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Beneath the Crown #1
The Nine Days Queen
The true story of Lady Jane Grey who, at sixteen, ruled as Queen of England for nine days before being accused of treason. After the death of her cousin, Edward, Lady Jane Grey is forced to accept the crown of England. But her reign lasts only nine days as Edward's eldest sister, Mary, challenges Jane for the throne. Jane is locked in the Tower of London, where she awaits her execution. The Nine Days Queen is the true story of a bright and intelligent young woman who was manipulated and betrayed by the ambitious people around her. This new edition of a classic novel combining royalty and history includes new historical notes and will appeal to young fans of The Royal Diaries series.
235 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 17, 2015
The book (Written in 1986) has a tremendous amount of research obviously poured into its pages. Unlike some historical books I have read, I struggled to find a single era wrong even when it came down to opinions. Jane was a very sympathetic character who lead a very sympathetic life. She was smart beyond measure an likeable beyond degree. She did have this tendency to stand up go her rights and beliefs, obviously against that of 15th Century customs, but frankly, in today's world, she'd just be called a spoiled disobedient brat. Haven't values aged so well?
So I can't fault Bradford on the information.
The length? This book totals 200 pages but yet spans 6 years of this girls life. It honestly felt incredibly rushed. Although the style was very simple to follow (a successful third person narrative) there would be times I would have to retread paragraphs as they would jump six months without warning. The ending by far was rushed the most, considering the book is called the nine days queen, I think we may have been lucky to have nine pages with her as queen. Something we have been working through the length of the book to reach was rushed and Unenjoyable. She didn't have any queenly luxuries except finally being able to successfully tell her parents to stick it.
The book had so much potential to be longer and more I depth then what we received but we should note it was published by Scholastic, my own copy in fact an ex high school book. Going the nature the book was most likely designs for should I fault it's length. After all how many children want to willingly read a 500+ page novel? It had to appeal, so again I'm torn to the rating on length.
The writing style. Well it's not bad by any means. Bradford has definitely captured the style of 15th Century slang and has mastered crossing it with how a child would say it. It's easy to understand and enjoyable to read. There were countless small eras however, and the book needed a competent editor to really comb through it. Some errors though I'm still not sure if they were intentional, simply due to the addition of a letter changing the word. The sentence doesn't cope with these different words, but I could be mistaken due to the time period. It had me confuzzled.
Enjoyment level? 5 Stars! Although there were things about the book I would defiantly change it was still a well written and thought out book. I had difficulties putting it down and at no point did she have me frustrated. There were story points where I shouted 'Speak up' or 'ask for help' but this is a true event, Bradford can't change what really happened and I'm sure she herself wanted to slap Jane upside the head for her stubbornness and stupidity to seek help from the wrong people.
http://thecrusoebookclub.blogspot.com...
So I can't fault Bradford on the information.
The length? This book totals 200 pages but yet spans 6 years of this girls life. It honestly felt incredibly rushed. Although the style was very simple to follow (a successful third person narrative) there would be times I would have to retread paragraphs as they would jump six months without warning. The ending by far was rushed the most, considering the book is called the nine days queen, I think we may have been lucky to have nine pages with her as queen. Something we have been working through the length of the book to reach was rushed and Unenjoyable. She didn't have any queenly luxuries except finally being able to successfully tell her parents to stick it.
The book had so much potential to be longer and more I depth then what we received but we should note it was published by Scholastic, my own copy in fact an ex high school book. Going the nature the book was most likely designs for should I fault it's length. After all how many children want to willingly read a 500+ page novel? It had to appeal, so again I'm torn to the rating on length.
The writing style. Well it's not bad by any means. Bradford has definitely captured the style of 15th Century slang and has mastered crossing it with how a child would say it. It's easy to understand and enjoyable to read. There were countless small eras however, and the book needed a competent editor to really comb through it. Some errors though I'm still not sure if they were intentional, simply due to the addition of a letter changing the word. The sentence doesn't cope with these different words, but I could be mistaken due to the time period. It had me confuzzled.
Enjoyment level? 5 Stars! Although there were things about the book I would defiantly change it was still a well written and thought out book. I had difficulties putting it down and at no point did she have me frustrated. There were story points where I shouted 'Speak up' or 'ask for help' but this is a true event, Bradford can't change what really happened and I'm sure she herself wanted to slap Jane upside the head for her stubbornness and stupidity to seek help from the wrong people.
http://thecrusoebookclub.blogspot.com...
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April 29, 2019I do not remember anything about this book besides the cover, and that it's another Very Dark book for kids. Like, what was I doing in grade 3 and 4....was i okay? Also these covers are so ugly, and yet I was so gay for them. Someone please take 9 year old Theo away from this and, I dunno, make them read some Enid Blyton or something. jeez.
September 22, 2022
5/5
I remember reading this book when I was younger and absolutely loving it! It’s got a lot of history in it and it got me interested in this period of history!
I remember reading this book when I was younger and absolutely loving it! It’s got a lot of history in it and it got me interested in this period of history!
December 29, 2024
I appreciate this book more each time I read it, probably because I understand many details now that were mysteries to me as a child. Simple things, like what a Privy Council is.
I would say the only thing I don't like about it is the cover illustration. It is not the same version as the one I had when I was young, and to me the girl on the cover has a face that looks too much like a modern day American teenager. Her features are wrong, and she doesn't even resemble the description of Jane that is given in the book.
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My review from December 25, 2014:
I really liked this book, but I must say that all the beheadings did give me nightmares when I was young!
Things haven't changed. I am once more wondering if it was a good idea to finish this one tonight. Very dire.
I would say the only thing I don't like about it is the cover illustration. It is not the same version as the one I had when I was young, and to me the girl on the cover has a face that looks too much like a modern day American teenager. Her features are wrong, and she doesn't even resemble the description of Jane that is given in the book.
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My review from December 25, 2014:
I really liked this book, but I must say that all the beheadings did give me nightmares when I was young!
Things haven't changed. I am once more wondering if it was a good idea to finish this one tonight. Very dire.
May 15, 2014
Fantastic historical novel. Well-written, age-appropriate story to get kids interested in British history. I was so luck after reading this novel I was able to travel to London to the Tower and see the engraving Jane made on the wall while she was imprisoned there.
July 25, 2011
Who'd like to be Queen of England for nine days? Well, Jane sure didn't..
January 20, 2016
I recall reading this book when I was a teenager. It was probably one of the first " Tudor" era books that I read and it brought to my attention the very sad tale of Lady Jane Grey.
January 31, 2020
This was my favourite book for years when I was younger. I remember looking up the author online and finding her fan mailbox. She replied to my letter and it was the best day of my life at the time.
This book was very well researched. Bradford wrote in her letter that Jane felt as close as her own children by the end of the writing and it shows. She took lots of care in describing the locations, Jane’s feelings and the historical happenings. It covered a span of time from around the time Henry VIII passed to the end of her short reign.
I don’t remember much detailed info beyond that (which is kinda sad considering how often I reread it as a kid) but I do remember that it was a very enjoyable read and it sparked my life long love if Tudor history. I would definitely recommend it for young readers with an interest in history.
This book was very well researched. Bradford wrote in her letter that Jane felt as close as her own children by the end of the writing and it shows. She took lots of care in describing the locations, Jane’s feelings and the historical happenings. It covered a span of time from around the time Henry VIII passed to the end of her short reign.
I don’t remember much detailed info beyond that (which is kinda sad considering how often I reread it as a kid) but I do remember that it was a very enjoyable read and it sparked my life long love if Tudor history. I would definitely recommend it for young readers with an interest in history.
February 10, 2019
I don't have a favorite part and my least favorite part is the very end. I found most of it quite boring. I also found the fact that there were multiple people with the exact same name confusing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2020
Lady Jane Grey was the infamous Nine Days Queen. She was a pawn in her awful parents selfish ambitions. The parts of Jane playing with Elizabeth and Prince Edward are bittersweet. This book was accurate, but a little slow at some times.
March 22, 2025
Really enjoy the writing of the author(even if not could be really accurate historical probably somewhere in the narrative)
April 6, 2009
Awaiting execution for treason after she was Queen of England for just nine days, sixteen-year-old Lady Jane Grey looks back on her short life. She had some happiness as a child, but her parents were distant. A cousin of the Tudor ruling family, she spent some time at court as a young girl. Eventually, her parents had her married to a man she didn't love, or even like. Meanwhile, England is caught in turmoil, as the young Protestant king, Edward, dies. Jane's male relatives scheme to have her crowned Queen of England instead of Edward's Catholic half-sister Mary, although Jane wants no part of it. Powerless to determine her own destiny, she is forced to accept the crown of England and is caught up against her will in events that can only end in tragedy.
This excellent historical novel brought to life the tragic story of Lady Jane Grey; as a big fan of historical fiction about young royal women, I found it particularly interesting. She was just a young girl who had no say in her own future and wrongly lost her life as a result of a plot she had no real part in. I highly recommend this novel to young adult readers who like to read historical fiction about royalty; I think it would particularly appeal to readers of the Young Royals and Royal Diaries series.
This excellent historical novel brought to life the tragic story of Lady Jane Grey; as a big fan of historical fiction about young royal women, I found it particularly interesting. She was just a young girl who had no say in her own future and wrongly lost her life as a result of a plot she had no real part in. I highly recommend this novel to young adult readers who like to read historical fiction about royalty; I think it would particularly appeal to readers of the Young Royals and Royal Diaries series.
August 9, 2015
This book has been sitting on my shelves for years and at some point of my life I didn't even know why I had bought it. However, when I started watching the TV series 'The Tudors' I found The Tudors' history really interesting and was eager to read this book and find out how and why did Lady Jane Grey become queen of England...for nine days.
Since the book has only 208 pages, It took me few hours to read it and I must say it has both pros and cons. First, I found the main character, Jane, rather annoying, as she was always complaining about something. I also found the other characters not well-developed and lacking interesting background stories. Yes, I have to admit that the book is easy and pleasant to read but it isn't something special whatsoever. I think that the main reason I didn't like it was because it is, in my view, appropriate only for kids under 12-14.
Overall I give this book 3/5 because the time I spent reading it was rather enjoyable, although not very beneficial. But make no doubt, I won't waste my time reading this book again.
Since the book has only 208 pages, It took me few hours to read it and I must say it has both pros and cons. First, I found the main character, Jane, rather annoying, as she was always complaining about something. I also found the other characters not well-developed and lacking interesting background stories. Yes, I have to admit that the book is easy and pleasant to read but it isn't something special whatsoever. I think that the main reason I didn't like it was because it is, in my view, appropriate only for kids under 12-14.
Overall I give this book 3/5 because the time I spent reading it was rather enjoyable, although not very beneficial. But make no doubt, I won't waste my time reading this book again.
May 5, 2025
“‘We will decide what is best for you, milady, and you will obey.’”
This line perfectly captures the life of Lady Jane Grey. Few of her choices were her own and almost all the adults around her were conspiring ways to use her to their evil advantage.
I had only a vague sense of who Jane was. I knew that her life ended in tragedy but I didn’t know why. It’s a harrowing, heartbreaking tale. My heart broke for young King Edward too. Everything fell apart so quickly before he could understand what was happening. It was a whirlwind until the very last second when Jane commended her spirit into the Lord's hands. She showed amazing strength of spirit until the end. It's hard to believe that she was only 16 years old. The poor girl.
“She looked around at the faces surrounding her – the duke’s, hard and uncompromising; her father’s, pleading. Her father, too, seemed frightened, as if he had only just now realized the enormity of what they had done…They had gone too far.”
This line perfectly captures the life of Lady Jane Grey. Few of her choices were her own and almost all the adults around her were conspiring ways to use her to their evil advantage.
I had only a vague sense of who Jane was. I knew that her life ended in tragedy but I didn’t know why. It’s a harrowing, heartbreaking tale. My heart broke for young King Edward too. Everything fell apart so quickly before he could understand what was happening. It was a whirlwind until the very last second when Jane commended her spirit into the Lord's hands. She showed amazing strength of spirit until the end. It's hard to believe that she was only 16 years old. The poor girl.
“She looked around at the faces surrounding her – the duke’s, hard and uncompromising; her father’s, pleading. Her father, too, seemed frightened, as if he had only just now realized the enormity of what they had done…They had gone too far.”
August 22, 2015
This was a great novel that told the story of young sixteen year old Jane Grey who's life was a series of heartaches as she tried to survive life at court and with her family. It is difficult to avoid spoilers but Karleen Bradford managed to bring this not-so-well known historical figure to life.
Through her trials we learn about Jane Grey's strength, humbleness, faith, and, loyalty in the face of plots that risk whatever fragile life she has. Although there were moments that were difficult to follow, this may have just been me, because despite that this book was an amazing influence on my love of historical fiction and convinced me to seek out more stories like hers.
Through her trials we learn about Jane Grey's strength, humbleness, faith, and, loyalty in the face of plots that risk whatever fragile life she has. Although there were moments that were difficult to follow, this may have just been me, because despite that this book was an amazing influence on my love of historical fiction and convinced me to seek out more stories like hers.
September 9, 2019
This book made me obsessed with Lady Jane Grey. HOWEVER there is hardly any literature out there about her. I've even tried to write about her for papers, but there isn't even a whole lot of academic research out there about her. WHY? Her story is so unique. I would love to read more fiction about her. If you know of any good ones, please let me know. As for this book, I loved this whole series (even if the books are not technically related to one another). They were definitely some of my favorites and made me begin to love historical fiction.
August 27, 2016
Suggested reading by my ten year old neice, who's read it three times!
This is a historical fiction based on Lady Jane Grey. It's very well written, and easy enough for young readers to understand. I enjoyed the book much more than I thought I would. Glad I read it and look forward to reading more from Karleen Bradford.
This is a historical fiction based on Lady Jane Grey. It's very well written, and easy enough for young readers to understand. I enjoyed the book much more than I thought I would. Glad I read it and look forward to reading more from Karleen Bradford.
February 7, 2015
Interesting to see why she was only queen for nine days. I felt that the authors writing was inconsistent and that made it hard to read. It was sad what happened to Jane been though it was not her doing. I was shocked how her parents treated her.
October 4, 2011
Lady Jane Grey is caught in the middle of political, religious and royal intrigue as a young teenager. As favorite cousin of the king Jane becomes the Queen for nine days. A fun and interesting look at the true story of Queen Jane.
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November 19, 2009the cruel rule and its result upon an innocent lady
March 27, 2010
Sooo realistic.
Beautifully written.
Beautifully written.
August 10, 2013
absolutely loved this book!!
July 27, 2021
Trumpute,lengvai skaitoma apysaka, pilna intringu ir Anglu istorijos.
July 26, 2013
Loved it although I do have a softspot for Historical Fiction
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April 26, 2017I knew very little about Lady Jane Grey when I started reading, other than her ultimate fate. This book made me care, and then had me routing for her, even though I already knew how it would end. Excellent storytelling!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews