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The Swan Maiden: Book Two of the Surface and the Deep: Story of Anna of Cleves
November 1539
Sent as a bride for the much-married King of England, Anna of Cleves has left her homeland and family behind to travel to England. There to be wed to a man who has killed one wife, and perhaps caused the deaths of two more, Anna fears her marriage and husband, yet she has been promised to Henry VIII to secure alliance for her country, and safety for her people.
But will there be safety for Anna? Into a court of scandal and cutthroat politics she is thrown, and only by her wits will she survive.
The Swan Maiden is Book Two of the Surface and the Story of Anna of Cleves, by G. Lawrence
The author's thanks are due to Julia Gibbs, proof reader of this work of fiction, and to Betibup33 Design Studio, the cover artist.
Sent as a bride for the much-married King of England, Anna of Cleves has left her homeland and family behind to travel to England. There to be wed to a man who has killed one wife, and perhaps caused the deaths of two more, Anna fears her marriage and husband, yet she has been promised to Henry VIII to secure alliance for her country, and safety for her people.
But will there be safety for Anna? Into a court of scandal and cutthroat politics she is thrown, and only by her wits will she survive.
The Swan Maiden is Book Two of the Surface and the Story of Anna of Cleves, by G. Lawrence
The author's thanks are due to Julia Gibbs, proof reader of this work of fiction, and to Betibup33 Design Studio, the cover artist.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 3, 2024
155 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
G. Lawrence
50 books280 followersI am an independently published author, and proud to be so. Living in a little cottage in Wales in the UK, I love where I live as much as I love to write.
The age of the Tudors has been an obsession for me since I was a child, and many of my upcoming books will center on that time, but I also pen the odd dystopian fiction or historical fiction from other time periods. I will be releasing all my titles on amazon, for kindle and then hopefully for print later.
I studied Literature (with a capital L) at University and usually have twenty or more books I'm currently reading. Reading and writing are about mood for me, and I haven't found a genre I didn't enjoy something about so far...
You can often find me on Wattpad or Twitter when I'm not writing...
The age of the Tudors has been an obsession for me since I was a child, and many of my upcoming books will center on that time, but I also pen the odd dystopian fiction or historical fiction from other time periods. I will be releasing all my titles on amazon, for kindle and then hopefully for print later.
I studied Literature (with a capital L) at University and usually have twenty or more books I'm currently reading. Reading and writing are about mood for me, and I haven't found a genre I didn't enjoy something about so far...
You can often find me on Wattpad or Twitter when I'm not writing...
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 6, 2024
This book 2 of the story of Anna Of Cleves and journey to England to marry King Henry VIII a brilliant read by an amazing author #KindleUnlimited
August 1, 2024
This is the last book I can read from this author. I have just had my fill of her endless chatter, page after page of meaningless invented conversations, all fictional and imagined, of course, since we cannot know what and in a definitive context might have transpired between the characters. I thought the first book was a bit long and drawn out and decided only to read on to see what, if anything, took place in the sequel. That question is now answered: nothing new.
Granted, as historical fiction, all is given a great deal of leeway in what and how the chatter might have happened, but if I had to read one more lengthy and overly wordy chapter and/or verse of what someone wore, how their headpieces were trimmed, who did or did not pursue heresy or a "true faith" whatever that was supposed to have been, I felt I would be grossly Ill.
This writer is very fond of verbose prose, and even though she writes in first and second conversant description, she doesn't say much at all.
We we would read history already know Anne of Cleves was the first of Henry 8's surviving wives, mostly by her own agreeable nature and a desire to continuing breathing, since 8's big passion appeared to be ridding himself of women he saw as undesirable were swiftly either parceled off to live in gross poverty and dearth of physical comforts (Katherine of Aragon) or deprived of life, (Anne Boleyn) or, sadly, the outcome of infection such as the fate of Jane Seymour.
And that's the ones we know more about. For Anne of Cleves, so little is known what is often thought to be most true is that she was not pretty, but she was clever and she apparently figured out that to argue with 8 was to guarantee an early demise.
So that's the history of it.
Unfortunately, she prattles on and on about the most mundane issues, I kept falling asleep in the middle of a page of endless and really tiring phrases.
8 was, no doubt, a monster. That much is common knowledge. Had he always been so or had his life been so disappointing to him he chose to live as a foul and corrupt human being because he could?
I don't know. I don't think we modern readers ever could know all there is to know about the man or the myth, but I do think he might have fit in quite well with the American political party currently identifying itself as Republicans.
So, to my mind, he is indeed a monster.
But page after page, this is repeated and I found myself skipping over large blocks of just endless words to just finish it.
I can't bring myself to read further. I just don't have the interest in the endless droning on about yet another chapter in the life of a king who was also a spoiled, self indulgent, destructive and hateful man.
There was little good in that person. I am just no longer interested in the mundane and existential prattle about his nature, his codpiece, his jeweled clothing, his ulcerating leg, his gross obesity and his thinning hair. Enough is enough.
I'm simply done with Henry Tudor, #8.
Granted, as historical fiction, all is given a great deal of leeway in what and how the chatter might have happened, but if I had to read one more lengthy and overly wordy chapter and/or verse of what someone wore, how their headpieces were trimmed, who did or did not pursue heresy or a "true faith" whatever that was supposed to have been, I felt I would be grossly Ill.
This writer is very fond of verbose prose, and even though she writes in first and second conversant description, she doesn't say much at all.
We we would read history already know Anne of Cleves was the first of Henry 8's surviving wives, mostly by her own agreeable nature and a desire to continuing breathing, since 8's big passion appeared to be ridding himself of women he saw as undesirable were swiftly either parceled off to live in gross poverty and dearth of physical comforts (Katherine of Aragon) or deprived of life, (Anne Boleyn) or, sadly, the outcome of infection such as the fate of Jane Seymour.
And that's the ones we know more about. For Anne of Cleves, so little is known what is often thought to be most true is that she was not pretty, but she was clever and she apparently figured out that to argue with 8 was to guarantee an early demise.
So that's the history of it.
Unfortunately, she prattles on and on about the most mundane issues, I kept falling asleep in the middle of a page of endless and really tiring phrases.
8 was, no doubt, a monster. That much is common knowledge. Had he always been so or had his life been so disappointing to him he chose to live as a foul and corrupt human being because he could?
I don't know. I don't think we modern readers ever could know all there is to know about the man or the myth, but I do think he might have fit in quite well with the American political party currently identifying itself as Republicans.
So, to my mind, he is indeed a monster.
But page after page, this is repeated and I found myself skipping over large blocks of just endless words to just finish it.
I can't bring myself to read further. I just don't have the interest in the endless droning on about yet another chapter in the life of a king who was also a spoiled, self indulgent, destructive and hateful man.
There was little good in that person. I am just no longer interested in the mundane and existential prattle about his nature, his codpiece, his jeweled clothing, his ulcerating leg, his gross obesity and his thinning hair. Enough is enough.
I'm simply done with Henry Tudor, #8.
July 15, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which starts with Anne's journey to England to meet Henry, and ends shortly after the annulment of the marriage. The main body of it shows Gemma Lawrence at her best, when she writes solely about her character's own life and experiences, from inside her {the character's} head. She has a truly exceptional talent for this, and I was completely engrossed, reading the book in the early hours when I needed to go to sleep!
Anne is portrayed exactly as I've always imagined her, as a dignified, kind and clever woman. Her wise choice of accepting the annulment without complaint was aided, of course, by the fact that she was no more enamoured of Henry than he was of her, but there are some marvellous passages when she talks about her survival being far more important than any notions of foolish pride.
'...these things we create and take inside ourselves, these things we cling to and call pride and honour, they are meaningless... these things, they have meaning only if we think they do. They are baubles, shining so bright we think they are the sun but the are shimmering surface reflecting only candlelight. They are shadows. Their light is a lie created by man, reflected back at us to dazzle our eyes and confuse our minds.'
Also, when she saw how the monasteries had been destroyed mainly to serve the greed of those already in possession of great riches, her take on another of the Seven Deadly Sins: avarice (or greed).
'...Yet these men did not know the truth, that this sickness for gold could never be cured by adding more gold to their purses or hands ... once within the veins of a man it did not feed him, it sucked the essence of his soul, the sickness of greed leeching all from that man until greed was all that possessed his mind. It was a demon which crept into the skin of a person...'
I loved her impressions of the English culture and customs, as opposed to those of her own country, her observations about what was really behind the deterioration of the King's character, and his dislike of her. I very much appreciated how Ms Lawrence has placed the spirit of Anne Boleyn in the shadows, too; a warning from history.
I expected the series to end with this book so was surprised when it didn't, but I researched a little and discovered that the story of Anne the Survivor has more strings to its bow than I realised, so I very much look forward to reading about her take on the marriage and reign of Mary, in particular.
High recommendation!
Anne is portrayed exactly as I've always imagined her, as a dignified, kind and clever woman. Her wise choice of accepting the annulment without complaint was aided, of course, by the fact that she was no more enamoured of Henry than he was of her, but there are some marvellous passages when she talks about her survival being far more important than any notions of foolish pride.
'...these things we create and take inside ourselves, these things we cling to and call pride and honour, they are meaningless... these things, they have meaning only if we think they do. They are baubles, shining so bright we think they are the sun but the are shimmering surface reflecting only candlelight. They are shadows. Their light is a lie created by man, reflected back at us to dazzle our eyes and confuse our minds.'
Also, when she saw how the monasteries had been destroyed mainly to serve the greed of those already in possession of great riches, her take on another of the Seven Deadly Sins: avarice (or greed).
'...Yet these men did not know the truth, that this sickness for gold could never be cured by adding more gold to their purses or hands ... once within the veins of a man it did not feed him, it sucked the essence of his soul, the sickness of greed leeching all from that man until greed was all that possessed his mind. It was a demon which crept into the skin of a person...'
I loved her impressions of the English culture and customs, as opposed to those of her own country, her observations about what was really behind the deterioration of the King's character, and his dislike of her. I very much appreciated how Ms Lawrence has placed the spirit of Anne Boleyn in the shadows, too; a warning from history.
I expected the series to end with this book so was surprised when it didn't, but I researched a little and discovered that the story of Anne the Survivor has more strings to its bow than I realised, so I very much look forward to reading about her take on the marriage and reign of Mary, in particular.
High recommendation!
December 15, 2024
I liked this book better than the first in the series. This is what I hoped for, an creative and empathetic exploration of what Anne of Cleves might have felt. She leaves home to marry a man twice her age, who has already set aside one wife and killed another. I don't have a deep knowledge of English history, but even the little I've heard of Anne's marriage to Henry are full of bizarre stories, from his introduction to her in disguise to the way she apparently claimed not to know how children were made. The author's take on the history is really interesting and engaging, with an Anne who is canny and gracious, surviving a precarious situation which easily could've killed her, while others around her struggle and end up dead.
But then the rest of the book after her marriage is annulled is not great. It mostly consists of Anne's friends showing up and telling her stories about how Catherine Howard is doing in her place. That's also an interesting piece of history, but it's not really Anne's story, and it fits here awkwardly.
But then the rest of the book after her marriage is annulled is not great. It mostly consists of Anne's friends showing up and telling her stories about how Catherine Howard is doing in her place. That's also an interesting piece of history, but it's not really Anne's story, and it fits here awkwardly.
July 16, 2024
The second book in this series is almost exclusively set in 1540, the most jammed packed and important year of Anna's life. We follow along with Anna as she endures one of the worst arranged marriages in English history, and Lawrence makes it VERY clear that there was nothing at all wrong with Anna when she met the king - the problem was all Henry VIII.
There is still a little too much info dumping and repetition, but not as bad as Book 1, probably because there is more action here as events move very fast from wedding to marriage to divorce.
My favorite scene was Anna's epic speech to one of her ladies the night before the divorce in which she rejects pride as a thing that does not exist - that she would rather actually live her life than destroy it for something so nebulas. It was, honestly, a Crowning Moment of Awesome. Go Anna!
September 10, 2024
I am an admitted anglophile and in the past enjoyed many historical novels. A chance comment on X introduced me to writer G Lawrence, whose forte is historical fiction. I read The Swan Maiden and was blown away by the authenticity and obvious in-depth research about Anna of Cleves, the fourth wife of Henry the 8th. Lawrence is adept at breathing life into this character who with wisdom far beyond her years is able to endure the madness of Henry the 8th who discarded wives like yesterday’s refuse. Anna not only survives but thrives as Henry casts her aside for the young nubile Catherine Howard. The color and pageantry of the Tudor period dances through the pages of this book. I am now a rabid fan and must read the predecessor in the series, Book One of the Surface and the Deep: Story of Anna of Cleaves, This Whiteness of Swans.
November 21, 2024
THE SWAN MAIDEN
G. Lawrence
Review by Author Roy Murry
In 1540, Anna of Cleves was to become the Queen of England, marrying the Tudor King Henry VIII, who had three wives. Anna's evaluation of her situation in becoming Queen mentions what happened surrounding them.
Anna tells her story in the first person. She describes her new world by interjecting the pros and cons of her family's and England's politics, new friendships, and the king's physical and mental abilities.
Anna's story is compelling, shocking, heartwarming, and a testament to her strength and resilience. She is a survivor with a strong mind, leading to her fate under the power of an erratic king.
G. Lawrence's writing about this historical English event will keep the readers turning the page even though they may have read the Wikipedia version. This version is an eloquent and entertaining one.
G. Lawrence
Review by Author Roy Murry
In 1540, Anna of Cleves was to become the Queen of England, marrying the Tudor King Henry VIII, who had three wives. Anna's evaluation of her situation in becoming Queen mentions what happened surrounding them.
Anna tells her story in the first person. She describes her new world by interjecting the pros and cons of her family's and England's politics, new friendships, and the king's physical and mental abilities.
Anna's story is compelling, shocking, heartwarming, and a testament to her strength and resilience. She is a survivor with a strong mind, leading to her fate under the power of an erratic king.
G. Lawrence's writing about this historical English event will keep the readers turning the page even though they may have read the Wikipedia version. This version is an eloquent and entertaining one.
September 7, 2024
fabulous addition to the Tudor legends!
Anne of Cleves is much maligned from HenryVIII’s famous repudiation due to her looks. Was she really that horrible to look upon? Lawrence does a great job of bringing her to life, creating the picture of a strong, savvy resilient woman who survives the tempestuous immature impulsive narcissist that was Henry, and his sycophantic, power mongering courtiers. Thoroughly enjoyed this novel.
Anne of Cleves is much maligned from HenryVIII’s famous repudiation due to her looks. Was she really that horrible to look upon? Lawrence does a great job of bringing her to life, creating the picture of a strong, savvy resilient woman who survives the tempestuous immature impulsive narcissist that was Henry, and his sycophantic, power mongering courtiers. Thoroughly enjoyed this novel.
November 7, 2024
A little chatty
The author is knowledgeable of the Tudors, and this can be a bit of a problem when the plot stops and the author adds trite details about very minor members of the court. Even though we know Anne’s feelings about being put aside, there is excess chit chat as Anne explains herself over and over. The author is filling out three books when one would do just fine. However, I did like some of her thoughtful observations about human nature.
The author is knowledgeable of the Tudors, and this can be a bit of a problem when the plot stops and the author adds trite details about very minor members of the court. Even though we know Anne’s feelings about being put aside, there is excess chit chat as Anne explains herself over and over. The author is filling out three books when one would do just fine. However, I did like some of her thoughtful observations about human nature.
September 5, 2024
An excellent reimagining of the story of Anne of Cleves. The depictions of Henry VIII as a disgusting, foul smelling, narcissistic man in his later years, as well as the political chaos swirling around the issue of religion is very reminiscent of today’s strife.
October 24, 2024
Excellent Historical Fiction
This does a great job of portraying a story about Henry ViIII in a realistic and interesting way. Highly recommended for those who like realism with their fiction
This does a great job of portraying a story about Henry ViIII in a realistic and interesting way. Highly recommended for those who like realism with their fiction
December 10, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this new perspective on Anne of Cleves. The writing and in-depth insight into the possible character of this historical figures are both exceptional. I will follow this author and can't wait to read the next book.
December 21, 2024
Much better book than the first one. Much more about Anna, and her life in England here. I think she deserved all the happiness she could get, and it was nothing but a stroke of luck that she made it to be the sister of H8, instead of another buried victim of his wrath.
February 5, 2025
Another absolutely beautifully written and historically brilliant tale by Lawrence! I have read several of these gems, and each is magical! I’ve also read Phillipa Gregory, but these tapestries, in my opinion, have a far greater depth! Highly recommended!
April 11, 2025
Gripping and beautifully written.
The Swan Maiden pulls you straight into the heart of Tudor court intrigue through the eyes of Anna of Cleves. G. Lawrence brings history to life with emotion, intelligence, and depth. A compelling read for any historical fiction lover.
The Swan Maiden pulls you straight into the heart of Tudor court intrigue through the eyes of Anna of Cleves. G. Lawrence brings history to life with emotion, intelligence, and depth. A compelling read for any historical fiction lover.
August 1, 2024
Well thought
Excellent vernacular, description, research, and imagination. Finally exploring the "survivied" Queen of England's story. I highly anticipate the final installment.
Excellent vernacular, description, research, and imagination. Finally exploring the "survivied" Queen of England's story. I highly anticipate the final installment.
October 21, 2024
Ann of Cleves
This is a fiction w that seems well researched. There are three books in n all so I will write report after I finish the last one
This is a fiction w that seems well researched. There are three books in n all so I will write report after I finish the last one
November 18, 2024
Can't say enough how much I have enjoyed this series. Now waiting for book three!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews