The Dragon and the Butterfly by Abby Simpson

You know his name. Now, learn hers. One thousand years ago, a noble’s daughter came of age in the county of Flanders. Intelligent and ambitious, Maud would rise to become queen of England at the side of her husband. Driven by love and loyalty, destined to alter the course of history, her life was charmed by faith and circumstance, but not without sacrifice. Abby Simpson’s The Dragon and the Butterfly follows Matilda of Flanders, wife to William the Conqueror, as she navigates court life, motherhood, and their shared ambition of claiming the English throne. An epic historical saga that sweeps warmly over decades and featuring a cast of dozens, Matilda’s world has never before been so richly realized.

New Adult • Historical Fiction/Medieval • Diversity Representation/Mental Health

Content Warning: assault, domestic abuse, incest

Reviewed by lamichi writer on 2025-11-02T17:49:24Z:

I love the idea of a medieval historical romance with a bit of magical realism to focus on the POV of a Duchess wedded to a brutish (but otherwise a good husband). He fights battles, she rules their lands. I wished more books focused on the women and would love a sequel.