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The Plantagenet and Tudor Novels #11
Boleyn Traitor
Philippa Gregory returns with a dazzling historical novel of ambition, betrayal, and survival in the court of Henry VIII.
Jane Boleyn watches from the shadows of the Tudor court, where secrets are currency, every choice is dangerous, and even the faintest whisper can seal the fate of queens.
For Jane, survival demands playing every role required of her: a loving wife who conceals her doubts, a devoted sister to Anne Boleyn at the height of her power, and an obedient spy who carefully wields her words. But in a court ruled by ambition and a tyrant’s sword, Jane must rely on her sharp wit and skillful maneuvering to outthink those around her, knowing that one wrong move could cost her everything.
Philippa Gregory masterfully shines a spotlight on the untold story of Jane Boleyn, peeling back the myths to reveal a complex portrait of a woman who dared to survive at any cost. Perfect for fans of thrilling historical drama and readers captivated by the intrigue of the Tudor period, Boleyn Traitor is a must-read.
Jane Boleyn watches from the shadows of the Tudor court, where secrets are currency, every choice is dangerous, and even the faintest whisper can seal the fate of queens.
For Jane, survival demands playing every role required of her: a loving wife who conceals her doubts, a devoted sister to Anne Boleyn at the height of her power, and an obedient spy who carefully wields her words. But in a court ruled by ambition and a tyrant’s sword, Jane must rely on her sharp wit and skillful maneuvering to outthink those around her, knowing that one wrong move could cost her everything.
Philippa Gregory masterfully shines a spotlight on the untold story of Jane Boleyn, peeling back the myths to reveal a complex portrait of a woman who dared to survive at any cost. Perfect for fans of thrilling historical drama and readers captivated by the intrigue of the Tudor period, Boleyn Traitor is a must-read.
496 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2025
2613 people are currently reading
28384 people want to read
About the author
Philippa Gregory
135 books36.8k followersDR PHILIPPA GREGORY studied history at the University of Sussex and was awarded a PhD by the University of Edinburgh where she is a Regent and was made Alumna of the Year in 2009. She holds an honorary degree from Teesside University, and is a fellow of the Universities of Sussex and Cardiff. Philippa is a member of the Society of Authors and in 2016, was presented with the Outstanding Contribution to Historical Fiction Award by the Historical Writers’ Association. In 2018, she was awarded an Honorary Platinum Award by Neilsen for achieving significant lifetime sales across her entire book output. In 2021, she was awarded a CBE for services to literature and to her charity Gardens for the Gambia. and was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.
She welcomes visitors to her site www.PhilippaGregory.com.
Philippa's Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/PhilippaGregoryOfficial
She welcomes visitors to her site www.PhilippaGregory.com.
Philippa's Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/PhilippaGregoryOfficial
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 723 reviews
September 30, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
Jane Boleyn, otherwise known as Lady Rochford, was one of the minor Tudor women for whom there was little documentation in her own time, but she’s brought wonderfully to life in Philippa Gregory’s superb “Boleyn Traitor”.
Jane speaks to us through the mists of time, to bring the Tudor court during Henry VIII’s infamous reign, vividly to life.
An intelligent lady, she was married to George Boleyn and was sister- in-law to Anne. She served as a lady in waiting to five of Henry VIII’s wives, and was informer and spy for Thomas Cromwell, watching from the shadows, listening for any snippets of gossip, some of which could seal the fate of queens, and what she didn’t know, wasn’t worth knowing!
In order to survive in King Henry’s court, Jane had to play many parts, outthinking her peers and sometimes her queens, after all, the King became more of a tyrant as the years passed, and to put one foot wrong, to say one wrong word, could so easily lead to the scaffold, whatever one’s station in life!
This is a historical novel of ambition, betrayal, and survival in the court of Henry VIII. A thrilling, page turning novel, and I have only one word to describe it - superb, simply superb!
*Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
Jane Boleyn, otherwise known as Lady Rochford, was one of the minor Tudor women for whom there was little documentation in her own time, but she’s brought wonderfully to life in Philippa Gregory’s superb “Boleyn Traitor”.
Jane speaks to us through the mists of time, to bring the Tudor court during Henry VIII’s infamous reign, vividly to life.
An intelligent lady, she was married to George Boleyn and was sister- in-law to Anne. She served as a lady in waiting to five of Henry VIII’s wives, and was informer and spy for Thomas Cromwell, watching from the shadows, listening for any snippets of gossip, some of which could seal the fate of queens, and what she didn’t know, wasn’t worth knowing!
In order to survive in King Henry’s court, Jane had to play many parts, outthinking her peers and sometimes her queens, after all, the King became more of a tyrant as the years passed, and to put one foot wrong, to say one wrong word, could so easily lead to the scaffold, whatever one’s station in life!
This is a historical novel of ambition, betrayal, and survival in the court of Henry VIII. A thrilling, page turning novel, and I have only one word to describe it - superb, simply superb!
*Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
November 16, 2025
You think the folks on Capitol Hill have lost their minds?
Honey, they're not even close to approaching the level of crazy in the Tudor court of England's King Henry VIII.
Lawd, have mercy!
Boleyn Traitor, the latest release from Philippa Gregory — queen of historical fiction, long may she reign — exposes the dark side of the renowned Tudor court that simmered just beneath the jewels, extravagant clothes, and lavish balls.
At the novel's center is Lady Jane Rochford, the shrewd wife of George Boleyn (brother of Henry’s ill-fated second wife Anne).
Trained from the young age of 11 to serve as a professional courtier, Jane knows how to play the ruthless game of navigating power, when to speak and when to stay quiet.
She was so adept, in fact, that Jane managed to survive at Henry VIII’s court long enough to serve five of his six queens.
Full of intrigue, romance, and treachery, Boleyn Traitor provides readers with fascinating historical insight woven within richly detailed storytelling.
~ • ~ After Thoughts ~ • ~
I couldn't help but notice the similarities between the antics in Henry’s court and the shenanigans playing out on Capitol Hill: backstabbing, infighting, and endless drama.
England's reign of Henry VIII was just like Donald Trump’s presidency, says author Philippa Gregory: “Henry VIII focused the administration on himself and ruled increasingly by fiat…from that position of tyranny."
Henry considered himself above the law; advanced personal desires under the guise of public policy; inherited his power (ie wealth) from his father; obsessed over self-image; went on the attack after receiving criticism, letting his citizens know they were "fables" (ie. fake news).
Henry believed he was chosen by God, and answerable only to Him.
In terms of legacy, Henry VIII goes down in history as a tyrant, a narcissist, and a corrupter.
From the author:
"Now, there is a growing understanding of him as a dangerous man: an abuser of women, a false friend, and a tyrant. Like modern tyrants, Henry used the institutions and traditions against his society, he used the law to unlawfully persecute his victims.
"Tyranny is the theme of this novel, written in difficult times when so-called strong men (or those who posture as strong) are in power.
"By the time the tyrant comes for us, it is too late. We must not be like Jane Boleyn, recognising the dangers too late to say no, or we will be silenced like her, and the tyrant will write our history, too."
Honey, they're not even close to approaching the level of crazy in the Tudor court of England's King Henry VIII.
Lawd, have mercy!
Boleyn Traitor, the latest release from Philippa Gregory — queen of historical fiction, long may she reign — exposes the dark side of the renowned Tudor court that simmered just beneath the jewels, extravagant clothes, and lavish balls.
At the novel's center is Lady Jane Rochford, the shrewd wife of George Boleyn (brother of Henry’s ill-fated second wife Anne).
Trained from the young age of 11 to serve as a professional courtier, Jane knows how to play the ruthless game of navigating power, when to speak and when to stay quiet.
She was so adept, in fact, that Jane managed to survive at Henry VIII’s court long enough to serve five of his six queens.
Full of intrigue, romance, and treachery, Boleyn Traitor provides readers with fascinating historical insight woven within richly detailed storytelling.
~ • ~ After Thoughts ~ • ~
I couldn't help but notice the similarities between the antics in Henry’s court and the shenanigans playing out on Capitol Hill: backstabbing, infighting, and endless drama.
England's reign of Henry VIII was just like Donald Trump’s presidency, says author Philippa Gregory: “Henry VIII focused the administration on himself and ruled increasingly by fiat…from that position of tyranny."
Henry considered himself above the law; advanced personal desires under the guise of public policy; inherited his power (ie wealth) from his father; obsessed over self-image; went on the attack after receiving criticism, letting his citizens know they were "fables" (ie. fake news).
Henry believed he was chosen by God, and answerable only to Him.
In terms of legacy, Henry VIII goes down in history as a tyrant, a narcissist, and a corrupter.
From the author:
"Now, there is a growing understanding of him as a dangerous man: an abuser of women, a false friend, and a tyrant. Like modern tyrants, Henry used the institutions and traditions against his society, he used the law to unlawfully persecute his victims.
"Tyranny is the theme of this novel, written in difficult times when so-called strong men (or those who posture as strong) are in power.
"By the time the tyrant comes for us, it is too late. We must not be like Jane Boleyn, recognising the dangers too late to say no, or we will be silenced like her, and the tyrant will write our history, too."
October 21, 2025
I loved this story of treachery and cunning within the Court of King Henry VIII! Philippa Gregory has always been one of my favorite authors and I was very excited to read this new book. Even though the story of Henry VIII's wives is very well known, readers are treated to a new version through the eyes of a different narrator, a key figure in the castle, Jane Boleyn the wife of George Boleyn, Queen Anne's brother.
Ms. Gregory does not muddle the narrative with old world language or speech. It is perfectly crafted to propel the story along and engage the reader in the mysteries surrounding the King's court. I found this story to be an enlightening and dynamic tale of lies, secrets, and deceit. I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction.
My sincere thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read this captivating book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Ms. Gregory does not muddle the narrative with old world language or speech. It is perfectly crafted to propel the story along and engage the reader in the mysteries surrounding the King's court. I found this story to be an enlightening and dynamic tale of lies, secrets, and deceit. I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction.
My sincere thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read this captivating book. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 24, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
I was very excited when I heard that Philippa Gregory was writing a new book from the perspective of Jane Rochford, sister-in-law to Anne Boleyn. I've always had a soft spot for Jane, who has gone down in history as the spurned wife that betrayed her husband and his sister to their deaths, then went mad with guilt. Much like with Anne, Katherine Howard, and Mary I, however, Jane's been undergoing a bit of a feminist reconsideration these past several years, with much of what's been uncovered about her indicating that the image of a twisted, spiteful harridan was more slander than truth.
Gregory has written about Jane twice before, first as a supporting character in The Other Boleyn Girl, and then as a POV in The Boleyn Inheritance. Boleyn Traitor is set parallel to both books, only now Jane is written to reflect recent scholarship, revealing a woman who is neither unpleasant nor depraved. Instead she is the highly-educated daughter of a scholar who can speak more languages than anyone else at court and whose intelligence is valued by everyone from her family to the king himself. She still longs for love, but she and George are more like co-workers than sworn enemies--passionless but cooperative. Gregory doesn't incorporate all of the new theories about the doomed couple (such as George having been abusive or Jane having been promiscuous), but they are a far cry from what we saw in The Other Boleyn Girl.
I recall Gregory saying she regretted her earliest portrayal of Amy Dudley, which depicted Amy as emotionally unstable, and sought to improve it when she wrote The Virgin's Lover. Here, Gregory practically starts over from scratch, writing something that stands apart on its own from the rest of her Tudor series. I admire her willingness to do that, and I also appreciate her ability to make sense of some of the characters' most puzzling actions. Her take on Jane's "madness" is very clever, and there is something quite poignant about Jane's relationship with Kitty Howard, which is driven both by self-preservation and a sisterly love for the young queen. Jane is not perfect, but she is sympathetic, and time and again she is the one who is betrayed--by George and Anne, by her father and her uncle, and ultimately even by Kitty.
My only complaint would be that I wish we had gotten to see more of Jane's marriage with George, given how different it is from every other depiction of the two of them. Well, that and that I wish my copy of this book included an Author's Note (which will presumably be in the published version). I'm eager to know more about Gregory's decision to write this book.
(Oh, and let's hope that Mary of Guise getting name-dropped so many times means there's a book about her in the pipeline. Fingers crossed!)
Audiobook Update
I enjoyed the audiobook for this story, although Gemma Whelan's narration took a little while for me to get used to. I wasn't a big fan of how she read Anne (especially compared to Vanessa Kirby's reading of her in The Other Boleyn Girl) but I thought she brought Cromwell to life in a way that he hadn't been on the page (his "commoner's" accent was a great touch). His scenes with Jane were probably my favorite overall. Interestingly, this is not the first book I've read to suggest that Cromwell may have had a bit of a thing for her.
Certain things stick out more in the audiobook narrations, such as Gregory's love of having her protagonists launch into lengthy inner monologues about the depth of Henry's corruption. This is a feature of nearly every one of her Tudor novels, and is clearly an insert of the author's own ruminations. The second half of this novel, focused entirely on Katherine Howard's short-lived reign, also started to drag a bit during the re-read (Katherine, while very sympathetic, is more than a little annoying), but it still built up to a satisfying conclusion.
As I had anticipated, the finished novel does include an Author's Note discussing how Jane Boleyn has been smeared throughout history for betraying her husband and sister-in-law to their deaths, despite there not being an evidence of this. Gregory says this started during the reign of Elizabeth I, when Tudor loyalists needed someone to blame for her mother's downfall without pointing the finger at Anne's murderer, Henry VIII. The Victorians painted Jane's seemingly inexplicable actions as the work of an inherently wicked women, whereas the progressives of the sexual revolution reconceptualized her as having been driven by sexual depravity. I greatly appreciate Gregory's decision to challenge these caricatures of Jane with a portrayal based on logic and research (she also discussed how many historians now doubt that Kitty ever went so far as to have sex with Thomas Culpepper). What I appreciated less was Gregory's failure to mention that she wrote not one, but two other books portraying Jane as a spiteful, unbalanced nymphomaniac herself. It's all well and good to accuse other writers of stooping to misogynistic stereotypes in their work, but you then need to be willing to admit when you've done the same.
I was very excited when I heard that Philippa Gregory was writing a new book from the perspective of Jane Rochford, sister-in-law to Anne Boleyn. I've always had a soft spot for Jane, who has gone down in history as the spurned wife that betrayed her husband and his sister to their deaths, then went mad with guilt. Much like with Anne, Katherine Howard, and Mary I, however, Jane's been undergoing a bit of a feminist reconsideration these past several years, with much of what's been uncovered about her indicating that the image of a twisted, spiteful harridan was more slander than truth.
Gregory has written about Jane twice before, first as a supporting character in The Other Boleyn Girl, and then as a POV in The Boleyn Inheritance. Boleyn Traitor is set parallel to both books, only now Jane is written to reflect recent scholarship, revealing a woman who is neither unpleasant nor depraved. Instead she is the highly-educated daughter of a scholar who can speak more languages than anyone else at court and whose intelligence is valued by everyone from her family to the king himself. She still longs for love, but she and George are more like co-workers than sworn enemies--passionless but cooperative. Gregory doesn't incorporate all of the new theories about the doomed couple (such as George having been abusive or Jane having been promiscuous), but they are a far cry from what we saw in The Other Boleyn Girl.
I recall Gregory saying she regretted her earliest portrayal of Amy Dudley, which depicted Amy as emotionally unstable, and sought to improve it when she wrote The Virgin's Lover. Here, Gregory practically starts over from scratch, writing something that stands apart on its own from the rest of her Tudor series. I admire her willingness to do that, and I also appreciate her ability to make sense of some of the characters' most puzzling actions. Her take on Jane's "madness" is very clever, and there is something quite poignant about Jane's relationship with Kitty Howard, which is driven both by self-preservation and a sisterly love for the young queen. Jane is not perfect, but she is sympathetic, and time and again she is the one who is betrayed--by George and Anne, by her father and her uncle, and ultimately even by Kitty.
