Translated by Humphrey Hare
I always seem to forget about Paris in July, but this year I remembered in time and decided it would be the perfect opportunity to get back to Maurice Druon’s Accursed Kings series, which I started years ago and still haven’t finished! The Lily and the Lion (first published in French in 1959) is the sixth of seven books telling the story of Philip IV the Fair of France and the kings who follow him, said to have been cursed “to the thirteenth generation” by the vengeful Grand Master of the Knights Templar as he burned at the stake. Les Rois maudits, to give the series its French title, was very successful in France, being adapted for television twice, and has also been credited by George R.R. Martin as the inspiration for Game of Thrones.
The first book in the series is The Iron King and I would recommend starting there if possible. If you don’t have much knowledge of this period of French history (which I certainly didn’t), reading the books in order makes it easier to gradually understand the historical context and the relationships between the various characters. One character who has been with us since book one is Robert of Artois and his story becomes the main focus of book six.
The Lily and the Lion begins with the death of yet another French king, Charles IV. With no direct heir, his cousin Philippe of Valois is chosen as his successor, thanks largely to the machinations of Robert of Artois. In return for helping Philippe to the throne, Robert has been promised the new king’s support in reclaiming his lands of Artois which he believes have been stolen from him by his Aunt Mahaut. A large part of the book is devoted to the dispute over Artois, which is more exciting than it sounds as Robert is prepared to go to any lengths, including forgery, perjury and murder, to get what he wants – and Mahaut is equally determined to stop him.
In England, meanwhile, Philip the Fair’s daughter Isabella and her lover, Roger Mortimer, are now effectively ruling the country after deposing her husband, Edward II. However, Isabella and Edward’s son, the young Edward III, is almost old enough to take control of the throne himself and is planning to overthrow Mortimer. Thanks to some encouragement from Robert of Artois, who has lost patience with Philippe of Valois, Edward III also sets his sights on the throne of France, believing he has a claim through his mother. The seeds of the Hundred Years’ War have been sown!
For a long time, The Lily and the Lion was the last book in the series, until the publication of The King Without a Kingdom many years later in 1977. It does feel like a final book, as Druon ties up loose ends and brings his various storylines to a conclusion. I had wondered if he would return to the story of Marie de Cressay and Guccio Baglioni’s son, Jean, switched as a baby with John the Posthumous, the young King of France who supposedly died aged four days old – and he does, right at the end of the book in the epilogue. This felt very much like an afterthought, though, and I would have liked to have at least had some glimpses of Jean’s life in the main part of the novel.
Although I preferred the earlier books in the series, I did enjoy reading this one and seeing Robert and Mahaut’s long-running feud finally come to an end. I’ve heard that the final book is very different and not as good, but I’m sure I’ll read it eventually – maybe for next year’s Paris in July!
Book 12/20 for 20 Books of Summer 2025.
She Reads Novels 
Sounds like an interesting series. I don’t know much about these kings or this time period…though I have read a lot about the Templars.
I knew almost nothing about this period of French history before I started this series. I’ve been learning a lot!
I enjoyed this series and its cynical viewpoint, but I don’t recommend that last book.
I’ll probably read the last book just to complete the series, but I’m not expecting too much from it.
That’s what I did.
That reminds me, I’ve got an unposted review of this book!
I would be interested in reading it if you get round to posting it!
Sounds like an interesting series about a bit of history I know nothing about! I’m tempted!
I knew nothing about this period of history either, so I’ve found this series fascinating. The first book, The Iron King, was probably my favourite.
I thought this was new to me but when you mentioned that it’s a series I looked the other titles up and I’m pretty sure I added this to my TBR when spotting the She Wolf one before. It sounds fascinating and like it covers a lot of history with lots of political scheming. It’s especially intriguing that it helped inspire Game Of Thrones. I hope the last one works for you if/when you read it despite what you’ve heard 🤞
It’s a good series, but I would definitely recommend starting with the first book as it does cover a lot of history and is quite complex.
Welcome to #ParisinJuly2025! Thrilled this is also one of your #20booksofSummer2025!
I think I read the whole series as a teen, as it was one of my mother’s favorite series – I’m French. I reread a few more recently, but haven’t been that far yet, so congrats!
This is indeed such a great series, but yes, I would say it makes more sense to read it in order. A nice change from the Tudors, right? lol
Thank you! I was pleased I was able to count this book towards both Paris in July and 20 Books of Summer. Yes, it’s good to read about something other than the Tudors! I don’t know much about this period of French history, so I’ve found this series fascinating.
I think I need to read the first book in this series. Maybe for next year’s Paris in July
Thanks for sharing this review with the Historical Fiction Reading Challenge