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Bridget Manning #2
Court of Traitors
Anne Boleyn is dead and the faction that surrounded her utterly destroyed. In the wake of her mistress's execution, former maid of honour Bridget Manning has left the dangerous world of the court, determined never to return. But Henry VIII has other plans for her. He issues a royal summons and Bridget is in no position to refuse him. Once more she finds herself drawn into the orbit of the Tudor court where she must navigate a new but equally tumultuous landscape: the Pilgrimage of Grace has recently threatened the stability of the throne; Jane Seymour has become queen but will not long enjoy the honour and the king finally has his yearned for son and heir. Once the prince is born though his father's paranoia is given full rein and there is nothing he won't do to protect his inheritance from the court of traitors that threatens to swallow them all...
241 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2014
63 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
V.E. Lynne
4 books38 followersV.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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 10, 2014
The very best part of this book is that, despite the protagonists being fictitious,the danger and drama of the Tudor Court is clearly felt by the reader. Bridget Manning de Brett is not a historical person, but she responds exactly as others have done to the terribly stressful and often terrifying event of this era.
The ending puzzles me, perhaps leaving the way for yet another sequel? I really do hope so. I recommend this book to those who follow this time period in history.
The ending puzzles me, perhaps leaving the way for yet another sequel? I really do hope so. I recommend this book to those who follow this time period in history.
June 8, 2014
Great read!! Loved it
January 2, 2021
A delightful story that transports you to another time. It’s a story that seems real as Bridget just seems to have a hard life, a victim of the intrigues and dealings of the King’s court, but she is a tough survivor who finds a way to live. Nothing predictable, no happy ending, but Bridget comes through strong. Lovely read!
August 8, 2025
Transported to Court from a sheltered Abbey life we follow Bridget and Joanna through realities of Tudor Court life.
Although very young, they tried to match the machinations of Court yet when their services are no longer required, the girls are offered shelter by their old Abbeses's Brother who coerces Bridget into marriage...despite him being very old.
Sir Richard is summoned back to Court and takes Bridget with him. Hostility by the New women in New Queens Court is open.
Sir Richard is delighted to receive attention from Henry 8 and Cromwell until he realises what the Trade is to be!!
Joanna falls seriously ill so Bridget goes back to get and Sir Richards home yet Henry still pursues.
What will she do? She is married yet refuse the king could lead to death!! Very enjoyable. Wish it continued through all Henry's Queens
Although very young, they tried to match the machinations of Court yet when their services are no longer required, the girls are offered shelter by their old Abbeses's Brother who coerces Bridget into marriage...despite him being very old.
Sir Richard is summoned back to Court and takes Bridget with him. Hostility by the New women in New Queens Court is open.
Sir Richard is delighted to receive attention from Henry 8 and Cromwell until he realises what the Trade is to be!!
Joanna falls seriously ill so Bridget goes back to get and Sir Richards home yet Henry still pursues.
What will she do? She is married yet refuse the king could lead to death!! Very enjoyable. Wish it continued through all Henry's Queens
August 9, 2017
Very enjoyable read
I enjoy English historical fiction and this author writes a very plausible tale of Tudor England. This is the fourth book I have read by Lynne and have enjoyed them all, but it is curious that although many of her characters do, of necessity, meet each other they do not show the same emotional elements as they do in books written primarily about themselves. Interesting twist...but I do hardily recommend V.E.Lynne to all of you historical fiction fans out there. I look forward to the next Bridget Manning book...if there is to be one...and will look for other books by this author.
I enjoy English historical fiction and this author writes a very plausible tale of Tudor England. This is the fourth book I have read by Lynne and have enjoyed them all, but it is curious that although many of her characters do, of necessity, meet each other they do not show the same emotional elements as they do in books written primarily about themselves. Interesting twist...but I do hardily recommend V.E.Lynne to all of you historical fiction fans out there. I look forward to the next Bridget Manning book...if there is to be one...and will look for other books by this author.
