Series ~ Single Title
Author ~ Brandy Purdy
Release Date ~ July 1, 2011
Age Group ~ Young Adult
Publisher ~ Kensington
Source ~ Kensington
GOODREADS SUMMARY
In the wake of King Henry VIII's death, England's throne is left in a precarious state—as is the peculiar relationship between his two daughters. Mary, the elder, once treasured, had been declared a bastard in favor of her flame-haired half-sister, Elizabeth, born of the doomed Anne Boleyn. Yet the bond between the sisters was palpable from the start. Now reinstated, Mary eventually assumes her place as queen. But as Mary's religious zeal evolves into a reign of terror, young Elizabeth gains the people's favor. Gripped by a tormenting paranoia, Mary is soon convinced that her beloved Elizabeth is in fact her worst enemy. And the virginal Elizabeth, whose true love is her country, must defy her tyrannical sister to make way for a new era. . .
A brilliant portrait of the rule of "Bloody Mary" and her intricate relationship with Elizabeth I, the adored "Virgin Queen," here is a riveting tale of one family's sordid and extraordinary chapter in the pages of history.
REVIEW
Mary and Elizabeth have a complicated relationship. Both children of King Henry, the two formed a bond the day Elizabeth was born. Best friends for many years, the death of their mutual father has thrown their relationship into chaos. No longer as close as they once were, the two enter the stressful, bloody days of Bloody Mary’s rein.
The two women had very different personalities. Mary was a calm, religious, and stuffy woman. She seemed obsessed with bringing back the “true religion.” In comparison, Elizabeth was a fiery, strong willed, charismatic woman who had a gift for winning people over with one smile. I loved how they interacted, slowly growing further and further apart. It was interesting how their relationship regressed.
How both women interacted with the people of England was important too. Mary took to trying to weed out those of the Protestant religion, and bring them over to her faith. She came on very strong and truly terrified the people of England. Elizabeth, on the other hand, was kind and warm to the people. She was someone they could look to for hope during Bloody Mary’s rein. Obviously, I preferred Elizabeth’s rein.
As in many historical fiction novels I have read, there were a stunning number of characters. I must admit I still can’t remember most of their names for I eventually lost track. I can see where the author was going, but a smaller cast would have been nice.
I enjoyed this epic tale of deceit, murder, love, and the age-old struggle for power.
RATING
4 Liked
COVER COMMENTS
Elizabeth looks so nice with her royal red dress and red hair. Check out Mary and her evil stare! Even her pull-back hair looks harsh. I love their fancy jewels.
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