In the Shadow of the King

"In the Shadow of the King" by Deborah O'Toole. Click on image to view larger size in a new window.In the Shadow of the King by Deborah O'Toole is a semi-fictional account of the dramatic life of Sir Francis Bryan, confidant to King Henry VIII.


Sir Francis Bryan was a man of letters who distinguished himself as a cipher, diplomat, poet, sailor and soldier. He was also knight bannerette, chevalier, chief gentleman of the privy chamber, Lord Chief Justice of Ireland and a gifted sportsman. He lost an eye during a jousting tournament and forever after wore a rakish eye patch, which merely added to his allure.


During his time in Henry VIII's court and one of the few who escaped the King's wrath, Bryan was dubbed the "one-eyed Vicar of Hell" by the King's chief minister, Thomas Cromwell, because of his apparent lack of scruples and legendary sexual exploits. Bryan had a well-earned reputation as a self-indulgent libertine, and was said to have been a willing accomplice in the King's tangled love affairs.


Bryan's irresistible charm masked an inveterate intriguer full of barely-contained energy. He could be duplicitous, manipulative and promiscuous as well as highly articulate, ferociously witty and generous when the mood struck him. In videlicet, he was the perfect courtier. Many observers were astounded by the familiarity he used towards Henry VIII, especially in speaking his mind. However, Bryan was no creature of principle. By bending his opinions to fit the King's policy, he managed to remain in favor throughout Henry VIII's reign.

 

In the Shadow of the King brings to life the story of Sir Francis Bryan, as told by one of his descendants in the twenty-first century.


In the Shadow of the King was released by Club Lighthouse Publishing in June 2023. Read more >


Click here to read excerpts from In the Shadow of the King.


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"In the Shadow of the King" Information

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Book Details & Extras

Book cover image: Original painting by Hans Holbein the Younger (1498-1543) in 1537. The image is in the public domain in its country of origin and other countries and areas where the copyright term is the author's life plus 100 years or fewer. The image is also in the public domain in the United States because it was published (or registered with the United States Copyright Office) before January 1, 1925. Reproduction for use on a book cover is therefore also considered to be in the public domain in the United States. Final front and back covers designed by T.L. Davison.


Crown & Quill logo: Royalty-free usage per Dreamstime. Photo by Tomert; edited by Webs Divine.


Book cover & logo design: Webs Divine.


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Proposed front and back covers for "In the Shadow of the King" by Deborah O'Toole. Click on image to view larger size in a new window.

Click here to read excerpts from "In the Shadow of the King."


Excerpts from "In the Shadow of the King" by Deborah O'Toole.