Book Review: The Iron King

The Iron King, the first book of the Accursed Kings series by Maurice Druon, was written in 1955. George R. R. Martin called it “the original Game of Thrones.” But, even though the novel is ground-breaking in both its accuracy and description, it is still very underrated in the English-speaking world. The book unravels the chaotic and entirely human instigators of the Hundred Years War. Philip the Fair, a king who revolutionized the workings of the French society, is caught in a web of secrets and intrigue. A court split in two, unruly princes and their unfaithful wives, Italian bankers taking over the French economy every situation is manipulated by a lonely queen across the channel. The curse of the last templar, Jaques de Molay, finally throws the kingdom into dark times. Druon digs deep into the narrow streets of Paris to acquaint us with this spectacular part of history. The Hundred Years War fundamentally changed Medieval Europe, breaking down feudalism and knighthood. Its beginnings, filled with greed, passion and betrayal, are made all the more interesting by Druon’s engaging style of writing, sometimes also called “the best in France since Alexandre Dumas Pere.”The Iron King is a wonderful book that can captivate the reader and pique their interest in medieval history. Filled with references to the politics, customs and art of the time, each subplot is woven into a thrilling story about the grim curse. I highly recommend this book and its series sequels to anyone who likes adventure and history. Although some books in the series cover only a few years in history, each one is packed with action and fascinating facts about medieval society. The Iron King serves as an introduction to the modern world, by way of a thorough exploration of history’s forefront leaders.