The Queen’s Rival

The forgotten story of Cecily Neville, Duchess of York. A strong woman who claimed the throne for her family in a time of war…




‘A compelling story of divided loyalties and family betrayals. Dramatic and highly evocative’ Woman Home




England, 1459. One family united by blood. Torn apart by war…



The Wars of the Roses storm through the country, and Cecily Neville, Duchess of York, plots to topple the weak-minded King Henry VI from the throne.


But when the Yorkists are defeated at the battle of Ludford Bridge, Cecily’s family flee and abandon her to face a marauding Lancastrian army on her own.


Stripped of her lands and imprisoned in Tonbridge Castle, the Duchess begins to spin a web of deceit. One that will eventually lead to treason, to the fall of King Henry VI, and to her eldest son being crowned King Edward IV.


‘O’Brien manages to reinvent historical fiction’ My Weekly


‘This thrilling historical novel has it all – high politics, drama, emotion, excellent writing … It's a rollercoaster of a read’ Carol McGrath


‘Dramatic and highly evocative’ Woman’s Weekly