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Plantagenet Embers #3
Queen of Martyrs: The Story of Mary I
'God save the Queen! God save our good Queen Mary!'
When these words rang out over England, Mary Tudor thought her troubles were over. She could put her painful past - the loss of her mother and mistreatment at the hands of her father - behind her.
With her accession to the throne, Mary set out to restore Catholicism in England and find the love of a husband that she had long desired. But the tragedies in Mary's life were far from over. How did a gentle, pious woman become known as 'Bloody Mary'?
When these words rang out over England, Mary Tudor thought her troubles were over. She could put her painful past - the loss of her mother and mistreatment at the hands of her father - behind her.
With her accession to the throne, Mary set out to restore Catholicism in England and find the love of a husband that she had long desired. But the tragedies in Mary's life were far from over. How did a gentle, pious woman become known as 'Bloody Mary'?
397 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2017
About the author
Samantha Wilcoxson
24 books432 followersWriter, history enthusiast, and sufferer of wanderlust, Samantha strives to reveal the deep emotions and motivations of historical figures, enabling readers to connect with them in a unique way. She can frequently be found lakeside with a book in one hand and glass of wine in the other.
New Release: James Alexander Hamilton: Son of the American Revolution, published by Pen & Sword History
WIP: Wars of the Roses trilogy, published by Sapere Books
New Release: James Alexander Hamilton: Son of the American Revolution, published by Pen & Sword History
WIP: Wars of the Roses trilogy, published by Sapere Books
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
June 3, 2020
I’m an individual who tends to go against the grain and not follow the Sheeple crowd. While most dislike Mary Tudor (daughter of Katherine of Aragon and King Henry VIII); I understand her plights, pains, and the clarity of propaganda against her allowing me to respect and even ‘like’ the woman. At the end of the day, England’s first reigning Queen is often vilified rather than given a voice. Samantha Wilcoxson attempts to remedy this in the third installment of the ‘Plantagenet Embers’ series with, “Queen of Martyrs: The Story of Mary I”.
Wilcoxson’s third novel in the ‘Plantagenet Embers’ series follows the stylistic mold of its predecessors of diving immediately into the thick of a story highlighting a figure not often given a loud enough microphone. “Queen of Martyrs” picks up where “Faithful Traitor” concluded but can easily be read as a standalone novel. Wilcoxson doesn’t fail in providing a rich narrative with floral, literary language; creating detailed visuals. One cannot accuse Wilcoxson of being a poor writer.
“Queen of Martyrs” focuses on the history of events rather than an insurmountable amount of fluff but is, unfortunately, the novel in the ‘Plantagenet Embers’ series that seems to slip more to that end of spectrum. The pages are somewhat flat in drama and with its attempt to visualize Mary’s personal feelings. These aren’t necessarily complaints against the strategy itself; but merely bringing attention to the absence of character growth. Mary is quite weak within “Queen of Martyrs” which is certainly the opposite of Wilcoxson’s intent when bringing her to life.
‘Flat’ can also be used to describe the pace of “Queen of Martyrs” which is repetitive and glosses over the historical events and passages that could have been gripping and thus progressed the narrative. “Queen of Martyrs” is best for readers looking for an introduction to Mary’s reign rather than an in-depth look.
It should be noted that Wilcoxson changes some of the historical chronology in “Queen of Martyrs” to suit her needs. This isn’t a detrimental trait (as it is commonplace in historical fiction novels); but it does stick out to readers well-versed on the subject.
“Queen of Martyrs” takes until the three-quarters mark to develop more articulated depth and more layers to Mary’s characterization. At this point, the novel picks up its pace and simply: is more interesting but some might say this is too little, too late. Furthermore, Wilcoxson’s target aim to rehabilitate and renew Mary’s reputation fails as Mary is portrayed as overly simple-minded and feeble. Even though Mary was certainly kinder than her ‘Bloody Mary’ image; she was more formidable than Wilcoxson’s portrayal which doesn’t do Mary justice.
“Queen of Martyrs” includes some fictional steams (spoiler: Mary’s romantic feelings toward Reginald Pole) which on one hand are contrived but on the other are thought-provoking on a “What if?”- angle making Mary more relatable as woman and not just as a one-dimensional queen. Wilcoxson successfully avoids the propaganda surrounding Mary; opening readers to the perspective of alternate views rather than mere falsities.
The conclusion of “Queen of Martyrs” misses an opportunity to be truly memorable and emotive but nevertheless is decently rounded. Wilcoxson provides an Afterword explaining the historical liberties within “Queen of Martyrs”, an Author’s Note, and a few suggested reading materials.
“Queen of Martyrs” is the weakest of the ‘Plantagenet Embers’ series being somewhat empty, thin, and underdeveloped. However, this comes from a reader whom is very well-versed on Mary and preferring a historical-heavy account with multiple layers. “Queen of Martyrs” is terrible: but simply recommended more for a lighter read or as an introduction to Mary.
Wilcoxson’s third novel in the ‘Plantagenet Embers’ series follows the stylistic mold of its predecessors of diving immediately into the thick of a story highlighting a figure not often given a loud enough microphone. “Queen of Martyrs” picks up where “Faithful Traitor” concluded but can easily be read as a standalone novel. Wilcoxson doesn’t fail in providing a rich narrative with floral, literary language; creating detailed visuals. One cannot accuse Wilcoxson of being a poor writer.
“Queen of Martyrs” focuses on the history of events rather than an insurmountable amount of fluff but is, unfortunately, the novel in the ‘Plantagenet Embers’ series that seems to slip more to that end of spectrum. The pages are somewhat flat in drama and with its attempt to visualize Mary’s personal feelings. These aren’t necessarily complaints against the strategy itself; but merely bringing attention to the absence of character growth. Mary is quite weak within “Queen of Martyrs” which is certainly the opposite of Wilcoxson’s intent when bringing her to life.
‘Flat’ can also be used to describe the pace of “Queen of Martyrs” which is repetitive and glosses over the historical events and passages that could have been gripping and thus progressed the narrative. “Queen of Martyrs” is best for readers looking for an introduction to Mary’s reign rather than an in-depth look.
It should be noted that Wilcoxson changes some of the historical chronology in “Queen of Martyrs” to suit her needs. This isn’t a detrimental trait (as it is commonplace in historical fiction novels); but it does stick out to readers well-versed on the subject.
“Queen of Martyrs” takes until the three-quarters mark to develop more articulated depth and more layers to Mary’s characterization. At this point, the novel picks up its pace and simply: is more interesting but some might say this is too little, too late. Furthermore, Wilcoxson’s target aim to rehabilitate and renew Mary’s reputation fails as Mary is portrayed as overly simple-minded and feeble. Even though Mary was certainly kinder than her ‘Bloody Mary’ image; she was more formidable than Wilcoxson’s portrayal which doesn’t do Mary justice.
“Queen of Martyrs” includes some fictional steams (spoiler: Mary’s romantic feelings toward Reginald Pole) which on one hand are contrived but on the other are thought-provoking on a “What if?”- angle making Mary more relatable as woman and not just as a one-dimensional queen. Wilcoxson successfully avoids the propaganda surrounding Mary; opening readers to the perspective of alternate views rather than mere falsities.
The conclusion of “Queen of Martyrs” misses an opportunity to be truly memorable and emotive but nevertheless is decently rounded. Wilcoxson provides an Afterword explaining the historical liberties within “Queen of Martyrs”, an Author’s Note, and a few suggested reading materials.
“Queen of Martyrs” is the weakest of the ‘Plantagenet Embers’ series being somewhat empty, thin, and underdeveloped. However, this comes from a reader whom is very well-versed on Mary and preferring a historical-heavy account with multiple layers. “Queen of Martyrs” is terrible: but simply recommended more for a lighter read or as an introduction to Mary.
April 18, 2017
This was a more sympathetic view of England's first Queen. I found that I could understand Mary a bit better, and the reasoning behind her decisions to persecute Protestants. I still didn't like it, but now I can see how she came to be the way she was. It made me sad to see how deluded she was in her marriage, and how people drove to drive a wedge between Elizabeth and Mary. I can also see how she had no other choice but to execute Lady Jane Grey. It was the only way to secure her throne. We can all stand by and judge but we will never be in Mary's shoes or put under the pressures she had.
February 28, 2017
With Queen Of Martyrs, Samantha Wilcoxson has applied her talents to shedding light on the life of Mary I, the first queen regnant of England and one of that realm's most controversial, feared and reviled monarchs. I won't go into detail here about the plot, which is history, but rather about the relevance of this telling of a life's story.
Mary, impossibly conflicted but a determined survivor, becomes queen over a country that is paradoxically the nation she most loves in the world but no longer quite the kingdom she believes it to be. The Reformation, once inflicted upon an unwilling nation, has irrevocably changed England a generation later. Mary's dream of rooting out "heresy" from England seems to her a task as simple as tending a garden at first, but she slowly comes to realize that the "True Faith" will not be so easily restored as reforming zeal has taken root at the highest levels of government and even within her own family.
The relevance for the modern reader is inescapable. Today's world is as divided as Mary's was. Religious tensions both domestically and between nations of East and West have escalated in the last quarter century just as the struggle between the left and right wings of politics has become more polarized. It's natural that someone trying to navigate right and wrong between the extremes will find the voyage perilous. For Mary, a pious Catholic attempting to restore her faith to the fore in the face of equally pious (or sometimes, self-serving) reformation, the way is more hazardous than for most. Let's not forget that four-and-a-half centuries later, the rights of women to lead nations are still openly questioned by many, so the challenges for Mary to achieve her ends as the first female absolute monarch in a patriarchy cannot be overstated. (Matilda fitzEmpress, mother of Henry II, unfettered by questions of legitimacy or right to rule, faced similar challenges centuries before and cannot be said to have ever truly ruled as queen regnant.)
As the child of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, Mary, basically a conservative individual who takes comfort from stability, has been destined instead for a life rocked by incessant and seismic change. The breakdown of her parents' marriage was more than just a separation, but a turning point in history. Whether father or mother won, Mary was always going to be a loser in that struggle. What Wilcoxson does here is demonstrate not only the magnitude of Mary's loss--a mother, her birthright, the legitimacy of her very faith--but also its impact on an essentially uncomplicated, intelligent, pious and inoffensive young girl. As the back cover copy asks, "How did a gentle, pious woman become known as 'Bloody Mary'?" The traumatic events that shaped her life were bound to influence her rule.
There will be some readers who will be uncomfortable with the level of identification Wilcoxson establishes with a historical character many revile as the monstrous Bloody Mary, a figure whose reign is often dismissed as a brief, cloudy period before the sun rose on Elizabeth's rule. Others will recognize the achievement of seeing the real woman behind the label, capable of as great love and longing as cruelty and determination.
Samantha Wilcoxson's story of Mary I is a powerful character study that can be interpreted in a number of ways. As I look at an increasingly divided world in which faiths are changing and political tensions are once more on the rise, I was open to a reading of the story as a cautionary tale about many social phenomena with which we are as familiar today as folk were in Mary's time: about the dangers of letting extremism become casual; about the impact of child trauma, neglect and abuse upon character; and what can happen when we all stop listening to each other and start believing we alone walk the right path. And there are many other ways the story can be read and interpreted. At its heart, though, this is a very human story of a woman in conflict with her world and coping with loss, love and longing as best she can in an ever-changing world.
I recommend this novel, which like the best historical fiction, imparts knowledge of another time and informs us greatly about our own as well.
Mary, impossibly conflicted but a determined survivor, becomes queen over a country that is paradoxically the nation she most loves in the world but no longer quite the kingdom she believes it to be. The Reformation, once inflicted upon an unwilling nation, has irrevocably changed England a generation later. Mary's dream of rooting out "heresy" from England seems to her a task as simple as tending a garden at first, but she slowly comes to realize that the "True Faith" will not be so easily restored as reforming zeal has taken root at the highest levels of government and even within her own family.
The relevance for the modern reader is inescapable. Today's world is as divided as Mary's was. Religious tensions both domestically and between nations of East and West have escalated in the last quarter century just as the struggle between the left and right wings of politics has become more polarized. It's natural that someone trying to navigate right and wrong between the extremes will find the voyage perilous. For Mary, a pious Catholic attempting to restore her faith to the fore in the face of equally pious (or sometimes, self-serving) reformation, the way is more hazardous than for most. Let's not forget that four-and-a-half centuries later, the rights of women to lead nations are still openly questioned by many, so the challenges for Mary to achieve her ends as the first female absolute monarch in a patriarchy cannot be overstated. (Matilda fitzEmpress, mother of Henry II, unfettered by questions of legitimacy or right to rule, faced similar challenges centuries before and cannot be said to have ever truly ruled as queen regnant.)
As the child of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, Mary, basically a conservative individual who takes comfort from stability, has been destined instead for a life rocked by incessant and seismic change. The breakdown of her parents' marriage was more than just a separation, but a turning point in history. Whether father or mother won, Mary was always going to be a loser in that struggle. What Wilcoxson does here is demonstrate not only the magnitude of Mary's loss--a mother, her birthright, the legitimacy of her very faith--but also its impact on an essentially uncomplicated, intelligent, pious and inoffensive young girl. As the back cover copy asks, "How did a gentle, pious woman become known as 'Bloody Mary'?" The traumatic events that shaped her life were bound to influence her rule.
There will be some readers who will be uncomfortable with the level of identification Wilcoxson establishes with a historical character many revile as the monstrous Bloody Mary, a figure whose reign is often dismissed as a brief, cloudy period before the sun rose on Elizabeth's rule. Others will recognize the achievement of seeing the real woman behind the label, capable of as great love and longing as cruelty and determination.
Samantha Wilcoxson's story of Mary I is a powerful character study that can be interpreted in a number of ways. As I look at an increasingly divided world in which faiths are changing and political tensions are once more on the rise, I was open to a reading of the story as a cautionary tale about many social phenomena with which we are as familiar today as folk were in Mary's time: about the dangers of letting extremism become casual; about the impact of child trauma, neglect and abuse upon character; and what can happen when we all stop listening to each other and start believing we alone walk the right path. And there are many other ways the story can be read and interpreted. At its heart, though, this is a very human story of a woman in conflict with her world and coping with loss, love and longing as best she can in an ever-changing world.
I recommend this novel, which like the best historical fiction, imparts knowledge of another time and informs us greatly about our own as well.
March 25, 2018
I have to confess that I have never been a big fan of Mary I, more often referred to as "Bloody Mary" due to her harsh reforms of the church of England in her reign. Really, I have always sided with Elizabeth I, her sister. I have never read a book where Mary is the main character, and frankly, I wasn't looking for one. I was only tempted to read this because I enjoyed other books penned by Samantha Wilcoxson. But I am more than pleasantly surprised to find how much I do like this Queen Mary!
We meet Mary as a grown woman, uncomfortable and a bit lonely in the court of her father, King Henry VIII and his new and last wife Kateryn Parr. I can only imagine her painful upbringing away from both her parents and the turmoil that caused their separation. She seemed to lose everyone that ever loved her, her mother who she was separated from by her father, her governess Margaret Pole sent to her death by Mary's own father. In spite of a good and loving relationship with her step-mother, who was near her own age, Mary yearns for love and recognition from her father, which she never receives. Mary tries to have an influence on her younger siblings for whom she has good intentions. But those relationships only get strained as her young, Protestant-led brother succeeds to the throne and pushes Mary out of his life.
Her brother Edward's reign is brief as he passes away as a young king in his teens. Mary then has to gather support to claim her rightful throne away from her cousin Jane Grey and her powerful supporters. But Mary succeeds and gives the credit to God, who she is certain has a plan for her life and her reign. She dedicates herself to seeing this plan fulfilled.
Here, Mary isn't the harsh, angry and demeaning monarch I alway pictured. She is humble and searching. She has every desire to see those in her kingdom come to what she calls the "true faith". It is difficult for her to sign the death warrants of those who stole her throne and those who will not recant their faith for that of hers. She does not revel in the task.
She falls in love with her husband, who never returns her feelings. She never has the child for whom she genuinely longs, not merely to provide an heir. She deals with much physical pain on a daily basis due to poor health and a tumor growing inside her. She suffers the humiliation of two false pregnancies and the hopes they brought. She has a somewhat estranged relationship with her half-sister Elizabeth, who may have conspired to betray her. She has real feelings and hardships that many can relate to on some level.
I know this is fiction, and it is hard to imagine the horrible measures that were taken over differing beliefs or justifying them. But I liked this book so much, particularly because I did find much to admire about Mary who seemed to overcome so much in her life. I think I am left with more sympathy for her than anything else. Maybe too much other fluffy fiction portrays the lives of princesses and monarchs as rather idyllic. But that is not the case with Queen of Martyrs. This is historical fiction at its finest and what makes it such an art, in my opinion. A truly good read!
We meet Mary as a grown woman, uncomfortable and a bit lonely in the court of her father, King Henry VIII and his new and last wife Kateryn Parr. I can only imagine her painful upbringing away from both her parents and the turmoil that caused their separation. She seemed to lose everyone that ever loved her, her mother who she was separated from by her father, her governess Margaret Pole sent to her death by Mary's own father. In spite of a good and loving relationship with her step-mother, who was near her own age, Mary yearns for love and recognition from her father, which she never receives. Mary tries to have an influence on her younger siblings for whom she has good intentions. But those relationships only get strained as her young, Protestant-led brother succeeds to the throne and pushes Mary out of his life.
Her brother Edward's reign is brief as he passes away as a young king in his teens. Mary then has to gather support to claim her rightful throne away from her cousin Jane Grey and her powerful supporters. But Mary succeeds and gives the credit to God, who she is certain has a plan for her life and her reign. She dedicates herself to seeing this plan fulfilled.
Here, Mary isn't the harsh, angry and demeaning monarch I alway pictured. She is humble and searching. She has every desire to see those in her kingdom come to what she calls the "true faith". It is difficult for her to sign the death warrants of those who stole her throne and those who will not recant their faith for that of hers. She does not revel in the task.
She falls in love with her husband, who never returns her feelings. She never has the child for whom she genuinely longs, not merely to provide an heir. She deals with much physical pain on a daily basis due to poor health and a tumor growing inside her. She suffers the humiliation of two false pregnancies and the hopes they brought. She has a somewhat estranged relationship with her half-sister Elizabeth, who may have conspired to betray her. She has real feelings and hardships that many can relate to on some level.
I know this is fiction, and it is hard to imagine the horrible measures that were taken over differing beliefs or justifying them. But I liked this book so much, particularly because I did find much to admire about Mary who seemed to overcome so much in her life. I think I am left with more sympathy for her than anything else. Maybe too much other fluffy fiction portrays the lives of princesses and monarchs as rather idyllic. But that is not the case with Queen of Martyrs. This is historical fiction at its finest and what makes it such an art, in my opinion. A truly good read!
August 20, 2017
Mary Tudor is one of those historical figures who confounds me. While I don't believe she deserves the title of Bloody Mary, I thoroughly abhor her religious policies and the many burnings carried out in her name. I also admit to being slightly biased due to the fact that I'm...well...Lutheran. So yeah, I probably would have found myself on the stake! However, I fully believe that Mary was not born the person she eventually became. The fault for her zealotry lies squarely at the feet of her father, and the man certainly left a wake of destruction in his path. These conflicted feelings led me to pick up the latest in Samantha Wilcoxson's Plantagenet Embers series. I wanted to see Mary as a person, rather than a list of deeds in a history book. I was not disappointed.
Wilcoxon's book opens with Mary at prayer, a fitting start. Throughout the novel, she continues to linger on these very specific traditions and ceremonies. So often, these are left out or glossed over in historical fiction, but here they are a character unto themselves. I was particularly moved by a scene set during Mary's Maundy Thursday giving. It was almost as if I could see the entire thing play out in my mind. One of the things I loved most was seeing the relationships between Mary and the women in her life. The sisterly bond she shares with Kateryn Parr and Margaret Pole is at turns heartwarming and heartbreaking; Her ladies, Fran and Susan offer another dimension, Mary as a kind, yet naïve employer. Elizabeth I is the least likeable of the cast, and while I don't necessarily see her in the same way, this is Mary's story and it's probably exactly how she saw her younger sister.
For me, the last third of the book, detailing Mary's marriage to Phillip and her relationship to Cardinal Reginald Pole is where Wilcoxson really shines. The intimate moments are told in such achingly tender detail, you can't help but see the humanity inside Mary. I was stunned by the author's take on Mary and Reginald's relationship, but I think she's really hit on something there. I won't reveal more because *spoilers.* I'm always drawn to novels that focus on women who didn't have happy endings, because not everyone gets those. Life is real and it's raw, and full of pain. Wilcoxson never shies away from that; nor does she gloss over Mary's flaws. She is judgmental and obstinate, but also compassionate and capable of great love - a true and complex human.
Wilcoxon's book opens with Mary at prayer, a fitting start. Throughout the novel, she continues to linger on these very specific traditions and ceremonies. So often, these are left out or glossed over in historical fiction, but here they are a character unto themselves. I was particularly moved by a scene set during Mary's Maundy Thursday giving. It was almost as if I could see the entire thing play out in my mind. One of the things I loved most was seeing the relationships between Mary and the women in her life. The sisterly bond she shares with Kateryn Parr and Margaret Pole is at turns heartwarming and heartbreaking; Her ladies, Fran and Susan offer another dimension, Mary as a kind, yet naïve employer. Elizabeth I is the least likeable of the cast, and while I don't necessarily see her in the same way, this is Mary's story and it's probably exactly how she saw her younger sister.
For me, the last third of the book, detailing Mary's marriage to Phillip and her relationship to Cardinal Reginald Pole is where Wilcoxson really shines. The intimate moments are told in such achingly tender detail, you can't help but see the humanity inside Mary. I was stunned by the author's take on Mary and Reginald's relationship, but I think she's really hit on something there. I won't reveal more because *spoilers.* I'm always drawn to novels that focus on women who didn't have happy endings, because not everyone gets those. Life is real and it's raw, and full of pain. Wilcoxson never shies away from that; nor does she gloss over Mary's flaws. She is judgmental and obstinate, but also compassionate and capable of great love - a true and complex human.
October 31, 2018
Forever condemned by her appellation “Bloody Mary”, Henry VIII’s eldest daughter always seems to get short shrift when talking about the Tudor world. Samantha Wilcoxson has gone some distance to make up for this in her novel with the curious title “Queen of Martyrs”. Is she a martyr herself, or is she lording it over other martyrs, so to speak? It’s hard to say. Mary certainly seemed to feel like she was never quite loved enough, never quite strong enough or healthy enough or wise enough.
She was constantly on the verge of a migrane which would condemn her to bed for a number of days. After her glorious entry into London, Mary was stunned that her popularity diminished so quickly—though even she seemed to understand that her unfortunate choice of husbands had something to do with it. But, true to her Tudor heritage, she was determined to have her way regardless of the consequences. That went for religion as well, though it was difficult for me to determine just what percentage of the population welcomed a return to the old faith. Never mind; it didn't matter. She knew best.
I was expecting more details about Mary's antipathy for her sister. In this novel, although the subject was broached, Elizabeth's dire situation didn't get all that much attention. Her release from the Tower was almost an afterthought. How much danger was Elizabeth in? Did she meet Philip while she was incarcerated? Since this book wasn't about Elizabeth, we'll have to go elsewhere to get an answer. The main concern here was Mary's unhappy marriage, her poor health, and her dependence on her cousin Reginald Pole—a bad influence, as far as I can see!
I almost felt sorry for Mary’s misfortunes until she decided to overcompensate by burning more and more heretics when her policy fell short. It’s hard to justify those actions to a modern reader, and I would assume it wasn’t any easier to justify it to her contemporaries. No matter how hard she tried, she just didn't seem able to redeem herself. It was a sad story about a sad princess who didn't seem to learn from her mistakes. Maybe she was a martyr after all.
She was constantly on the verge of a migrane which would condemn her to bed for a number of days. After her glorious entry into London, Mary was stunned that her popularity diminished so quickly—though even she seemed to understand that her unfortunate choice of husbands had something to do with it. But, true to her Tudor heritage, she was determined to have her way regardless of the consequences. That went for religion as well, though it was difficult for me to determine just what percentage of the population welcomed a return to the old faith. Never mind; it didn't matter. She knew best.
I was expecting more details about Mary's antipathy for her sister. In this novel, although the subject was broached, Elizabeth's dire situation didn't get all that much attention. Her release from the Tower was almost an afterthought. How much danger was Elizabeth in? Did she meet Philip while she was incarcerated? Since this book wasn't about Elizabeth, we'll have to go elsewhere to get an answer. The main concern here was Mary's unhappy marriage, her poor health, and her dependence on her cousin Reginald Pole—a bad influence, as far as I can see!
I almost felt sorry for Mary’s misfortunes until she decided to overcompensate by burning more and more heretics when her policy fell short. It’s hard to justify those actions to a modern reader, and I would assume it wasn’t any easier to justify it to her contemporaries. No matter how hard she tried, she just didn't seem able to redeem herself. It was a sad story about a sad princess who didn't seem to learn from her mistakes. Maybe she was a martyr after all.
June 27, 2017
I've read all three of Samantha Wilcoxson's Plantagenet Embers series within the past few months, and Queen of Martyrs is the best of them all. I'm always interested in a sympathetic view of Mary I, known to history as "Bloody Mary." I certainly don't condone the burning of Protestants, but I believe that the trauma she went through as a young adult with her religion as her main solace resulted in such devotion to her faith. Mary lived a sad life, and Queen of Martyrs portrays the few triumphs, as well as the heartbreak. I especially enjoyed Mary's relationships with her last stepmother, Kateryn Parr and Cardinal Reginald Pole. The former is for once not depicted as being ruined by differences in religion. The latter Wilcoxson admits their feelings for each other being embellished in the novel. It brought to mind the conversations Margaret Pole and Catherine of Aragon had in the previous book, and their plans to have Reginald and Mary wed. It seems like both mothers knew best!
I will say that Elizabeth is not exactly shown in the best light. Elizabeth is perfectly in character, but it's interesting to see the qualities that made her a great queen can be seen in a negative way depending on the point of view (in this case, Mary's.) I highly recommend this novel (and the whole series) to those who are interested in this time period. I'm anxious to see what comes next with Samantha Wilcoxson. 5 stars!
I will say that Elizabeth is not exactly shown in the best light. Elizabeth is perfectly in character, but it's interesting to see the qualities that made her a great queen can be seen in a negative way depending on the point of view (in this case, Mary's.) I highly recommend this novel (and the whole series) to those who are interested in this time period. I'm anxious to see what comes next with Samantha Wilcoxson. 5 stars!
June 20, 2017
Queen of Martyrs is the third book in the Plantaganet Embers series, but could be read and enjoyed quite independently of its predecessors.. The author has a flowing style to her writing, making the story of Mary I very easy to follow.
Mary Tudor is often perceived as a poor leader, weak and easily led, even delusional. However "Queen of Martyrs" reveals a lot more of "where Mary was coming from" in the decisions she made before and during her reign . Her true desire to do only what was right shines out through the pages, as does her longing to be loved and understood not only by Phillip but by those she governs. Mary's phantom pregnancies are welll known but the way in which Ms Wilcoxson describes these events left my heart breaking for her.
I absolutely loved 'Queen of Martyrs and would recommend it to anyone.
Mary Tudor is often perceived as a poor leader, weak and easily led, even delusional. However "Queen of Martyrs" reveals a lot more of "where Mary was coming from" in the decisions she made before and during her reign . Her true desire to do only what was right shines out through the pages, as does her longing to be loved and understood not only by Phillip but by those she governs. Mary's phantom pregnancies are welll known but the way in which Ms Wilcoxson describes these events left my heart breaking for her.
I absolutely loved 'Queen of Martyrs and would recommend it to anyone.
July 22, 2018
Really enjoyed this read! We always seem to fly past Mary I so it was refreshing to see things from her side. I enjoyed not seeing her painted as a villain and thought the author brilliantly brought her story into the light and allowed a more sympathetic look at Mary. Highly recommend for Tudor/Historical Fic lovers!
March 1, 2019
This book was entertaining. I realize with history you have to abide by the facts (for the most part) and you can't change the outcome so an author is a bit limited. The few things I had a problem with was the author always telling us it was Mary speaking. We, for the most part, are educated individuals and do not need an author to tell us every sentence when the main character is speaking. The second thing was that while I know Mary I was plagued with ill health, if she had been ill with what I believe to be migraines as often as the author writes her being debilitated by them, then she would have had no time whatsoever for ruling the country. It seemed like every other day this poor woman was hit by a debilitating migraine that left her bedridden for several days. I don't know if the author was using the poor health of Mary to make her more sympathetic or to make the reader forget that she is known through history as Bloody Mary (a title I feel she did NOT deserve in the first place).
I liked the idea that the author put in the friendship with Katherine Parr that I had read in biographies so that was a plus. However, the strange spelling of Katherine (which in all my reading of historical novels and biographies was never spelled that way) was someone jarring though I suspect this was done because Henry VIII (and hence Mary) had so many Katherines in their lives.
I felt sorry for both Mary and Lady Jane Grey but I have never understood why others in the overthrow/coup were pardoned but Jane had to die. Yes, I know it was part of Philip of Spain's conditions of marriage but if Mary would have acted on ruling about Jane before negiotiations for her marriage were began, she could have kept Jane a prisoner for several years (like Henry II did his wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine) and Jane would have become a martyr and Mary might not have such an evil reputation.
This book does a good job of showing the reader that Mary I was much more than Bloody Mary as history has proclaimed her.
I liked the idea that the author put in the friendship with Katherine Parr that I had read in biographies so that was a plus. However, the strange spelling of Katherine (which in all my reading of historical novels and biographies was never spelled that way) was someone jarring though I suspect this was done because Henry VIII (and hence Mary) had so many Katherines in their lives.
I felt sorry for both Mary and Lady Jane Grey but I have never understood why others in the overthrow/coup were pardoned but Jane had to die. Yes, I know it was part of Philip of Spain's conditions of marriage but if Mary would have acted on ruling about Jane before negiotiations for her marriage were began, she could have kept Jane a prisoner for several years (like Henry II did his wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine) and Jane would have become a martyr and Mary might not have such an evil reputation.
This book does a good job of showing the reader that Mary I was much more than Bloody Mary as history has proclaimed her.
May 10, 2017
Samantha Wilcoxson's latest novel, Queen of Martyrs, takes on the Elizabethan propaganda machine - and wins. By telling the familiar tale of Mary's life with empathy and perspective, Ms Wilcoxson brings new insights into Mary's character and motivation. And, with a great eye for detail and including well-researched vignettes, the story - and the queen - come alive in captivating, three dimensional historical fiction. Reflecting Mary's character are the many influences of her life, from Katherine Parr and Edward VI, to her husband Philip and her faithful serving maids. Ms. Wilcoxson effortlessly moves into their points of view, and gives us a well-rounded and memorable tribute to Henry VIII's oldest and often vilified daughter.
January 3, 2018
Queen of Martyrs: The Story of Mary I is book 3 from the Plantagenet Embers series. I can not tell how much I love this series and this one did not disappoint. I enjoyed seeing a new perspective of Queen Mary I. I learned more about her by reading this book. I actually liked her and felt sorry for her in this story.
Like the others in the series, Queen of Martyrs is well written and easy to read. I have no problem telling other readers about the series, without having to worry whether or not one would be offended by the language or explicit scenes.
A great and clean book and series. I highly recommend it.
5+ stars.
I purchased this book directly from the author. Therefore, I was not required to write a review. This review is 100 percent my own honest opinion.
Like the others in the series, Queen of Martyrs is well written and easy to read. I have no problem telling other readers about the series, without having to worry whether or not one would be offended by the language or explicit scenes.
A great and clean book and series. I highly recommend it.
5+ stars.
I purchased this book directly from the author. Therefore, I was not required to write a review. This review is 100 percent my own honest opinion.
December 3, 2017
This entire series was extremely enlightening
As a big fan of historical fiction, I found this series to be so educational, as well as entertaining. I would recommend this series to anyone and everyone.
As a big fan of historical fiction, I found this series to be so educational, as well as entertaining. I would recommend this series to anyone and everyone.
January 9, 2019
This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"Ms Wilcoxson does a good job of depicting the hurting, insecure Mary. She’s a bit like a fledgling, shoved out of the nest too soon and expected to fend for herself despite not being able to fly."
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"Ms Wilcoxson does a good job of depicting the hurting, insecure Mary. She’s a bit like a fledgling, shoved out of the nest too soon and expected to fend for herself despite not being able to fly."
July 4, 2017
Wonderful
I have read two of Samantha Wilcoxson's books now and have thoroughly enjoyed both of them! I am looking forward to reading more of her books!
I have read two of Samantha Wilcoxson's books now and have thoroughly enjoyed both of them! I am looking forward to reading more of her books!
June 29, 2018
Wonderful to finally have a book showing Mary as human. Absolutely recommend and would read again.
April 10, 2019
Review coming soon.
September 10, 2021
I read the audible version.
A fascinating insightful portrayal of Mary Tudor's life.
Makes me think differently about her reign and the influences on her mindset.
She was a sad tragic queen, often stuck between a rock and a hard place whilst trying to stay true to herself and her beliefs.
Ms Wilcoxson's writing really hits home to the reader the dilemmas facing a ruling monarch in this period. Her research appears to be impeccable and you can see by the elegance of her writing that she understands this period inside out, enabling the reader to feel wholly immersed in the story.
Recommended for those who enjoy the period between the WoR and the Stuarts and the 'embers' of the Plantagenets bloodline that spawned the Tudor dynasty. Having said that, anyone interested in polishing their knowledge about English history would do well to read this series.
A fascinating insightful portrayal of Mary Tudor's life.
Makes me think differently about her reign and the influences on her mindset.
She was a sad tragic queen, often stuck between a rock and a hard place whilst trying to stay true to herself and her beliefs.
Ms Wilcoxson's writing really hits home to the reader the dilemmas facing a ruling monarch in this period. Her research appears to be impeccable and you can see by the elegance of her writing that she understands this period inside out, enabling the reader to feel wholly immersed in the story.
Recommended for those who enjoy the period between the WoR and the Stuarts and the 'embers' of the Plantagenets bloodline that spawned the Tudor dynasty. Having said that, anyone interested in polishing their knowledge about English history would do well to read this series.
October 17, 2019
Love this point of view!
Well done! It is so rare to read from Mary Tudors point of view. I have a whole other perspective on her and wish to know more.
Well done! It is so rare to read from Mary Tudors point of view. I have a whole other perspective on her and wish to know more.
April 26, 2019
The story of Mary I, England's first reigning queen, is well known, and this author doesn't really add anything new to the knowledge. However she does document Mary's life in a credible and sympathetic manner.
Born the eldest child of Henry VIII, Mary's life is a rollercoaster as she drops from potential heir to being named illegitimate, suffers a plethora of step-mothers, tries to keep the Roman Catholic faith of her mother in the face of the English Reformation, and has to endure her young brother's short reign, seeing him guided by his ambitious Seymour uncles. Following his death and the abortive attempt to put Jane Grey on the throne, Mary finds herself queen. However, one gets the impression that while she was brought up to be royal, she was never really trained for government.
Mary's reign is not remembered kindly - the fires of Smithfield burned 'heretics' as her overweening ambition to return England to the Catholic faith blotted out everything else. She was popular at the beginning of her reign, but the persecutions and her choice of a Spaniard as her husband did not endear her to the English.
Sadly her marriage was solely one of convenience and she did not manage to conceive a child. Her sister Elizabeth did not come over very well in the book being pictured as a scheming and manipulative person. I suspect she was just very astute at keeping herself alive during the religious changes during her brother and sister's reigns. History being written by the victor, it is not surprising Mary doesn't get a good press from Elizabeth's standpoint.
The book is well written and entertaining. I didn't really buy into the presumed 'romance' between her and Archbishop Reginald Pole, which seemed rather contrived and not something I had seen any evidence for previously. Mary is portrayed as a pious queen, trying to bring her country back to the 'true faith', but her methods of persecution would never sit well with Englishmen, particularly when enforced by a Spanish presence. Hence history tends to remember her as 'Bloody Mary'.
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Born the eldest child of Henry VIII, Mary's life is a rollercoaster as she drops from potential heir to being named illegitimate, suffers a plethora of step-mothers, tries to keep the Roman Catholic faith of her mother in the face of the English Reformation, and has to endure her young brother's short reign, seeing him guided by his ambitious Seymour uncles. Following his death and the abortive attempt to put Jane Grey on the throne, Mary finds herself queen. However, one gets the impression that while she was brought up to be royal, she was never really trained for government.
Mary's reign is not remembered kindly - the fires of Smithfield burned 'heretics' as her overweening ambition to return England to the Catholic faith blotted out everything else. She was popular at the beginning of her reign, but the persecutions and her choice of a Spaniard as her husband did not endear her to the English.
Sadly her marriage was solely one of convenience and she did not manage to conceive a child. Her sister Elizabeth did not come over very well in the book being pictured as a scheming and manipulative person. I suspect she was just very astute at keeping herself alive during the religious changes during her brother and sister's reigns. History being written by the victor, it is not surprising Mary doesn't get a good press from Elizabeth's standpoint.
The book is well written and entertaining. I didn't really buy into the presumed 'romance' between her and Archbishop Reginald Pole, which seemed rather contrived and not something I had seen any evidence for previously. Mary is portrayed as a pious queen, trying to bring her country back to the 'true faith', but her methods of persecution would never sit well with Englishmen, particularly when enforced by a Spanish presence. Hence history tends to remember her as 'Bloody Mary'.
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2019
Many years ago I used to read a serious amount of Historical Fiction as I was fascinated by the subject and felt that it gave me a better grasp of the subject. What I have been left with in relation to Bloody Mary, is an impression of a very vulnerable young woman who was destined to live her life in a very unstable position whilst her father lived. Her position was not much improved during the reign of her brother and it was only when she ascended the throne to become Queen Mary 1 that things changed for her at least on the surface.
To a degree my impression seems to agree with the character in The Queen of Martyrs but I feel uncomfortable about this portrayal. My impression was that Elizabeth and Mary were quite close as they shared a household and shared the uncertainties of their respective parentages and position in the court. In addition I was surprised that the religious intolerances were not given much attention but rather focused on the executions of people more directly known to Mary. Did Philip not introduce the Spanish Inquisition to England – for that is my understanding?
Where Wilcoxson did succeed though, is in her portrayal of Mary as a woman suffering through ill-health no doubt due to the stress of her unstable position in the Tudor court. Overall I did not feel as much sympathy for our protagonist as I would have expected and indeed held prior to reading this interpretation. Hats off to the author for her research and an interesting take on Mary’s relationship with Cardinal Reginald Pole.
Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.
To a degree my impression seems to agree with the character in The Queen of Martyrs but I feel uncomfortable about this portrayal. My impression was that Elizabeth and Mary were quite close as they shared a household and shared the uncertainties of their respective parentages and position in the court. In addition I was surprised that the religious intolerances were not given much attention but rather focused on the executions of people more directly known to Mary. Did Philip not introduce the Spanish Inquisition to England – for that is my understanding?
Where Wilcoxson did succeed though, is in her portrayal of Mary as a woman suffering through ill-health no doubt due to the stress of her unstable position in the Tudor court. Overall I did not feel as much sympathy for our protagonist as I would have expected and indeed held prior to reading this interpretation. Hats off to the author for her research and an interesting take on Mary’s relationship with Cardinal Reginald Pole.
Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.
April 29, 2019
Martyring herself ~ Queen of Martyrs by Samantha J Wilcoxson
Having read Faithful Traitor a few weeks ago, I was excited to dive into the next book of Wilcoxson’s series. I thoroughly enjoyed the way the text made subtle references to the previous novels and how different certain characters appear through the new protagonist’s eyes. It was certainly refreshing to see a historical account that did not focus wholly on Elizabeth and Mary’s relationship and to see how different Mary was compared to her half-siblings.
I did find the slow pace at the start of the text quite frustrating especially as it appeared to become quite repetitive with Mary’s headaches and pains whenever she was told something shocking and her constant trips to court that end with her stating, yet again, that she does not belong there. I understand that this is to show the contrast between Mary as a subject and Mary as queen but I felt that it dragged on for a while.
Wilcoxson manages to write in an engaging and simple style that allows her readers to immerse themselves into the courts of the Tudor era. However, I felt that it lacked the lyricism and descriptive power of the Faithful Traitor. Despite this, Queen of Martyrs was an intriguing read and with the overwhelming amount of historical fiction out there, Wilcoxson is certainly among the best!
I would like to thank #NetGalley for giving me a free copy of this text in return for an honest review.
Having read Faithful Traitor a few weeks ago, I was excited to dive into the next book of Wilcoxson’s series. I thoroughly enjoyed the way the text made subtle references to the previous novels and how different certain characters appear through the new protagonist’s eyes. It was certainly refreshing to see a historical account that did not focus wholly on Elizabeth and Mary’s relationship and to see how different Mary was compared to her half-siblings.
I did find the slow pace at the start of the text quite frustrating especially as it appeared to become quite repetitive with Mary’s headaches and pains whenever she was told something shocking and her constant trips to court that end with her stating, yet again, that she does not belong there. I understand that this is to show the contrast between Mary as a subject and Mary as queen but I felt that it dragged on for a while.
Wilcoxson manages to write in an engaging and simple style that allows her readers to immerse themselves into the courts of the Tudor era. However, I felt that it lacked the lyricism and descriptive power of the Faithful Traitor. Despite this, Queen of Martyrs was an intriguing read and with the overwhelming amount of historical fiction out there, Wilcoxson is certainly among the best!
I would like to thank #NetGalley for giving me a free copy of this text in return for an honest review.
August 20, 2019
Ponderous Start, Odd Time Leaps
I enjoy books that take a fictionalized look at historical characters, so I thought I would enjoy this book. I didn't know much about the main character beforehand. The author jumped forward a lot in time. Each chapter was months or years distant from the previous and the next. So it felt like the book was just these small vignettes that weren't really related, so they were hard to pull together. It didn't feel like a cohesive story. The beginning felt tedious, with all her physical complaints and not liking being at court. I did like the glimpse it gave into the young Elizabeth who became Elizabeth I as well as her aging father, Henry VIII. But the book just felt too disjointed for me to really get into the story and follow the narrative flow.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
I enjoy books that take a fictionalized look at historical characters, so I thought I would enjoy this book. I didn't know much about the main character beforehand. The author jumped forward a lot in time. Each chapter was months or years distant from the previous and the next. So it felt like the book was just these small vignettes that weren't really related, so they were hard to pull together. It didn't feel like a cohesive story. The beginning felt tedious, with all her physical complaints and not liking being at court. I did like the glimpse it gave into the young Elizabeth who became Elizabeth I as well as her aging father, Henry VIII. But the book just felt too disjointed for me to really get into the story and follow the narrative flow.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
April 9, 2019
Queen of Martyrs by Samantha Wilcoxson is the 3rd in a Trilogy of the “Plantagenet Embers”.
This is about Henry VIII’s Daughter Mary I.
This is a fabulous novel that only Ms. Wilcoxson could create about the sad, lonely life of Mary I.
A devoutly Catholic woman, she never waivered from her faith despite the way her mother Catherine of Aaragon was treated, and how she was treated by her father and “husband” later in life. I even daresay I sympathize with how she was treated by her half sister Elizabeth I.
This is a must read yet again. 5/5.
Thank you NetGalley for this read in return for my voluntary, unbiased, and honest review.
This is about Henry VIII’s Daughter Mary I.
This is a fabulous novel that only Ms. Wilcoxson could create about the sad, lonely life of Mary I.
A devoutly Catholic woman, she never waivered from her faith despite the way her mother Catherine of Aaragon was treated, and how she was treated by her father and “husband” later in life. I even daresay I sympathize with how she was treated by her half sister Elizabeth I.
This is a must read yet again. 5/5.
Thank you NetGalley for this read in return for my voluntary, unbiased, and honest review.
September 7, 2019
Once again not disappointed by this book about Mary 1 by Samantha Wilcoxson. Her stories are very well written that keep you continuously engaged. She does a terrific job of balancing narrative with description which is my favorite writing style.
I have read both historical fiction and non-fiction books on Mary 1 and this is my favorite because I actually could empathize with Mary rather than find her either a love stricken woman or someone who just complained and succumbed to her constant illnesses.
A must read for any Tudor fan.
I have read both historical fiction and non-fiction books on Mary 1 and this is my favorite because I actually could empathize with Mary rather than find her either a love stricken woman or someone who just complained and succumbed to her constant illnesses.
A must read for any Tudor fan.
December 29, 2017
Too empathetic to a pathetic woman
I picked up this book precisely because there have been so few books written on Mary I — clearly a not-so-sympathetic historical figure. The book is an attempt to see her life from her own twisted point of view but ends up trying to justify it. When Mary cannot suppress reformer ideas, she assumes she’s not doing a good enough job of murdering reformers and heats up her killing spree. By attempting to paint her reasons for doing so, the book comes off as trying to make her sympathetic ,and it fails miserably. It was painful reading.
I picked up this book precisely because there have been so few books written on Mary I — clearly a not-so-sympathetic historical figure. The book is an attempt to see her life from her own twisted point of view but ends up trying to justify it. When Mary cannot suppress reformer ideas, she assumes she’s not doing a good enough job of murdering reformers and heats up her killing spree. By attempting to paint her reasons for doing so, the book comes off as trying to make her sympathetic ,and it fails miserably. It was painful reading.
April 21, 2019
I really enjoyed this book! Though the origins of the story are quite complicated (the throne and the espionage behind the families involved) this was a great read that encompassed many of the original characters.
Though this is book 3 in a series I found it did well as a standalone (since I didn't read books 1 or 2) and was able to follow along easily.
I loved the writing style and felt that it easily drew me in. I wish I didn't have to do "real life" and was able to read this more rather than setting it down and coming back to it.
Though this is book 3 in a series I found it did well as a standalone (since I didn't read books 1 or 2) and was able to follow along easily.
I loved the writing style and felt that it easily drew me in. I wish I didn't have to do "real life" and was able to read this more rather than setting it down and coming back to it.
April 23, 2019
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Such a lot of historical fiction is available about Henry VIII and his wives, and even his daughter, Elizabeth. But not so much is available on Mary, his first daughter. This was a welcome reading pleasure for me. Well documented and with enough detail to keep the story alive, Bloody Mary comes to life in this well written novel. Recommended reading.
Such a lot of historical fiction is available about Henry VIII and his wives, and even his daughter, Elizabeth. But not so much is available on Mary, his first daughter. This was a welcome reading pleasure for me. Well documented and with enough detail to keep the story alive, Bloody Mary comes to life in this well written novel. Recommended reading.
May 23, 2019
Book three of Samantha Wilcoxson's trilogy tells the story of Queen Mary I. Each book can stand alone. I haven't read book one yet, but I plan to read it soon. The author has really did her homework and this is a fantastic read that will keep you turning the pages. Highly recommend to Historical Fiction Fans!
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. Thank you, Netgalley.
All opinions are my own.
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. Thank you, Netgalley.
All opinions are my own.
September 11, 2018
Mary I Revisited
Nice to see a bio of Mary. I was aware of Margaret but not of Reginald. This novel/bio rings true, and I didn't know she had executed less people than other Tudors (but she reigned for a short period). It is hard to forgive her for Calais tho. SHE lost it & hard to believe she thought she would bear a child. Sad woman & terrible queen.
Nice to see a bio of Mary. I was aware of Margaret but not of Reginald. This novel/bio rings true, and I didn't know she had executed less people than other Tudors (but she reigned for a short period). It is hard to forgive her for Calais tho. SHE lost it & hard to believe she thought she would bear a child. Sad woman & terrible queen.
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