Man, there was a LOT of set up in this trilogy but the payoff was totally worth it. 100% action packed, with all the characters at peak plus ultra running around killing each other with at a RELENTLESS pace. Each act was it's own clearly structured little thing, with a major death at the end of at least three; the politics was rapidfire (I think the crown got passed back and forth like four times), some international intrigue, betrayal, murder, battles, weird creepy marriages, more betrayal - it's all fucking there. Richard of Gloster/ the future Richard III is in top form as is Margret of Anjou, who solidly matches Joan of Arc in Part One for hardcore bullshit. Some minor characters from Richard III (which I love) get really fleshed out in fascinating ways including all three brothers and papa York. I was also really compelled by Warwick, who played a huge role in the latter half of the trilogy. I'm pumped to reread Richard III in light of these characters and I'm super happy to have gotten through the Henry VI cycle for the first time.

This was actually really good, unlike [b:Henry VI, Part 1|286792|Henry VI, Part 1|William Shakespeare|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348227793l/286792._SY75_.jpg|9933321], and even better than [b:Richard III|42058|Richard III|William Shakespeare|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1328043960l/42058._SY75_.jpg|2913597]. I love a good political intrigue. I doubt this book's historical accuracy, but it seems less false than the two previously mentioned, but is therefore less educational. My most major complaint is its terrible pacing, which is worse than average Shakespeare plays ([b:Titus Andronicus|72978|Titus Andronicus|William Shakespeare|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1397028943l/72978._SY75_.jpg|275237] being the worst).

If you also love historical novels involving political intrigue, [b:The Three Musketeers|7190|The Three Musketeers (The D'Artagnan Romances, #1)|Alexandre Dumas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1320436982l/7190._SY75_.jpg|1263212].

Not into this

Part 3 is probably my favorite of the Henry VI plays.

Overall, a confusing, episodic play; however, there are plenty of fantastic scenes. Queen Margaret is a precursor of Lady Macbeth--and one of the few Shakespeare female characters who not only goes into battle but helps stab someone to death on the field. The Duke of Gloucester--Richard--steals the show, of course. He'll do anything to wear the diadem...

Lots of loyalty changes in this one kept the action moving. I liked it.

This is easily my favorite of the three Henry VI works. I find myself wishing that I was more familiar with the English history surrounding these plays, as I read them. I think they would mean more to someone who is. I can't help but wish that Shakespeare was around to write about the drama in today's politics. There would be less beheadings and swordplay, but plenty of political intrigue to make something of! I would love to see what he made of it all!

One last note, I think that for an actress, Queen Margaret would be one of the most entertaining characters to play. She is certainly a character who stands out!

War of the Roses tetralogy >>>> Henriad and no I am not taking constructive criticism at this time.