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Between Two Kings: A Novel of Anne Boleyn
Anne Boleyn is accused of adultery and imprisoned in the Tower. The very next day she is due to be executed at the hand of a swordsman. Nothing can change the tragic outcome. England will have a new queen before the month is out. And yet...
What if events conspired against Henry VIII and his plans to take a new wife? What if there were things that even Thomas Cromwell couldn't control, things which would make it impossible for history to go to plan?
The year is 1536.
History is about to be changed forever.
The old Anne Boleyn is dead.
The new Anne is a cold and calculating woman.
Between Two Kings.
What if events conspired against Henry VIII and his plans to take a new wife? What if there were things that even Thomas Cromwell couldn't control, things which would make it impossible for history to go to plan?
The year is 1536.
History is about to be changed forever.
The old Anne Boleyn is dead.
The new Anne is a cold and calculating woman.
Between Two Kings.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2015
27 people are currently reading
288 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Longueville
5 books55 followersOlivia Longueville has degrees in finance and general management from London Business School. Currently, she is working in investment banking and is also helping her father run the family business.
Longueville loves historical fiction, considering herself an amateur historian, and she is passionate about historical research, genealogy, and art. She has undertaken in-depth research into the history of the Valois dynasty, the French Renaissance, the Tudors, and the Plantagenets.
As an established published writer of Between Two Kings, she is interested in creating strong and diverse characters, and giving voice to stories that are unique, compelling, inspiring, and amusing.
Longueville loves historical fiction, considering herself an amateur historian, and she is passionate about historical research, genealogy, and art. She has undertaken in-depth research into the history of the Valois dynasty, the French Renaissance, the Tudors, and the Plantagenets.
As an established published writer of Between Two Kings, she is interested in creating strong and diverse characters, and giving voice to stories that are unique, compelling, inspiring, and amusing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
May 10, 2015
Interesting novel, very interesting. I loved it very much!
When she is at the Tower, waiting for her death, Anne's emotions are captured well, especially in the run up to what she thinks will be her execution – her pain that Henry betrayed her and their love and her anxiety that she will have to die an innocent traitor. I loved the way Anne was saved and then escaped from England. I welcome the changes in the new Anne Boleyn very well: now she is more cautious and colder, she doesn’t give her emotions a free reign, and this is a right thing to do for her.
The revenge plan is a very well-crafted one. I was so happy to see how Henry began to panic when the pamphlets proclaiming Anne’s innocence appeared in England. Yeah, it’s really funny that Henry and all others in England don’t know what is happening, and they have no idea that it’s just the beginning.
Highly recommended to all those who love Anne Boleyn and think that she deserved to live.
March 21, 2016
I’m in two minds about this book. On the one hand, it has one really strong point to recommend it. But on the other hand, there are some minor niggles that bring it down – several minor niggles which add up. As a result it was a story I thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend, but at the same time I can definitely see areas for improvement which I do hope are addressed in the second book.
Let’s discuss the book’s great strength first. The big hook of Between Two Kings is that it plays historical What If? Anyone who’s fascinated by history is likely to have wondered to themselves at some point: “What if this event played out differently?” And certain events in history attract this speculation more than others. What if the Roman Empire had not fallen? What if the Allies had not won WW2? What if foreign colonisation of the Americas had never happened? For anyone who’s an aficionado of Tudor England, as I have been for many years, one that often occurs is: What if Anne Boleyn had not been executed? It’s a compelling hook that draws you in, but even better it does so in an unexpected way. The go-to alternative scenario that usually crops up in answer to that question is that Anne successfully gives birth to the son she miscarried, she thus stays queen and is never brought up on charges. But Between Two Kings does something interesting and takes a later point of divergence: what if Anne were discovered to be pregnant just before her execution, and it was a boy? It’s not so simple to puzzle out as the straightforward alternative scenario that most people think of, and sets the stage for a whole lot of intrigue, rivalry, and behind the scenes political manoeuvring.
As such, the book does several critical things that make it a real page-turner. It taps into our innate curiosity, the idle wonderings and musings we have. It provides all the interest that a history buff could desire, without us knowing what the ending will be. And it is, at least in part, vengeance wish fulfilment. It satisfies that need for justice to be done and injustice to be punished, the part of Anne Boleyn’s story that bothers and appals us because it offends our sense of fairness. The concept of the book is genius. I read it hungrily, wanting to know what would happen. Well of course I did – it’s a book about the survival of a fascinating historical character unjustly condemned. It brings that fantasy to life, and is deeply indulgent in that way. But it did have a couple of distracting niggles scattered throughout.
Proofreading. I don’t know if this was just the kindle edition, but there were irritating typos and places where autocorrect had clearly got a hold of the text and rendered it unreadable. Also the book definitely feels like it finished halfway through. You can have a book series with a bigger overarching plot, but each entry in it should be able to stand on its own. This one doesn’t really have a culmination, and it ends rather abruptly.
Another thing was that it draws heavily from The Tudors. Characters would reminisce about specific things that happened in The Tudors, but not in actual history. When I hit the author’s note at the end, she admits this, but I wish it hadn’t been so. For me, the show was something I consumed only because history enthusiasts were starved of good historicals and sometimes you just take what you can get, and I often found the show rather silly and nonsensical. I’d rather a Tudor set novel didn’t perpetuate some of those silly moments like Anne dancing for King Francis or the inaccurate myths that Thomas Boleyn pimped out his daughter and Jane Parker betrayed her in-laws.
The biggest problem however was with the style of writing. Often the story told rather than showed. Instead of action happening in a scene, frequently characters just descend into narrative thinking things out, or at most dialogue explaining things to each other. I felt like it was explained that a character felt a certain way instead of getting to see them actually demonstrate this. The cast of characters seemed unnaturally small, and seemed to consist of the three kings having conversations with one or two other characters. As a result the story had a strange ambience that did not feel true to life in its lack of complexity or direct action happening. I would like to see the author grow out of this in the next book, because the level of detail given to actual residences and style of attire clearly indicated that she knows her stuff when it comes to the sites and artefacts of the age. It just lacks a bit of storytelling flair.
I have fairly good hopes for the next book, as the story has a really strong hook that is undoubtedly its greatest strength; it just needs polish here and there.
7 out of 10.
February 5, 2018
I’ve always been interested in books set in the Tudor and Renaissance eras, including alternate history fiction and science fiction. I was happy when Between Two Kings was published more than two years ago. I’m also aware that now Olivia Longueville is working on the revised version of Between Two Kings, and my expectations for this new novel are very high.
This alternate history novel about Anne Boleyn offers a fine blend of the lovely writing and the breakthrough plot about Anne’s salvation and her “rebirth” as Queen of France. There is a great mixture of the Tudor and Valois politics, court life, and deadly intrigues in this novel. People who love Anne Boleyn and want to see her life story reimagined by a talented writer should read it.
There is an almost perfect harmony between the theme of this book (Anne’s miraculous salvation and her later marriage to King François I of France, Henry VIII’s French archenemy) and many scenes where characters suffer and cry, contemplate life choices and their mistakes, fall in love and out of love and experience passion, make plans for the future and weave intrigues, and act in different settings. In the original version, the prose was quite lyrical, sensitive, and always fresh, but in many scenes, the writing style was too descriptive. The pacing was rather slow, sometimes the dialog was a little stilted, and not enough happened to advance the revenge plot. Nevertheless, I loved the whole novel and the innovative plot, and to me, that was a marvelous read, one I would highly recommend to all Anne Boleyn fans.
The revised version of Between Two Kings is quite different from the original version. Most of the novel was rewritten and heavily edited, and it was greatly improved. I’m aware that in the revised version, the author chose to be less lyrical and to make her writing clearer and less whimsical, as well as more dynamic. The new twists and turns in the revised version are like a scaffolding erected on top of the novel’s basic structure. The prose is still magnificent, even though sometimes less poetic, and certain scenes remain descriptive, though not over-descriptive; the pacing is faster, less repetitious, and more intense. The scenes which didn’t move the plot forward were taken out. In my opinion, the changes in the author’s writing style and many other changes have dramatically improved the novel, and I am sure that these alterations will be appreciated by readers. Now we have to wait for the new novel’s publication.
This alternate history novel about Anne Boleyn offers a fine blend of the lovely writing and the breakthrough plot about Anne’s salvation and her “rebirth” as Queen of France. There is a great mixture of the Tudor and Valois politics, court life, and deadly intrigues in this novel. People who love Anne Boleyn and want to see her life story reimagined by a talented writer should read it.
There is an almost perfect harmony between the theme of this book (Anne’s miraculous salvation and her later marriage to King François I of France, Henry VIII’s French archenemy) and many scenes where characters suffer and cry, contemplate life choices and their mistakes, fall in love and out of love and experience passion, make plans for the future and weave intrigues, and act in different settings. In the original version, the prose was quite lyrical, sensitive, and always fresh, but in many scenes, the writing style was too descriptive. The pacing was rather slow, sometimes the dialog was a little stilted, and not enough happened to advance the revenge plot. Nevertheless, I loved the whole novel and the innovative plot, and to me, that was a marvelous read, one I would highly recommend to all Anne Boleyn fans.
The revised version of Between Two Kings is quite different from the original version. Most of the novel was rewritten and heavily edited, and it was greatly improved. I’m aware that in the revised version, the author chose to be less lyrical and to make her writing clearer and less whimsical, as well as more dynamic. The new twists and turns in the revised version are like a scaffolding erected on top of the novel’s basic structure. The prose is still magnificent, even though sometimes less poetic, and certain scenes remain descriptive, though not over-descriptive; the pacing is faster, less repetitious, and more intense. The scenes which didn’t move the plot forward were taken out. In my opinion, the changes in the author’s writing style and many other changes have dramatically improved the novel, and I am sure that these alterations will be appreciated by readers. Now we have to wait for the new novel’s publication.
December 11, 2015
This novel is a must-be-read thing for passionate fans of the Tudor and Renaissance period!
Although it is an AU in which Anne Boleyn survives and escapes from England beginning her life under a false identity and later marrying the King of France, the plot of the novel flows naturally from history. The author masterfully develops the character of the new Anne Boleyn because the old Anne Boleyn is dead. In this book, Anne finds herself “caught” between the past and the present, between King Henry VIII and King Francis I.
The novel is very well-written and very entertaining. It contains the level of suspense that keeps you hanging on for more, awaiting for Anne's revenge. I love the details and descriptions the author gives in this novel! I always love when alternate history novels are as historically accurate as possible. It gives an excellent sense of place and time.
Great novel! Waiting for the sequel!
Although it is an AU in which Anne Boleyn survives and escapes from England beginning her life under a false identity and later marrying the King of France, the plot of the novel flows naturally from history. The author masterfully develops the character of the new Anne Boleyn because the old Anne Boleyn is dead. In this book, Anne finds herself “caught” between the past and the present, between King Henry VIII and King Francis I.
The novel is very well-written and very entertaining. It contains the level of suspense that keeps you hanging on for more, awaiting for Anne's revenge. I love the details and descriptions the author gives in this novel! I always love when alternate history novels are as historically accurate as possible. It gives an excellent sense of place and time.
Great novel! Waiting for the sequel!
July 12, 2016
Really like this book!
Love the story of Anne Boleyn AU. I couldn't wait for the second book and to see Henry Tudor's reaction when he found out about everything and the relationship development between Anne Boleyn and King Francis I.
Love the story of Anne Boleyn AU. I couldn't wait for the second book and to see Henry Tudor's reaction when he found out about everything and the relationship development between Anne Boleyn and King Francis I.
March 15, 2016
As much as I love stories about Anne Boleyn, we know the ending is always (unfortunately) the same...so I've been waiting for a book like Olivia's to come along. Between Two Kings is a beautiful reimaging of what Anne's life might have been like had she escaped her dreadful fate at the business end of a French sword. I was surprised and delighted by the journey the author set Anne off on and I thoroughly enjoyed the important role that Francis I played. Olivia's love for the French Court is evident and it's clear that she did her research! The scenes are filled with rich details that bring the sixteenth century alive and the author's version of Anne is complex and sympathetic without being portrayed as a saint. I appreciated the well-rounded characterization of Mary Boleyn and Jane Seymour and found myself hungry for more from their perspective. Olivia's debut is a breath of fresh air and I eagerly await her next offering to see how this marvelous story plays out!
December 26, 2015
I've been fascinated by Anne Boleyn since I was a child and am an avid reader of any book about her that I can get my hands on.
As excellent as some of them are, almost every book about Anne Boleyn has a drawback in common: the ending. I know that it's coming but it doesn't keep me from reaching for tissues or from wishing that both the real Anne Boleyn and her fictional counterparts could have had a happier fate.
"Between Two Kings" takes Anne on a different path, away from the scaffold, away from England, and away from Henry VIII, giving her a second chance at life and love. It's a wonderful change from the usual novels about Anne, one that will keep readers guessing, and one that I highly recommend to anybody with an interest in this period of history and Anne Boleyn, especially those who share my wish that her story could have ended differently.
As excellent as some of them are, almost every book about Anne Boleyn has a drawback in common: the ending. I know that it's coming but it doesn't keep me from reaching for tissues or from wishing that both the real Anne Boleyn and her fictional counterparts could have had a happier fate.
"Between Two Kings" takes Anne on a different path, away from the scaffold, away from England, and away from Henry VIII, giving her a second chance at life and love. It's a wonderful change from the usual novels about Anne, one that will keep readers guessing, and one that I highly recommend to anybody with an interest in this period of history and Anne Boleyn, especially those who share my wish that her story could have ended differently.
February 23, 2017
This is what alternate history fiction should be like. Believable. So often, the Tudors are combined with elements of the fantastic and the horrible. And true, that has its place. But its rare to find a gem that so artfully weaves a what if story together that you could see it happening in real life. That is what "Between Two Kings" is. A real gem. For those who have read Laura Andersen's "The Boleyn Trilogy", it deals with the idea that Anne Boleyn gave birth to a son and remained at the Tudor Court. This book deals with the idea that Anne Boleyn gives birth in the Tower of London, and circumstances take over from there. I am eagerly awaiting the second installment, "Queen's Revenge."
February 25, 2016
I thought it would be interesting to see an alternate history with Anne Boleyn, unfortunately the writing left much to be desired. It was written in a fashion akin to the way a fifth grader composes a book report, short choppy sentences with minimal vocabulary. Not great. After the first chapter I felt that every sentence was a punishment "Anne thought this" "Francois did that" "Percy didn't like Henry" I finished it only because to leave a book unfinished bothers me, the plot seemed to have everything a historical fiction reader could desire, unfortunately the plot becomes secondary to the language. Better luck next time.
November 29, 2015
Olivia! Give me more!!! What a great story. The very best "what if" Anne book I've read. The other reviews say there will be more. How do I get on a pre-order list, so that as soon as it prints, I get my copy? Wow I truly liked this one. The writing is fantastic. Only found 3 editing mistakes. Not the authors fault, she did a great job. As a reader of Boleyn fiction and non-fiction, this was one of the best written. A very easy read. It just flows. If I keep going, words like wonderful, fantastic, and brilliant will just keep coming. Thank you! Please do more!!
March 27, 2016
A "what if" story
The author has presented a far from factual but immensely satisfying story about Anne Boleyn. What if Anne escaped death at the hands of King Henry VIII and was smuggled out of England?
Ms. Longueville uses historical facts and events to create an alternative life for Anne Boleyn following her planned execution. I found the story fascinating and intriguing as I followed Anne's escape and the adventures that followed.
My deduction of one star is for more than ten errors in the book, such as "bearing her bosom" and "Had Henry feet this kind of pain?"
The author has presented a far from factual but immensely satisfying story about Anne Boleyn. What if Anne escaped death at the hands of King Henry VIII and was smuggled out of England?
Ms. Longueville uses historical facts and events to create an alternative life for Anne Boleyn following her planned execution. I found the story fascinating and intriguing as I followed Anne's escape and the adventures that followed.
My deduction of one star is for more than ten errors in the book, such as "bearing her bosom" and "Had Henry feet this kind of pain?"
January 3, 2021
Review to come!
Please tell me there is a second book!!
Please tell me there is a second book!!
November 15, 2015
A great take on what might have happened if Anne had survived.
November 29, 2021
Not gonna lie, I was gutted when I got to the end and saw that it ended on a cliffhanger and the sequels weren't out D: Also doesn't appear to be any news on when or if they'll actually come out and the author's website has expired, so I'm guessing no. Would've been interesting to see what her ideas were on how this ends.
I'm pretty obsessed with Tudor history, specifically Henry's reign, and have been giving this a lot of thought, considering how the first book ended. Where do I think it will go? How would the characters have reacted to different events?
I think they'd have cleared Anne's name, but not sure Henry could have ever brought himself to admit it. Cromwell would be executed. The question comes as to what's next. IF Henry was got in to a mind that Anne was innocent, he could think that God was punishing him with the baby Jane gave birth to, and possibly tried to raise up Arthur, and if he found out Anne had survived and married Francis that would be some drama. They were competitive enough without throwing Anne and a possible future king of England into the mix, so Henry would defo be keeping Arthur from her. He'd probably also move to have her marriage to Francis declared illegitimate. Maybe cosying up to the pope.