November 17, 2020
I want more
I would rate this follow-up book 4.5 as I liked it better than the first. I couldn't put it down and finished it in one day. I really like the character of Bridget even though she is purely fictional. This part of her story starts with Jane Seymour and finishes with the coming of Anne of Cleves. You will experience her joys and struggles. Very enjoyable.
I would rate this follow-up book 4.5 as I liked it better than the first. I couldn't put it down and finished it in one day. I really like the character of Bridget even though she is purely fictional. This part of her story starts with Jane Seymour and finishes with the coming of Anne of Cleves. You will experience her joys and struggles. Very enjoyable.
February 16, 2018
Just ok
I enjoyed the book basically., but it took me awhile to read. Seemed a little too made up to me. The ending was also silly.
I enjoyed the book basically., but it took me awhile to read. Seemed a little too made up to me. The ending was also silly.
January 10, 2019
Historical fiction at its finest
Aptly depicts the intrigue and venom of the Tudor court. Bridget character displays the powerlessness of women during this period.
Aptly depicts the intrigue and venom of the Tudor court. Bridget character displays the powerlessness of women during this period.
January 17, 2020
Amazing
Great book. Can't wait to read book 3. Hopefully will be soon. Bridget is such an amazing character and the story is very well written.
Great book. Can't wait to read book 3. Hopefully will be soon. Bridget is such an amazing character and the story is very well written.
June 12, 2020
I wanted this story to keep going!
Read
June 22, 202006/22/20
August 4, 2021
Enjoyable
This book was better than the first one. I enjoyed the story although what Bridget sure of the king was a little harsh. Is there another book? I kinda hope so!!
This book was better than the first one. I enjoyed the story although what Bridget sure of the king was a little harsh. Is there another book? I kinda hope so!!
August 19, 2021
A fabulous and must read
October 31, 2017
I loved Ambition's Queen, and as soon as I finished it I had to start Court of Traitors. Bridget Manning was such an interesting character and I had to have more. The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars was it was slow in the beginning. But the further I got into it the better it got. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but thank you V.E. Lynne for ending it the way you did! I was afraid Bridget may not end up doing what she did and I'm so glad she did. I love her character and really hope there will be a 3rd book in the series.
October 8, 2014
I found this sequel to Ambition's Queen predictable, and if you're familiar with Henry VIII, there will be no surprises. That doesn't mean that I didn't enjoy it, however.
Bridget, a fictional character, is very unambitious, and only wants a simple life. A simple life is, unfortunately, hard to come by at the court of Henry VIII. Everyone is always on the lookout for a chance to be escalated, and they don't care who has to die for that to happen. One of the most ambitious men at court, Thomas Cromwell, has his sights set on Bridget, and hopes to use her to help further his cause. He's not the only one with plans for Bridget, however. Henry VIII has also singled her out, and wants to make her his mistress. While Bridget initially keeps the king at bay, no one can refuse him for long.
This novel clearly shows the futility of Bridget (or any woman at court) trying to remain faithful to her unloving husband and attempting to avoid intrigue at court, when that goes against the wishes of Henry VIII. No matter what she says or does, she is inexorably pushed into the king's bed. It also shows how fickle Henry VIII could be, and how fine a line his courtiers had to walk in order to keep their heads.
While this wasn't my favorite Tudor novel, it was still entertaining enough to keep me interested in reading to the end, and I plan to read any subsequent books the author releases in this series. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys light Tudor fiction.
Bridget, a fictional character, is very unambitious, and only wants a simple life. A simple life is, unfortunately, hard to come by at the court of Henry VIII. Everyone is always on the lookout for a chance to be escalated, and they don't care who has to die for that to happen. One of the most ambitious men at court, Thomas Cromwell, has his sights set on Bridget, and hopes to use her to help further his cause. He's not the only one with plans for Bridget, however. Henry VIII has also singled her out, and wants to make her his mistress. While Bridget initially keeps the king at bay, no one can refuse him for long.
This novel clearly shows the futility of Bridget (or any woman at court) trying to remain faithful to her unloving husband and attempting to avoid intrigue at court, when that goes against the wishes of Henry VIII. No matter what she says or does, she is inexorably pushed into the king's bed. It also shows how fickle Henry VIII could be, and how fine a line his courtiers had to walk in order to keep their heads.
While this wasn't my favorite Tudor novel, it was still entertaining enough to keep me interested in reading to the end, and I plan to read any subsequent books the author releases in this series. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys light Tudor fiction.
June 18, 2014
An exhilarating read
From the moment I began this book, I could not put it aside until completion. The characters were lively, the storyline amazing, Thomas Cromwell more ruthless, King Henry III more psychotic. and the English court more intriguing. Bridget, though a fictitious character, appears real. You begin rooting for her success. You somehow want her to be happy. I have read the historical facts regarding this period. When you read this book, you will be exhibited.
From the moment I began this book, I could not put it aside until completion. The characters were lively, the storyline amazing, Thomas Cromwell more ruthless, King Henry III more psychotic. and the English court more intriguing. Bridget, though a fictitious character, appears real. You begin rooting for her success. You somehow want her to be happy. I have read the historical facts regarding this period. When you read this book, you will be exhibited.
June 1, 2014
The second historical fiction book about Bridget Manning, who since the death of Queen Anne has married Sir Richard de Brett, a lowly baron. Sir Richard has been summoned by King Henry to serve in his court during the reign of Queen Jane Seymour and Bridget now returns to court life with her husband, but quickly finds that the King is attracted to her and wants to make her his mistress. Again, a very interesting, yet possible depiction of King Henry, Queen Jane and court life...
November 6, 2016
A good read. These are more fictional then historical but they give a good view to the dangers and intrigues of court. Bridget is the main character in both this book and the first. She is fictional but I love her character. There should be a third book to these and I'm really interested to see what happens to Bridget in the 3rd book. I read it was supposed to be published in 2015 so I hope it will be finished. Recommend for romance and royalty lovers.
May 20, 2014
I have read so much historical fiction on the Tudor's that I think I might be going insane. I want to know what these people were like, I honestly believe that the only character who doesn't every change is Henry VIII. But all other characters change personalities depending on who the author it. Over all I really did enjoy this book.
July 1, 2016
More Tudor drama
Once again the author delivers another fantastic read with a perfect balance of historical fact and fiction. Bridget's quick rise in court was doomed from the start. I was a little upset about the way it ended as I am to assume there is not another book in the series, but none the less I highly recommend it. Especially for history buffs
Once again the author delivers another fantastic read with a perfect balance of historical fact and fiction. Bridget's quick rise in court was doomed from the start. I was a little upset about the way it ended as I am to assume there is not another book in the series, but none the less I highly recommend it. Especially for history buffs
February 8, 2015
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.
April 30, 2015
I enjoyed it more than the first Bridget Manning book. The characters are a mixture historical persons and created characters. It brings a specific and enjoyable voice to the period of the Tudors. The ending was a bit abrupt and not necessarily in character, but seemed to leave an opening for a sequel.
September 9, 2016
Historical fiction at it's most captivating!!
Could not put down this wondrous book! I was captivated by the experiences of Bridget. The book is well written and researched. Dare you to start reading and actually try to put aside before the ending!
Could not put down this wondrous book! I was captivated by the experiences of Bridget. The book is well written and researched. Dare you to start reading and actually try to put aside before the ending!
May 7, 2014
This is how historical fiction should be written. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
April 5, 2015
I felt the characters in this were pretty wooden and some oft heir reactions were a little unrealistic.
May 5, 2015
Part 2
This was a very good book for a follow up book on Anne Boelyn !!! Good story line and subject
This was a very good book for a follow up book on Anne Boelyn !!! Good story line and subject
October 19, 2015
Evil, depressing and ended even worse.
February 2, 2016
Not as good as the first.
This book was more dragging and predictable than the previous novel. I found it to be rather tedious. But not a bad read.
This book was more dragging and predictable than the previous novel. I found it to be rather tedious. But not a bad read.
August 17, 2016
yeah I will read the next book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews