The Dangerous Kingdom of Love

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'Like Hilary Mantel on acid' (Reader review) - A queer historical novel set in the court of James I for fans of Sarah Waters and Annie Garthwaite 'Witty, original and clever, this tale of Jacobean power and lust is a blast' THE TIMES, Best Historical Fiction of the Year Francis Bacon, philosopher, politician, writer, is an outsider at the court of King James I. He is clever but not aristocratic, has ambition but no money. So when his political enemies form a deadly alliance against him, centred around the King's poisonous lover Robert Carr, Bacon has no choice but to fight for his survival. Together with the neglected Queen, Bacon resolves to find a beguiling young man who can supplant Carr in the King's bed. But as Bacon soon discovers, desire is not something that can be controlled. Bold, irreverent and utterly original, The Dangerous Kingdom of Love is a darkly witty satire about power, and a moving queer love story that resonates through time. 'An entertaining and very funny read with something to say about both the love of power and the power of love' SUNDAY TIMES 'Brilliant ... Like Wolf Hall meets Succession ... Scandalous, politically perceptive and unexpectedly heartfelt' APPLE

Reviews

Witty, original and clever, this tale of Jacobean power and lust is a blast. * The Times, Best Historical Fiction Novels *
Expect gritty language and much enjoyment from this clever and unusual novel. * The Times *
An entertaining and often very funny read with something to say about both the love of power and the power of love. * The Sunday Times *

Author Bio

Neil Blackmore is the author of five novels. His work has been acclaimed for its radical redrawing of the historical fiction form and the parameters of queer historical fiction. His third novel, The Intoxicating Mr Lavelle, was shortlisted for the Polari Prize for LGBTQ+ Fiction. The Dangerous Kingdom of Love, his most recent title, was memorably described as 'like Hilary Mantel on acid' and chosen as one of The Times' Best Historical Fiction Novels. He lives in London.