Publication Date: April 14th, 2026
Publisher: Patriotic Books Publishing
Pages: 408
Genre: Historical Fiction
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Social Media Links:
Website • Twitter / X • Facebook • Instagram • Pinterest
Amazon Author Page • BookBub • TikTok • Goodreads
She should have stayed in the shadows—but Leonor de Guzmán yearned for the sun
Castile in the 1330s is a place of constant turmoil. King Alfonso must contend with the incursions from the Muslim Marinids eager to reclaim Al-Andalus while struggling with repeated rebellions against his firm rule.
When Alfonso needs respite, he finds it in the arms of his Leonor—the most beautiful woman in the realm. But while he may love Leonor over all others, his lawful wife, Maria of Portugal, is tired of being constantly displaced by the fair Leonor.
Leonor loves her man. She gives him healthy sons, a place to be himself. But she is only a mistress, even if Alfonso treats her like a queen. Leonor’s enemies watch and hate.
Flying too close to the sun comes at a high price. How much will Leonor’s love cost her?
Based on the true story of Alfonso XI and his complicated relationships to wife and life-long mistress.
Review
I always look forward to reading Anna Belfrage's books, and "Queen of Shadows" certainly did not disappoint. This time, Belfrage takes readers into the world of Doña Leonor de Guzmán, the mistress of King Alfonso XI of Castile, and from the very first chapter I found myself completely caught up in her story.
Leonor is such a fascinating character. She lives at the centre of power, yet remains in the shadows, and I could not help but sympathise with her as she tried to navigate the complicated relationship she shares with Alfonso. I also loved seeing the story unfold through Alma's eyes, as it offered a different perspective on the royal court and the people who lived within it.
What I enjoyed most about this novel was how easily Belfrage brought fourteenth-century Castile to life. The political tensions, family loyalties, rivalries, and dangers all felt very real, but they never overwhelmed the characters. Instead, they added depth to a story that kept me turning the pages.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it difficult to put down. As always, Anna Belfrage combines excellent historical detail with memorable characters and an engaging storyline. If you enjoy historical fiction filled with intrigue, romance, and larger-than-life historical figures, then I highly recommend "Queen of Shadows".
This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.
Anna Belfrage
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Praise for The Lost Voices:
"Another great work by a very talented author who loves his period works and characters from his great plots. He writes with verve and intent to deliver the imagination something unexpected and greatly appreciated... Brilliant..."
Gavin, Readalot Magazine reviewer
Excerpt
On the Edge of Survival
A man does not always know the moment his life is taken from him. It rarely arrives with warning. More often, it is something he wakes into—already decided.
Robert came to in the darkness. The taste of salt and rot was thick in his throat, and the floor beneath him tilted with the roll of the sea.
A ship.
Rough voices echoed off the wood, muffled by the thick, briny air in the hold.
“Won’t need a horse where he’s goin’…”
Coarse ropes bit into his wrists—tight, the fibres grating skin. No give.
Heavy boots thudded against the timber, the vibrations rattling his bones.
The men stepped back.
A figure moved through the dim light, tricorn hat low, hand resting on the pistol's grip.
“I hear you’ve been looking for me.”
A boot ground against his throat, leather rasping skin and pressing his Adam's apple.
“How do I know you’re tellin’ the truth?”
Robert clawed at the stale air, chest burning for each ragged gasp.
“Smythe… sent me… Leeds… The Nags Head…”
A pause.
Then—
“Slit his throat.”
The knife flashed—cold glint and slicing whoosh—descending toward his neck.
“WAIT! I have jewels!”
Silence.
Everything changed.
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