My only complaint would be that I wish we had gotten to see more of Jane's marriage with George, given how different it is from every other depiction of the two of them. Well, that and that I wish my copy of this book included an Author's Note (which will presumably be in the published version). I'm eager to know more about Gregory's decision to write this book.
(Oh, and let's hope that Mary of Guise getting name-dropped so many times means there's a book about her in the pipeline. Fingers crossed!)
Audiobook Update
I enjoyed the audiobook for this story, although Gemma Whelan's narration took a little while for me to get used to. I wasn't a big fan of how she read Anne (especially compared to Vanessa Kirby's reading of her in The Other Boleyn Girl) but I thought she brought Cromwell to life in a way that he hadn't been on the page (his "commoner's" accent was a great touch). His scenes with Jane were probably my favorite overall. Interestingly, this is not the first book I've read to suggest that Cromwell may have had a bit of a thing for her.
Certain things stick out more in the audiobook narrations, such as Gregory's love of having her protagonists launch into lengthy inner monologues about the depth of Henry's corruption. This is a feature of nearly every one of her Tudor novels, and is clearly an insert of the author's own ruminations. The second half of this novel, focused entirely on Katherine Howard's short-lived reign, also started to drag a bit during the re-read (Katherine, while very sympathetic, is more than a little annoying), but it still built up to a satisfying conclusion.
As I had anticipated, the finished novel does include an Author's Note discussing how Jane Boleyn has been smeared throughout history for betraying her husband and sister-in-law to their deaths, despite there not being an evidence of this. Gregory says this started during the reign of Elizabeth I, when Tudor loyalists needed someone to blame for her mother's downfall without pointing the finger at Anne's murderer, Henry VIII. The Victorians painted Jane's seemingly inexplicable actions as the work of an inherently wicked women, whereas the progressives of the sexual revolution reconceptualized her as having been driven by sexual depravity. I greatly appreciate Gregory's decision to challenge these caricatures of Jane with a portrayal based on logic and research (she also discussed how many historians now doubt that Kitty ever went so far as to have sex with Thomas Culpepper). What I appreciated less was Gregory's failure to mention that she wrote not one, but two other books portraying Jane as a spiteful, unbalanced nymphomaniac herself. It's all well and good to accuse other writers of stooping to misogynistic stereotypes in their work, but you then need to be willing to admit when you've done the same.
Want to read
April 2, 2025I’m a big fan of Philippa Gregory , I have read many of her books over the years and excited she has a new one coming out! Can’t wait !
October 29, 2025
Years have passed since I last read one of Philippa Gregory’s historical fiction novels, but she knows her craft so well.
From the very first page, you're pulled straight into a web of political intrigue that's as vivid as it is dangerous. I felt as though I were right there at court, stricken with the same quiet dread as those serving under the grisly king. Even knowing how history plays out doesn’t make it any less gripping. The author still manages to keep the familiar charged with suspense.
Would recommend to: Anyone who devours period dramas on tv, because this is exactly the same thing in book form.
Thanks to Netgalley, William Morrow, and the author for this eARC.
From the very first page, you're pulled straight into a web of political intrigue that's as vivid as it is dangerous. I felt as though I were right there at court, stricken with the same quiet dread as those serving under the grisly king. Even knowing how history plays out doesn’t make it any less gripping. The author still manages to keep the familiar charged with suspense.
Would recommend to: Anyone who devours period dramas on tv, because this is exactly the same thing in book form.
Like all courtiers, I become what I was pretending to be. I spent my life pretending to be a loyal servant to an ideal king. I pretended I did not notice as he grew to be a monster. Now he is a monster, and I am madly loyal still.
Thanks to Netgalley, William Morrow, and the author for this eARC.
October 19, 2025
A dull and lifeless retelling of events covered in a more entertaining way in both The Other Boleyn Girl and The Boleyn Inheritance.
October 2, 2025
"Legendary historical novelist Philippa Gregory returns to the court of Henry VIII with this dazzling and provocative tour de force about the high cost of loyalty, love, and betrayal. Her secrets shaped a kingdom. Her loyalty was deadly."
Jane Boleyn, known as Lady Rochford after her marriage to the Queen's brother, George, is back better than ever. We are first introduced to her in The Other Boleyn Girl and now she is chief lady in waiting to her sister-in-law Anne Boleyn when the novel opens. Over the course of eight years, we see her serve three additional queens as Henry VIIII's court becomes more tyrannical. We also learn that Jane has served as a courtier spy to Thomas Cromwell. She is well educated and well versed in the ways of self-preservation at court and tried to help her Queens as well.
To say this book is full of intrigue and deception with all its players wearing a mask, telling lies, and keeping secrets is an understatement. Philippa Gregory is a master at bringing characters almost 500 years old come to life. Jane's voice speaks to us through the millenia of time and inserts us into the middle of Henry's games and his lust for power, control, and quest for admiration. This is one of the juiciest books I have read, yet it is tasteful with closed door scenes. This book is nothing short of a masterpiece and a must-read for lovers of historical fiction and the Tudors. It is one of my favorite books of the year and I highly recommend it. This can easily be read as a stand-alone.
Many thanks to NetGalley, William Morrow, Book Club Girl, and Philippa Gregory for an advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.
Jane Boleyn, known as Lady Rochford after her marriage to the Queen's brother, George, is back better than ever. We are first introduced to her in The Other Boleyn Girl and now she is chief lady in waiting to her sister-in-law Anne Boleyn when the novel opens. Over the course of eight years, we see her serve three additional queens as Henry VIIII's court becomes more tyrannical. We also learn that Jane has served as a courtier spy to Thomas Cromwell. She is well educated and well versed in the ways of self-preservation at court and tried to help her Queens as well.
To say this book is full of intrigue and deception with all its players wearing a mask, telling lies, and keeping secrets is an understatement. Philippa Gregory is a master at bringing characters almost 500 years old come to life. Jane's voice speaks to us through the millenia of time and inserts us into the middle of Henry's games and his lust for power, control, and quest for admiration. This is one of the juiciest books I have read, yet it is tasteful with closed door scenes. This book is nothing short of a masterpiece and a must-read for lovers of historical fiction and the Tudors. It is one of my favorite books of the year and I highly recommend it. This can easily be read as a stand-alone.
Many thanks to NetGalley, William Morrow, Book Club Girl, and Philippa Gregory for an advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 31, 2025
This is my 22nd Philippa Gregory novel, so I think it’s safe to say I’m a bit of a fangirl of her Plantagenet and Tudor series. This one did not disappoint — as always, I love how she makes history feel so vivid and alive. Honestly, King Henry VIII’s reign proves that truth really is stranger than fiction!
What I’ve always appreciated about Gregory is that she doesn’t just write “fun” historical fiction — she digs into the latest research on the real people behind her stories. Because of that, both Catherine Howard and Jane Boleyn come across as very different (and much more complex) than they were in The Boleyn Inheritance. I especially enjoyed this version of Jane — her ambition at court and her possible connection to Cromwell were fascinating.
Since we meet five of Henry’s six wives, we really get a sense of how quickly the court had to adapt to the whims of a king growing increasingly unstable. I really hope there are more books to come in this series!
What I’ve always appreciated about Gregory is that she doesn’t just write “fun” historical fiction — she digs into the latest research on the real people behind her stories. Because of that, both Catherine Howard and Jane Boleyn come across as very different (and much more complex) than they were in The Boleyn Inheritance. I especially enjoyed this version of Jane — her ambition at court and her possible connection to Cromwell were fascinating.
Since we meet five of Henry’s six wives, we really get a sense of how quickly the court had to adapt to the whims of a king growing increasingly unstable. I really hope there are more books to come in this series!
November 9, 2025
DNF @ 20% ???
I got this from the library but got timed out after two weeks- and I'm OK with it. I've loved reading books by this author on The Tudors, but I think I'm just all Tudored out at this point. I might not pick up where I left off, even though I've got this on Hold with the library for another go. It focuses on Anne Boleyn's brother's wife (one of The Queen's ladies) and all her cunning dealing with the machinations at Court- which could always change on a dime depending on how King Henry VIII was feeling.
I got this from the library but got timed out after two weeks- and I'm OK with it. I've loved reading books by this author on The Tudors, but I think I'm just all Tudored out at this point. I might not pick up where I left off, even though I've got this on Hold with the library for another go. It focuses on Anne Boleyn's brother's wife (one of The Queen's ladies) and all her cunning dealing with the machinations at Court- which could always change on a dime depending on how King Henry VIII was feeling.
September 11, 2025
I love her books usually but I didn’t feel this book added much to the story of Lady Rochford I already knew, especially for such a long book. But basically it’s a take on Lady Rochford, Anne Boleyn’s sister in law and her life from being a lady in waiting to Catherine of Aragon, through five wives, and ending at her death for assisting Kitty Howard meeting up with Thomas Culpepper. Of you love Tudor pseudo-history you’ll still enjoy this; however it didn’t have the same sort of allure her other books have had.
December 19, 2025
**3.5 stars**
It's been a hot minute since I've entered the Tudor world so when I saw this book had been released I had a strong sense of nostalgia and knew I wanted to read it. I've actually read all of the books in this author's series so a lot of the characters (also real historical figures of course) were familiar. This one is from the perspective of Jane Boleyn; wife of George and thus sister-in-law of Anne. Jane manages to be a lady-in-waiting to five of the six wives of Henry VIII which is an impressive feat and this book covers all of this period. I found it quite interesting across the board but it did get repetitive at times. Also for some reason there seemed to be an overuse of question marks which by the end irritated me as often what the characters were saying was in fact statements and not questions.
Overall: if you have an interest in the Tudor period and enjoy historical fiction, I would happily recommend.
It's been a hot minute since I've entered the Tudor world so when I saw this book had been released I had a strong sense of nostalgia and knew I wanted to read it. I've actually read all of the books in this author's series so a lot of the characters (also real historical figures of course) were familiar. This one is from the perspective of Jane Boleyn; wife of George and thus sister-in-law of Anne. Jane manages to be a lady-in-waiting to five of the six wives of Henry VIII which is an impressive feat and this book covers all of this period. I found it quite interesting across the board but it did get repetitive at times. Also for some reason there seemed to be an overuse of question marks which by the end irritated me as often what the characters were saying was in fact statements and not questions.
Overall: if you have an interest in the Tudor period and enjoy historical fiction, I would happily recommend.
October 18, 2025
Fold your money back in your pocket and go pick up your copy of the boleyn inheritance. I expected something new, perhaps a slow noose ride of the last 19 days of Anne and George's life? No. Give it a miss.
November 10, 2025
This is a compelling historical take on Jane Boleyn, sister-in-law to Anne and a familiar name to anyone who’s dipped into Tudor history. After being pushed out of the queen’s household, Jane makes an unexpected return—this time as a spy for Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII’s powerful advisor. Her assignment is to keep her eyes and ears open in the queen’s court.
Gregory gives great detail on the daily duties of a chief lady-in-waiting, and those court routines quickly become a front-row seat to every scandal, whisper, and political maneuver. I found it deliciously entertaining to watch Jane navigate the revolving door of Henry’s wives, each with her own dangers and expectations. Jane served five of Henry VIII’s wives. There’s enormous pressure surrounding the need for an heir, and at times it feels as if Jane herself is somehow responsible for whether a queen conceives or not. It’s an immersive, gossipy, and surprisingly tense portrait of a woman trying to stay one step ahead in a world where a single misstep could cost her everything.
I really appreciated how Jane shifts from a peripheral historical figure to someone with real emotional stakes—ambitious, educated, calculating, and simply trying to survive the madness of the king and the dangers of court politics. The story progresses at a moderate pace, and I never felt bored. I did grow anxious during the last 80 or so pages, mostly because I just couldn’t wait to see how Gregory handled the final stretch—especially since it’s written in Jane’s voice.
It’s a satisfying read if you enjoy Tudor intrigue, sharp court dynamics, and stories that blend historical fact with richly imagined personal drama.
Gregory gives great detail on the daily duties of a chief lady-in-waiting, and those court routines quickly become a front-row seat to every scandal, whisper, and political maneuver. I found it deliciously entertaining to watch Jane navigate the revolving door of Henry’s wives, each with her own dangers and expectations. Jane served five of Henry VIII’s wives. There’s enormous pressure surrounding the need for an heir, and at times it feels as if Jane herself is somehow responsible for whether a queen conceives or not. It’s an immersive, gossipy, and surprisingly tense portrait of a woman trying to stay one step ahead in a world where a single misstep could cost her everything.
I really appreciated how Jane shifts from a peripheral historical figure to someone with real emotional stakes—ambitious, educated, calculating, and simply trying to survive the madness of the king and the dangers of court politics. The story progresses at a moderate pace, and I never felt bored. I did grow anxious during the last 80 or so pages, mostly because I just couldn’t wait to see how Gregory handled the final stretch—especially since it’s written in Jane’s voice.
It’s a satisfying read if you enjoy Tudor intrigue, sharp court dynamics, and stories that blend historical fact with richly imagined personal drama.
October 19, 2025
I don’t know how to review this book honestly. I loved Gregory’s previous book, “The Boleyn Inheritance.” And this book tells, roughly, the same story, from the same point of view character, but contradicts a lot of the established lore in her previous book. Is this a soft reboot? Does this book take place in the same “universe” as her previous Tudor works?
More relevantly, just because I enjoyed Boleyn Inheritance more, does that mean I should dock points from Boleyn Traitor?
And finally, Gregory at the end of this book gives a great aside about how Jane Boleyn’s reputation has been raked over the coals by historians. She does not note that she, herself, wrote Jane Boleyn as an incredibly malevolent figure in Boleyn Inheritance. Does she think I forgot? That’s bold, to assume that your fans just don’t remember your books. Did she forget? Is she lying? To clarify, it’s fine if she wants to rewrite a book she wrote before, God knows Spider-Man’s story has been told and retold. But it is… odd that she isn’t remarking on this at all.
So I have trouble reviewing this book. There’s too much going on in the back of my mind on the Meta level to really analyze this book on its own merits. “Boleyn Inheritance” is a lot more fun. But this book has its moments, and aside from being bored a few times (again, I have heard this story before, by the same author) I can’t really put my finger on a good critique.
So. 3/5 stars. It’s… it’s definitely a book?
More relevantly, just because I enjoyed Boleyn Inheritance more, does that mean I should dock points from Boleyn Traitor?
And finally, Gregory at the end of this book gives a great aside about how Jane Boleyn’s reputation has been raked over the coals by historians. She does not note that she, herself, wrote Jane Boleyn as an incredibly malevolent figure in Boleyn Inheritance. Does she think I forgot? That’s bold, to assume that your fans just don’t remember your books. Did she forget? Is she lying? To clarify, it’s fine if she wants to rewrite a book she wrote before, God knows Spider-Man’s story has been told and retold. But it is… odd that she isn’t remarking on this at all.
So I have trouble reviewing this book. There’s too much going on in the back of my mind on the Meta level to really analyze this book on its own merits. “Boleyn Inheritance” is a lot more fun. But this book has its moments, and aside from being bored a few times (again, I have heard this story before, by the same author) I can’t really put my finger on a good critique.
So. 3/5 stars. It’s… it’s definitely a book?
November 28, 2025
Boleyn Traitor by Philippa Gregory tells the story of Jane Boleyn in a first person narrative and is easy to slide into. Married to George Boleyn - Anne Boleyn's brother - Jane holds the title of Lady Rochford and we pick up her story in the year 1534. At almost thirty years old, Jane is the first lady at King Henry VIII's court serving her sister-in-law Anne Boleyn; who is mother to Princess Elizabeth and 5 months pregnant.