Francis is a tough one. If the pope was trying to bring Henry back into the catholic fold, he might work with him to prevent Francis' dispensation. Francis was super catholic though, like all things considered, he was quite devout to the pope. So I'm not sure if he would've considering splitting as well. I suspect not, but maybe he doesn't care. Either way, Anne is going to be reliving that same horror, UGH.
I like to think Francis' other son will meet some sort of not nice fate, so Anne would have two sons, one in England one in France, but maybe that's too dramatic.
Francis' mistress would defo be causing some chaos, probably sending gossip across to Henry but not sure what else.
I hope I do get a chance to find out one day. Giving it 3 stars in the meantime, but would've given it more if I could have found out how it ended.
I'm pretty obsessed with Tudor history, specifically Henry's reign, and have been giving this a lot of thought, considering how the first book ended. Where do I think it will go? How would the characters have reacted to different events?
I think they'd have cleared Anne's name, but not sure Henry could have ever brought himself to admit it. Cromwell would be executed. The question comes as to what's next. IF Henry was got in to a mind that Anne was innocent, he could think that God was punishing him with the baby Jane gave birth to, and possibly tried to raise up Arthur, and if he found out Anne had survived and married Francis that would be some drama. They were competitive enough without throwing Anne and a possible future king of England into the mix, so Henry would defo be keeping Arthur from her. He'd probably also move to have her marriage to Francis declared illegitimate. Maybe cosying up to the pope.
Francis is a tough one. If the pope was trying to bring Henry back into the catholic fold, he might work with him to prevent Francis' dispensation. Francis was super catholic though, like all things considered, he was quite devout to the pope. So I'm not sure if he would've considering splitting as well. I suspect not, but maybe he doesn't care. Either way, Anne is going to be reliving that same horror, UGH.
I like to think Francis' other son will meet some sort of not nice fate, so Anne would have two sons, one in England one in France, but maybe that's too dramatic.
Francis' mistress would defo be causing some chaos, probably sending gossip across to Henry but not sure what else.
I hope I do get a chance to find out one day. Giving it 3 stars in the meantime, but would've given it more if I could have found out how it ended.
August 22, 2015
This book had a promising storyline, and was an AU that still managed to stick roughly to historical canon. The blurb was great, I really looked forward to it, and then I got to the end of the book and went what? Where is the rest? Then I found out this book will be continued by a series, which made made my question void.
Something that slightly annoyed me about this book was the spoon-feeding language we were given. I certainly wouldn't expect the author to be writing in the actual style, but you have to get a bit suspicious when a royal prostitute goes, "Great!" Great? Was this even a word in the 16th century? Did royal prostitutes speak in the way we do today? No. Back to the spoon-feeding language, "Francois felt sad." Anne did this. Francois did that. In quite a few places after the first third of the book, the reader is literally handed the dialogue and action. Do we really need to be told Francois felt sad? Anyone reading the level of historical fiction would assume the reader was capable of working that out for themselves, from writing thats a bit more sophisticated.
So, in short - great storyline idea, absolutely loved that. The originality surprised me. Will be pleased to see the rest of the series, whenever it may appear.
Something that slightly annoyed me about this book was the spoon-feeding language we were given. I certainly wouldn't expect the author to be writing in the actual style, but you have to get a bit suspicious when a royal prostitute goes, "Great!" Great? Was this even a word in the 16th century? Did royal prostitutes speak in the way we do today? No. Back to the spoon-feeding language, "Francois felt sad." Anne did this. Francois did that. In quite a few places after the first third of the book, the reader is literally handed the dialogue and action. Do we really need to be told Francois felt sad? Anyone reading the level of historical fiction would assume the reader was capable of working that out for themselves, from writing thats a bit more sophisticated.
So, in short - great storyline idea, absolutely loved that. The originality surprised me. Will be pleased to see the rest of the series, whenever it may appear.
November 15, 2015
Interesting novel, very interesting.
When she is in the Tower, waiting for her death, Anne's emotions are captured well, especially in the run up to what she thinks will be her execution – her pain that Henry betrayed her and their love and her anxiety that she will have to die an innocent traitor. I loved the way Anne was saved and then escaped from England. I welcome the changes in the new Anne Boleyn very well: now she is more cautious and colder, she doesn’t give her emotions a free reign, and this is a right thing to do for her.
The revenge plan is a very well-crafted one. I was so happy to see how Henry began to panic when the pamphlets proclaiming Anne’s innocence appeared in England. Yeah, it’s really funny that Henry and all others in England don’t know what is happening, and they have no idea that it’s just the beginning.
Highly recommended to all those who love Anne Boleyn and think that she deserved to live.
When she is in the Tower, waiting for her death, Anne's emotions are captured well, especially in the run up to what she thinks will be her execution – her pain that Henry betrayed her and their love and her anxiety that she will have to die an innocent traitor. I loved the way Anne was saved and then escaped from England. I welcome the changes in the new Anne Boleyn very well: now she is more cautious and colder, she doesn’t give her emotions a free reign, and this is a right thing to do for her.
The revenge plan is a very well-crafted one. I was so happy to see how Henry began to panic when the pamphlets proclaiming Anne’s innocence appeared in England. Yeah, it’s really funny that Henry and all others in England don’t know what is happening, and they have no idea that it’s just the beginning.
Highly recommended to all those who love Anne Boleyn and think that she deserved to live.
July 15, 2017
Subjunctive history at it's best.
Highly recommended this imaginative and well written tale of what could have happened if Anne Boleyn escaped from being executed and lived to take her revenge on those who brought her down . Look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Highly recommended this imaginative and well written tale of what could have happened if Anne Boleyn escaped from being executed and lived to take her revenge on those who brought her down . Look forward to reading the next book in this series.
February 17, 2016
I could not put this down. A very plausible what if? Anne saved from the executioners hand by a well thought out plot. Flees from England to a new life and becomes? You have to read it to find out. I am eagerly waiting the next book.
March 25, 2016
Vivid, well researched and entertaining
A wonderful imagining of what Anne's life could have been had she escaped execution. My only criticism is there is a lot more telling than showing.
A wonderful imagining of what Anne's life could have been had she escaped execution. My only criticism is there is a lot more telling than showing.
January 30, 2016
I really enjoyed this. Having read a lot about the Tudors both fictional and nom fiction I found this an interesting and absorbing twist to a famous tale, and it really drew me in. Very good read!
April 12, 2016
Things to think about
Pretty cool take on alternative history. I like how she tried to stay close to actual historical events. This made the story more believable.
Pretty cool take on alternative history. I like how she tried to stay close to actual historical events. This made the story more believable.
June 12, 2016
Speculative history. What if Anne Boleyn hadn't been executed -- and Henry believed she had been -- and she was able to get out of England. What might have happened then?
July 9, 2016
Any alternative history where Anne Boleyn lives is good for me!
September 9, 2016
Excellent story, very well written and description of anne boleyn and the change from old Anne Boleyn and the new Queen of France was excellent
May 31, 2024
Not ready for publication, but interesting concept. Ugh, I really do feel like Longueville binge watched The Tudors or Reign and then wrote this. Seriously, the outfits in here are so not period appropriate. I don't view myself that well versed on such things but even I'm aware that certain fabric like sable and ermine were only allowed to be worn by the royal family which several people in this book were not. Also, I don't know why you'd have your hair dripping with jewels when a French hood covers most of the head except for a sliver of hair. For that matter, why would diamonds be adorned on low level nobility's clothes especially when the clothes aren't likely going to be worn more than a couple of times before being thrown out (for royalty). Also, stomachers weren't so much of a thing in Anne's time they were more of a thing in Elizabeth's time. Anne would've worn a kirtle for support but a kirtle isn't even mentioned here as well as the various layers of clothing such as petticoats nope just piece of silk was worn at times and the part of me that has binge researched Tudor gowns was just insulted.
It wasn't just fashion the fact that Anne is queen of France and doesn't have any sort of ladies in waiting or whatever is just ridiculous. Many of the mannerisms just seem off on a lot of levels.
I also felt cheated with this one. I feel like the premises describes what happens in the next installment this book is about 500 pages of plotting revenge and we just sort of get a payoff with Cromwell. I'm wondering if that was to crap out another book and if that's the case that's just pathetic and may be why the sequel hasn't come out since there's not enough plot to make another book.
Honestly, this reads as a middling to semi-decent Tudor fan fic. I liked it but did not like it. The historical errors and the stilted tone that often told more than showed just felt stilted. Still, I am halfway interested in reading the next one (if it ever comes out) because I do like Tudor history and for that matter AU histories.
It wasn't just fashion the fact that Anne is queen of France and doesn't have any sort of ladies in waiting or whatever is just ridiculous. Many of the mannerisms just seem off on a lot of levels.
I also felt cheated with this one. I feel like the premises describes what happens in the next installment this book is about 500 pages of plotting revenge and we just sort of get a payoff with Cromwell. I'm wondering if that was to crap out another book and if that's the case that's just pathetic and may be why the sequel hasn't come out since there's not enough plot to make another book.
Honestly, this reads as a middling to semi-decent Tudor fan fic. I liked it but did not like it. The historical errors and the stilted tone that often told more than showed just felt stilted. Still, I am halfway interested in reading the next one (if it ever comes out) because I do like Tudor history and for that matter AU histories.
November 8, 2020
I finished this book this morning on my Kindle, and I really like it! Especially the historical facts mixed with fictional history; I really wished this is what happened in history. The relationship between Anne and François is a political to love one and I'm just internally cheering them on from my mind. It's not an automatic 'love at first sight' Cinderella one, where a commoner marries a prince and they live happily ever after. The relationship seems really genuine; a man falling in love with his wife, whom still has scars from her previous marriage. The characters actions and thoughts, to me, are really on point and I can just picture them doing exactly that in history. Again, I really enjoyed reading this unique book and I hope that a sequel soon follows!
March 2, 2021
SPOILERS! It was a very interesting premise: that Anne Boleyn had a son named Arthur while in the Tower, that she was then spirited out of England before her execution, that she ran into the French King, Francois, and married him. They then set out to get revenge on Henry, Cromwell, and others who had betrayed them both. Then it just ended. What happened to Arthur? What happened to Cromwell? Did they get revenge on Henry? WTHeck happened next??? The book is 6 years old so there is no sequel and the author is busy writing other books. I hate books like this! The ending is extremely frustrating.
January 7, 2022
This was such an interesting concept, and I was excited to read this one. But the thought-provoking story itself was bogged down by amateur writing and description overkill. I don't need to know what each character is wearing in detail EVERY TIME they are in a scene. Likewise, I've never read so many descriptions of so many different frescos. A lot of the dialog between characters was in-depth exposition of historical events, ostensibly to fill the reader in on the history that the novel is based in. However, anyone reading this novel probably has at least a basic understanding of Tudor England, as I don't think this book would appeal to an average reader. So it's not necessary for the characters to review historical events in such meticulous detail. In reality, humans don't converse that way. Additionally, when a character is expressing a thought, and that thought is indicated in italics, the author doesn't need to add "Anne speculated," or "Francois wondered in his own mind." The reader generally understands that italicized quotes are kept unsaid. This novel could have been much shorter, and had she finalized the second half of the story, the author may have been able to combine the first and second volumes. Sadly, it's been six years since this novel's publication and the sequel doesn't appear forthcoming. This was a disappointing read, but I commend the author for developing a story that is novel and imaginative.
May 25, 2022
I may have read about a dozen Tudor books too many, but this alternate history about Anne Boleyn offered an interesting twist on her historical fate that proved quite intriguing. While the premise was good, however, the writing left something to be desired, being all telling, no showing, and containing entirely too much clunky infodumpy dialogue. Still, I'd have been interested to see where the story goes from where this book left off, it's rather a shame the author (thus far) hasn't continued it.
July 15, 2022
A Different Perspective
This book is artfully crafted, superbly researched, and memorably impressive.
I have always had an odd interest in the life and times of Anne Boleyn. I'll read just about anything written about her with absolute fascination.
This is a book I know I will continue to read as the sequel is available.
Yes, it's that good.
Don't let this one slip past your reading list.
Just read it.
Again, YES. IT'S THAT GOOD!
This book is artfully crafted, superbly researched, and memorably impressive.
I have always had an odd interest in the life and times of Anne Boleyn. I'll read just about anything written about her with absolute fascination.
This is a book I know I will continue to read as the sequel is available.
Yes, it's that good.
Don't let this one slip past your reading list.
Just read it.
Again, YES. IT'S THAT GOOD!
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