Kings of Albion

Set in 1460 England during the Wars of the Roses, Kings Of Albion by Julian Rathbone is a superbly crafted and highly recommended novel that follows visitors from the civilized empire of South India, who observe the horrific slaughter in England as rivals show little or no mercy in their blood-drenched power struggle. A dramatic and compelling saga, Kings Of Albion is the sequel to Julian Rathbone's early historical fiction: The Last English King.

This delighful and well written book relates the adventures of a group of Asians in England during the War of the Roses. An Eastern Indian prince and his entourage are guided by a Middle Eastern merchant to a country called Ingelond. The prince wants to learn about the arts of warfare that may aid his own people in their wars against the encroaching Sultans. They are accompanied by a Fakir and a young woman whose goal in life it is to experience the pleasures of earthly life. This she finds plentiful in many of the exotic men she encounters.The experiences of this odd group with regard to customs and weather are amusing while the detailed accounts of politics, battles, and players are exciting and informative.The language of the book is modern but its application consistent with the presumed culture of the time, making it occasionally rude and vulgar but also entirely fitting.I recommend this story highly to those who are interested in history and also want to be thrilled and amused.