In the year 1464, civil war falls upon the renowned houses of Lancaster and York, resulting in a fight to the death for the crown of England. The future Richard III is a dangerous enemy, changing from compassion to cold rage within the wink of an eye. Far in the north, Margaret of Anjou, warrior Queen to Henry VI, prepares to fight against the advancing armies of Edward IV. Why does she abandon her husband, and flee to France vowing never to return? Who blackmails her, seven years later, to join forces with her most hated enemy, to return and fight once again for the crown of England? What dark forces drive him into a secret marriage that rips his kingdom apart?

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This book, based on true historical events, is an enticing account of the missing past.

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We interviewed David Saunders about his new book to find out more about this story of intrigue, betrayal, witchcraft and love.

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Publishing push: What made you decide to write this book?

David: The novel is based around the 'War of the Roses' and Richard III. When I started reading about his period of our history I found that some of the history was missing, questions went unanswered I found that historians did not know the whole story so I decided to fill these gaps with what I surmised may have happened, and so the book 'The Dreams of Kings' was born.

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Publishing push: What is the most unique topic in the book that people might not know about/benefit most from?

David: I think it would be double dealing the greed and lust for powers that all the principle characters had, they were never satisfied. They schemed,fought and killed each other for more land, more power and more money.

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Publishing push: What inspired you to write the book?

David: My mother who loved her history. I remember the Laurence Oliver films of Henry V and Richard III had just been re­released and she wanted to see Henry V I have three sisters and a brother and none of us wanted to spend an afternoon watching Shakespeare but I ended up being the one who agreed to keep mum company and so I towed along. I was 13 or 14 and thought I was in for a really boring time. I'd done Shakespeare at school and had found it all rather dry and boring. But as soon as it started I fell in love with the language, the history, the story and when we went back to see Richard III that just cemented it for me. I was enthralled and I've been in love with our history ever since.

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Publishing push: Does your personal experience and background influence the novel?

David: No I wasn't around in the fifteenth century.

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Publishing push: What has been the most difficult aspect of the writing process?

David: Finding the time for writing between life and family commitments etc. It takes a lot of self discipline to finish a novel.

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Publishing push: What has been the most rewarding aspect of the writing process?

David: The research, and then seeing the book take on a life of its own, the characters finding their voices .

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Publishing push: Can you summarise what the book aims to achieve e.g. sending a message?

David: I hope people who read it, will be inspired to love history, and they will go on to read and study the factual period and the people who lived in it.

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Publishing push: Can you describe one key part of the book that may interest the reader e.g. something surprising/unknown?

David: I think what was surprising to me when I researched the book was how closely all the royal houses of Europe were interlink through marriage, also every king, Queen and noble man was trying to manipulate the others to their own advantage.

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Publishing push: Can you tell us a bit more about yourself, your background and your journey to writing a book?

David: My Journey began when I watched the films of Henry V and Richard III and my fascination for the 'War of the Roses' grew throughout my life until I just had to put pen to paper and write this book.

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