The Last Royal Rebel by Anna Keay

 As the young boy walks with his beautiful, promiscuous mother along a Belgian street, conspirators await. They snatch him from his embarassing mother and take him to his father, Charles II, who lavishes money and affection on him even though he is illegitimate, the product of a reckless affair. Spoiled, feckless and handsome, Monmouth becomes a soldier at a young age. It is the making of the brave young man, who is a good leader, has a fine sense of justice, and is beloved by his troops. 

He is still promiscuous, though, not unusual for an aristocratic man in that era, but upsetting for his proud and wealthy young wife. When Monmouth finds true love late in his short life with the lovely Henrietta, tragedy lies in store. Judging by this book, his wife deserves a biography of her own!

The age is beset by religious divides with Protestant Britain scared of Catholic conspiracies and the increasing power of Louis XIV. Charles II’s Catholic wife and his flirtation with Catholicism don’t help but things really come to a head when Charles’s brother James, the heir to the throne, converts. There is great pressure for Charles to make Monmouth his heir but he believes in the Divine Right of Kings so he never does it, despite endless arguments with parliament.

Surrounded by fanatical Protestants, after Charles’s sudden death, Monmouth eventually gives in, leading a failed rebellion and coming to a tragic end, sentenced to be beheaded in the reign of his once highly affectionate uncle. Many readers will even cry to think of the beautiful, highly capable young man almost forced to lead a rebellion that he never wanted, dying so tragically at such a young age.

This is a thrilling and captivating book, which reads like a novel. I will definitely read more books by Anna Keay!

I read this for the Rose City Reader 25 in ‘25 Challenge.