The House of York Series by Amy License is a planned Historical Fiction trilogy about the life of Edward IV where Edward is the primary point-of-view character and chronicles the major events of The Wars of the Roses. Two books have so far been published:
Book I: Son of York
This book opens with an adolescent Edward eagerly growing to manhood as his father, Richard, Duke of York first attempts to function as the Lord Protector under Henry VI and then decides on a course of full rebellion.
Book II: The York King
This book chronicles Edward's early reign, not only dealing with Lancaster rebellions but his choice to reject an arranged marriage in favor of the Lancastrian widow Elizabeth Woodville.
- Arranged Marriage: A fact of life for everyone, except Edward, who defies convention by marrying Elizabeth Woodville.
- Artistic Licence – History:
- There is no evidence that Edward met Elizabeth Woodville prior to his becoming king.
- There is no evidence that the widowed Lady Eleanor Butler was also involved with Henry Beaufort, Duke of Somerset.
- Alasia and Edward's romance is fictional.
- Richard, Duke of Gloucester almost certainly did not personally slay the Earl of Warwick at the Battle of Barnet, let alone have any sort of confrontation with him.
- Coming of Age Story: The first book is about Edward being forced to grow up as his father chooses to rebel against the king.
- Death by Childbirth: Alasia is heavily implied to have died this way, along with her and Edward's child.
- Foil: Henry, Duke of Somerset is very much like Edward, and they are friends for a brief time. They also both make promises to Eleanor Butler that they do not keep.
- Hiding the Handicap: Young Richard of Gloucester develops a twisted spine that he takes pains to hide. It also makes Edward worry that the boy will not be able to become a soldier. Edward is proven wrong, though Richard's spine does give him pain.
- Jousting Lance: Young Edward insists on taking part in a joust, and Henry VI helps outfit him with all the proper weapons and equipment, including a lance.
- The Lost Lenore: Alaisa becomes this after the first book, and Edward is never as naive about women or mistresses again.
- The Mistress: Edward takes a shine to Alasia, the daughter of an Italian merchant, and after she is unhappily married to an older man, he is able to take her as his mistress.
- Offered the Crown: At the end of Book I, with the Duke and Edmund dead, Edward is offered the crown and becomes King Edward IV.
- Proud Beauty: Young Elizabeth Woodville, known as the most beautiful woman in England, takes barely any notice of the young Earl of March.
- Reasonable Authority Figure: The Duke of York is portrayed as a stern but reasonable and loving father, concerned that his actions will negatively affect his sons but also having confidence in their abilities.
- Sacrificial Lamb: Poor Edmund is cut down just as he is coming into his own.
- Secret Relationship:
- Edward has several of these, most notably with Eleanor Butler and Elizabeth Woodville, both of whom he promises to marry in order to get them into bed.
- Eleanor Butler has what she thinks is a love affair with Henry, Duke of Somerset. He breaks her heart.
- Sibling Rivalry: Edmund, who is far more thoughtful and introspective than Edward, continuously tries to keep up with his older brother.
- Standard Royal Court: The court of Henry VI, which is taken over by the Duke of York, is a standard medieval court with the prerequisite hierarchies, feasts, and pageants.
- Taking the Veil: What Eleanor does when she realizes that both Henry Beaufort and Edward were using her.
- The Kingmaker: The Earl of Warwick is the trope namer for this, and his bravado and ability helps Edward take the throne.
- Young Future Famous People: Edward's baby brother, the future Richard III, first appears as a shy three-year-old, overwhelmed by Christmas pageantry.
- Young Conqueror: Edward takes up his father's claim to the throne and thanks to Warwick's help and his own ability, he triumphs.
