, acts despotic, ordering executions without fair trials and plotting to seize power directly. Alarmed, Harry exacts a vow from him to not oust Richard. But Henry violates his oath, inciting a mob to force Parliament to make him King Henry IV. Harry boycotts Henry’s coronation but, realizing he serves the nation regardless of who wears the crown, later returns to duty, with Henry’s backing.

 

Will their reconciliation last? And can Harry’s newfound love with an ex-abbess protect him not only from threats on the borders but those in dark palace corners? Never has his motto, Esperance—Hope—mattered more!

As Sir Harry Percy patrols England’s rugged North, even the Scots, his frequent adversaries, admire his audacity and courage. Claiming his ceaseless vigilance means his spurs never cool, they call him Hotspur. Yet when Harry questions royal corruption, Richard II bestows another name: traitor.

 

Escaping death, Harry joins Duke Henry Bolingbroke, whose fortune Richard stole and who leads a campaign to improve Richard’s governance. Soon, though, Henry, too, acts despotic, ordering executions without fair trials and plotting to seize power directly. Alarmed, Harry exacts a vow from him to not oust Richard. But Henry violates his oath, inciting a mob to force Parliament to make him King Henry IV. Harry boycotts Henry’s coronation but, realizing he serves the nation regardless of who wears the crown, later returns to duty, with Henry’s backing.

 

Will their reconciliation last? And can Harry’s newfound love with an ex-abbess protect him not only from threats on the borders but those in dark palace corners? Never has his motto, Esperance—Hope—mattered more!

EDITORIAL REVIEW by Victoria Chatham

To Remain Vigilant by Liz Sevchuk Armstrong

The popular view of Medieval Europe, particularly England, often romanticizes the era with its lords, ladies, chivalrous knights in armour, and courtly love. However, Liz Sevchuk Armstrong's 'To Remain Vigilant' presents the harsh truth of these brutal times.

King Richard II is barely holding on to his throne. Henry Bolingbroke claims to have documentation proving that the throne is rightfully his. Courtiers plot to replace Richard behind palace doors. Only one man, Sir Harry Percy, named Hotspur by the Scots for the readiness and speed of his attacks, tries to maintain an honourable position. From France to the Scottish Borders, Ireland and Wales, Hotspur wins one accolade after another. Friendships and loyalties are tried, tested, and ultimately betrayed.

Armstrong excels at weaving the facts of this historical period into a compelling tale, making her novel an enthralling read for modern audiences.

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