Jane is in love with George and the entire Boleyn family and has been married to George for almost half her life. Jane reflects on her service to the old Queen, Katherine of Aragon but relishes her prestigious place at court.
King Henry's court is full of rising and falling fortunes and Jane is banished from court following her attempt to remove one of the King's mistresses on Anne's behalf. Later brought back to court by Thomas Cromwell, Jane is grateful to return and agrees to be one of Cromwell's many informants.
Scandal rocks the court when Anne Boleyn is accused of adultery and incest with her brother George and they're both executed for treason. Many accounts portray Jane as betraying her husband George by giving Cromwell evidence against the pair but in Boleyn Traitor, Gregory offers a different perspective.
The King marries Jane Seymour very soon after while our protagonist is grieving the loss of her husband and beloved sister-in-law, feeling lost without them:
"Jane Seymour sails downriver from Chelsea in Anne's barge, wearing Anne's clothes, and sleeps in Anne's bed, in Anne's sheets. The monograms on the sheets and towels and linen are picked out, and the A under the coronet is replaced with a newly embroidered J. In the evenings, we light the candles that Anne ordered; they have not even burned down. Everything is the same; only the queen is different, and the newly joyous mood of the court." Page 174
Much of the plot of this book felt familiar and not only because I've read so many books set in the Tudor court, but I happened to read The Boleyn Inheritance by Philippa Gregory in January 2025. Published in 2006, it contains first person narratives from Jane Boleyn, Anne of Cleves and Katherine Howard up until Jane and Katherine's death. Given Boleyn Traitor also follows Jane Boleyn until her death in 1542, much of the content was familiar, and I soon realised reading The Boleyn Inheritance just 9 months before Boleyn Traitor was bad timing on my part.
What sets these two books apart though is that Gregory portrays Jane Boleyn and Katherine Howard in a completely different way and there is greater emphasis on King Henry VIII as an out of control tyrant.
When it's clear Jane fears the worst for Katherine Howard (Kitty in this novel) she reflects:
"I think that those in service to a tyrant are called to strange and dark work. I want to think that I am a master courtier, steering her through a crisis in her marriage, and this will all blow over. But right now, I don't feel like a master courtier at all; I feel like her gaoler, and I think that when you enter the service of a tyrant, you never know what work you will sink to." Page 431
As an historian and bestselling author, I believe the author is using her platform to comment here on tyrants in history as a warning to the modern reader about what happens when a narcissistic tyrant is continually flattered and placated and no longer bound by the constraints of law and government.
Boleyn Traitor by Philippa Gregory is recommended to fans of Tudor history open to a refreshingly different take on Jane Boleyn, previously portrayed as a villain and divisive figure in history.
* Copy courtesy of Harper Collins *
Jane is in love with George and the entire Boleyn family and has been married to George for almost half her life. Jane reflects on her service to the old Queen, Katherine of Aragon but relishes her prestigious place at court.
King Henry's court is full of rising and falling fortunes and Jane is banished from court following her attempt to remove one of the King's mistresses on Anne's behalf. Later brought back to court by Thomas Cromwell, Jane is grateful to return and agrees to be one of Cromwell's many informants.
Scandal rocks the court when Anne Boleyn is accused of adultery and incest with her brother George and they're both executed for treason. Many accounts portray Jane as betraying her husband George by giving Cromwell evidence against the pair but in Boleyn Traitor, Gregory offers a different perspective.
The King marries Jane Seymour very soon after while our protagonist is grieving the loss of her husband and beloved sister-in-law, feeling lost without them:
"Jane Seymour sails downriver from Chelsea in Anne's barge, wearing Anne's clothes, and sleeps in Anne's bed, in Anne's sheets. The monograms on the sheets and towels and linen are picked out, and the A under the coronet is replaced with a newly embroidered J. In the evenings, we light the candles that Anne ordered; they have not even burned down. Everything is the same; only the queen is different, and the newly joyous mood of the court." Page 174
Much of the plot of this book felt familiar and not only because I've read so many books set in the Tudor court, but I happened to read The Boleyn Inheritance by Philippa Gregory in January 2025. Published in 2006, it contains first person narratives from Jane Boleyn, Anne of Cleves and Katherine Howard up until Jane and Katherine's death. Given Boleyn Traitor also follows Jane Boleyn until her death in 1542, much of the content was familiar, and I soon realised reading The Boleyn Inheritance just 9 months before Boleyn Traitor was bad timing on my part.
What sets these two books apart though is that Gregory portrays Jane Boleyn and Katherine Howard in a completely different way and there is greater emphasis on King Henry VIII as an out of control tyrant.
When it's clear Jane fears the worst for Katherine Howard (Kitty in this novel) she reflects:
"I think that those in service to a tyrant are called to strange and dark work. I want to think that I am a master courtier, steering her through a crisis in her marriage, and this will all blow over. But right now, I don't feel like a master courtier at all; I feel like her gaoler, and I think that when you enter the service of a tyrant, you never know what work you will sink to." Page 431
As an historian and bestselling author, I believe the author is using her platform to comment here on tyrants in history as a warning to the modern reader about what happens when a narcissistic tyrant is continually flattered and placated and no longer bound by the constraints of law and government.
Boleyn Traitor by Philippa Gregory is recommended to fans of Tudor history open to a refreshingly different take on Jane Boleyn, previously portrayed as a villain and divisive figure in history.
* Copy courtesy of Harper Collins *
December 12, 2025
had mixed feelings about this book. do like Tudor period of English history
October 20, 2025
Did not finish. I don’t understand the point of this book. The author has told the story before and it’s just depressing.
December 3, 2025
It's been eight years since I've had the opportunity to settle into one of Philippa Gregory's Plantagenet/Tudor novels. It was like 'old times' as I slipped into something familiar. I love her rich storytelling and vivid portrayal of English royalty. She manages to yank me in and holds me hostage.....everytime.
I was a bit worried about the narrator of the audiobook...she was a new name to this series. I've always loved Bianca Amato and Davina Porter, and it's hard to compare new voices to such favorites. While the narrator did a great job, if I could choose, it would be Davina Porter all the way, Bianca is a close, close second.
This story follows Jane, who married into the Boleyn family. This might be, in hindsight, not only a bad decision but also a major regret given the tragic fate that befell several Boleyns during Henry VIII's reign. I liked how Gregory brought Jane's perspective to life. Definitely appreciated since she was often overshadowed by all of the big drama in historical records...until of course, it was her turn to be sucked into the big drama spotlight.
I love sinking into one of Gregory's audiobooks, and this one reminded me of why I keep coming back. I also loved the first person POV. It allowed Jane to shine. So 4.5 stars.
I was a bit worried about the narrator of the audiobook...she was a new name to this series. I've always loved Bianca Amato and Davina Porter, and it's hard to compare new voices to such favorites. While the narrator did a great job, if I could choose, it would be Davina Porter all the way, Bianca is a close, close second.
This story follows Jane, who married into the Boleyn family. This might be, in hindsight, not only a bad decision but also a major regret given the tragic fate that befell several Boleyns during Henry VIII's reign. I liked how Gregory brought Jane's perspective to life. Definitely appreciated since she was often overshadowed by all of the big drama in historical records...until of course, it was her turn to be sucked into the big drama spotlight.
I love sinking into one of Gregory's audiobooks, and this one reminded me of why I keep coming back. I also loved the first person POV. It allowed Jane to shine. So 4.5 stars.
October 12, 2025
I’m such a huge fan of anything Tudor and have read every one of Phillippa Gregory’s Plantagenet and Tudor novels. And I’ve actually read quite a few of them several times.
When I got my hands on Boleyn Traitor, I devoured it. Jane Boleyn, the Lady Rochford, has always intrigued me as she was there mostly in the background during four of Henry VIII’s six wives.
Jane started in court when Katherine of Aragon was queen, then married Anne Boleyn’s brother George so was sister to Anne before and during her time as queen. When Anne was beheaded, somehow Jane stayed at court to then become Lady in Waiting to Anne Cleaves when she was married to Henry.
And lastly, Jane was head Lady to Queen Katherine Howard, and was finally beheaded along with Katherine.
We find out that Jane played a major part of the intrigue and games of court. She was a spymaster for her uncle and then for Thomas Cromwell who had become her benefactor. One of the most fascinating aspects of the book was getting a behind-the-scenes look at the Tudor court, where manipulation, and ambition were the driving forces.
This was one of my favorites of Gregory’s Tudor novels, and I hope she continues with her fascinating looks at the different participants of this era.
*Thank you so much to William Morrow Books and to NetGalley for the gifted eARC!*
When I got my hands on Boleyn Traitor, I devoured it. Jane Boleyn, the Lady Rochford, has always intrigued me as she was there mostly in the background during four of Henry VIII’s six wives.
Jane started in court when Katherine of Aragon was queen, then married Anne Boleyn’s brother George so was sister to Anne before and during her time as queen. When Anne was beheaded, somehow Jane stayed at court to then become Lady in Waiting to Anne Cleaves when she was married to Henry.
And lastly, Jane was head Lady to Queen Katherine Howard, and was finally beheaded along with Katherine.
We find out that Jane played a major part of the intrigue and games of court. She was a spymaster for her uncle and then for Thomas Cromwell who had become her benefactor. One of the most fascinating aspects of the book was getting a behind-the-scenes look at the Tudor court, where manipulation, and ambition were the driving forces.
This was one of my favorites of Gregory’s Tudor novels, and I hope she continues with her fascinating looks at the different participants of this era.
*Thank you so much to William Morrow Books and to NetGalley for the gifted eARC!*
October 23, 2025
I have read all of the Tudor novels by Philippa Gregory. I've enjoyed some of them and others I've found very repetitive. This is purely because the author covered the same period in time, just told by a different person in history. I wanted however to read the new novel because it's being a long time since I've read a Tudor novel by the author.
This novel is again a Tudor saga but from the point of view of Jane Rochford, wife of George Boleyn. The story opens with Jane being lady of waiting to Anne Boleyn who is experiencing her second pregnancy. The story then follows Jane as she is lady in waiting to a further three queens right up until her death.
This is however the second novel by the author featuring Jane Rochford. The first being The Boleyn Inheritance which I enjoyed a lot more than this book.
As always with Philippa Gregory's novels this book was rich in detail and full of Tudor goings on. It is quite clear the story is well researched although I should say there are some liberties. The book also in my opinion is overlong but it does cover the lives of four queens.
Overall I did enjoy this book but the Tudor period is something I love and have read many books about. I did find it long and at times I think padded out but I'm glad that I've read it.
This novel is again a Tudor saga but from the point of view of Jane Rochford, wife of George Boleyn. The story opens with Jane being lady of waiting to Anne Boleyn who is experiencing her second pregnancy. The story then follows Jane as she is lady in waiting to a further three queens right up until her death.
This is however the second novel by the author featuring Jane Rochford. The first being The Boleyn Inheritance which I enjoyed a lot more than this book.
As always with Philippa Gregory's novels this book was rich in detail and full of Tudor goings on. It is quite clear the story is well researched although I should say there are some liberties. The book also in my opinion is overlong but it does cover the lives of four queens.
Overall I did enjoy this book but the Tudor period is something I love and have read many books about. I did find it long and at times I think padded out but I'm glad that I've read it.
October 25, 2025
There was a time in my 20s when I’d carry Phillippa Gregory books around, snatching moments to read here and there, thinking about the story in every spare moment until I finished her latest book.
That time is in the past. This was a chore to read. It’s the story we all know from previous books from a different point of view. It’s hard to root for our main character. It’s hard to root for anyone in Henry VIII’s court.
I no longer want to read stories that end in death, with no redemption, no imagination, or soft landings.
That time is in the past. This was a chore to read. It’s the story we all know from previous books from a different point of view. It’s hard to root for our main character. It’s hard to root for anyone in Henry VIII’s court.
I no longer want to read stories that end in death, with no redemption, no imagination, or soft landings.
January 15, 2026
Sięgnęłam po tylko jedną grudniową premierę, ale czułam, że dokonałam dobrego wyboru. I rzeczywiście, powieść Philippy Gregory „Zdrajczyni Jane Boleyn” okazała się porywającą i dramatyczną podróżą w przeszłość. To właśnie jej, kobiecie, wokół której narosła gruba warstwa pomówień i domysłów, Autorka oddaje głos. To ona, szwagierka słynnej Anny, zabiera nas w sam środek pełnego przepychu, ale też śmiertelnych niebezpieczeństw i brutalnej walki o przetrwanie dworu Tudorów.
W tej powieści najważniejsze są portrety psychologiczne kobiet, ale to Henryk VIII chce uchodzić za władcę marionetek, choć sam daje sobą manipulować. Ukazany bez upiększeń, jawi nam się jako człowiek łasy na pochlebstwa, niestabilny emocjonalnie i kapryśny, z rozbuchanym ego, ale dzierżący władzę absolutną. Jednym skinieniem pozbywa się kolejnych żon, posyłając je na szafot bądź odsuwając na margines dworskiego życia. To on ustanawia się głową kościoła, a dostosowując prawo do swoich celów, decyduje o istnieniu tysięcy ludzi.
Życie na dworze to taniec na linie, z której upadek jest nieunikniony. Kolejne rody rosną w siłę, by za chwilę popaść w niełaskę. Pytanie nie brzmi: „czy?”, tylko: „kiedy?”. I choćbyśmy chcieli, ta historia nie może skończyć się inaczej, bo życie już ją napisało. Możemy jednak spojrzeć na niektóre postacie z innej perspektywy i zrozumieć ich położenie w świecie, gdzie za jeden błąd lub pomówienie znika się w Tower.
Autorka genialnie oddaje atmosferę terroru na dworze, który staje się teatrem groteski i absurdu. To tam, zza zasłony „dworskiej miłości” i „wiecznej zabawy”, wyłania się obraz permanentnej walki o władzę, strachu o życie i narastającego szaleństwa. Uczynienie Jane Boleyn jednocześnie świadkiem i narratorką jest strzałem w dziesiątkę. To ona jest pierwszą damą kolejnych królowych, znajduje się najbliżej wydarzeń i nierzadko, jako szpieg Thomasa Cromwella, ma na nie wpływ. Możemy wejrzeć w jej emocje i pozwolić sobie na własny osąd kobiety, którą historia potraktowała jednoznacznie negatywnie.
Jeśli nadal wahacie się przed sięgnięciem po powieść historyczną, obawiając się nudy, dajcie szansę Philippie Gregory. Jej książki czyta się jednym tchem, czasem nie dowierzając, że taką fabułę napisało życie. Dla mnie to jedna z najlepszych książek w tym gatunku, jakie przeczytałam w ubiegłym roku! Dajcie się porwać tej historii i Wy, bo to literatura na najwyższym światowym poziomie.
W tej powieści najważniejsze są portrety psychologiczne kobiet, ale to Henryk VIII chce uchodzić za władcę marionetek, choć sam daje sobą manipulować. Ukazany bez upiększeń, jawi nam się jako człowiek łasy na pochlebstwa, niestabilny emocjonalnie i kapryśny, z rozbuchanym ego, ale dzierżący władzę absolutną. Jednym skinieniem pozbywa się kolejnych żon, posyłając je na szafot bądź odsuwając na margines dworskiego życia. To on ustanawia się głową kościoła, a dostosowując prawo do swoich celów, decyduje o istnieniu tysięcy ludzi.
Życie na dworze to taniec na linie, z której upadek jest nieunikniony. Kolejne rody rosną w siłę, by za chwilę popaść w niełaskę. Pytanie nie brzmi: „czy?”, tylko: „kiedy?”. I choćbyśmy chcieli, ta historia nie może skończyć się inaczej, bo życie już ją napisało. Możemy jednak spojrzeć na niektóre postacie z innej perspektywy i zrozumieć ich położenie w świecie, gdzie za jeden błąd lub pomówienie znika się w Tower.
Autorka genialnie oddaje atmosferę terroru na dworze, który staje się teatrem groteski i absurdu. To tam, zza zasłony „dworskiej miłości” i „wiecznej zabawy”, wyłania się obraz permanentnej walki o władzę, strachu o życie i narastającego szaleństwa. Uczynienie Jane Boleyn jednocześnie świadkiem i narratorką jest strzałem w dziesiątkę. To ona jest pierwszą damą kolejnych królowych, znajduje się najbliżej wydarzeń i nierzadko, jako szpieg Thomasa Cromwella, ma na nie wpływ. Możemy wejrzeć w jej emocje i pozwolić sobie na własny osąd kobiety, którą historia potraktowała jednoznacznie negatywnie.
Jeśli nadal wahacie się przed sięgnięciem po powieść historyczną, obawiając się nudy, dajcie szansę Philippie Gregory. Jej książki czyta się jednym tchem, czasem nie dowierzając, że taką fabułę napisało życie. Dla mnie to jedna z najlepszych książek w tym gatunku, jakie przeczytałam w ubiegłym roku! Dajcie się porwać tej historii i Wy, bo to literatura na najwyższym światowym poziomie.
January 18, 2026
I read all 15 of the Tudor Series years ago. This one that was just written they are claiming to be number 11. It stars Jane Boleyn, who was Senior Court Attendant to five of the six queens and it spans the years of Katherine to Kateryn. What a terrible time, which to be honest, has some echoes of now. I enjoyed it, but felt that it was a story I have heard from plenty of angles before. Philippa Gregory always weaves a great tale, and this is no exception.
October 20, 2025
Another delve into Tudor history from Philippa Gregory from the viewpoint of Jane Boleyn, Anne’s sister in law. I was fascinated to read that Jane served under 5 different queens and knew that this book was going to cover a large span of Henry’s reign.
Having read all of Gregory’s historical fiction books, I felt like I was reading all of the other books in one volume. It felt repetitive and the only difference was witnessing it from yet another viewpoint. It’s a long read, I would argue too long in all honesty. It would be a great read for anyone new to Tudor historical fiction as it spans over a huge timeline.
I became focused on reaching the end and experiencing Jane’s ‘madness’ as that may offer up something new. Sadly, this wasn’t the case. The time focused on Jane’s downfall felt startlingly brief. Her descent into madness whether false or not was abrupt and rushed just like the ending. I’m sorry to say I was disappointed with this read and feel that Gregory has explored Tudor history to the point where it has become repetitive. I’ve really enjoyed her Tidelands books as they felt fresh and completely different and will hope for more projects like this in the future.
Having read all of Gregory’s historical fiction books, I felt like I was reading all of the other books in one volume. It felt repetitive and the only difference was witnessing it from yet another viewpoint. It’s a long read, I would argue too long in all honesty. It would be a great read for anyone new to Tudor historical fiction as it spans over a huge timeline.
I became focused on reaching the end and experiencing Jane’s ‘madness’ as that may offer up something new. Sadly, this wasn’t the case. The time focused on Jane’s downfall felt startlingly brief. Her descent into madness whether false or not was abrupt and rushed just like the ending. I’m sorry to say I was disappointed with this read and feel that Gregory has explored Tudor history to the point where it has become repetitive. I’ve really enjoyed her Tidelands books as they felt fresh and completely different and will hope for more projects like this in the future.
October 24, 2025
I really wanted to like this, and I tried so hard to finish it. But this was just one continuous timeline of events, and SO BORING. There are no chapters, just time jumps from season and year to the next season and year. I was not drawn to any characters and this added nothing new or dramatic or insightful to the story of Jane. The book is so dry, just the author telling us what happened instead of developing any kind of plot or emotional connection to characters. Super disappointing.
December 3, 2025
IMAGE: MAD TYRANT HENRY VIII EXECUTED AT LEAST 57,000 CITIZENS, MANY WITHOUT TRIAL
There are many of us, I'm sure, who know Anne Boleyn's story inside and out (perhaps from Gregory's The Kingmaker's Daughter, made for TV as "The White Queen" series). Fewer know her sister Mary (The Other Boleyn Girl, also adapted for TV), who was Henry VIII's lover before Anne and was rumored to have birthed two children by him (highly unlikely, now that science has revealed Henry had Kell Syndrome: "Blood group incompatibility between Henry VIII and his wives could have driven the Tudor king's reproductive woes, and a genetic condition related to his suspected blood group could also explain Henry's dramatic mid-life transformation into a physically and mentally-impaired tyrant who executed two of his wives." See ScienceDaily March 3, 2011. Henry did have an acknowledged bastard son, Henry Fitzroy, by Lady Blount, lady-in waiting to his first bride. Fitzroy died at 17 of illness.)
Now comes protagonist Jane Boleyn, ostensibly speaking for herself. Born a Howard woman (one of the most powerful families of the day) she'd been married for ten years to Anne's brother George, Anne's twin, who was executed by beheading and incinerated without trial for being one of Anne's lovers (only in the fertile imagination of Thomas Cromwell, who well knew it wasn't true but surely made the further accusation of Anne's 'witchcraft' seem true. Cromwell did whatever Henry wanted, and Henry was already keen on Jane Seymour, wife #3.) In this novel I learned that, as no one had thought of a coffin for Anne, she was placed in George's coffin with his ashes, her head stuffed under her feet!
Jane was Lady of the Bedchamber, ostensibly head of all ladies-in-waiting, for fully FIVE of Henry's queens. She only missed out on #6, Katherine Parr, after being herself beheaded for assisting the love affair between then 17-year old Kitty Howard, wife #5, and Thomas Culpepper, who were both executed, in turn. (Henry was 50 then. He'd been crowned at 17 and died at 55.)
Historians estimate that during his 36-year reign, Henry caused some 57,000 to 70,000 people to be executed.
In this novel, Gregory points out that Henry routinely bypassed the law that had guaranteed a right to trial since the Magna Carta in 1215. Especially through Thomas Cromwell's bills of attainder, Henry was able to violate what had been the bedrock of English law for almost 350 years. Nobody ever stopped this king, an emotionally fragile and deeply insecure man.
Again and again, Gregory shows what happens when a mad king is always praised no matter how heinous his behavior-- or how patently unlawful:
"There is no subtle work of politics and persuasion at Henry’s court; it has become nothing more than pleasing a difficult man in a court of weakened men." If "a difficult man in a court of weakened men" sounds familiar, it should. And this is only page 49--Henry will soon become much, much worse, as happens when a depressive narcissist is constantly praised and supported by spineless men.
Henry will even execute the invincible Thomas Cromwell himself, who for years had made every one of Henry's fever dreams reality, bypassing both law and long tradition. Henry will later bemoan his loss, loudly and often, as though it had been some other's order that killed him.
"Power has always been in the hands of the king, and THOSE AMONG US WHO THOUGHT WE WERE STEERING HIM OR CONTROLLING HIM ARE VICTIMS IN WAITING (emphasis added). Only the king is in power: only he is happy; only he is unhappy. The rest of us are all pretending, and it does not matter what we feel.
"We have agreed to insane laws and now we find ourselves in a legal tyranny. We have winked at manic cruelty, and now we close our eyes in fear. We thought that we were steering a galloping horse, but we are tangled in the reins and being dragged to our deaths. We have birthed and dandled and fed a tyrant.
"He has gone full-moon mad, and what are we going to do? We cannot overthrow him; we cannot disobey him. We have raised him all-powerful, and now he is beyond restraint, and none of us are safe. IF YOU MAKE A MADMAN A DESPOT, WHAT ARE YOU TO DO WHEN HE GOES INSANE?" (emphasis added)
So Jane, too, loses her head. The mechanism for this is interesting, as well, for the law of Magna Carta had also stated no one who cannot understand to defend themselves can be executed, and Jane, fully aware of the law, had perhaps pretended madness to survive. But Henry orders that law, too, be scratched--even the insane can then be executed, without any trial at all, as is Henry's wont. In her afterword, Gregory explains:
"Tyrants corrupt good institutions against their people; Henry VIII did this five centuries ago. TYRANNY IS THE THEME OF THIS NOVEL (emphasis added), written in difficult times when so called ‘strong men’ (or those who posture as strong), are in power. All of us have to decide what offence against our institutions, against our traditions, against our liberties, or against the liberties and lives of others, is our sticking point: the point where we say ‘no’. History tells us that we must find the courage to defend others, and our country’s institutions and traditions before the danger is immediate and personal. BY THE TIME THE TYRANT COMES FOR US--IT IS TOO LATE (emphasis added). We must not be like Jane Boleyn, recognising the dangers too late to say ‘no’, or we will be silenced like her, and the tyrant will write our history, too."
It is left to novels to speak truth when media blatantly ignores all political reality, and we are--all around the globe--in both the gravest danger and grossly under-reacting. Stateside, people are being trafficked and disappeared without records; men in face-gaiters, as well as criminals who imitate them with no way to mark any difference, are openly committing violence against innocents: women, the disabled, even toddlers, without warrant. We are in the final line of the war poem titled "First They Came:"
First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist
Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist
Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist
Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew
Then they came for me
And there was no one left
To speak out for me --Pastor Martin Niemöller
October 27, 2025
● "Machiavelli says that all kings have to become tyrants or be overthrown. This is the rise of the Tudors to tyranny; this is the rise of Anne to tyranny. Make sure you rise with them."
● Apie Henry VIII: "<...> he's always tired, and he's always in pain - he's terrified of loss, and yet he executes his friends . He wants to be loved, and yet he has no heart."
Philippa Gregory iš tų autorių, kurios knygas skaitau su pasimėgavimu. Tad ir šią skaičiau lėtai, bet skaitymas teikė didžiulį malonumą! Šiame romane autorė pasakoja Jane Boleyn akimis, tačiau ne nuo jos vaikystės, nes mažai kas žinoma apie tai, o nuo to momento, kai Anne Boleyn tapo Henry VIII žmona ir stengėsi susilaukti antrojo vaiko - sosto įpėdinio. Man labai patiko ir buvo įdomu stebėti, kaip ilgai Jane pavyko išsilaikyti dvare, kas jai buvo didžiausias draugas, o kas priešas.
Be to, man labai patiko, kaip buvo atskleista meilės istorija tarp Katheryn Howard ir Thomas Culpeper, o ir pati Katheryn portretas pavaizduotas taip, jog perskaičius knygą jaučiuosi geriau ją suprantanti - kaip sunku jai turėjo būti labai jauna žmona paliegusio, seno ir savotiškai išprotėjusio karaliaus Henry VIII, kuris per savo valdymą nešė nieko gero, bet tik niekam nereikalingas mirtis ir griūtį šalies viduje. Labai įdomus ir autorės žodis kūrinio pabaigoje - būtinai verta perskaityti👌
Jei mėgstate istorinius romanus, labai rekomenduoju šį romaną👌
● Apie Henry VIII: "<...> he's always tired, and he's always in pain - he's terrified of loss, and yet he executes his friends . He wants to be loved, and yet he has no heart."
Philippa Gregory iš tų autorių, kurios knygas skaitau su pasimėgavimu. Tad ir šią skaičiau lėtai, bet skaitymas teikė didžiulį malonumą! Šiame romane autorė pasakoja Jane Boleyn akimis, tačiau ne nuo jos vaikystės, nes mažai kas žinoma apie tai, o nuo to momento, kai Anne Boleyn tapo Henry VIII žmona ir stengėsi susilaukti antrojo vaiko - sosto įpėdinio. Man labai patiko ir buvo įdomu stebėti, kaip ilgai Jane pavyko išsilaikyti dvare, kas jai buvo didžiausias draugas, o kas priešas.
Be to, man labai patiko, kaip buvo atskleista meilės istorija tarp Katheryn Howard ir Thomas Culpeper, o ir pati Katheryn portretas pavaizduotas taip, jog perskaičius knygą jaučiuosi geriau ją suprantanti - kaip sunku jai turėjo būti labai jauna žmona paliegusio, seno ir savotiškai išprotėjusio karaliaus Henry VIII, kuris per savo valdymą nešė nieko gero, bet tik niekam nereikalingas mirtis ir griūtį šalies viduje. Labai įdomus ir autorės žodis kūrinio pabaigoje - būtinai verta perskaityti👌
Jei mėgstate istorinius romanus, labai rekomenduoju šį romaną👌
January 9, 2026
This is why I fell in love with Philippa Gregory and historical fiction in general (and why I myself started writing in the genre) — lush and detailed, evocative of the Tudor world as no one else can do, this novel provides an alternate, feminist, and more empathetic interpretation of the often vilified Jane Boleyn, Lady Rockford, in a deeply intimate and entertaining way.
September 18, 2025
“All that is needed to defeat a tyrant is the courage to say ‘no’.”
Ever since I watched The Other Boleyn Girl movie, I’ve been curious by the Tudor period. So when I received this ARC from @times.reads @putrifariza, I was really excited to see how Philippa Gregory would continue the story more than a decade after her last book.
Boleyn Traitor is a historical fiction novel about Jane Boleyn, a courtier who served five of Henry VIII’s six queens. From Queen Katherine of Aragon to her sister-in-law Anne Boleyn, Jane quickly learns that survival at court means playing her role to perfection.
The book mainly focuses on Jane’s life at court, her interactions with the queens she serves and with her spymaster as she navigates dangerous political intrigues. I was shocked at how ruthless Henry VIII really was. All he wanted were male heirs, and he would stop at nothing to get them.
That said, while the story is told through Jane’s eyes, I sometimes wished there was more depth to her emotions and inner thoughts. I wanted to feel more of her personal struggles alongside the events.
This novel can be read as a standalone, though having some knowledge of the Tudor period definitely helps since so many historical figures come into play.
What I liked most was seeing Jane Boleyn in a new light. In the movie I watched, she wasn’t portrayed very positively, but here I got a deeper sense of her reality that in Tudor England, one whispered secret could send you straight to the executioner’s block. The court was full of spies, betrayals, and lies, and in the end, survival meant watching your own back.
If you enjoy historical fiction or want to dive into the intrigue of the Tudor court, Boleyn Traitor is a must-read!
Ever since I watched The Other Boleyn Girl movie, I’ve been curious by the Tudor period. So when I received this ARC from @times.reads @putrifariza, I was really excited to see how Philippa Gregory would continue the story more than a decade after her last book.
Boleyn Traitor is a historical fiction novel about Jane Boleyn, a courtier who served five of Henry VIII’s six queens. From Queen Katherine of Aragon to her sister-in-law Anne Boleyn, Jane quickly learns that survival at court means playing her role to perfection.
The book mainly focuses on Jane’s life at court, her interactions with the queens she serves and with her spymaster as she navigates dangerous political intrigues. I was shocked at how ruthless Henry VIII really was. All he wanted were male heirs, and he would stop at nothing to get them.
That said, while the story is told through Jane’s eyes, I sometimes wished there was more depth to her emotions and inner thoughts. I wanted to feel more of her personal struggles alongside the events.
This novel can be read as a standalone, though having some knowledge of the Tudor period definitely helps since so many historical figures come into play.
What I liked most was seeing Jane Boleyn in a new light. In the movie I watched, she wasn’t portrayed very positively, but here I got a deeper sense of her reality that in Tudor England, one whispered secret could send you straight to the executioner’s block. The court was full of spies, betrayals, and lies, and in the end, survival meant watching your own back.
If you enjoy historical fiction or want to dive into the intrigue of the Tudor court, Boleyn Traitor is a must-read!
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