Ambition's Queen: A Novel of Tudor England

Bridget Manning #1

by V.E. Lynne

England 1536. Bridget Manning is forced to leave the safety and tranquillity of her home at Rivers Abbey in order to join the household of the queen, Anne Boleyn. Once there she enters a world seething with intrigue and plots against her new mistress. Will Bridget be able to navigate her way through the dangerous maze of the court or will it destroy her as it is destroying her queen?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Tudor Period, 16th Century, British Literature

301 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

V.E. Lynne has been interested in history, specifically the Tudors, since she first read about Henry VIII and his six wives at the age of nine. Her first novel 'Ambition's Queen' focuses on the fall and execution of Anne Boleyn as seen through the eyes of her (fictional) maid, Bridget Manning. Its sequel, 'Court of Traitors', which continues the story of Bridget, is now available on Amazon.

Reviews

[Tammie O · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to believe that Ann had someone like Bridget Manning at her side during such a horrific time . I really liked this book and the loyalty that Bridget showed to her Queen till the very end. I would like to think I would stay strong and true like Bridget but in the face of death who knows .The story has an easy flow to it that I enjoyed . Lynne did an excellent job keeping a story that has been told many times interesting . It was an entertaining and enjoyable read .

[Emily Simpson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I truly regret reading this book.

I am a huge fan of most Tudor-related novels, and I figured seeing Anne's downfall from the perspective of a nearly-invisible maid would be interesting. But it was just awful.

The characters were shallow, everything was incredibly repetitive and yet inconsistant, and there was nothing new or exciting about the way this story was told. It felt like the author read The Other Boleyn Girl and decided to retell the last few months of Anne's life from another perspective.

For a longer review, check out http://thebookathand.blogspot.com/201...

[shaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tragically poignant..

I have read many novels on the fascinating Anne Boleyn and the intrigues during her last days...but never one that made weep!

[Christine Cazeneuve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining

I have read countless books on Anne Boleyn so there really wasn't anything new here to be told. However, I loved that Anne's story is presented through the eyes of a distant cousin, Bridget. The story flows easily and I really liked it despite being so soaked in knowledge, if you will, about Anne.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't read this book fast enough! I love Tudor history but I didn't have to worry about reading another history lesson on what I already knew, Bridget of course being fictional. I fell in love with her character, and I really hope that Queen Anne had someone just like Bridget as a lady in waiting. It really helped me to see Queen Anne in a different light because typically history has treated her badly.

I didn't want the book to end and as soon as I was done I ordered the 2nd book in the series, Court of Traitors....I was not disappointed!

[Elaine Schick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very entertaining book. It seemed so real. I can imagine every detail.

I hope Bridgett and Will get together in the next book. She deserves happiness. And I am interested in what happens to Joanna too.

[Hallie Mae Lose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay

this book was okay but not as interesting as I thought it be.
I would probably still recommend it if you like historical fiction.

[Lillian Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was a great book. I recommend this book for all to read.

[victoria sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a lover of all fact and fiction surrounding Henry VIII time and Court, I found this a delightful, well written piece of fiction laced with a very good dollop of fact.
The fictional characters are incredibly well developed and their dealings with the factual acts and actions of the time really brought the scenes to life.
I was hooked from beginning to end, and I’ve started to read the second instalment already.
A real pleasure to read, with both characters old and new very recognisable.

[Sara Leighanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book

I finished this book in less than a week. It is beautiful written and really painted an amazing image of what court might have been like and what Anne's last few days were like. I can't wait to start on the second book.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice tale

This was a different telling of the same story you already know. Almost everyone knows about Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn but this adds a but more flavor to the story. I liked it well enough. I can’t decide if I liked it well enough to read the next book In the series.

[Christine Shaffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fan of Queen Anne

I have read many books on the subject of Queen Anne. This book kept my attention and I became deeply engrossed in the story. I recommend it highly.

[Blubonnet1]

06/17/20

[Rosie Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read this books reminds me why I love historical fiction looking forward to reading more from this author

[Dana J · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like Tudor history, this book is probably 4 stars. If you're a normal reader, the book is closer to 2.5 stars.

I thought the premise would be interesting-watch Anne Boleyn's downfall from the perspective of one of her ladies in waiting.

However, the book really wasn't that interesting. The characters were shallow with no development. There was nothing new or exciting about the way this story was told-it felt like a re-hashing of The Other Boleyn Girl (or any history textbook.) At times the plot felt sluggish and I really didn't want to continue reading. I just felt like more could be done with the subject matter-Anne went from Queen to being executed in weeks!

Overall, I would read it only if you're into Anne Boleyn or historical fiction.

[Tisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent, ordinary tale of an innocent young woman caught up in court intrigue. I especially liked the writing regarding the execution scene which included an open and honest look at the trauma inflicted not only on Anne Boleyn (which was horrible, brutal and completely without defense) but on those that were left to give decent Christian burial to her. It's well-known that Henry VIII was an evil and selfish man, who surrounded himself with like-minded men and women. This book accurately portrays not only that fact, but the impact of the shockwaves that rippled outward from his inner circle, causing tragedy and disaster in the life of the "ordinary" people around him.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such and enjoyable book, although about a sad period of time, that I plan to now get the next one. V.L.Lynne surely made the characters come alive and interact with each other in a believable fashion. The only downside for me was that Bridget Manning and her immediate circle were fictional but every other aspect was historically correct.

I am looking forward to seeing how Bridget Manning fares in her career and relationships in the next book. Stay tuned!

[Tresha Boothe · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read

An enjoyable and quick read. Interesting point of view from the heroine who was an outsider to court life and intrigue. Also the depiction of Anne Boleyn in her final days shows the extent of her despair, her fledgling hope at a chance of redemption, for me, it made her a more sympathetic figure as opposed to the scheming, manipulative seductress she is traditionally depicted as.

[Robbi Leah Freeman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Old Story told by different viewpoint.
Most people know the story of the King with so many wives. Anne Boylen being the most famous. This is told from Bridget an orphaned child brought up at an Abby that was closed and Anne took her and the abbess' daughter into her household. So basically it's telling Anne's story with Bridget's voice. I enjoyed the read, but more fiction then fact. Recommend for romance enthusiasts and anyone who likes to read about King, Queen or Court.

[Deborah Zender · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction - Bridget Manning, a fictional character serves as one of Queen Anne's maid of honour and is part of her entourage from shortly after her marriage to King Henry VIII through her execution. Well written and very believable depiction of what court life may have been like during this historic period. Enjoyed it...

[nancykeeling · Rating 5 out of 5]

A more personal viewpoint

This book intertwined fictional and historical figures to make the fall of Anne Boleyn more personal to the reader. If you have not emphasized with her plight from an historical point of view, you may after reading this. She appears human and vulnerable and in the end, a truly tragic figure.

[April Martinez · Rating 3 out of 5]

,,Ambition's Queen by V.E Lynne

An interesting idea that adds a different element to The myth of Anne Boylen, an easy book to read. I wanted more history and liked the end of the book with the details about her burial. It's not an easy task writing about a legend, so I appreciated coming in through the back door for a different perspective of a all to familiar story.

[Kiki · Rating 2 out of 5]

A pretty average Tudor novel but it does at least have an interesting angle and does avoid being historical 'fluff'. I liked the fact that it was told from the perspective of a relative 'outsider' who nonetheless has unprecedented access to the innermost circle; and that Cromwell and his machinations feature frequently.

[Debra Bafia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreakingly Sad

Although history tells of Queen Anne's doomed fate, and you read books with timelines counting down her final days, it's always so sad to think how alone she must have felt. Even though these characters are fictional, I would hope she had people close enough to her to offer some semblance of comfort in her last hours and dignity in her death. Great read!

[Priscilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting tale that paints Anne in a different life, I am curious as to if any of the crimes she was charged with is true. I liked that we got to see A bit before her down fall, so that the 'reader' could understand how quickly a woman in that period could lose control of her life.

[Carissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read

Quick read. Some bits of history definitely played around with (spoiler - Mark is not supposed to die with the others as he is of lower birth. His death should not have been on the same scaffold.) May try the next book too.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I love historical fiction, Tudor England is my favorite subject. I really liked this novel and look forward to reading the next in this series.

[Terri Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, I couldn't put it down

fast paced, and a great story. I already bought the next installment. would recommend it to anyone who enjoys history

[Amy Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome story

This was a great mixture of historical fact and fiction. The author did an amazing job portraying the drama of the Tudor court.

[Daneesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic. I love reading about the Tudor family. this book was written from the perspective of Anne Boleyn's handmaiden.