The Gilded Curse refers to the dark side of prosperity and wealth in society. It stems from the concept of the Gilded Age, a time in American history characterized by rapid economic growth and technological advancements in the late 19th century. However, beneath the shiny surface of affluence, there lay a multitude of social problems and injustices. During the Gilded Age, a small portion of the population amassed immense wealth while the majority struggled to make ends meet. This growing wealth gap contributed to the formation of an elitist class, with the affluent few enjoying extravagant lifestyles while the working class faced dismal living conditions and long hours of labor. The accumulation of wealth and power in the hands of a select few led to corrupt practices, such as bribery and exploitation of workers.
However, the biggest criticism I have involves the plot. In addition to the character convergence I mentioned above, there are two gaping holes. One is that the biggest threat to the Straken army isn’t Arishaig – elves and Federation people could care less about each other, so there was no way Tael Riverine had anything to fear from Arishaig – the biggest threat to his army is the Ellcrys. So why didn’t the Straken army march to Arborlon and attempt to destroy the Ellcrys? Yes, that didn’t work in the past but does Tael Riverine really care about what happened hundreds of years ago? I mean, he could have flown his dragon right to the tree and torched it, and the elves would have been unlikely to stop him even with their airships. Tael Riverine attacking Arishaig is simply a forced plot device to buy time for the characters to converge.
Also, I had many questions from the first books that I thought would go unanswered, but Brooks addresses them all save for one or two in this third volume, almost like he made a checklist from my questions and checked them off one by one. One is that the biggest threat to the Straken army isn t Arishaig elves and Federation people could care less about each other, so there was no way Tael Riverine had anything to fear from Arishaig the biggest threat to his army is the Ellcrys.
The accumulation of wealth and power in the hands of a select few led to corrupt practices, such as bribery and exploitation of workers. Moreover, the pursuit of wealth during this time often involved unethical and exploitative practices. Monopolies and trusts emerged, allowing business tycoons to control entire industries and manipulate prices to their advantage.
The Fallen Angel: The stunning conclusion to The King's Witch trilogy (Paperback) - Tracy Borman
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Add Item Description & SpecificationsThe third novel from historian and TV presenter Tracy Borman, author of The King's Witch trilogy.
'An outstanding page-turner . . . historical fiction at its absolute best' - Alison Weir
'An engaging heroine . . . and Borman's depiction of Villiers, with all his ruthless charisma, is striking' - The Sunday Times
Frances Gorges has happiness within her grasp. King James would rather be hunting stags with her beloved husband Thomas than chasing witches, which means her medical skills and herbal knowledge no longer hang over her like a death sentence. Her family is growing and their estates are secure.
But a new arrival at court brings intrigue, jealousy and danger. George Villiers is a young man with the face of an angel and the cunning heart of a devil.
Soon James is besotted by this charismatic new lover. Former favourites are crushed with scheming and lies. Thomas's life is made a misery and Frances is back under suspicion as Villiers plots to marry her friend Katherine Manners and seize her fortune.
Appalled at the courtier's greed and the King's weakness, Frances finds herself drawn back to her old friend Sir Walter Raleigh and his last, desperate plot to see a Catholic monarch on the throne.
And then her troubles really begin . . .
'Unexpected twists and turns with every page . . . masterfully crafted' - Nicola Tallis
'Lots of fascinating detail and insight into James's backstabbing court . . . enjoyable' - The Times
'Lush, wholly convincing and utterly gripping. Fact and fiction have rarely been blent so seamlessly' - Sarah Gristwood
About the Author
Tracy Borman is joint Chief Curator of Historic Royal Palaces and Chief Executive of the Heritage Education Trust. She studied and taught history at the University of Hull and was awarded a PhD in 1997.
Tracy is the author of a number of highly acclaimed books including The Private Lives of the Tudors: Uncovering the Secrets of Britain's Greatest Dynasty, Thomas Cromwell: The Untold Story of Henry VIII's Most Faithful Servant, Matilda: Wife of the Conqueror, First Queen of England, Elizabeth's Women: The Hidden Story of the Virgin Queen and Witches: A Tale of Sorcery, Scandal and Seduction. Tracy is also a regular broadcaster and public speaker, giving talks on her books across the UK and abroad.
Follow Tracy on Twitter @TracyBorman
Contributor: Tracy Borman Imprint: Hodder Paperback Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton Release Date: 30 Sep 2021 Number of Pages: 480 Binding: Paperback / softback ISBN13: 9781473662551
'Unexpected twists and turns with every page . . . masterfully crafted' - Nicola Tallis
These practices not only stifled competition but also led to the abuse of workers and consumers. Sweatshops became commonplace, where workers endured harsh conditions and received meager wages. The Gilded Curse also extended to politics, as the wealthy used their influence and power to shape public policy in their favor. Political corruption and bribery became rampant, leading to a lack of representation for the average citizen. Politicians were beholden to the interests of the wealthy class, and the concerns of the working class were often ignored. Additionally, the pursuit of wealth during this era often came at the cost of environmental degradation and natural resources. Industries prioritized profit over sustainable practices, leading to pollution, deforestation, and the destruction of ecosystems. This not only impacted the environment but also had long-term consequences for public health and wellbeing. In conclusion, the concept of the Gilded Curse sheds light on the negative side of prosperity and wealth that emerged during the Gilded Age. The stark disparity between the wealthy elite and the working class, along with corrupt practices, unethical conduct, and environmental degradation, all contributed to the curse of prosperity. It serves as a reminder that not all that glitters is gold, and beneath the surface of wealth and abundance, there can be a multitude of societal problems and injustices..
Reviews for "The Gilded Curse and the Family Dynasty: A Legacy of Suffering"
1. Samantha - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "The Gilded Curse". The storyline had so much potential, but it fell flat for me. The pacing was too slow, and I found myself getting bored by the middle of the book. The characters also lacked depth and I couldn't connect with any of them. Overall, it just wasn't engaging enough for me to enjoy.
2. Michael - 1/5 - I couldn't finish "The Gilded Curse". The writing was so dry and lacked any sort of excitement. The plot was predictable and didn't offer any surprises. I also found the dialogue to be poorly written and unnatural. I regret purchasing this book and would not recommend it to anyone looking for a thrilling read.
3. Emily - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "The Gilded Curse" as a fan of mystery novels, but it left me unimpressed. The mystery itself was not compelling enough, and the resolution felt rushed and unsatisfying. The characters were forgettable, and their actions often felt illogical and forced. Overall, it was a forgettable read that didn't live up to its potential.
4. John - 2/5 - "The Gilded Curse" was a disappointment for me. The plot lacked originality and felt like a rehash of other similar mystery novels. The writing style was bland and lacked any sort of unique voice. The pacing was also off, with slow parts dragging on and fast-paced scenes feeling rushed. I was hoping for a thrilling and engaging read, but unfortunately, this book fell short.