When a king dies and a new one takes his place, it's a story that echoes through history, but how familiar is it really? In the case of Louis XI's death in 1483, his son Charles was still too young to rule, so Anne de Beaujeu stepped in as regent. As she governed France, she faced a world dominated by men—brutal and often uncooperative—while dealing with threats like Louis d'Orléans, who sought to reclaim the throne, and a young Charles who, through repeated readings of his own writings, believed himself to be divinely chosen for a mission he had created. Despite these challenges, Anne managed to wield power with intelligence and grace, steering the kingdom with a steady hand. Thomas Roy's The Regent offers a look behind the scenes of this French royal drama, challenging traditional historical narratives. Rather than presenting a straightforward account, Roy reinterprets the events with a critical eye, questioning the grand stories often told about the past. His writing style varies—sometimes poetic and romantic, other times anachronistic and jarring—but it is consistently engaging, filled with a refreshing impertinence that makes the story both entertaining and thought-provoking. The narrative of The Regent is told as if by a storyteller or a bard around a fire, weaving a compelling tale that feels both timeless and contemporary. Roy's approach brings a fresh perspective to the historical record, highlighting the often-overlooked roles of women in shaping political landscapes. His work stands out as a notable contribution to the literary revival of historical fiction, offering readers a compelling blend of fact and imagination. Through The Regent, Thomas Roy not only recounts the story of Anne de Beaujeu but also invites readers to reconsider the power dynamics and gender roles that have shaped historical narratives. His portrayal of Anne as a shrewd and elegant leader challenges the conventional view of the past, offering a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of history. In doing so, Roy's work becomes a real gem in the current literary scene, enriching the genre with its unique voice and perspective.