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Fitzroy: The Boy Who Would Be King
Henry Fitzroy is the bastard son of Henry VIII of England. This is the story of his life from birth to his tragic death. Fitzroy struggles with his own identity in the shadow of his overbearing father and with his failing health. When his father threatens the life of Queen Anne Boleyn, will Fitzroy commit treason to save her?
- GenresHistorical Fiction
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2011
3 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen S. Allen
35 books101 followersKathleen has been writing since she self published her first book of poems at the age of eight. Okay, she copied her poetry in her best printing, she hole punched the sides of paper, tied a red ribbon around it, made a construction paper cover and called it her first book! She writes in different genres, but Young Adult fantasy is her favourite.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 30, 2020
Dull Writing with interesting fantastical elements
If you are interested in ANY sort of Tudor fiction, then I would recommend it. It is not particularly well written (language is too modern and the author tells you how Fitzroy feels vs shows), and I was more upset that it ended the same way as his irl historical counterpart. The blurb made it seem like it was alternate history.
There were a lot of interesting changes to the plot that ultimately do not align with the history or era, even taking a liberal view. Best description would be to compare it to Reign, the CW show and Mary, Queen of Scots. If you liked that show, you will like this book.
If you are interested in ANY sort of Tudor fiction, then I would recommend it. It is not particularly well written (language is too modern and the author tells you how Fitzroy feels vs shows), and I was more upset that it ended the same way as his irl historical counterpart. The blurb made it seem like it was alternate history.
There were a lot of interesting changes to the plot that ultimately do not align with the history or era, even taking a liberal view. Best description would be to compare it to Reign, the CW show and Mary, Queen of Scots. If you liked that show, you will like this book.
February 17, 2012
Fitzroy: The Boy Who Would Be King by Kathleen S. Allen
Political Intrigue abounds in this historical fantasy featuring the great European legends of Henry the Eighth, Mary Tudor, and Anne Boleyn.
A cardinal rushes to the King’s chambers with pressing news. The Lady in Waiting for the queen has birthed a son, the king’s son, and broken the curse of miscarriages wrought by the queen. This boy is named Fitzroy in honor of his father, and whisked off to study at the castle. Because he is not the queen’s son, it is uncertain if he will be king. Only time will tell.
My heart went out to Fitzroy as he’s taken away from his mother and used as a back-up heir by a distant and philandering King. I enjoyed watching him grow up and develop friendships, making the most out of a precarious situation. It seems that being the unexpected son of a King is as much a curse as it is a blessing, defining everything in his life.
Interesting alliances and tensions create an air of political intrigue. This story paints the King as a manipulating, cold hearted, unforgiving man that uses people as pawns in his game. Perhaps it’s not far from the truth. The author has taken special pains to research the events, and even includes a paragraph at the end concerning where she’s taken liberties.
Overall, a nicely woven, heart wrenching tale.
Political Intrigue abounds in this historical fantasy featuring the great European legends of Henry the Eighth, Mary Tudor, and Anne Boleyn.
A cardinal rushes to the King’s chambers with pressing news. The Lady in Waiting for the queen has birthed a son, the king’s son, and broken the curse of miscarriages wrought by the queen. This boy is named Fitzroy in honor of his father, and whisked off to study at the castle. Because he is not the queen’s son, it is uncertain if he will be king. Only time will tell.
My heart went out to Fitzroy as he’s taken away from his mother and used as a back-up heir by a distant and philandering King. I enjoyed watching him grow up and develop friendships, making the most out of a precarious situation. It seems that being the unexpected son of a King is as much a curse as it is a blessing, defining everything in his life.
Interesting alliances and tensions create an air of political intrigue. This story paints the King as a manipulating, cold hearted, unforgiving man that uses people as pawns in his game. Perhaps it’s not far from the truth. The author has taken special pains to research the events, and even includes a paragraph at the end concerning where she’s taken liberties.
Overall, a nicely woven, heart wrenching tale.
January 19, 2013
A good historical read
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews