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Reign #1
The Prophecy
An original novel based on the hit television series, Reign.
Since Mary, Queen of Scotland was a child, the English have wanted her country and her crown. She is sent to France to wed its next king--to save herself and her people. It's a bond that should protect her, but there are forces that conspire...forces of darkness, forces of the heart. Mary's rule, and her life, has never been safe.
Find out what happens to Mary, Francis, Bash, and the rest of the French court after the season one finale.
Long may she reign.
Since Mary, Queen of Scotland was a child, the English have wanted her country and her crown. She is sent to France to wed its next king--to save herself and her people. It's a bond that should protect her, but there are forces that conspire...forces of darkness, forces of the heart. Mary's rule, and her life, has never been safe.
Find out what happens to Mary, Francis, Bash, and the rest of the French court after the season one finale.
Long may she reign.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
94 people are currently reading
2677 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
September 12, 2017
5 Words: Love, secrets, plotting, death, royalty.
To read these you kind of have to have seen the show, or you will have no idea what is going on.
If you have seen the show then you'll know it's wildly historically inaccurate and fantastical. And sometimes that's just what I need. I love Reign and now that it's finished I need more. This book was a nice companion to the TV show, and expanded on some story lines that were not really explored on screen.
Not so good if you are all for Francis and Mary, because although there's plenty of love between them there is also a huge dose of Francis and Lola (boo, hiss). But almost like this was deleted scenes from the show itself, it offers a greater depth to the characters and the story arc of the show itself.
I liked the pace of this story. It was a lot faster than I was expecting, there was an urgency in the writing that really emphasised this. As with Darkness Rises there was a fairytale quality to the story which made it a lovely read.
If you enjoyed the show, read this. It's a pleasant, easy read.
To read these you kind of have to have seen the show, or you will have no idea what is going on.
If you have seen the show then you'll know it's wildly historically inaccurate and fantastical. And sometimes that's just what I need. I love Reign and now that it's finished I need more. This book was a nice companion to the TV show, and expanded on some story lines that were not really explored on screen.
Not so good if you are all for Francis and Mary, because although there's plenty of love between them there is also a huge dose of Francis and Lola (boo, hiss). But almost like this was deleted scenes from the show itself, it offers a greater depth to the characters and the story arc of the show itself.
I liked the pace of this story. It was a lot faster than I was expecting, there was an urgency in the writing that really emphasised this. As with Darkness Rises there was a fairytale quality to the story which made it a lovely read.
If you enjoyed the show, read this. It's a pleasant, easy read.
March 11, 2015
When I first started watching Reign I wanted more than just the weekly episode. I needed to continue with the story and find out more about Mary. I could not find anything and thought that they would make amazing stories. Luckily Lily Blake had the same idea.
Likes:
The story follows the first season of Reign and has all of the characters from the TV show. It would have been perfect to read this right after finishing the first season to keep up with the story.
It was fun to get some more in depth POV perspectives since the book was able to go into a deeper detail than the TV show could.
The time period of Mary is so interesting, I felt like both the book and TV show did a great job explaining what life would be like in that era.
I really enjoyed the relationship between Lola and Francis. It was really developed and explained in the book. I know that it was an odd situation, but at that moment it was almost like they were saving each other. Sadly, it does create a lot of drama with Mary finding out and the pregnancy, but I still was really interested in hearing Francis' story.
Gripes:
The story was so much of the beginning of the second season that it was just like a reminder of the show I had already watched. I wish that it was a separate storyline or a prequel to the TV show. I would love to have a prequel with the girls and how they became Mary's ladies or something like that.
For more reviews visit
A Flurry of Ponderings
Likes:
The story follows the first season of Reign and has all of the characters from the TV show. It would have been perfect to read this right after finishing the first season to keep up with the story.
It was fun to get some more in depth POV perspectives since the book was able to go into a deeper detail than the TV show could.
The time period of Mary is so interesting, I felt like both the book and TV show did a great job explaining what life would be like in that era.
I really enjoyed the relationship between Lola and Francis. It was really developed and explained in the book. I know that it was an odd situation, but at that moment it was almost like they were saving each other. Sadly, it does create a lot of drama with Mary finding out and the pregnancy, but I still was really interested in hearing Francis' story.
Gripes:
The story was so much of the beginning of the second season that it was just like a reminder of the show I had already watched. I wish that it was a separate storyline or a prequel to the TV show. I would love to have a prequel with the girls and how they became Mary's ladies or something like that.
For more reviews visit
A Flurry of Ponderings
June 2, 2016
I LOVE THIS SHOW!!! ACTUALLY I LOVE FRANCIS!! but I stopped watching after I found out Francis dies... I mean why does that have to happen?? (OH wait thats because it did happen!!) I cant believe I cried about something that happened a hundred years ago!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2017
Pros: It was a quick read.
Cons: Loads. The thing about novels based on a series for me is it has to fit cannon - or at least be BELIEVABLE within cannon. And this doesn't fit cannon in a million ways. AND it ends on a cliffhanger, with unanswered questions. AND I've read many a novel based on a series, and this is certainly one of the bad. At least it was in the bargain section when I bought it. I'd be pretty upset if I'd paid full price for this.
Cons: Loads. The thing about novels based on a series for me is it has to fit cannon - or at least be BELIEVABLE within cannon. And this doesn't fit cannon in a million ways. AND it ends on a cliffhanger, with unanswered questions. AND I've read many a novel based on a series, and this is certainly one of the bad. At least it was in the bargain section when I bought it. I'd be pretty upset if I'd paid full price for this.
July 18, 2018
This was like an episode of the show so if you haven’t seen that then there is no way you will be able to understand what’s going on.
This had a lot of betrayal for such a short book, and it reminded me full stop why I dislike Francis... so there’s that lol.
This had a lot of betrayal for such a short book, and it reminded me full stop why I dislike Francis... so there’s that lol.
January 14, 2018
It was like super questionable fanfic, but I still binge read it all like my book life depended on it???
I only remembered vague details about what was happening during this time, and I only really remembered there was some intense Bash and Kenna feels AND I WAS SO IN. When I first started the book, I literally couldn't stop laughing because it was kind of totally corny, no one really felt like themselves, and to be honest, it felt weird to be fully inside these characters' brains when you're so used to being a bit more removed from them.
However, by the end, it kind of worked out and got a lot better, but it still...this story was a bit like the characters were just taken and used but a lot of them didn't feel the same. I mean, the story didn't quite seem to fit. I mean, did I really want to read about Francis and Lola's love?
Overall, it wasn't terrible, and I WAS DYING WITH ALL THE BASH AND KENNA FEELS, but nobody really felt like themselves, the story was intriguing in parts but felt a bit disjointed overall, and you really had to have a lot of information about the series in order to enjoy it - BUT I STILL DEVOURED THIS BOOK LIKE THE DARKNESS AND I KIND OF REALLY ENJOYED IT???? Oh gosh. It might not be the best book for a Reign one, but it could definitely be an enjoyable one if you suspend some thoughts. Three crowns and a Belle rating.
I only remembered vague details about what was happening during this time, and I only really remembered there was some intense Bash and Kenna feels AND I WAS SO IN. When I first started the book, I literally couldn't stop laughing because it was kind of totally corny, no one really felt like themselves, and to be honest, it felt weird to be fully inside these characters' brains when you're so used to being a bit more removed from them.
However, by the end, it kind of worked out and got a lot better, but it still...this story was a bit like the characters were just taken and used but a lot of them didn't feel the same. I mean, the story didn't quite seem to fit. I mean, did I really want to read about Francis and Lola's love?
Overall, it wasn't terrible, and I WAS DYING WITH ALL THE BASH AND KENNA FEELS, but nobody really felt like themselves, the story was intriguing in parts but felt a bit disjointed overall, and you really had to have a lot of information about the series in order to enjoy it - BUT I STILL DEVOURED THIS BOOK LIKE THE DARKNESS AND I KIND OF REALLY ENJOYED IT???? Oh gosh. It might not be the best book for a Reign one, but it could definitely be an enjoyable one if you suspend some thoughts. Three crowns and a Belle rating.
May 10, 2015
I think this would have been much more enjoyable if it didn't feel like a middle book
It felt like there was a whole "before" story that I didn't know (how they met the whole drama of Lola and how that came to be, this idea of Italy, the king and his death, etc). I guess because this is based on a show, maybe the initial part of the show tells the story (of Clarissa and Pascal?) But I've never seen the show so there were whole stories I didn't know and the story cuts off, leaving you on a cliffhanger. I probably won't read the next one or watch the show
It felt like there was a whole "before" story that I didn't know (how they met the whole drama of Lola and how that came to be, this idea of Italy, the king and his death, etc). I guess because this is based on a show, maybe the initial part of the show tells the story (of Clarissa and Pascal?) But I've never seen the show so there were whole stories I didn't know and the story cuts off, leaving you on a cliffhanger. I probably won't read the next one or watch the show
March 14, 2018
2,5/5 Reign is leuk, de eerste twee seizoenen waren zelfs fantastisch. En dit was gewoon Reign alleen in boek vorm. Wat ik echt superstorend vond, was de verhaallijn van Francis. Zó storend dat ik er niet van kan genieten helaas.
Read
January 12, 2017To think I was so excited for this book... I think the only thing this book acomplished was making me angry. Like, are we supposed to believe the characters on the book are the same as in the show? Because there is NO WAY that Francis would do that, N O W A Y. I didn't finish it and I don't think I will ever do.
I won't rate it because I think even 1 star would be too good for it.
I won't rate it because I think even 1 star would be too good for it.
June 25, 2024
Living… surviving. What did it matter if you couldn’t be with the people you loved?
This is a very questionable fanfic-ish kind of writing indeed, as I’ve seen it described - but did I binge read it anyway and will I keep on reading this ‘till the end of the saga? Oh yes, I will. (My 15 year-old self is extremely fulfilled right now!!!!)
This is a very questionable fanfic-ish kind of writing indeed, as I’ve seen it described - but did I binge read it anyway and will I keep on reading this ‘till the end of the saga? Oh yes, I will. (My 15 year-old self is extremely fulfilled right now!!!!)
June 16, 2015
Bash/Kenna is still my ultimate ship
October 27, 2022
Well written and it was nice to see what was happening in and around the palace from everyone’s point of view. Even if you haven’t watched Reign I recommend this as an easy read.
The only problem is I now want more of the story. For example, to read from both Mary and Frances’ point of view when he returned back with Lola. How he felt about what happened with Mary’s taster. What happed when Pascal got the plague and how he was feeling along with Kenna and Bash.
The only problem is I now want more of the story. For example, to read from both Mary and Frances’ point of view when he returned back with Lola. How he felt about what happened with Mary’s taster. What happed when Pascal got the plague and how he was feeling along with Kenna and Bash.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2024
Honestly I like this book better rather than "The Darkness Rises", this book quite related with the plots in Reign season 2. Also the vibes, the events and the characters that mentioned in this book appeared in the season 2 of Reign. But, if you dont watch Reign, you might be confused where this story will be going since its started in middle way of story. Another complementary book to read if you are a big fan of Reign.
January 6, 2019
I read this book mainly because Reign is one of my favorite tv shows, being to able to experience that world and story again in a book sounded like a treat. I enjoyed that this book went into more detail than the tv show ever could, and delivered us with some additional stories.
November 12, 2019
An okay book. Not the best writing. If you want to read more about Reign then read this book. Probably won’t continue the series.
July 13, 2022
4,5 stars - English Ebook
Review follows later.
Review follows later.
August 31, 2015
La prophétie est un des livres adaptés de la série Reign, il raconte la suite des aventures de Marie reine des Écossais et la cour de France après la fin de la saison 1.
J'ai eu un énorme coup de cœur pour cette série, elle est vraiment addictive et les personnages sont tellement attachants ! Pourtant, ce livre m'a vraiment déçu. J'ai eu l'impression de tourner en rond pendant trois cents pages. De plus, je n'avais pas l'impression de retrouver les mêmes personnages. Chaque chapitre faisait varier le point de vue sauf que pour moi ces changements étaient mal dosés. De ce fait j'avais l'impression de lire 3, 4 livres en même temps et c'était super gênant. Je n'ai pas retrouvé l'atmosphère qu'il y a pu avoir dans les épisodes. Donc malgré une belle écriture, ce livre est une très grosse déception (peut-être trop axé jeunesse ? je n'en ai aucune idée.)
J'ai eu un énorme coup de cœur pour cette série, elle est vraiment addictive et les personnages sont tellement attachants ! Pourtant, ce livre m'a vraiment déçu. J'ai eu l'impression de tourner en rond pendant trois cents pages. De plus, je n'avais pas l'impression de retrouver les mêmes personnages. Chaque chapitre faisait varier le point de vue sauf que pour moi ces changements étaient mal dosés. De ce fait j'avais l'impression de lire 3, 4 livres en même temps et c'était super gênant. Je n'ai pas retrouvé l'atmosphère qu'il y a pu avoir dans les épisodes. Donc malgré une belle écriture, ce livre est une très grosse déception (peut-être trop axé jeunesse ? je n'en ai aucune idée.)
October 8, 2018
Writing Style: ★★☆☆☆
Plot & Events: ★★★★☆
World-Building: ★★★★☆
Characters: ★★★★☆
Originality: ★★★☆☆
Personal Interest: ★★☆☆☆
Ending: ★☆☆☆☆
Average: ★★★☆☆ 2.9 stars
I LOVE the show. But... why did the first book start towards the end of the TV series's storyline?! I had to double check to make sure I had the right book. THAT pissed me off. The writing is mediocre. The story was great, of course, but it wasn't technically written by the author. And THAT is where she wanted to end it? Um... ok. I'll just rewatch the series instead of finishing the book series... 2.9 stars only because I like the story, which again, is generous since it was taken from the tv series. I was willing to give it more if the book was written better, but it's just... ok. Not crap, but ok.
Plot & Events: ★★★★☆
World-Building: ★★★★☆
Characters: ★★★★☆
Originality: ★★★☆☆
Personal Interest: ★★☆☆☆
Ending: ★☆☆☆☆
Average: ★★★☆☆ 2.9 stars
I LOVE the show. But... why did the first book start towards the end of the TV series's storyline?! I had to double check to make sure I had the right book. THAT pissed me off. The writing is mediocre. The story was great, of course, but it wasn't technically written by the author. And THAT is where she wanted to end it? Um... ok. I'll just rewatch the series instead of finishing the book series... 2.9 stars only because I like the story, which again, is generous since it was taken from the tv series. I was willing to give it more if the book was written better, but it's just... ok. Not crap, but ok.
June 9, 2020
This book is based on the television series, Reign. It is about Mary who is sent to France to get married to Francis the next king in line. Mary will rule, and lots of dark things happen around the castle and nearby villages. Mary isn't has safe as she thinks.
This book is based on the season one finale.
The Reign books are a little different then the t.v show. What I mean by different is the timeline. It doesn't really follow the timeline in the t.v show, so I was a little confused when I started reading. But it was easy to figure out.
I really enjoyed this book, It was really easy to read and very interesting. I would recommend this book to someone that liked the t.v show and likes historical fiction/romance.
This book is based on the season one finale.
The Reign books are a little different then the t.v show. What I mean by different is the timeline. It doesn't really follow the timeline in the t.v show, so I was a little confused when I started reading. But it was easy to figure out.
I really enjoyed this book, It was really easy to read and very interesting. I would recommend this book to someone that liked the t.v show and likes historical fiction/romance.
September 29, 2015
This was an okay story. I didn't like it as much as the show, but it was a nice filler of the time between seasons.
Read
September 15, 2015this book was good it explained what happened between the end of season 1 and the beginning of season 2.
February 5, 2022
I enjoyed it. I enjoyed the series, you need knowledge of the first season to understand wat is happening here.
May 11, 2015
Fans of the show will love this book. It bridges the gap between the first two seasons.
September 11, 2025
Despite the fact this spin-off heavily diverges from the show's continuity, the story finishes very open-endedly, which is quite confusing. Francis and Mary don't reunite, the love triangle with Lola is left totally unresolved, and so is the matter of the prophecy and the mystery girl who predictably seemed to be Clarissa. There's also little to no exploration of Pascal's feelings about Bash having killed his father. We largely end where we started, which is a red flag especially considering the subsequent books don't seem to be a continuation of this story at all. I was left disappointed, especially because the book does have certain merits. Trite prose notwithstanding, it hits the right notes as the characters feel vivid and accurate to their TV counterparts, and the moments of suspense are truly gripping. I also like how it leans into the visual and sensual elegance which makes Reign so great. And yay for Frola content! Unfortunately it just has to be a 2, although I enjoyed the experience.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2018
Not bad for a TV show tie-in novel! It reads more or less like an episode (although I listened to the audiobook). There are three different mini-plots, just like an episode involving all your favourite characters. It takes place after the season 1 finale, so if you haven't watched the first season you will probably stumble along a bit as the majority of the storyline reads as if the reader has previous knowledge, such as Lola's pregnancy and Kenna and Bash's marriage, etc. It's not impossible to piece it all together, but that would definitely distract from the story if you don't know ahead of time. I didn't really have high expectations for this, but it's kind of fun if you already love the show a lot.
August 25, 2018
I was thrilled when I saw this book on a library shelf because I was a huge fan of the TV series and didn't know there were novels. Unfortunately, it failed to live up to expectations.
The events in this book is set right after Season 1, when Francis rides off to find Lola. Nothing exciting really happens in this book; there are only three very basic storylines, neither of which end with a proper resolution.
And the book ends, just like that.
P.S. There is a #1.5 sequel which I haven't read. I went on to #2 which starts with a completely different story and addresses none of the plotlines in this first book.
The events in this book is set right after Season 1, when Francis rides off to find Lola. Nothing exciting really happens in this book; there are only three very basic storylines, neither of which end with a proper resolution.
And the book ends, just like that.
P.S. There is a #1.5 sequel which I haven't read. I went on to #2 which starts with a completely different story and addresses none of the plotlines in this first book.
September 6, 2017
I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would. I really loved Reign the tv show, it was wonderful and had everything I could want in a series. This book was a really good bridge gap between the episodes and it was interesting to see what happened to the characters after the episodes we'd seen.
I enjoyed seeing what happened with Francis and Lola while they were out of the palace, it was super interesting. It's also nice to have a book talk about French royalty as historical fictions on kings and queens are usually about British history.
I really enjoyed it and will definitely pick up more of this series.
I enjoyed seeing what happened with Francis and Lola while they were out of the palace, it was super interesting. It's also nice to have a book talk about French royalty as historical fictions on kings and queens are usually about British history.
I really enjoyed it and will definitely pick up more of this series.
November 18, 2017
I picked it up in paperback from http://Www.bookoutlet.com (I paid for it myself) because I love the TV series (the novel(s) is based on the TV series). My personal review of the book is as follows:
As someone who has watched the entire series of the TV show I already knew what happens however it was nice to see the characters again and get reminded of the strong bonds between them. If you're a fan of "Bash" and "Kenna" or "Lola" and "Francis"(together) then you'll probably enjoy this book.
Because of how much I felt that the writing style captured the emotions of the characters and the setting (I felt like I was in the castle with them) I personally rate this book a 6 and a half out 10.
As someone who has watched the entire series of the TV show I already knew what happens however it was nice to see the characters again and get reminded of the strong bonds between them. If you're a fan of "Bash" and "Kenna" or "Lola" and "Francis"(together) then you'll probably enjoy this book.
Because of how much I felt that the writing style captured the emotions of the characters and the setting (I felt like I was in the castle with them) I personally rate this book a 6 and a half out 10.
December 13, 2021
I didn't know this existed until I saw a copy at Goodwill. I picked it up thinking I would eventually read it and low and behold my library actually had the audiobook.
I know around where in the show this is meant to be taking place and I watched the episodes that surround the events of the book. However, some things don't sit together well and it is obvious that this was written before the episodes actually aired. I like how the book portrayed Lola's labor, in the show we never got to see or hear about it.
Glad to have read it but I think I'm going to sell it so someone will really appreciate it in their collection. The poster that is inside is also still there.
I know around where in the show this is meant to be taking place and I watched the episodes that surround the events of the book. However, some things don't sit together well and it is obvious that this was written before the episodes actually aired. I like how the book portrayed Lola's labor, in the show we never got to see or hear about it.
Glad to have read it but I think I'm going to sell it so someone will really appreciate it in their collection. The poster that is inside is also still there.
February 10, 2024
So I loveeeee Reign. It is probably in my top 3 shows atm and I am always so drawn in. When I found out that there were books I was soooo excited. However, they are almost impossible to find and they’re so expensive. I was lucky enough to get this one gifted to me for Christmas and I finally read it. I liked the book. However, as most books to shows or movies are, they had their differences. I would say that I do like the show better, but I do think it’s just because I didn’t love the way this one ended. Other than that though I really liked it.
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