Quest for a Queen: The Lark

Quest for a Queen #1

by Frances Mary Hendry

When John Russell is called to be whipping boy to the Dauphin of France, he doesn't realise that he and his little sister Lark, will turn the fortunes of three kingdoms.

Genres: Historical Fiction

252 pages, Paperback

First published January 5, 2006

About the author

Frances Mary Hendry is a British writer of children's historical fiction. Born and educated in Glasgow, Scotland she now resides in Nairn, where many of her books are set.

Reviews

[Raquel (Silver Valkyrie Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm shelving this as middle grade because that seems to be it's official designation, but I really think this story would be better suited the young adult range. As an adult I found the story engaging and appreciated just how much history was packed in while still being relevant to the characters and story. However, this book contains some disturbing descriptions of animal cruelty (and I'm not one of those 'as long as the dog is okay that's the important thing' kind of readers--I'm talking about truly cruel and messed up behavior) as well as repeated references to the king's mistress and how he loved her instead of the queen and mentions of torture and other unpleasantness related to the religious tensions of the time.

As I said, I found the story engaging, but would not recommend it for anyone younger than their teens, and not even for younger teens if they're sensitive.

[Evan Þ. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this historical fiction novel. It starts out as what would be a good kids' book, with our young protagonist getting hired as the Dauphin of France's whipping-boy - but then the story expands and matures along with our protagonist. Hendry weaves it into history beautifully. There're details (such as the circumstances of King Henri's death) that I had no idea were so faithfully recorded until I looked them up afterwards, which serve her plot so excellently I would've thought she must've made them up!

The story here surrounds Mary Queen of Scots and her youthful marriage to the Dauphin (later King) of France. But the Dauphin himself, and the French court as a whole, are more major characters. Our protagonists are fictional, but on most points they're believable historical characters. And the plot and setting are very well-done.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I read the author’s book Quest for a Maid years ago and liked it. This one was slighter and characters not as deeply drawn but am enjoyable Upper elementary/YA historical novel.