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His Name Was Arthur
When Henry Tudor claimed the English throne on the battlefield, he obtained a broken country, one weakened by thirty years of civil unrest, and in need of peace to regain its glory.
His firstborn son, Prince Arthur, was the promise of that peace made flesh, and he would be carefully shaped into the perfect heir to continue his father’s dynasty. From the moment he first drew breath, Arthur Tudor carried the weight of a kingdom on his shoulders.
But behind the pageantry and the grandeur lay a boy who knew only seclusion. A boy raised not to live, but to fulfil a dream that was never his own.
And as the years faded into shadow, young Arthur began to wonder if there was meaning to life beyond the burden of his birthright.
His firstborn son, Prince Arthur, was the promise of that peace made flesh, and he would be carefully shaped into the perfect heir to continue his father’s dynasty. From the moment he first drew breath, Arthur Tudor carried the weight of a kingdom on his shoulders.
But behind the pageantry and the grandeur lay a boy who knew only seclusion. A boy raised not to live, but to fulfil a dream that was never his own.
And as the years faded into shadow, young Arthur began to wonder if there was meaning to life beyond the burden of his birthright.
188 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2025
22 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Leah Toole
9 books176 followersLeah Toole is a captivating historical storyteller, bringing the past to life with her vivid narratives and meticulous research. With an educational background in History, English Literature, and English Language, Toole's passion and dedication is clear, and since publishing her debut novel "The Saddest Princess" she has gone on to write several more books on the Tudor era, which have received praise from all over the world. Outside of work, Leah Toole, as a wife and mother of two, enjoys spending time with her family, as well as reading, and maintaining her thriving TikTok platform, where she shares educational and entertaining Tudor history content.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 30, 2025
I might be a bit biased but 🤭
March 31, 2026
I very much enjoyed this story about Prince Arthur as not much is written about this young man. I believe the author did a good job putting a voice to Arthur from his childhood until his death. The pressure he was under during a very turbulent time for the new Tudor monarchy could not have been easy. It is too bad the world never got to know the impact he would have made over his brother King Henry VIII.
November 22, 2025
Arthur Tudor, despite being an essential and important figure in the early Tudor period, is sadly lesser-known in more modern times. Leah Toole’s book, ‘His Name Was Arthur’, has not only just shown us Arthur in a historical sense, but it has also brought a new (and refreshing) portrayal of him. I adored this book for numerous of reasons - namely, it’s all about Arthur. But I also adored how we got an insight into Henry VII and Elizabeth of York’s marriage, and how they navigated together during such a turbulent period. I loved having the perspective of Arthur growing up, and being able to learn about the people who shaped him into who he was. Though, it was sad to realise that he led such an isolated life as heir (and at such a young age). Seeing his relationship with Katherine made me incredibly happy too!! I feel as though their relationship is never shown right in my opinion, but Leah absolutely wrote them perfectly.
The ending had me BAWLING. I knew it was coming,
but it still hurt. Overall, this book was beautifully written, and I cannot wait to see the rest of the books in Leah Toole’s ‘Tudor Rose Legacy Series’. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves the Tudor period. I am so lucky to have been given this as an ARC read<3
The ending had me BAWLING. I knew it was coming,
but it still hurt. Overall, this book was beautifully written, and I cannot wait to see the rest of the books in Leah Toole’s ‘Tudor Rose Legacy Series’. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves the Tudor period. I am so lucky to have been given this as an ARC read<3
November 30, 2025
This is the second book I have had the privilege of reading by Leah Toole in such a short amount of time, and I loved it!! I never really knew much about Arthur so it was wonderful to dive into his short but very important life and how it changed the course of the English monarchy. I especially loved the storytelling of his childhood and all the changes Arthur must have endured, and it is heartbreaking but beautiful.
For any lover of history and especially the Tudor period, this is a must read!
For any lover of history and especially the Tudor period, this is a must read!
November 27, 2025
Another amazing book Leah!! I really struggled to put this down, always trying to sneak a cheeky chapter in during the day whenever I had a spare minute.
This book beautifully tells the tale of Arthur Tudor, the forgotten but once promising son of King Henry VII who was once worth more than gold to England. As the only little boy who had both Lancaster and York blood running through his veins and being named after the legendary King of Camelot, the future was supposed to be more then bright for Prince Arthur. Throughout this book, we see the trails and triumphs his parents face to secure the dynasty for Arthur and his siblings. The stakes throughout this story are high and Leah does an amazing job (as usual!!) to bring this to life for us. As well as this, she shows us a different side of the prince, one that isn't talked about enough, no matter how much money, fame and respect he has, Arthur, just like any child, craves his parents genuine love and the company of a true friend.
Even though we already know how this book is going to end, Leah had me hoping that history would change and that Arthur would survive (having become quite attached to this overlooked prince!) This book is yet again another Leah Toole masterpiece and with Christmas just around the corner, is the perfect gift for any Tudor or history lover!!
This book beautifully tells the tale of Arthur Tudor, the forgotten but once promising son of King Henry VII who was once worth more than gold to England. As the only little boy who had both Lancaster and York blood running through his veins and being named after the legendary King of Camelot, the future was supposed to be more then bright for Prince Arthur. Throughout this book, we see the trails and triumphs his parents face to secure the dynasty for Arthur and his siblings. The stakes throughout this story are high and Leah does an amazing job (as usual!!) to bring this to life for us. As well as this, she shows us a different side of the prince, one that isn't talked about enough, no matter how much money, fame and respect he has, Arthur, just like any child, craves his parents genuine love and the company of a true friend.
Even though we already know how this book is going to end, Leah had me hoping that history would change and that Arthur would survive (having become quite attached to this overlooked prince!) This book is yet again another Leah Toole masterpiece and with Christmas just around the corner, is the perfect gift for any Tudor or history lover!!
November 21, 2025
Well… my 6th read from Leah, and another incredible story! (Will update with a proper review when it’s not 1am!)
4.5 stars ✨ ARC Read - Leah’s done it again! I read this book in one sitting, which is quite rare for me, because I just love the way Leah tells these stories. The Tudor Heirs series has been one of my favourites in recent memory, and this new series ‘Tudor Rose Legacy’ proves to be just as interesting, with its combination of historical fiction (in the dialogue and interpretation of interactions) and the facts of succession/the grasping for power by all these famous names we’ve come to recognise. There is deep emotion amongst the expectations and duty for these characters, and the bittersweet moments of what is inevitable in historical tales still keeps you hooked until the last page. This book is out on 1st December, and I would thoroughly recommend it, particularly for historical fiction readers (anyone who’s special interest at school was the Tudors particularly 😅)
4.5 stars ✨ ARC Read - Leah’s done it again! I read this book in one sitting, which is quite rare for me, because I just love the way Leah tells these stories. The Tudor Heirs series has been one of my favourites in recent memory, and this new series ‘Tudor Rose Legacy’ proves to be just as interesting, with its combination of historical fiction (in the dialogue and interpretation of interactions) and the facts of succession/the grasping for power by all these famous names we’ve come to recognise. There is deep emotion amongst the expectations and duty for these characters, and the bittersweet moments of what is inevitable in historical tales still keeps you hooked until the last page. This book is out on 1st December, and I would thoroughly recommend it, particularly for historical fiction readers (anyone who’s special interest at school was the Tudors particularly 😅)
November 22, 2025
Incredible story telling again! Leah Toole’s ability to transport you completely into the rich colourful world of the Tudor era. With the grand feasts and celebrations and the very real human interactions and relationships these figures we only read about in history books will have had and the very real losses, duty and hardships they faced. The relationships are again written with such subtle meaningful depth, authenticity and emotion.
Leah effortlessly balances historical accuracy and atmosphere with human vulnerability.
Leah allows readers to understand Arthur as more than a footnote, she makes him a living, breathing presence on the page.
The book stays with you, not because of dramatic twists, but because of the tenderness and humanity in its storytelling.
Leah effortlessly balances historical accuracy and atmosphere with human vulnerability.
Leah allows readers to understand Arthur as more than a footnote, she makes him a living, breathing presence on the page.
The book stays with you, not because of dramatic twists, but because of the tenderness and humanity in its storytelling.
November 21, 2025
First of all thank you Leah for this ARC copy of His Name Was Arthur, I’m so grateful I got to read this before it releases on 1st December!
I am a huge lover of Tudor History and it was so interesting getting a historical fiction book on Arthur Tudor as I feel compared to other historical figures in the Tudor era he is not as often looked at.
This book follows Arthur from his birth until his death in 1502 and it was beautifully written, in a huge fan of Leah’s writing style.
Not only does it cover Arthur but it looks at the importance of his birth being Henry VII’s heir but also other events during Henry VII’s reign.
This is the first book in the Tudor Rose Legacy Series which is going to follow all of Henry VII’s and Elizabeth of York’s surviving children and I’m so excited for the rest of this series as it comes out.
I am a huge lover of Tudor History and it was so interesting getting a historical fiction book on Arthur Tudor as I feel compared to other historical figures in the Tudor era he is not as often looked at.
This book follows Arthur from his birth until his death in 1502 and it was beautifully written, in a huge fan of Leah’s writing style.
Not only does it cover Arthur but it looks at the importance of his birth being Henry VII’s heir but also other events during Henry VII’s reign.
This is the first book in the Tudor Rose Legacy Series which is going to follow all of Henry VII’s and Elizabeth of York’s surviving children and I’m so excited for the rest of this series as it comes out.
November 28, 2025
Another beautiful book by Leah. This time exploring Arthur as a person.
A boy born into a world where there is so much expectation on his young shoulders, only to be hit my tragedy and be a key example of kings in those times needing an ‘Heir and a Spare’.
Leah weaves as much historical accuracy as she can with elements of fiction to give you a picture of what Arthur’s short life was like, without taking away from how important he was meant to be. While also exploring the world at that time, the events and brief touches into the battle Henry VII to keep his crown from those that try and take it away.
Thank you for allowing me to read this. It was a pleasure.
A boy born into a world where there is so much expectation on his young shoulders, only to be hit my tragedy and be a key example of kings in those times needing an ‘Heir and a Spare’.
Leah weaves as much historical accuracy as she can with elements of fiction to give you a picture of what Arthur’s short life was like, without taking away from how important he was meant to be. While also exploring the world at that time, the events and brief touches into the battle Henry VII to keep his crown from those that try and take it away.
Thank you for allowing me to read this. It was a pleasure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2025
Thank you to Leah for an arc copy of His Name is Arthur. I am leaving a review based on my own accordance and opinions. Like many of Leah’s books I have read, this one is no exception to my experiences. I definitely recommend it and finished it in one sitting and one day, was hooked from the very beginning! "His Name is Arthur" is a historical fiction book based of the real accounts of Arthur's life but the thoughts and feelings of his and any of the characters are fictional. I enjoy reading this book and it is like many of Leah's books is one of my favorites. My heart goes out to Arthur for all the pressure for a young boy to go through and I wish that he could have lived.
December 9, 2025
His Name Was Arthur is nothing short of a masterstroke from Leah Toole—an author who doesn’t merely recount history, but breathes life back into it with exquisite detail and emotional depth. In this novel, she gives Arthur Tudor not just a place in the past, but a voice, a pulse, and a humanity that lingers long after the final chapter closes.
Through Arthur’s eyes, the well-known tapestry of Tudor history becomes startlingly intimate. Toole captures the quiet moments as vividly as the monumental ones: the weight of expectation on a boy raised to be a king, the tenderness of his relationships, the ache of duty, and the fragility of a life shaped by forces far beyond his control. She paints his world with such texture—politically, emotionally, personally—that every scene feels alive, as though you’re standing beside him, witnessing his triumphs and heartbreak.
This book does not simply tell Arthur’s story; it immerses you in it. There were moments that made me smile with genuine warmth, and others that struck so deeply they brought tears. Toole’s writing is lyrical yet grounded, dramatic yet authentic, and her portrayal of Arthur is one of the most human, vulnerable, and compelling I’ve encountered in historical fiction.
I closed the final page feeling both moved and changed—a testament to the rare power of her storytelling. It’s a haunting, beautiful, unforgettable read.
An unquestionable **10/10**.
Through Arthur’s eyes, the well-known tapestry of Tudor history becomes startlingly intimate. Toole captures the quiet moments as vividly as the monumental ones: the weight of expectation on a boy raised to be a king, the tenderness of his relationships, the ache of duty, and the fragility of a life shaped by forces far beyond his control. She paints his world with such texture—politically, emotionally, personally—that every scene feels alive, as though you’re standing beside him, witnessing his triumphs and heartbreak.
This book does not simply tell Arthur’s story; it immerses you in it. There were moments that made me smile with genuine warmth, and others that struck so deeply they brought tears. Toole’s writing is lyrical yet grounded, dramatic yet authentic, and her portrayal of Arthur is one of the most human, vulnerable, and compelling I’ve encountered in historical fiction.
I closed the final page feeling both moved and changed—a testament to the rare power of her storytelling. It’s a haunting, beautiful, unforgettable read.
An unquestionable **10/10**.
December 28, 2025
Rating 4.5 stars
Set in 1485 England during the reign of King Henry VII (also known as Henry Tudor), this story focuses on his first son, Arthur, and the importance of his life for the peace and stability of England. The author's writing style had me invested in the story within the first few pages. The characters had a lot of depth; their transparency, flaws and bravery made them very real and relatable. I found myself aching for them during their most vulnerable moments of love, loss and sacrifice. Also, the detailed descriptions of the setting was immersive and I felt transported to that era. The overall pacing of the book made it enjoyable and easy to read. Perfect for fans of historical fiction.
This book was well executed and not much I didn’t like. If I had to nitpick, some side characters felt like they had more to offer but this didn't take anything away from the story. Definitely piqued my curiosity about this time in history and I found myself on Google wanting to know more.
Set in 1485 England during the reign of King Henry VII (also known as Henry Tudor), this story focuses on his first son, Arthur, and the importance of his life for the peace and stability of England. The author's writing style had me invested in the story within the first few pages. The characters had a lot of depth; their transparency, flaws and bravery made them very real and relatable. I found myself aching for them during their most vulnerable moments of love, loss and sacrifice. Also, the detailed descriptions of the setting was immersive and I felt transported to that era. The overall pacing of the book made it enjoyable and easy to read. Perfect for fans of historical fiction.
This book was well executed and not much I didn’t like. If I had to nitpick, some side characters felt like they had more to offer but this didn't take anything away from the story. Definitely piqued my curiosity about this time in history and I found myself on Google wanting to know more.
January 3, 2026
This is my third purchase from Leah and she never fails to amaze me! His name was Arthur is about the life of Henry VII’s and Elizabeth of Yorks eldest and heir to the throne. Throughout the book we see what his life was like and I love that it highlights how lonely he was and how he was destined for the throne. This is a fantastic read for anyone who loves historical fiction or history in general. Thank you Leah I’ll be purchasing more in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2025
Just want to say Thanks for Leah Toole for the opportunity to arc read the new book before it comes out.
This book follows Arthur from his birth until his death in 1502. The book also covers Henry's Reign as well
If you love Leah Toole's other books you will love this one as well would definitely recommend this one was hooked from the first page managed to finish it in one day.
The book comes out on the 1st December if you love history and the Tudors you will love this book
This book follows Arthur from his birth until his death in 1502. The book also covers Henry's Reign as well
If you love Leah Toole's other books you will love this one as well would definitely recommend this one was hooked from the first page managed to finish it in one day.
The book comes out on the 1st December if you love history and the Tudors you will love this book
February 14, 2026
His Name Was Arthur by Leah Toole is a historical novel about Prince Arthur Tudor, the firstborn son of Henry VII, raised to be England’s perfect heir after years of civil war. Behind the royal grandeur, Arthur lives a secluded life shaped by duty, struggling to find personal meaning beyond the heavy expectations of his birthright.
March 3, 2026
I honestly don’t think I’ve ever read anything like this before. Even on my Kindle, the story completely pulled me in, but not in the usual way. The characters feel alive, the plot twists feel clever and unexpected, and there’s a depth here that caught me off guard. This book made me feel, think, and smile in ways I didn’t see coming. Truly unforgettable.
February 21, 2026
Once again, Leah delivers a fantastic piece of historical fiction.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews