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Chronicles of the Scribe #1
In the Shadow of Lions
"I am the first writer, The Scribe. My books lie open before the Throne, and someday will be the only witness of your people and their time in this world. The stories are forgotten here, and the Day draws close. I will tell you one of my stories. You will record it."
So begins the narration of one such angel in this sweeping historical tale set during the reign of England's Henry VIII. It is the story of two women, their guardian angels, and a mysterious, subversive book—a book that outrages some, inspires others, and launches the Protestant Reformation.
The devout Anne Boleyn catches the eye of a powerful king and uses her influence to champion an English translation of the Bible—Scriptures the common people could read for themselves. Meanwhile, Rose, a broken, suicidal woman of the streets, is moved to seek God when she witnesses Thomas More's public displays of Christian charity, ignorant of his secret life spent eradicating the same book, persecuting anyone who dares read it.
Historic figures come alive in this thrilling story of heroes and villains, saints and sinners, angels and mortals...and the sacred book that will inspire you anew.
So begins the narration of one such angel in this sweeping historical tale set during the reign of England's Henry VIII. It is the story of two women, their guardian angels, and a mysterious, subversive book—a book that outrages some, inspires others, and launches the Protestant Reformation.
The devout Anne Boleyn catches the eye of a powerful king and uses her influence to champion an English translation of the Bible—Scriptures the common people could read for themselves. Meanwhile, Rose, a broken, suicidal woman of the streets, is moved to seek God when she witnesses Thomas More's public displays of Christian charity, ignorant of his secret life spent eradicating the same book, persecuting anyone who dares read it.
Historic figures come alive in this thrilling story of heroes and villains, saints and sinners, angels and mortals...and the sacred book that will inspire you anew.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2008
51 people are currently reading
1041 people want to read
About the author
Ginger Garrett
37 books187 followersGinger Garrett is the author of the middle grade titles Name Tags and Other Sixth Grade Disasters (Carolrhoda Press) and The Last Monster (Delacorte Press/Random House) as well as other titles for women.
A frequent media guest and television host, Ginger has been interviewed by Fox News, 104.7 The Fish Atlanta, and many other outlets. Ginger resides in Georgia with her husband, three children and her 27th rescue dog, Watson.
A frequent media guest and television host, Ginger has been interviewed by Fox News, 104.7 The Fish Atlanta, and many other outlets. Ginger resides in Georgia with her husband, three children and her 27th rescue dog, Watson.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
September 5, 2013
First let me say that Garrett's writing is good. The book has been edited. The reason why I couldn't finish is Garrett's character of Anne Boleyn. While I am glad, very glad, that a fictional writer makes use of Anne and religion, making Anne into a naive, innocent form a family who think thier elder daughter (Mary) is a slut, is a little much for me. Sorry. (I also didn't like the whole Katherine of Aragorn characterization).
I did like the description and interactions of the More family.
If you like PG, you might like this, though this book is far less trashy in terms of content.
I did like the description and interactions of the More family.
If you like PG, you might like this, though this book is far less trashy in terms of content.
March 15, 2017
In the Shadow of Lions by Ginger Garrett is a historical novel with a generous splash of speculative-fiction-ishness. Following Anne Boleyn (one of the wives of King Henry VIII) and a peasant woman named Rose, plus cancer-victim Bridget, who lives in the modern world, this book makes for quite the interesting story. And strange. For a while, I got really into it. But it never rose to what I was hoping it would be. Hence, the two-star rating.
Let me explain. While, yes, intriguing and well-written, the storyline of In the Shadow of Lions was lacking, to me personally. For one, I felt it maybe took too much liberties with real people in history. Two, Christianity was so mixed up, it rather overwhelmed me. I know that at that time in England, the Church was quite misleading people. But in this book, Anne Boleyn, a mistress of the king, basically a husband-stealer, is portrayed as someone bringing God's Word to people, while King Henry VIII's first wife, Catherine, (who was cruelly cast aside) is quite against the Bible and Truth. Thomas More, Henry VIII, and other men are always crying and praying and saying their doing God's work when they're killing people or that God has blessed them after they committed adultery and their mistress is pregnant ....... It was sickening! Anne Boleyn is created to be a victim, the next prey of the king. She says she won't become his mistress; they must be married. And so sets on this mission to become queen. It seems she sort of uses spreading word about William Tyndale's translation of the Bible as a means to become queen - to get what she wanted. And, in the end, she decides she tired of waiting and goes to the king without the blessing of marriage. It seems she doesn't care truly about spreading God's word, but what she can get out of it. She doesn't know God at all. She blesses Him when she's getting her way, and accuses Him when she's not. She never feels remorseful for her sin. But in the end, some angel-like person tells her she's going to heaven.
It was all confusing and strange to me, and I wasn't sure what the message of the book was.
Also, with the "intrigue" between King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, there were some unnecessary things added in. I felt some of it was inappropriate. What is the point of telling this story - telling how Anne felt? What happened between them was obviously wrong. The Bible speaks clearly against adultery, divorce, and flirting with sin.
I don't know. This book just wasn't for me. I don't exactly understand what the point of the story was. Hmm. I guess you can decide that for yourself if you want to read In the Shadow of Lions.
Let me explain. While, yes, intriguing and well-written, the storyline of In the Shadow of Lions was lacking, to me personally. For one, I felt it maybe took too much liberties with real people in history. Two, Christianity was so mixed up, it rather overwhelmed me. I know that at that time in England, the Church was quite misleading people. But in this book, Anne Boleyn, a mistress of the king, basically a husband-stealer, is portrayed as someone bringing God's Word to people, while King Henry VIII's first wife, Catherine, (who was cruelly cast aside) is quite against the Bible and Truth. Thomas More, Henry VIII, and other men are always crying and praying and saying their doing God's work when they're killing people or that God has blessed them after they committed adultery and their mistress is pregnant ....... It was sickening! Anne Boleyn is created to be a victim, the next prey of the king. She says she won't become his mistress; they must be married. And so sets on this mission to become queen. It seems she sort of uses spreading word about William Tyndale's translation of the Bible as a means to become queen - to get what she wanted. And, in the end, she decides she tired of waiting and goes to the king without the blessing of marriage. It seems she doesn't care truly about spreading God's word, but what she can get out of it. She doesn't know God at all. She blesses Him when she's getting her way, and accuses Him when she's not. She never feels remorseful for her sin. But in the end, some angel-like person tells her she's going to heaven.
It was all confusing and strange to me, and I wasn't sure what the message of the book was.
Also, with the "intrigue" between King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, there were some unnecessary things added in. I felt some of it was inappropriate. What is the point of telling this story - telling how Anne felt? What happened between them was obviously wrong. The Bible speaks clearly against adultery, divorce, and flirting with sin.
I don't know. This book just wasn't for me. I don't exactly understand what the point of the story was. Hmm. I guess you can decide that for yourself if you want to read In the Shadow of Lions.
January 25, 2010
I really liked Ginger Garrett's style of writing - it was interesting and had a really smooth flow. I liked the basic premise of this story - an angel of sorts is re-telling Anne Boleyn's story as it supposedly "really" happened to a modern woman dying of cancer. It does present a different side of Anne Boleyn and a different side of Thomas More than is usually presented in history books.
That said - it was pretty bad. She actually says implies in the Author's Notes that Anne Boleyn may have been the greatest Christian martyr of all time (really??? I mean, really? Come on GG....) and that she hopes we never speak poorly of her again. This seems a tad extreme to me. At the end, the dying woman is saved (spiritually) because she acknowledges the "truth" of Hutchins' book.
Ginger Garrett botches Tudor history pretty well in this one. She admits that she doesn't use any primary sources - what she refers to as her primary sources are actually all secondary sources. Her timeline is very condensed - she makes it seem like everything happens in the course of a year, year and a half, when in reality Henry courted Anne for years before they got married, and they were married for several years (and she had several miscarriages) before she was executed. I'm not part of the Anne-Boleyn-Was-Evil school of thought but neither am I in the Anne-Boleyn-Was-A-Saint camp. This book makes it sound like Anne Boleyn was essentially kidnapped by the king until she submitted to him and like her family was against the whole affair from the beginning, even though historical evidence indicates her father and uncle (the Duke of Norfolk, who is mentioned briefly at the end, as if Garrett realizes she should add some more historical figures into the book) likely orchestrated the whole thing. It's also just as likely that Anne was a Protestant as a way to subvert Wolsey and the Catholic church that wouldn't grant the annulment, as it is that she was one due to her deep faith. The reality is probably a combination of the two, but I had a hard time swallowing the portrayal of Anne Boleyn as an innocent martyr at the mercy of the king. She wasn't known for her beauty so its unlikely the king became so enamored with her at their first meeting that he put her in her own quarters, etc. - by other accounts I have read the enamoration was a result of her wit, charm, and intelligence, along with her looks. All these historical missteps stood out to me, a complete non-expert on Tudor history, but there were enough mistakes/omissions here to really interfere with my enjoyment of the book.
The Rose story line was more interesting, although again, Garrett takes a very "gray" area in English history (who was right? who was wrong? it all depends on who you ask...) and makes it very black-and-white - Thomas More was hell-bent on eradicating the heretics as a way for him to keep control, etc. It was a different way of telling the story but nto all that captivating. It was also clear that Rose and Anne knew each other, presumably from the secret circles, but this was not specified. Margaret's sudden change of heart from being a closet Protestant to an ardent Catholic also seemed extreme and a tad ridiculous.
Final vote - 2 stars. Interesting story for the most part, good writing style, but horrible use of history. I am planning on reading the second one to see if its any better, b/c I liked her writing enough to give her another chance, but I can't really recommend this book.
That said - it was pretty bad. She actually says implies in the Author's Notes that Anne Boleyn may have been the greatest Christian martyr of all time (really??? I mean, really? Come on GG....) and that she hopes we never speak poorly of her again. This seems a tad extreme to me. At the end, the dying woman is saved (spiritually) because she acknowledges the "truth" of Hutchins' book.
Ginger Garrett botches Tudor history pretty well in this one. She admits that she doesn't use any primary sources - what she refers to as her primary sources are actually all secondary sources. Her timeline is very condensed - she makes it seem like everything happens in the course of a year, year and a half, when in reality Henry courted Anne for years before they got married, and they were married for several years (and she had several miscarriages) before she was executed. I'm not part of the Anne-Boleyn-Was-Evil school of thought but neither am I in the Anne-Boleyn-Was-A-Saint camp. This book makes it sound like Anne Boleyn was essentially kidnapped by the king until she submitted to him and like her family was against the whole affair from the beginning, even though historical evidence indicates her father and uncle (the Duke of Norfolk, who is mentioned briefly at the end, as if Garrett realizes she should add some more historical figures into the book) likely orchestrated the whole thing. It's also just as likely that Anne was a Protestant as a way to subvert Wolsey and the Catholic church that wouldn't grant the annulment, as it is that she was one due to her deep faith. The reality is probably a combination of the two, but I had a hard time swallowing the portrayal of Anne Boleyn as an innocent martyr at the mercy of the king. She wasn't known for her beauty so its unlikely the king became so enamored with her at their first meeting that he put her in her own quarters, etc. - by other accounts I have read the enamoration was a result of her wit, charm, and intelligence, along with her looks. All these historical missteps stood out to me, a complete non-expert on Tudor history, but there were enough mistakes/omissions here to really interfere with my enjoyment of the book.
The Rose story line was more interesting, although again, Garrett takes a very "gray" area in English history (who was right? who was wrong? it all depends on who you ask...) and makes it very black-and-white - Thomas More was hell-bent on eradicating the heretics as a way for him to keep control, etc. It was a different way of telling the story but nto all that captivating. It was also clear that Rose and Anne knew each other, presumably from the secret circles, but this was not specified. Margaret's sudden change of heart from being a closet Protestant to an ardent Catholic also seemed extreme and a tad ridiculous.
Final vote - 2 stars. Interesting story for the most part, good writing style, but horrible use of history. I am planning on reading the second one to see if its any better, b/c I liked her writing enough to give her another chance, but I can't really recommend this book.
February 28, 2013
Also on http://thedailyprophecy.blogspot.com
Summary.
This book starts with the story of a dying woman in our time. She is visited by a strange figure nobody else can see: an Angel called The Scribe. He wants her to record the story he is about to tell out of The Tablets of Destiny.
He begins with Rose, a suicidal woman who ends up in the household of Thomas More. She is devoted to God until she reads the forbidden book from Hutchins. More is trying to persecute everyone who dares to read this book, because it’s against God and the law. These heretics must burn for their sins. That’s why More refuses to sign the Act of Supremacy and he is willing to give his life for it.
Between this story, we get glimpses of Anne Boleyn’s life. She is sent to court to serve Catherine as a humble submission, because her sister Mary is pregnant from King Henry’s child. Henry lays his eyes on Anna, but she refuses to become his mistress. That’s how Henry starts to get rid of Catherine. Anne is going to be the one to give him an heir, but when she “only” gives him a daughter, it’s time to get another wife.
Review.
I was surprised by the beginning of this book and it was very confusing first. Bridget is in a hospital, waiting do die from cancer. She used to be an author and The Scribe wants her to write down the story. When he first starts about Angels and Archangels, I almost thought I had the wrong book in front of me. Despite the strange start, I thought it was an enjoyable book.
Rose’s story was the least interesting. I felt disconnected from her and I felt like I missed important pieces of her life to truly understand her. I liked the fact that I got to see more of More’s life. His passion for God and his strange way to show it – burning other people on the stake – were fascinating. The main reason why I wanted to read this book was Anne Boleyn. I loved the original approach. Instead of making her the seducing, manipulating girl, Garrett portrayed her as innocent and faithful. This was so different from all the books I’ve read so far and from the television show – I really liked it.
Conclusion.
I’m still not sure if the beginning of this book fits to the story. I was left with some questions about The Scribe and why he wanted to record these stories. I don’t know why Rose story was so important, but it was interested to see the impact of Henry’s decisions among the people. The take on Anne Boleyn was refreshing. All together, a good book, but I don’t feel the need to pick up part 2 soon.
Anne knew her temper was flushing her cheeks. “I will not speak of that night, nor will I speak of the future. I will speak only on what I know today. I have not read this book of Leviticus, but I know my prayers. You have a wife. I will never consent to be a mistress.”
Summary.
This book starts with the story of a dying woman in our time. She is visited by a strange figure nobody else can see: an Angel called The Scribe. He wants her to record the story he is about to tell out of The Tablets of Destiny.
He begins with Rose, a suicidal woman who ends up in the household of Thomas More. She is devoted to God until she reads the forbidden book from Hutchins. More is trying to persecute everyone who dares to read this book, because it’s against God and the law. These heretics must burn for their sins. That’s why More refuses to sign the Act of Supremacy and he is willing to give his life for it.
Between this story, we get glimpses of Anne Boleyn’s life. She is sent to court to serve Catherine as a humble submission, because her sister Mary is pregnant from King Henry’s child. Henry lays his eyes on Anna, but she refuses to become his mistress. That’s how Henry starts to get rid of Catherine. Anne is going to be the one to give him an heir, but when she “only” gives him a daughter, it’s time to get another wife.
Review.
I was surprised by the beginning of this book and it was very confusing first. Bridget is in a hospital, waiting do die from cancer. She used to be an author and The Scribe wants her to write down the story. When he first starts about Angels and Archangels, I almost thought I had the wrong book in front of me. Despite the strange start, I thought it was an enjoyable book.
Rose’s story was the least interesting. I felt disconnected from her and I felt like I missed important pieces of her life to truly understand her. I liked the fact that I got to see more of More’s life. His passion for God and his strange way to show it – burning other people on the stake – were fascinating. The main reason why I wanted to read this book was Anne Boleyn. I loved the original approach. Instead of making her the seducing, manipulating girl, Garrett portrayed her as innocent and faithful. This was so different from all the books I’ve read so far and from the television show – I really liked it.
Conclusion.
I’m still not sure if the beginning of this book fits to the story. I was left with some questions about The Scribe and why he wanted to record these stories. I don’t know why Rose story was so important, but it was interested to see the impact of Henry’s decisions among the people. The take on Anne Boleyn was refreshing. All together, a good book, but I don’t feel the need to pick up part 2 soon.
Anne knew her temper was flushing her cheeks. “I will not speak of that night, nor will I speak of the future. I will speak only on what I know today. I have not read this book of Leviticus, but I know my prayers. You have a wife. I will never consent to be a mistress.”
August 12, 2008
This is an unusual POV--what if Anne Boleyn was a martyr? All the historical people are here--Thomas More, King Henry the Eighth, William Hutchins(William Tyndale.) I read it and was inspired to read my Bible through again as it made me weep how we got our Bible into our hands. A mighty work of fiction--loved it. Edgy and inspiring.
February 2, 2009
Every once in a while I read a novel that is not only well-written and entertaining, but also challenges and grows my faith. In the Shadow of Lions is such a novel, and the story has stayed with me long after I finished the book. Ginger Garrett (author of the novels Chosen: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther 480-465 BC and Dark Hour (Serpent Moon Trilogy)) excels at bringing history to life, and with her latest offering she turns her attention to the well-known Anne Boleyn and turns everything I thought I knew about the woman on its head. Garrett dares to challenge the view that Anne was a scheming, manipulative seductress, and asks the reader to consider another alternative. What if Anne was a committed Christian, caught in a vortex of danger and intrigue that swept her into events beyond her control? What if Anne's deeply held beliefs threatened the religious establishment of the day and earned her the enmity of powerful people, determined to sully her reputation for centuries to come?
In the Shadow of Lions is the story of two vastly different women - Anne, the noblewoman, and Rose, the peasant - both fighting against the restraints placed on them by a powerful patriarchal society. Anne, a devout Christian, wants to restore her family's good name in court, but more than that she refuses to dishonor God by becoming Henry's mistress. Rose, victimized by power-hungry clergymen who espouse virtue and then live in vice, longs for hope and redemption. Both women earn the enmity of powerful Church leaders who fear the "corrupting" influence of the Hutchins book (Hutchins was a pseudonym used by William Tyndale) - an English translation of the Bible taking Europe by storm. As people discover the scriptures for themselves, they learn that many of the established Church's teachings and requirements have little or no basis in biblical fact. The Hutchins book brings people face-to-face with God and His grace, without the Church as an intermediary. Anne's support of the Hutchins book is central to her tumultuous rise and fall from power in Henry's court.
The first entry in the Chronicles of the Scribe series is a fast-paced, completely engrossing read. The juxtaposition of Anne's and Rose's experiences are further contrasted with present-day scenes, where the Scribe angel dictates their stories to a dying editor, an unknowing heiress to the women's legacy of faith. Garrett lifts the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds and powerfully reminds readers that there is so much more to life than what can be seen with earthly eyes. Anne and Rose's story of faith and sacrifice is a heart-wrenching reminder that the right to read the Bible was a right paid for in blood. If the true version of Anne is even halfway between the commonly known history and story presented here, history has done her a grave disservice. Both as a woman and as a Christian, I found myself chastened by the reminder of how many freedoms I take for granted that were bought through the faith and sacrifices of women before me. As Garrett states in the epilogue, average Americans own multiple copies of the Bible and read none of them. Unless people know and cling to the truth found within those pages, unless we remember the sacrifices that bought the right the read the scriptures in the vernacular, the victories of the past will be lost, and the battle must be fought again. Kudos to Garrett for delivering a story brimming with life-changing truths, and giving Anne Boleyn new life as an achingly real, relatable - warts and all - child of God.
In the Shadow of Lions is the story of two vastly different women - Anne, the noblewoman, and Rose, the peasant - both fighting against the restraints placed on them by a powerful patriarchal society. Anne, a devout Christian, wants to restore her family's good name in court, but more than that she refuses to dishonor God by becoming Henry's mistress. Rose, victimized by power-hungry clergymen who espouse virtue and then live in vice, longs for hope and redemption. Both women earn the enmity of powerful Church leaders who fear the "corrupting" influence of the Hutchins book (Hutchins was a pseudonym used by William Tyndale) - an English translation of the Bible taking Europe by storm. As people discover the scriptures for themselves, they learn that many of the established Church's teachings and requirements have little or no basis in biblical fact. The Hutchins book brings people face-to-face with God and His grace, without the Church as an intermediary. Anne's support of the Hutchins book is central to her tumultuous rise and fall from power in Henry's court.
The first entry in the Chronicles of the Scribe series is a fast-paced, completely engrossing read. The juxtaposition of Anne's and Rose's experiences are further contrasted with present-day scenes, where the Scribe angel dictates their stories to a dying editor, an unknowing heiress to the women's legacy of faith. Garrett lifts the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds and powerfully reminds readers that there is so much more to life than what can be seen with earthly eyes. Anne and Rose's story of faith and sacrifice is a heart-wrenching reminder that the right to read the Bible was a right paid for in blood. If the true version of Anne is even halfway between the commonly known history and story presented here, history has done her a grave disservice. Both as a woman and as a Christian, I found myself chastened by the reminder of how many freedoms I take for granted that were bought through the faith and sacrifices of women before me. As Garrett states in the epilogue, average Americans own multiple copies of the Bible and read none of them. Unless people know and cling to the truth found within those pages, unless we remember the sacrifices that bought the right the read the scriptures in the vernacular, the victories of the past will be lost, and the battle must be fought again. Kudos to Garrett for delivering a story brimming with life-changing truths, and giving Anne Boleyn new life as an achingly real, relatable - warts and all - child of God.
March 30, 2009
This is another first for me. I have read a lot of fiction but never Historical fiction. It isn't that the genre wasn't entertaining, it was just a genre I never looked to for reading enjoyment. Ginger Garrett's Shadow of Lions definitely made me rethink picking up historical fiction.
The book is a tapestry of four stories making one whole. We are lead through very visual language through the rise of Anne Boleyn from Queen Catherine's lady in waiting to King Henry the VIII's strong desire. The story gives us another side to Anne as a devout Christian seeking the Lord's will, and her life being used to be part of a spark that leads to change in the very way people relate to God. This was at first hard for me to swallow, because I, like so many others, have only related to Anne Boleyn as a seductress and manipulator. What a refreshing change!
We also follow Rose on her journey as a fallen woman who has experienced the full force of God's redemptive grace. Watching her life change and grow is touching.
Ginger Garrett has written a magnificent piece. The characters are clearly drawn and become very real to the reader. I loved the way she made the world come alive with descriptive language that was full and rich with even the scents of the city, people, and gardens clearly described. Shadow of Lions is a book that I will definitely want to keep in my library.
The book is a tapestry of four stories making one whole. We are lead through very visual language through the rise of Anne Boleyn from Queen Catherine's lady in waiting to King Henry the VIII's strong desire. The story gives us another side to Anne as a devout Christian seeking the Lord's will, and her life being used to be part of a spark that leads to change in the very way people relate to God. This was at first hard for me to swallow, because I, like so many others, have only related to Anne Boleyn as a seductress and manipulator. What a refreshing change!
We also follow Rose on her journey as a fallen woman who has experienced the full force of God's redemptive grace. Watching her life change and grow is touching.
Ginger Garrett has written a magnificent piece. The characters are clearly drawn and become very real to the reader. I loved the way she made the world come alive with descriptive language that was full and rich with even the scents of the city, people, and gardens clearly described. Shadow of Lions is a book that I will definitely want to keep in my library.
January 6, 2012
This was an absolutely amazing story about two Tudor women - one, the very famous Anne Boleyn, and the other a fictional servant to Thomas More named Rose. Both women are on very different paths, with very different purposes, but their lives center around one book - the newly influential book by William Hutchins, a heretic. This is a story not only about the famous love between Henry VIII and his second wife, but also about an attachment and willingness to seek God, when powerful people at court were discouraging them, and even putting them to death. It's a completely different look at one of England's most notorious women - not just another retelling of the same story. It is through completely different eyes. If you like Anne Boleyn, or are fascinated by her effect on England, Henry VIII, and religion in general, go buy this book now!
August 25, 2009
This book was a terrible mess. Important historical facts were not included or completely disregarded and the whole thing just felt rushed. And, wow, what an incredible piece of anti-Catholicism not seen in England since the discovery of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605!
December 29, 2019
Henry VIII is on the throne, and a mysterious book is wreaking havoc in Europe and the Church. Two women, Rose and Anne, and their guardian angels are steeped in the midst of this momentous unrest...In the Shadow of Lions by author Ginger Garrett.
While perhaps anyone familiar with today's historical fiction can tell who the woman on the book cover is with one glance, and this first novel in the Chronicles of the Scribe series is called "A novel of Anne Boleyn," I wouldn't call it that. Although she is a key player in this story, Anne isn't exactly set up as the key player.
This tale with bold supernatural elements casts Anne in a rather different light than is usual for her in popular culture. But even with her devoutness in this account, she isn't a perfect saint who knows it all, and this isn't a sweet novel. Though sensual at times, it isn't romantic. It's gruesome and tragic, a depiction of a hellish period in Christendom.
I'll admit I nearly gave up on this book after the first third of it, as I felt it spent too long speaking in riddles, and the choppy development made it hard for me to get a good grip on and to feel for the characters, who are each in some kind of agony. For all their belief in a Prince of Peace, no one is at peace here.
Still, novels that are so marinated in historical flavor are hard for me to turn down, and I do enjoy this author's deft, sharp, ironic style, even when it's haunting. Sometimes I do need something on the darker side, and while it isn't pretty, much of this novel's relevance is in its illustration of how ugly and base "the faith" can become in the hands of self-serving people.
So much religion. So much "holiness." So much judgment. So much profession of Christ accompanied by little to no real love.
Have we or have we not learned from history?
While perhaps anyone familiar with today's historical fiction can tell who the woman on the book cover is with one glance, and this first novel in the Chronicles of the Scribe series is called "A novel of Anne Boleyn," I wouldn't call it that. Although she is a key player in this story, Anne isn't exactly set up as the key player.
This tale with bold supernatural elements casts Anne in a rather different light than is usual for her in popular culture. But even with her devoutness in this account, she isn't a perfect saint who knows it all, and this isn't a sweet novel. Though sensual at times, it isn't romantic. It's gruesome and tragic, a depiction of a hellish period in Christendom.
I'll admit I nearly gave up on this book after the first third of it, as I felt it spent too long speaking in riddles, and the choppy development made it hard for me to get a good grip on and to feel for the characters, who are each in some kind of agony. For all their belief in a Prince of Peace, no one is at peace here.
Still, novels that are so marinated in historical flavor are hard for me to turn down, and I do enjoy this author's deft, sharp, ironic style, even when it's haunting. Sometimes I do need something on the darker side, and while it isn't pretty, much of this novel's relevance is in its illustration of how ugly and base "the faith" can become in the hands of self-serving people.
So much religion. So much "holiness." So much judgment. So much profession of Christ accompanied by little to no real love.
Have we or have we not learned from history?
May 31, 2018
This was defiantly a unique read. It was without a doubt, unexpected. I was hesitant to continue on from an early start, but felt compelled to see what the writer was trying to express. This book gives a very different perspective on King Henry VIII's court and his relationship with Anne Boleyn. I would quickly say that this is not a book that is a fan of catholicism...but it is distinctly christian-or more precisely, protestant. It turns Sir Thomas Moore into a villain in a lot of ways and somewhat demonizes the catholic church from that period. As a catholic, I am very aware of the church's history, and how in that time things were not organized or always handled properly and christianly. I was interested to see this time period from a different view, since I have read so many books that focus on this period.
The storyline of the overall novel is a bit odd to me. It jumps back and forth from Henry's court to something similar to modern day. The characters in the contemporary portion include a woman in a hospital suffering from what I believe to be terminal cancer and another character who seems almost disembodied or godlike (the scribe). I think the book would have actually moved more fluidly if the modern characters and time period would have been omitted altogether. There are other books in this series, but I currently do not plan on pursuing them any further than this.
The storyline of the overall novel is a bit odd to me. It jumps back and forth from Henry's court to something similar to modern day. The characters in the contemporary portion include a woman in a hospital suffering from what I believe to be terminal cancer and another character who seems almost disembodied or godlike (the scribe). I think the book would have actually moved more fluidly if the modern characters and time period would have been omitted altogether. There are other books in this series, but I currently do not plan on pursuing them any further than this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2022
I enjoyed the story although it was a bit confusing. It's mainly about Anne Boleyn but it was told in such a way that it seemed a bit strange. The narratator is an angel who is telling Anne's story to a modern woman who is dying in a hospice. Also interwoven in the story is a contemporary of Anne who turns out to be an ancestor of the dying woman. All that aside it still was an interesting book. Anne Boleyn is portrayed in a positive light. In a way she was a victim of the times she lived in. There was so much religious confusion and superstition involving the conflict between the Catholics and Protestants. Everyone did what was right in the their own eyes
Many died for reading the Forbidden Book which today we know as the Bible.
Many died for reading the Forbidden Book which today we know as the Bible.
June 4, 2017
I'm not exactly sure how to rate this book. The author certainly gives a different view of Anne Boleyn than secular history has taught us for nearly 500 years. It has intrigued me enough to continue with the series.
Note to readers: There are many references to a book by a man named "Hutchins". I was confused by this, as I did not remember that name from Tudor history. In the Epilogue, Ms. Garrett clarifies that "Hutchins" was one of the pseudonyms used by early Bible translator William Tyndale, when he was being pursued by the authorities for his then-illegal activities.
Note to readers: There are many references to a book by a man named "Hutchins". I was confused by this, as I did not remember that name from Tudor history. In the Epilogue, Ms. Garrett clarifies that "Hutchins" was one of the pseudonyms used by early Bible translator William Tyndale, when he was being pursued by the authorities for his then-illegal activities.
August 25, 2025
It's been over a decade since reading my last piece of classical literature. Ms. Garrett's writing style, however, was reminiscent of some of the best of those works. The undertones are so sharp sometimes that if you blink twice, you will miss it. There were some sections that I found more difficult to trudge through, as I didn't understand why they were there. And it would be best to be semi-familiar with the history involved as the author assumes that you already are, and therefore leaves out some information. But in the end, the afterword from the author nailed this book for me. This book is playing a unique role of convicting the heart in regard to our valuation of the Bible. The same book that sits unopened on shelves all across the Christianized West was once fought for by men and women willing to be tortured and killed for the right to read it. While I struggled with some of the writing, I greatly appreciate the purpose of this book and its impact. May we never take for granted the free access that we have to the Word of God. May we read it and treasure it daily!
December 8, 2025
This was an interesting “other side of the story” about Anne Boleyn and connecting her to the Reformation. I really enjoyed it and want to learn more about this period in history now. There was an interesting modern day story line as well as a story line from a lower class girl as well. There were some parts where I felt the plot jumped forward too much without enough detail or explanation but for the overall theme of the book, you didn’t feel like you missed much.
May 14, 2019
A novel of Anne Boleyn and Rose, a street girl, are intertwined wither first printing of the Bible by a lay person. The story is scribed by a dying book editor who was responsible for the death of an author. A very different premise, but somehow misses something in translation. Not a terrible book, just not anywhere close to a really good one.
April 21, 2020
Loved reading it again
I truly enjoyed rereading this book. It falls similarly in the line of the watchers series by Mark Olson. Yet it so much historical in it too. Points definitely to Christ and what he has done for us. Makes us remember how much truth God’s Word holds, and how special it is.
I truly enjoyed rereading this book. It falls similarly in the line of the watchers series by Mark Olson. Yet it so much historical in it too. Points definitely to Christ and what he has done for us. Makes us remember how much truth God’s Word holds, and how special it is.
October 31, 2020
This started out so good. Then I got bogged down with the somewhat historical fiction accounts. I’ve never heard of Anne being a victim, although, I suppose it is possible. Personally, my suggestion is to read the notes and epilogue in the back before reading the book. I never understood why Rose even had a part.
July 17, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. It was a bit of a different writing style, but it was good. I liked reading from Anne and Rose's point of view.
July 6, 2019
DNF, which is unusual for me, but this book was just to weird and disjointed for me to waste time on.
November 14, 2022
Just weird. Kept reading, hoping for an improvement… would never read again.
February 24, 2023
i enjoyed how the book bounces from the past and the present while still telling two different stories that are intertwined. Very compelling retell of Henry the VIII!
December 31, 2024
Great book it does go back and forth between different characters.
March 9, 2024
What did I just read?
I feel like I am missing something profound.
The writing style was good and easy to keep reading. But there was no wrap-up at the end to tie the 3 story lines together. I feel so confused as to the whole point of the book - was it "doing good things in your life, doesn't guarantee good thig will happen to you?" Or "be manipulating and only look out for yourself?" I don't know....
This book was so unsatisfying. Would not recommend.
I feel like I am missing something profound.
The writing style was good and easy to keep reading. But there was no wrap-up at the end to tie the 3 story lines together. I feel so confused as to the whole point of the book - was it "doing good things in your life, doesn't guarantee good thig will happen to you?" Or "be manipulating and only look out for yourself?" I don't know....
This book was so unsatisfying. Would not recommend.
November 30, 2012
Like one of the characters says in this book, everyone's written something about Anne Boleyn. But this book is sympathetic towards her. This makes it rather strange for me, because my first introduction to her was through The Other Boleyn Girl, which was not a very flattering portrait.
In The Shadow of Lions has a very interesting narrative style. It jumps between the 'author' of the book an the actual story. Personally, I found this style distracting, I didn't care about the author (there wasn't enough details and she was forever justifying herself) and would have preferred to just read the 'historical' section alone.
In the historical part of the book, there is Rose (a, um, stained woman who received a second chance) and Anne Boleyn. What I don't understand, is how Anne Boleyn can be a 'good Christian' and believe in things like fairies. Likewise, other characters believe in things like Unicorns and such. I suppose though, that this was a heresy of the time.
Anne and Rose as characters.... well, I like Rose (although I didn't care much for the household she was in), and while I was initially prejudiced against Anne, she won me over by the end.
What I was really interested in though, was 'The Hutchins Book', in other words, The Holy Bible translated into English for the first time. That was really the part of the story that kept me reading. I felt that there wasn't enough in the court-section or the house-hold section to capture my attention or my heart. But the whole heretics and faith thing? Gripping.
Personally, the strongest point of the book was how it showed that by making Latin the "tongue of angels" and thus inaccessible to normal people, faith can be distorted. I really wasn't that interested in the plot, although since Rose and Anne are tied up in the book, they managed to grab my interest.
And out of curiosity does anyone know why it's Latin that's the chosen language? I'm pretty sure the Bible was written in Aramic, Hebrew and Greek.
First posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
In The Shadow of Lions has a very interesting narrative style. It jumps between the 'author' of the book an the actual story. Personally, I found this style distracting, I didn't care about the author (there wasn't enough details and she was forever justifying herself) and would have preferred to just read the 'historical' section alone.
In the historical part of the book, there is Rose (a, um, stained woman who received a second chance) and Anne Boleyn. What I don't understand, is how Anne Boleyn can be a 'good Christian' and believe in things like fairies. Likewise, other characters believe in things like Unicorns and such. I suppose though, that this was a heresy of the time.
Anne and Rose as characters.... well, I like Rose (although I didn't care much for the household she was in), and while I was initially prejudiced against Anne, she won me over by the end.
What I was really interested in though, was 'The Hutchins Book', in other words, The Holy Bible translated into English for the first time. That was really the part of the story that kept me reading. I felt that there wasn't enough in the court-section or the house-hold section to capture my attention or my heart. But the whole heretics and faith thing? Gripping.
Personally, the strongest point of the book was how it showed that by making Latin the "tongue of angels" and thus inaccessible to normal people, faith can be distorted. I really wasn't that interested in the plot, although since Rose and Anne are tied up in the book, they managed to grab my interest.
And out of curiosity does anyone know why it's Latin that's the chosen language? I'm pretty sure the Bible was written in Aramic, Hebrew and Greek.
First posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
September 23, 2008
About the Book:
"I am the first writer, The Scribe. My books lie open before the Throne, and someday will be the only witness of your people and their time in this world." So begins the narration of one such angel in this sweeping historical tale set during the reign of England's Henry VIII. It is the story of two women, their guardian angels, and a mysterious, subversive book . . . a book that outrages some, inspires others, and launches the Protestant Reformation.The devout Anne Boleyn catches the eye of a powerful king and uses her influence to champion an English translation of the Bible. Meanwhile, Rose, a broken, suicidal woman of the streets, is moved to seek God when she witnesses Thomas More's public displays of Christian charity, ignorant of his secret life spent eradicating the same book, persecuting anyone who dares read it. Historic figures come alive in this thrilling story of heroes and villains, saints and sinners, angels and mortals . . . and the sacred book that will inspire you anew.
My review:
What an amazing story! I hated for it to end. The only thing I didn't care for was the current "scribe" scenes. I totally loved the scenes from the past and Anne Boleyn's story. It amazes me when I think about how incredibly fickle people were in those days, and how ignorant. For Henry to kill or cast off each wife that wouldn't bear him a son, oy! How sad! I felt sorry for the women because it wasn't their fault. What difficult times they lived in. I found the accounts of the persecution fascinating and also hard to stomach because the story was so well-written I felt like I was there. To think that reading the Bible was enough to get you brutally totured to the point of death... I shudder when I ponder it too long. So if you love fiction that transports you back in time with realism and cultural flair, you will want to read In the Shadow of Lions. Awesome and compelling storytelling.
In the Shadow of Lions was published by Cook Communications and released in Sept 2008.
"I am the first writer, The Scribe. My books lie open before the Throne, and someday will be the only witness of your people and their time in this world." So begins the narration of one such angel in this sweeping historical tale set during the reign of England's Henry VIII. It is the story of two women, their guardian angels, and a mysterious, subversive book . . . a book that outrages some, inspires others, and launches the Protestant Reformation.The devout Anne Boleyn catches the eye of a powerful king and uses her influence to champion an English translation of the Bible. Meanwhile, Rose, a broken, suicidal woman of the streets, is moved to seek God when she witnesses Thomas More's public displays of Christian charity, ignorant of his secret life spent eradicating the same book, persecuting anyone who dares read it. Historic figures come alive in this thrilling story of heroes and villains, saints and sinners, angels and mortals . . . and the sacred book that will inspire you anew.
My review:
What an amazing story! I hated for it to end. The only thing I didn't care for was the current "scribe" scenes. I totally loved the scenes from the past and Anne Boleyn's story. It amazes me when I think about how incredibly fickle people were in those days, and how ignorant. For Henry to kill or cast off each wife that wouldn't bear him a son, oy! How sad! I felt sorry for the women because it wasn't their fault. What difficult times they lived in. I found the accounts of the persecution fascinating and also hard to stomach because the story was so well-written I felt like I was there. To think that reading the Bible was enough to get you brutally totured to the point of death... I shudder when I ponder it too long. So if you love fiction that transports you back in time with realism and cultural flair, you will want to read In the Shadow of Lions. Awesome and compelling storytelling.
In the Shadow of Lions was published by Cook Communications and released in Sept 2008.
February 7, 2017
I picked this up thinking I should try to read a Christian Fiction book. I don't really read Christian Fiction, but based on the description and the fact the author is an expert on ancient women's history I thought this might be worth a try. The summary on the back of the book initially confused me. I think it expected the reader to already be familiar with Thomas More, Anne Boleyn, and the transition of England to Anglicanism, but I'm not very familiar with any of it other than I know of the many wives of Henry VIII and these things and people existed. I say this because I read the back of the book thinking this was about the Protestant Reformation in England, but also I thought the book would have a speculative fiction element to it involving a time displaced woman (I got this bit from reading part of the first chapter which opens on a woman dying in a hospital. This is actually a third minor story line in the book). There is no time traveling woman, she is just writing this story down in the present day. There is a quite a bit going on in this book and the ideas are interesting. Like I mentioned above I didn't know much about the English reformation and how much of a stir the publication of William Tyndale's English translation of the Bible would have caused. In addition to the perfect storm it caused with the king's interest in producing an heir and circumventing the Catholic Church to remarry. It is interesting to read about the history happening but unfortunately the characters themselves and their story wasn't something that kept me invested in the book. It's an easy read, but I lost interest 2/3s of the way through and had to make myself finish it. There is a lot to get from this book and it is far from bad, but it just isn't for me.
September 2, 2010
I didn’t finish this book. As quick of a read as it was, I just couldn’t finish it. The premise sounded interesting and different. I thought it would fit nicely in terms of timing too, since I have just finished watching the first season of The Tudors on Netflix. But I was so confused as to what was going on, in terms of this Scribe who shows up a dying editor’s hospital bed, forcing her to write down this true history. Who was this Scribe? Was it Death? Someone else? Apparently there was a mystery as to why this woman was chosen to wrote it down, some connection to Anne or Rose. But as you can tell, I wasn’t invested enough to continue and find out.
And when were these “guardian angels” supposed to show up? Or were they even supposed to show up at all? I got halfway through the book and no angels of any sort, just the idea that someone was protecting Rose from being run over on a road. And what was Rose’s big crime that she was so ashamed of? Was she a prostitute? Did she sleep with someone she shouldn’t have slept with? I don’t know!
And Henry VIII might as well have been some other generic suitor of Anne’s. Nothing about his character stood out for me.
And Anne! Such a pious lady and a stark contrast to the characterization on The Tudors.
The constant interruptions of the Scribe and the editor conversing and writing really felt jarring. I think that was one of the reasons I kept feeling lost. A few pages of Anne, and few pages of Rose, oh look we’re back in the present again for no reason at all…
As you can see, lots of questions but not not enough interest to find out the answers….
So this book wasn’t for me. Maybe it will be for someone else.
And when were these “guardian angels” supposed to show up? Or were they even supposed to show up at all? I got halfway through the book and no angels of any sort, just the idea that someone was protecting Rose from being run over on a road. And what was Rose’s big crime that she was so ashamed of? Was she a prostitute? Did she sleep with someone she shouldn’t have slept with? I don’t know!
And Henry VIII might as well have been some other generic suitor of Anne’s. Nothing about his character stood out for me.
And Anne! Such a pious lady and a stark contrast to the characterization on The Tudors.
The constant interruptions of the Scribe and the editor conversing and writing really felt jarring. I think that was one of the reasons I kept feeling lost. A few pages of Anne, and few pages of Rose, oh look we’re back in the present again for no reason at all…
As you can see, lots of questions but not not enough interest to find out the answers….
So this book wasn’t for me. Maybe it will be for someone else.
December 10, 2010
I read a lot of historical fiction and I think this is the first time I saw the perspective that Anne Boleyn might have been a strong believer and trying hard to please God. It was a really unique look at most of those central figures. I've read about some of them before but I found most of it really interesting - and sometimes heart breaking. I wish the book would have not wasted any time in the present because those scenes didn't connect with me nearly as much and sometimes just left me scratching my head.
I really enjoyed the historical sections though. It wasn't just the new take on Anne Boleyn either. There was something really touching about Rose. She felt so worthless and downtrodden in the beginning and to watch her transform first through the love of others and then to see her as she begins to discover the Bible for herself and then accept Christ... It was amazing to see how that changed her and the way she dealt with the circumstances around her.
I think this is a fascinating period of history and this book brings it out through focusing on how it played out in the lives of these people. You read about each of them and how they either manipulated people and events or truly thought they were doing the right thing according to God to protect their families, the community and the kingdom ~ and the consequences of those choices.
There are times it will make you smile, times it will give you goosebumps and times where you will not be able to read fast enough in order to find out what happens. I think it was a fascinating book and I will be adding the next one to my list.
I really enjoyed the historical sections though. It wasn't just the new take on Anne Boleyn either. There was something really touching about Rose. She felt so worthless and downtrodden in the beginning and to watch her transform first through the love of others and then to see her as she begins to discover the Bible for herself and then accept Christ... It was amazing to see how that changed her and the way she dealt with the circumstances around her.
I think this is a fascinating period of history and this book brings it out through focusing on how it played out in the lives of these people. You read about each of them and how they either manipulated people and events or truly thought they were doing the right thing according to God to protect their families, the community and the kingdom ~ and the consequences of those choices.
There are times it will make you smile, times it will give you goosebumps and times where you will not be able to read fast enough in order to find out what happens. I think it was a fascinating book and I will be adding the next one to my list.
December 1, 2008
Enjoyable, especially for enthusiasts of the period. I enjoyed Garrett's look inside the life of Thomas More as well as Anne Boelyn. I really liked the inside glimpse of the widespread turmoil caused by the introduction of the forbidden English translation of the Bible, and the way that may have played into the inner workings of Henry's and Anne's relationship. And the much broader and more widespread political workings of Henry's England -- in fact, all of Christianity. This was one of those books that was written with such detail that I found myself living in that time, and when I was finished I'm left with a desire to delve into history to find out how much was based on fact and how much was drawn from the deep well of Garrett's imagination. I suspect enthusiasts of Anne Boelyn may take issue with some of the inner thoughts and motivations of Garrett's Anne, but I enjoyed a different look at the historical figure I've loved since my childhood.
There are three storylines followed in this book, and I have to admit I enjoyed the two historical ones far more than the frame story, which is told from the perspective of a not-very-likable modern day woman dying from ovarian cancer. The thread that tied the modern story to the historical ones was too thin to hold the weight of the novel as a whole, in my opinion.
There are three storylines followed in this book, and I have to admit I enjoyed the two historical ones far more than the frame story, which is told from the perspective of a not-very-likable modern day woman dying from ovarian cancer. The thread that tied the modern story to the historical ones was too thin to hold the weight of the novel as a whole, in my opinion.
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