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Amy Maroney
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The Queen's Scribe (Sea and Stone Chronicles) Kindle Edition

by Amy Maroney (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 65 ratings

A broken promise. A bitter conflict. And a woman’s elusive chance to love or die.

1458. Young Frenchwoman Estelle de Montavon sails to Cyprus imagining a bright future as tutor to a princess. Instead, she is betrayed by those she loves most—and forced into a dangerous new world of scheming courtiers, vicious power struggles, and the terrifying threat of war.

Determined to flee, Estelle enlists the help of an attractive and mysterious falconer. But on the eve of her escape, fortune’s wheel turns again. She gains entry to Queen Charlotta’s inner circle as a trusted scribe and interpreter, fighting her way to dizzying heights of influence.

Enemies old and new rise from the shadows as Estelle navigates a royal game of cat and mouse between the queen and her powerful half-brother, who wants the throne for himself.

When war comes to the island, she faces a brutal reckoning for her loyalty to the queen. Will the impossible choice looming ahead be Estelle’s doom—or her salvation?

With this richly-told story of courage, loyalty, and the sustaining power of love, Amy Maroney brings a mesmerizing and forgotten world to vivid life. The Queen’s Scribe is a stand-alone novel in the Sea and Stone Chronicles collection.

Amy Maroney is the author of the award-winning Miramonde Series, the story of a Renaissance-era female artist and the modern day scholar on her trail.

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  1. Part of series
    Sea and Stone Chronicles
  2. Print length
    422 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    April 25, 2023
  5. File size
    4.2 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

The Queen's Scribe, a mesmerizing novel of the medieval Cypriot court

The closer she is to the queen, the more danger she faces . . .

book cover of The Queen's Scribe

A courtier is never a monarch's friend

Ebook cover and review quote: A brilliant tale of intrigue, ambition, and survival.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A brilliant tale. Amy Maroney's wealth of authentic historical detail combined with rich and beautiful writing is captivating.
Elizabeth St.John, author of The Godmother's Secret ★★★★★

This is a fantastic read, and as a lover of accurate historical romance, I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Five Stars, Reader's Favorite Reviews ★★★★★

Once again, Amy Maroney brings an intoxicating historical drama. This is world-building at its best. At the heart of the book is a young woman about whom we worry, and for whom we care deeply.
Annie Whitehead, author of To Be A Queen ★★★★★

Fabulous...If you like a story which transports you to another era, but also keeps you nailed to the adventure, this is the book for you. Highly recommended.
Deborah Swift, author of The Poison Keeper ★★★★★

Unique and captivating, The Queen's Scribe is an exquisite historical adventure that has you turning the pages well into the night.
Author Cathie Dunn, Ruins and Reading Reviews ★★★★★

If you are a fan of historical fiction, and love the drama and intrigue of a divided and scheming court, this is certainly the book for you. It is an absolute masterpiece.
Beatrice Rivers, Candlelight Reading Reviews ★★★★★

An excellent read that brought the world of the medieval Cypriot court to vivid life.
Carolyn Hughes, author of the Meonbridge Chronicles ★★★★★

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BX8857Z5
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Artelan Press (April 25, 2023)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 25, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.2 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 422 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 65 ratings

About the author

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Amy Maroney

Amy Maroney

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Amy Maroney lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family, and spent many years as a writer and editor of nonfiction before turning her hand to historical fiction. When she's not diving down research rabbit holes, she enjoys hiking, dancing, traveling, and reading. Amy is the author of the award-winning Miramonde Series, a trilogy about a Renaissance-era female artist and the modern-day scholar on her trail. Amy's new romantic suspense series, Sea and Stone Chronicles, is set in medieval Rhodes and Cyprus. To receive a free prequel novella to the Miramonde Series, join Amy's readers' group at www.amymaroney.com. (Just copy and paste into your browser.)

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
65 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a compelling medieval romance adventure with an excellent plot. The characters are strong enough to keep interest, and one customer notes the vivid descriptions of the people. The writing quality receives positive feedback, with one customer comparing it to a Shakespearean play.

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6 customers mention "Story quality"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's story fascinating and captivating, describing it as a compelling medieval romance adventure, with one customer noting how it introduces readers to new historical places.

"...Her books will always be in high demand because of her great storylines and vivid descriptions of the people and places in her books...." Read more

"The Queen’s Scribe by Amy Maroney is a historical fiction work in which Estelle de Montavon, a 17-year old Frenchwoman,is sent from Rhodes to..." Read more

"...Further to the excellent plot, Ms Maroney envelops us in a vibrant depiction of the past, reflecting her obvious familiarity with the period—and..." Read more

"...Her story is fascinating, and Ms. Maroney’s wealth of authentic historical detail combined with rich and beautiful writing is captivating...." Read more

3 customers mention "Character development"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, noting that the characters are strong enough to keep interest, with one review highlighting a valiant hero of the ages and another describing a brave survivor.

"...With characters strong enough to keep interest until the end of the book along with her amazing talent of making you feel that you are..." Read more

"...Estelle is a valiant hero of the ages, resourceful, intrepid, and a brave survivor...." Read more

"...The plot is well thought out, characters well developed and the author has a great ability to blend history with an interesting read...." Read more

3 customers mention "Detail"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's vivid detail, with one review highlighting its opulent descriptions of people and past events.

"...be in high demand because of her great storylines and vivid descriptions of the people and places in her books...." Read more

"...Further to the excellent plot, Ms Maroney envelops us in a vibrant depiction of the past, reflecting her obvious familiarity with the period—and..." Read more

"...and Ms. Maroney’s wealth of authentic historical detail combined with rich and beautiful writing is captivating...." Read more

3 customers mention "Writing quality"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, with one noting it reads like a Shakespearean play.

"...in the story as to just reading a story makes her a brilliant writer...." Read more

"...This novel reads quite like a Shakespearean play and it is clear that Author Maroney has done in depth research as she takes the reader on a deep..." Read more

"...’s wealth of authentic historical detail combined with rich and beautiful writing is captivating...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Pat Stewart
    5.0 out of 5 stars If you want to experience a book, not just read it, you need to read this author.
    Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I have read all of Amy's books and continue to look forward to her next release. With characters strong enough to keep interest until the end of the book along with her amazing talent of making you feel that you are participating in the story as to just reading a story makes her a brilliant writer. Her books will always be in high demand because of her great storylines and vivid descriptions of the people and places in her books. I look forward to her books because I know they will be entertaining reading from the first page until the last. She also picks subjects that are not run of the mill and introduces the reader to new places in Historical History. If you are a Historical History reader and want to experience the feeling of being there, you need to read Amy Maroney. You will miss out on a fabulous journey if you fail to read her books. The Queen’s Scribe continues to take you on an unforgettable journey that started with her first book.

    I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. The thoughts about the book in my review are entirely my own.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Lynn M.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Writing Saves!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    The Queen’s Scribe by Amy Maroney is a historical fiction work in which Estelle de Montavon, a 17-year old Frenchwoman,is sent from Rhodes to Cyprus to work in the courts of the king. She was employed to teach French to his Greek princess-daughter before she married a Frenchman.

    Estelle’s plight is the central focus and it takes time for the princess to accept her expertise. After the king dies and the princess becomes Queen Charlotta at the age of 16, Estelle begins to teach her French and also becomes her official scribe during this 15th century era. She translates correspondence from Greek to French and from French to Greek for the Queen using quills and inkpots.

    But a battle ensues when Charlotta’s brother, Jacco, the illegitimate son of the King, fights her for the throne. There are many deaths, changing of loyalties and fear prevails as the wars heighten. Estelle’s life is in peril but she finds a friend and ally at the bottom of the well in a young falconer called Gabriel. This novel reads quite like a Shakespearean play and it is clear that Author Maroney has done in depth research as she takes the reader on a deep adventurous dive!
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  • Anna B
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous
    Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    There is something very special about coming across a book that has you wanting to know more: more about the period, more about the protagonists, more about the actual setting. The Queen’s Scribe is one such book, and this reader tumbles about like a joyful dolphin while reading up on everything from the Venetian colonies in the Mediterranean to the medieval history of Cyprus.
    Of course, the fact that I feel compelled to do all that reading is a reflection of just how immersive Ms Maroney’s book is. In Ms Maroney’s book, Cyprus is hot, it is opulent. It is a hotbed of political machination, of seething ambition and darkest betrayal. Enter Estelle, a young Frenchwoman who comes to Cyprus to tutor the teenaged Princess Charlotta in French. After all, the princess is about to wed again—she is only fifteen but already a widow—and her future hubby is Louis of Savoy, who expects his wife to speak his language as he has no inclination to learn hers.
    Things quickly become very complicated, People die. Charlotta is suddenly queen and Estelle—who so far has been treated with open disdain and dislike by Charlotta—is to prove her worth. Except, of course, that royals can be capricious, especially when Charlotta has reason to be distrustful. After all, her own bastard half-brother, Jacco, is trying to usurp her throne.
    Estelle is not entirely alone. She has a young and somewhat mysterious falconer,Gabriel, on her side. Well, sometimes. Not much of a support organisation in a world where every misstep can lead to death.
    Ms Maroney gives us an absolutely wonderful female protagonist. She may be young and frightened, but Estelle possesses both the wits and the courage necessary to survive in her new environment. Further to the excellent plot, Ms Maroney envelops us in a vibrant depiction of the past, reflecting her obvious familiarity with the period—and long gone Cyprus.
    A fabulous read!
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  • HF Reader
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating and romantic historical adventure
    Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    A brilliant tale of intrigue, ambition, and survival in a glittering medieval court. Estelle is a valiant hero of the ages, resourceful, intrepid, and a brave survivor. Her story is fascinating, and Ms. Maroney’s wealth of authentic historical detail combined with rich and beautiful writing is captivating. The Queen’s Scribe is a compelling medieval romance adventure, woven into an extraordinary time in Mediterranean history. Ms. Maroney’s beautifully drawn characters and exceptional world-building illuminate a forgotten era with vivid detail.

    From the widowed teenage Queen Charlotta to her charismatic, lethal half-brother who leads a rebellion to claim the throne for himself, Estelle has to constantly choose between two masters—and both can decide her destiny in a sword flash. Aided—or thwarted—by an enigmatic falconer, Estelle fights to return home safely, while the looming threat of war tests her newfound loyalty to the queen and the country she rules. With twists and turns, betrayals and friendships, passion and rejection, The Queen’s Scribe ingeniously illustrates the dangers and rewards of ambition, love and living your truth. I couldn’t leave Estelle’s side, I was so captivated by her journey. Highly Recommend.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • howard
    5.0 out of 5 stars Queens scribe
    Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Amy maroney's book is an excellent read and the third in the series. The plot is well thought out, characters well developed and the author has a great ability to blend history with an interesting read. I would highly recommend it for fans of historical fiction. Brilliant story telling.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • John W. Wilson
    5.0 out of 5 stars History comes alive
    Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2023
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    Deep research combined with great romance and adventure
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  • John W. Zimmerman
    2.0 out of 5 stars This story was left unfinished by the author.
    Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I do not appreciate reading stories that move from one crisis to another only to leave the larger issues unfinished! That’s almost as bad as a cliffhanger. I won’t invest my time in this author’s work again.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Vivienne Rose
    5.0 out of 5 stars An exciting return to a beloved series.
    Reviewed in France on December 13, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    The Queen’s Scribe is the third in the ‘Chronicles of Sea and Stone’ and lives up to the first two in every way. As with the others, it can be a stand alone book but it is also comforting to be reunited with many favourite characters from the past.
    Here the action switches between fifteenth century Rhodes and Cyprus and once again Ms Maroney’s vivid depictions are masterful. The scenery might be visually stunning but inevitably, shadows lurk just beneath the surface, threatening to engulf the major characters at any moment.
    Once again, a memorable heroine captures our attention from her first appearance. Estelle de Montavon is an engaging young Frenchwoman with an extraordinary talent for languages and mastery of the quill, unusual in a female. What sounds like a dream assignment as French tutor to a princess in Cyprus quickly turns into a nightmare. Estelle finds herself sinking in the quicksand of court life, not knowing whom she can trust and who will betray her. Caught between a hostile young princess and her scheming bastard half-brother, it quickly becomes obvious that Estelle is in great danger. Step up a mysterious falconer called Gabriel. But can she trust him and will he be able to save her from the dark forces swirling around her?
    Ms Maroney again skilfully highlights the very real dilemma of a young girl’s future being carelessly tossed around as if she has no voice and no rights. Which in the fifteenth century and far beyond was unfortunately true. It was normal to have a marriage arranged imposed on you but what is so striking here is that Estelle has the courage to stand up to some very powerful men. The odds are stacked against her and there seems to be no way out.
    As ever, Ms Maroney’s way with words is stunning. I picked out just two examples out of an entire plethora of brilliant expressions: “The word scampered around her brain like a mouse trying to escape a trap.” “There are so many churches the sound of all their bells tolling is like thunder.”
    The Queen’s Scribe is very fast-paced, beautifully written and a joy to read. Very highly recommended.
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  • lefG
    3.0 out of 5 stars Average
    Reviewed in Spain on June 6, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    A 'just' three star for me... The Queen's Scribe-Amy Maroney.

    Historically correct writing about a very difficult period in Cyprus 1460-to more or less 63...there is not that much information about the Lusignan reign at this specific time.

    I'm glad I read the author's note first although part of the bibliography was by Laurence Durrell..Bitter Lemons..which is another time period altogether.

    Unfortunately the book wasn't very well constructed...it could have been... there were plenty of moments that could have gripped me...actually the whole book left me cold.

    After all the hype on Outlander I read it and DNF at 50%...The Queen's Scribe in structure reminded me of that book...a couple of hundred pages more and I would have dropped it...romantic.blurb...now I love you now I don't...and they lived happily.....!!.

    When I get to a point in a book where I find myself saying "how stupid" I realise I'm not reading the right book for me.

    I finished it as I was interested in the historical information..but I won't be reading the other two books in the sequel even though they are all stand- alone.

    My reading genre is HF...but this book didn't leave a mark..historically or storywise
    #review
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  • cb
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully written
    Reviewed in Canada on May 20, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Set in 15th century Cyprus, the Queen’s Scribe has it all - history, adventure, political intrigue, and best of all, romance!

    Estelle is a falconer’s daughter who believes she has been sent to Cyprus to be tutor to the king’s daughter and heir, Princess Charlotta, but actually carries her family’s hope that she’ll make a wealthy match as ward of the king. The Cypriot court is a contradictory mixture of Greek and French influence but wholly a nest of vipers with courtiers vying for any scrap of influence they can seize. Unprepared and previously sheltered, Estelle has to manoeuvre between warring factions when the king dies and the king’s illegitimate son attempts to seize the throne from his daughter, the new Queen.

    The king’s falconer, Gabriel, has tried to put the stain of his birth and his difficult past behind him. He and Estelle are drawn to each other, but the power struggles in the Cypriot court, making who to trust unclear, threatens their growing relationship.

    I loved it all! The unique setting is vivid and comes to life as only Amy Maroney can do. I enjoyed learning about Cyprus during the Renaissance and how the island was under threat of attack, both from without and from within. The nest of vipers that Estelle finds herself in were expertly drawn. Estelle, a woman with no family at court and with no influence, has to survive the political bog using her own wits and initiative. Gabe is an equally strong character and the scenes where they are together soar, satisfying the romantic in me. I was kept guessing until the satisfying end.

    Beautifully written, wonderfully told. Highly recommended!
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  • Cathie Dunn
    5.0 out of 5 stars An exquisite historical adventure in the Mediterranean during the Renaissance
    Reviewed in France on May 17, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This novel has been on my TBR list ever since I first heard about it. I found the setting and story appealing, and I couldn't wait to read it. And isn't the cover sumptuous?!

    Young Estelle travels from the island of Rhodes, a stronghold of the Order of St. John, to the isle of Cyprus, where she is to teach the Princess Charlotta French.

    But on her arrival, Estelle finds a court in turmoil. The princess is in mourning, the determined but handicapped queen is keen to keep the island under Greek influence, and the king is torn between guidance from his advisers and ridiculous demands from his illegitimate, handsome son, Jacco.

    No one knows what to do with Estelle. Alone and without friends, she attends court, but without the role she'd been looking forward to playing. Weeks go by, and she feels lost and alone. But soon, a new betrothed is found for the princess, from the noble House of Savoy, so surely now she'd need to learn French?

    Yet not all is as it seems. Beneath the scorching Mediterranean sun, Estelle discovers the court is riven by Greek and Latin factions, each side keen to keep control of the island. She is on the verge of planning a journey home, but news from her father is concerning.

    When tragedy strikes again at court, Estelle seizes her chance. As a scribe and interpreter to Charlotta, the new Queen in her own right, she rises at court, but this is not without risk. Enemies lurk in dark corners, and she soon doesn't know who she can trust. Then she finds her very life in danger – and not just her own.

    The Queen's Scribe is a vividly visual adventure set at the tumultuous court at Nicosia, where deathly intrigues match those of the Italian and French states. There is a constant sense of danger, sometimes stronger, at other times more subtle, that runs through the whole novel. It makes for nail-biting reading. Cue several very late nights for me!

    Estelle's journey from naive newcomer to astute courtier is fraught with uncertainty, fear, and the occasional moment of happiness. Ms Maroney cleverly uses the Machiavellian plots to throw obstacles in Estelle's path. But she also gives her heroine a sense of independence, even of importance, especially during her time as Queen Charlotta's interpreter and scribe. Then, Charlotta's woes become hers, as she struggles to find people to trust. Even those she loves she's uncertain about, as they keep secrets from her. To keep her safe, or to stab her in the back?

    I loved Estelle. Her early naivety is refreshing, her actions definitely those of a girl in her teens, discovering the world. But when fate intervenes, she isn't prone to panicking, but learns to use her head wisely, learns to plot, lie, and look out for herself. It's a steep, swift learning curve, but an intriguing one.

    Then there's Gabriel, a young falconer working with a friend of her father. But Estelle discovers that there's much more to him – and his refusal to reveal all threatens their budding romance. Will they, or won't they? Read the novel!

    The setting of Cyprus was, as I expected, beautifully brought to life. The long, sultry heat of summer, the ever-changing sea, it's all there in its vibrancy. The author also mentions the then flourishing trade of ordinary Europeans captured on the Mediterranean island and coastal areas, and sent to Egypt to be sold as slaves.

    And the sumptuous late medieval / early Renaissance court of Queen Charlotta has everything a court of that era needs: stylish costumes, ostentatious jewellery, rulers prone to the good life, interactions with various surrounding nations vying for supremacy in the Mediterranean – and most notably, a bunch of dastardly, scheming courtiers! The ambitious members of the council are shown realistically, reminding me of the Tudor court of Elizabeth I a century later. Each out for their own advantage, and easy to break an oath if required.

    Unique and captivating, The Queen's Scribe is an exquisite historical adventure that has you turning the pages well into the night. It's a story that stays with you, and I, for one, would love to read more of Estelle's adventures...

    A highly recommended read!
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