Existing fans of Weir’s histories will enjoy this newest installment, while those interested in English queens of this time period will find this a suitable if occasionally patchy overview.
This entertaining novel will appeal to historical fiction readers, especially those who enjoy the works of Phillippa Gregory. Fans of The Tudors will be excited to learn more about this fascinating royal. [See Prepub Alert, 11/11/19.]
This title, though admirable in many respects, will be of little appeal. Libraries with larger collections or a need for European history and women's studies nonfiction will find this a solid addition. ["A fascinating story supported by excellent historical research": LJ 9/15/17 starred review of the Ballantine hc.]
Weir's research skills and storytelling ability combine beautifully to tell a fascinating story supported by excellent historical research. Fans of her fiction and nonfiction will enjoy this latest work.
Though Weir's prose gets bogged down in detail at times, overall this is a well-written and fast-paced novel that should appeal to fans of Tudor-era fiction looking for a fresh look at one of the period's most popular protagonists.
Fans of epic historical fiction, fictional biography, and the novels of Jean Plaidy, Philippa Gregory, Anne Easter Smith, Hilary Mantel, Emma Campion, and Elizabeth Fremantle may enjoy this reexamination of the first of Henry's wives.
This is a strong entry into the field of Tudor history. Historians will be interested in the light cast on an understudied figure of the era; general readers will find another excellent addition to Weir's previous Tudor works.
Purchasing a copy ensures that readers can complete Weir's series, but don't be surprised if it gathers more dust than the first installment. [See Prepub Alert, 8/11/14.]