Valhalla: The untold story of Queen Elizabeth’s grandmother

by Alan Robert Clark

May of Teck, only daughter of a noble family fallen from grace, has been selected to marry the troublesome Prince Eddy, heir to the British throne. Submitting to the wishes of Queen Victoria and under pressure from her family, young May agrees. But just as a spark of love and devotion arises between the young couple, Prince Eddy dies of influenza. To her horror, May discovers she is to be married to the brother, Georgie, instead, a cold and domineering man. But what can she do? From the author of‘ The Prince of Mirrors comes this gripping account of the life of Queen Mary, one of the most formidable queens of Britain.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Royalty

336 pages, Hardcover

First published September 24, 2020

About the author

Alan Robert Clark is a freelance writer and the author of Fairlight Books’ upcoming historical novel The Prince of Mirrors.

Born in Scotland, Alan attended Dollar Academy in Clackmannanshire before joining King’s College in London. However, due to a protracted illness, he had to abandon the degree and go into advertising, working as a copywriter and creative director. Throughout his career Alan has created ad campaigns for well-known companies, including Nestle, Levi’s and Kodak, and won awards from TV festivals in Cannes and Chicago. As a freelance journalist, he has produced travel pieces and celebrity profiles. While most of Alan’s career was spent in London, he has also lived in Gibraltar and Spain.

Mentored by the famous Adrian Mole book author Sue Townsend, Alan published his debut novel Rory’s Boys with Arcadia Books in 2011, selling TV and film rights to an American production company. He has also ghostwritten and co-authored a number of books, including Camera Girl with Doreen Spooner (Mirror Books 2016) and many others.

Alan is a theatre and film enthusiast. In his free time he really enjoys singing, walking and going to the gym.

Reviews

[Tahera · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's recently through Instagram and the various pages dedicated to the British Royal family one finds there that I have come across small tidbits of information regarding both the older royals and the new generation- mostly to do about their clothes, jewellery, patronages, duties, etc- accompanied by a whole lot of photographs. Queen Mary, grandmother of the current Queen, is one such Royal. Looking at her photographs, her most striking features are her height, eyes and there is a sharpness to her countenance. She looks like a person not to be easily crossed or messed with. The manner in which she dealt with her son's Edward VIII decision to forfeit his responsibility to marry Wallis Simpson has made her famous for being a hard hearted woman for whom 'duty' was more important than 'love'. Yes, she was devoted to duty and was not apologetic about it but there was a reason behind it, a story behind it. Before the rigid, formidable and committed to duty Queen Mary, there was a shy, reserved and sensitive May of Teck who only wanted to find true love and this book tells us the story of how May of Teck eventually transformed into Queen Mary.

This is beautifully written book (facts and fiction combined) and there were a lot of poignant moments when I was overcome with emotion for May/Queen Mary, especially the first and the last chapters of the book. I finished this book in one sitting.

My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Fairlight Books and the author Alan Robert Clark for the e-Arc of the book. The book was published on 24th September 2020.

[Vonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read quite a bit on Queen Mary and always found her rigid and unforgiving. Valhalla is the story of May of Teck (before she became Queen Mary) from her point of view beginning as a precocious youngster always wanting to be the perfect child. It takes you through to her teenage years in Florence and to her turbulent marriage to King George V. The story flows nicely and is an entertaining read that is hard to put down. I highly recommend reading Valhalla if you are interested in the English monarchy.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

May of Teck was the only daughter of a noble family fallen from grace, has been selected to marry the troublesome Prince Eddy, hier to the British throne. Submitting to the wishes of Queen Victoria and under pressure from her family, young May agrees. Prince Eddy dies of influenza and to her horror, May discovers she is to be married his brother, George, instead.

This is the story of Mary of Teck who was later known as Queen Mary. May had been surrounded by strong women throughout her life. I like books on Royal history and this book did not disappoint. This is an addictive and informative read. Queen Mary was the grandmother to Queen Elizabeth II. I didn't know a lot about May of Teck before I read this book but I have a greater understanding of her now.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #FairlightBooks and the author #AlanRobertClark for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

May of Teck was the only daughter of a noble family fallen from grace, has been selected to marry the handsome Prince Eddy, hier to the British throne. Submitting to the wishes of Queen Victoria and under pressure from her family, young May agrees. Prince Eddy dies of influenza and to her horror, May discovers she is to be married to his brother, George, instead.

This is the story of Mary of Teck who was later known as Queen Mary. May had been surrounded by strong women throughout her life. I like books on Royal history and this book did not disappoint. This is an addictive and informative read. Queen Mary was the grandmother to Queen Elizabeth II.I didn't know a lot about May of Teck before i read this book but I have a good understanding of her now.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #FairlightBooks and the author #AlanRobertClark for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[menna hafez · Rating 4 out of 5]

#BookReview #Valhalla #NetGalley

Thank you so much to NetGalley and fairlight book for providing me with ARC.

This novel is so good, i always love Historical Fiction and never felt board, i love England Culture so much since i was kid and studied it but i never read about queen Mary before.

When i was six years old, i loved and adored queen Diana so much, she is the queen of my heart and the main reason that i loved England culture. I searched and read a lot about England.

England Culture is very rich of events that has changed the strict laws within this royal family over the ages, this novel is about queen Mary , she is the grandmother of queen Elizabeth 2 , queen of England now, this novel opened my eyes to Mary as human not Queen, i read about her a lot when i read this book and i will try to continue after.

This is the first novel to me by Alan Robert , i really enjoyed it, the author did a great job by writing this novel, it's so easy to fall on it.

[Contrary Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very occasionally a biography grabs my attention and makes me want to understand more about a famous character. This one grabbed my attention and didn’t let me out of its grib. I started this last night and read most of it today. Not able to finish until I understood what shaped this famous Queen and Ice Maiden. What an intriguing character

[Annelies - In Another Era · Rating 4 out of 5]

Princess May Of Teck moves with her parents to Florence after they have fallen from grace within the English royal family. The serious May likes Florence and the company of painter Henry Thaddeus Jones. After their return to England, Queen Victoria wants May to marry Eddie, her grandson and second in line to the throne. Against all odds, Eddie and May become fond of each other. But when Eddie suddenly dies of the flu, May’s future becomes unsecure.

I must admit I didn’t know anything of Queen Mary’s life before I read this novel. My knowledge of the British royal family stops at Queen Victoria, apart from the current’s queen of course :). So Valhalla gave me a nice insight in the young May Of Teck and the formidable woman she would later become.

This is a story about love and duty. And the longing for freedom of a young woman not able to make her own choices. It’s about the sad loss of a prince and how it can torn a whole family apart.

I feel I now have a better understanding of Mary Of Teck’s young life, although some of the elements in the novel are fictional or only based on rumors (her love interests for example). Mary is often seen as an ice-queen alongside her husband George V. In this book you get to know the young couple and how they try to keep up appearances. I had hoped to learn more about Georgie’s character and the king he would be.

At first the writing style didn’t really grip me. I just couldn’t always follow who said what. Halfway the book, I felt a connection with May and I just wanted to know how her story would end. At that point, I was used to the writing and I enjoyed the book a lot.

The title ‘Valhalla’ is only explained in the last chapter. I believe it would have worked out better if it had been mentioned earlier in the book. Now it felt a bit artificial.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher to provide me a copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.
----
Dutch review:

Prinses May Of Teck trekt op haar 17de met haar ouders naar Firenze nadat haar moeder Mary Adelaide zich in schulden heeft gewerkt. Daar bloeit ze helemaal open wanneer ze een jonge schilder leert kennen.
Eens terug in Engeland wordt ze gekoppeld aan Eddie, de jonge troonopvolger en de twee beginnen zelfs gevoelens voor elkaar te krijgen. Maar dan wordt Eddie enkele weken na de verloving plots ziek en sterft hij onverwacht. Zijn jongere broer Georgie wordt zo ineens de volgende in lijn en heeft een vrouw aan zijn zijde nodig. Opnieuw wordt er in de richting van May gekeken.

Dit boek verteld het verhaal van Queen Mary Of Teck, grootmoeder van Elizabeth II. Zij wordt vaak als een kil en serieus persoon gezien en dit boek neemt je mee naar haar jeugd en de eerste jaren van haar huwelijk.

Het is een typisch Edwardiaans verhaal over een sterke vrouw die moet standhouden in de patriarchische maatschappij. Je plicht en eergevoel komt voor alles. Ook voor de liefde. Mary weet wat ze moet doen, maar diep vanbinnen wil ze vrij zijn. Iets waarin iedereen zich wel een beetje zal herkennen.

Het is een goed geschreven realistisch verhaal dat een inzicht geeft in de koninklijke familie. Het zegt ook veel over hoe de dood van een prins het leven van zoveel anderen door elkaar kan schudden.

Ik moest eerst wat aan de schrijfstijl wennen omdat ik het precies wat afstandelijk vond, maar na een tijdje kwam ik helemaal in het verhaal. Het enige rare is dat het concept achter de titel Valhalla pas in het laatste hoofdstuk wordt uitgelegd. Dat vond ik niet zo sterk.

Ik kende May en haar verhaal totaal niet, maar ben blij dat ik via dit boek haar beter heb leren kennen.

Bedankt aan Netgalley en de uitgever voor een exemplaar van dit boek in ruil voor mijn eerlijke mening.

[AcademicEditor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really enjoyable fictionalized account of Queen Mary, nee May of Teck, who experienced more than her fair share of misfortunes in life and was galvanized by it. A humanizing portrait of George V and Mary, who are often only supporting characters in other biographies and royal retellings--the price of being dutiful, I suppose.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Kelly Williams Nagel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Fairlight Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely adored this book. Valhalla is the story of May of Teck (later Queen Mary), Queen Elizabeth II's paternal grandmother. The story is told primarily from May's perspective in her youth, from her teenage years in Florence through her turbulent marriage to King George V. It is a coming of age story about which I knew next to nothing!

Alan Robert Clark does a masterful job of storytelling. It is so easy to identify with May, a strong woman who is surrounded by strong women throughout her life. She must find her place in a world not yet ready for powerful women, and it is not an easy adjustment for her. The pacing of the story is excellent, and while it is technically historical fiction, it feels like we are given access to the secret life of The Firm.

I flew through this book and did not want it to end! I found myself reading up about May even after I had put the book down each evening. If you love reading about the British royal family and are interested in reading about someone who is not as well known, this is the story for you.

[Helen Carolan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nowhere near as good as his first book, here we learn about the life of May of Teck. Her heartbreak at the death of her fiancée Eddy, how trapped she was living with her parents and her dull marriage to George 5th. I have to admit I was totally indifferent to the characters in this one and had very little interest in finding out how they fared in life.

[Nicole Overmoyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe it's me, but historical fiction gets tricky when it's about someone well-known and well-documented. Given that historical fiction is my go-to, comfort genre in reading and that history is the place where I get sucked into the most rabbit holes and want to read all the things... this complicates my Reading Life in rather creative ways. As relates to VALHALLA by Alan Robert Clark, the British royal family is something I've read a lot about and still want to read more. And so I requested the chance to read this story of Princess Mary of Teck, later Queen Mary.

Queen Mary was someone I knew from reading history as the grandmother to Queen Elizabeth II, mother to the Duke of Windsor, fiancee of the prince who might have (but was not) Jack the Ripper, and a bit of a kleptomaniac. Simple facts and a public image that was carefully crafted, but not much more. And yet she has fascinated me since I first found her as a steadfast queen whose husband led England during World War I and buried her son, the next king, after World War II.

And I've wanted to know more.

I could have read a biography, I'm sure, but that's always a bit intimidating.

So VALHALLA fit the thing I wanted.

Three things matter most in historical fiction:

1) Sticking to historical fact and detail, not changing history to fit the story.
2) Making the conversations and interactions feel... possible in the part of history they are set in.
3) ~if about a real, well-known person~ Staying true to what is known and how the people are known to have behaved and carried on.

VALHALLA ticks each of those boxes.

As someone prone to falling down rabbit holes of research for fun, the events described in the novel follow with known history and no one has some sort of technology that they shouldn't.

Though there are not too many first-person written accounts of the lives of royalty in the Victorian and Edwardian eras, there is much contemporary fiction and the interactions between Mary (or May, as she was known to family and friends) and her family and staff feel very real and possible.

Queen Mary is known for putting duty first and above all else, and that carries through in the novel.

What Alan Robert Clark adds to the story is that May is and was a young girl and a young woman, with all the thoughts and feelings and desires that young women have. Born into a family that prized titles and prestige, her path was laid out early on and the way Clark describes how she might have struggled to adjust and adapt and even to abandon that which her heart desired is stunning.

And, perhaps most important of all, VALHALLA made me want to learn more... and I will.

(Thank you to Fairlight Books and NetGalley for the chance read this advance copy of VALHALLA. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own, and not influenced by anyone associated with the book.)

[Veronica Gavilanes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells the story of May of Teck, who later became Queen Mary, the grandmother of Queen Elizabeth II. The author draws a portrait of her childhood, which was shaped by her father's mood swings, her mother's whimsical and extravagant personality, and the humiliations her family constantly received from the rest of the Royal Family because they had fallen from grace. Mary Adelaide's expenses caused their exile to Florence during May's teenage years. This was a wonderful time for May, who became a smart young woman. Several years later and back in England, when everyone started to think that she was going to be a spinster, she was chosen to be engaged to Prince Eddy, second in the line of succession. However, he soon died of influenza, leaving May grieving while her family was desperate to find a way to maintain the position. The Royal Family finally decided that May was to be married to Prince Georgie, who had to take his brother's place. Then, the book explores their marriage and how the pressure of their position and his husband's perception of it affects May's identity, as she has to choose between being herself and fulfilling her duty.

What I liked: Alan Robert Clark built May as a wonderful character. She was a true heroine of her own story, as it was easy to understand her and empathize with her struggles. Her quest for love, on the one hand, and her experience of motherhood, on the other, were the most interesting parts of the book, as they revealed different layers of May, her expectations, and how she dealt with her duties. I also liked how this story portraits several strong women who know who they are and what they have to do, even in a patriarchal system that challenged their autonomy. Finally, since I love The Crown and Historical Fiction, I think this was a great book and I enjoyed it a lot.

What I did not like: I did not understand completely why the author decided to start and finish the book with the relationship between Queen Mary and her son David. I guess he tried to show the contrast between May during her childhood and youth and her older self, as David's perception of her is very different from the girl the reader encounters, but I did not feel as connected to those chapters as I felt to the rest of the story.

(I want to thank NetGalley, Fairlight Books, and the authors for this ARC, which I received in exchange for an honest review.)

[Emma's Things to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

A life of duty and majesty.

May of Teck is such an interesting woman and makes a great subject for historical fiction.

Despite being a minor and relatively poor royal, May goes on to become Queen.

I loved May’s story. She develops as an intelligent and compassionate woman.

Living beyond their means, the Teck family move to Europe to save money. Taken to live in Florence, May grows up to appreciate art and culture , to read and a speak multiple languages.

As a princess, she should be an eligible bride, but remains unmarried when she returns to England.

Much to her surprise, May finds herself engaged to the heir to the throne, Prince Eddy. Putting her doubts about the role and her future aside to pledge her devotion to her future husband. The writer vividly imagines May’s struggles with her feelings as she falls in love and then mourns when her fiancé tragically dies of influenza.

May sense of duty means she accepts a proposal fromhis brother, George, Duke of York. George loves his quiet life shooting in Norfolk. Cold and distant, Mary struggles to find common ground with her new husband and a role in the Royal Family.

One of the most striking parts of May’s story is her relationship with her children. Securing the royal succession is the one thing that is expected of her. May suffers from post-natal depression and struggles to bond with her sons.

This is particularly poignant her eldest son, the future Edward VIII, abdicates. The epilogue to the book sees him reflecting on their relationship and returning for his mother’s funeral.

I really enjoyed this book. May of Teck is a member of the Royal Family that i didn’t know much about. And this book has inspired me to find out more.

My only criticism is the title of the book which doesn’t seem particularly relevant. I felt like it was shoehorned in at the end. I also think the cover image undersells the book. I know you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but having read some great historical fiction with gorgeous covers recently I think this could definitely be more appealing.

This is a great and a fascinating recreation of the early life of Queen Mary. A lot of research has gone into the book and it is a great read.

Thank you to Netgalley for the digital copy in return for an honest review.

[Emma's Things to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

May of Teck is such an interesting woman and makes a great subject for historical fiction.
Despite being a minor and relatively poor royal, May goes on to become Queen.
I loved May’s story. She develops as an intelligent and compassionate woman.
Living beyond their means, the Teck family move to Europe to save money. Taken to live in Florence, May grows up to appreciate art and culture , to read and a speak multiple languages.
As a princess, she should be an eligible bride, but remains unmarried when she returns to England.
Much to her surprise, May finds herself engaged to the heir to the throne, Prince Eddy. Putting her doubts about the role and her future aside to pledge her devotion to her future husband. The writer vividly imagines May’s struggles with her feelings as she falls in love and then mourns when her fiancé tragically dies of influenza.
May sense of duty means she accepts a proposal fromhis brother, George, Duke of York. George loves his quiet life shooting in Norfolk. Cold and distant, Mary struggles to find common ground with her new husband and a role in the Royal Family.
One of the most striking parts of May’s story is her relationship with her children. Securing the royal succession is the one thing that is expected of her. May suffers from post-natal depression and struggles to bond with her sons.
This is particularly poignant her eldest son, the future Edward VIII, abdicates. The epilogue to the book sees him reflecting on their relationship and returning for his mother’s funeral.
I really enjoyed this book. May of Teck is a member of the Royal Family that i didn’t know much about. And this book has inspired me to find out more.
My only criticism is the title of the book which doesn’t seem particularly relevant. I felt like it was shoehorned in at the end. I also think the cover image undersells the book. I know you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but having read some great historical fiction with gorgeous covers recently I think this could definitely be more appealing.
This is a great and a fascinating recreation of the early life of Queen Mary. A lot of research has gone into the book and it is a great read.
Thank you to Netgalley for the digital copy in return for an honest review.

[Debra Davidson-Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Valhalla: A story of love and duty by Alan Robert Clarke

My impression of Queen Mary has always been that of an imposing but austere, cold and rather forbidding figure, fixed in my mind as an elderly and severe woman. So, it was a real pleasure to have that view challenged and to see her complex character delightfully teased out in this interpretation by Alan Robert Clark.

Valhalla tells the tale of Mary of Teck, a minor royal whose looked down upon family feel redeemed and excited beyond measure when May is chosen to marry Prince Eddy, the heir to the throne. Although May has her reservations, she has been brought up to put duty above all else and agrees to the match. But when Eddy dies suddenly, May is expected to marry his younger brother, the cold, domineering and rather foolish, George, and her commitment to duty above love and personal fulfillment is tested to the limit.

This fascinating book does not deal with the severe older Queen Mary of popular memory, instead it recreates the early life of the girl who went on to become the formidable Queen Mary, consort of King George V, mother of the notorious Edward Vlll who married Wallis Simpson, and grandmother of our present Queen.
It shows us a young woman who wants to know the world, who dreams of a more intellectual, passionate and interesting life and who hopes to find love, but who eventually gives all this up to undertake her royal responsibilities and fulfil her family duty.

Reading this book brings Queen Mary to life in a way that challenges the traditional interpretation of this impressive Queen. It shows the private sadness and regrets behind the public face of royal duty. It is a sad story, beautifully told, and crying out to be made into a movie.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't think that I have ever read a historical novel which had the enigmatic Queen Mary as its central character, she has always seemed to get rather lost as the quiet wife of the more dominant, King George V or as the bewildered mother of the abdicated, King Edward VIII. It's been a refreshing change to have more of an idea about the rather shy May of Teck, who married her dead fiancé's brother because it was convenient and kept her in the family.

I've seen grainy black and white images of Queen Mary, who always seems such a sturdy upright figure, typically Edwardian in manner and dress, never without a string or two of pearls around her neck and her sensible and rather mundane choice of fashion. What this fictional account of her life does is give us an idea of how she was as a person and how her rather lonely upbringing with dissolute and indifferent parents had such a bearing on how she conducted herself in her royal life.

The author has written a lovely, fictional account of Queen Mary's life, from her time as a young girl, right through to her death in 1953 including some of the more well known moments in the tumultuous reign of George V, along with the more personal thoughts and feelings of a young woman who was thrust into the royal spotlight. I feel like I really got to know Queen Mary, with all her hopes and fears she was always just trying to do the best she could for her family and her country.

I think that Valhalla is a much needed fictional account of the life of our current Queen's grandmother, which will be of interest, I am sure, to all those readers who enjoy novels about the royal family whilst at the same time appealing to those who just love good historical fiction.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alan Robert Clark has a good grasp on history with his novel, Valhalla. This story relates the struggles of May of Teck, who later becomes Queen Mary of England. Her troubled tale made my heart ache.

Young May grows up on the outskirts of the royal family, living life mostly as she pleases in her country home. Her family never sits above the salt, but when she gets the summons to marry Prince Eddy, May’s parents feel that their time in the spotlight has come. May isn’t sure what to expect, and she never thought she'd develop feelings for Eddy, but that’s what she did. Unfortunately, it never came to pass. Prince Eddy died of the flu quite young.

To her dismay, May's parents promise her to Eddy’s younger brother, Georgie, who treats May like property. In all fairness, Georgie was a jerk and made May’s life miserable. While I can empathize with young May of Teck, I don’t fully understand her experience. May has to live with Georgie and suffers terrible postpartum depression after childbirth. Just when she finds a little happiness, it is ripped from her again.

I enjoyed this book, but there was something lacking. The story stuttered along, never really picking up speed in any area. At times I became bored with the story and put it down for several weeks. The story had strong potential with a character like Queen Mary, but it never really grabbed me.

Thus, I award Valhalla 3 out of 5 stars. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys royal history.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

There is more and more royal fiction being published now, but this is quite different- it has a significant amount of weight behind it. May of Teck and Georgie (George V and Mary) are often passed over for their grandparents/parents and children, because their reign was stable rather than exciting. However, I could not put this book. Queen Mary always seems quite impervious, looking back, but the May that we meet and get to know is a very real and complex woman. Consorts are rarely given as much attention as their ruling spouse, but I am thrilled that Mary is front and centre.

Clark does fill in May's private thoughts, and the interactions between May and George, but it fits well with what we know. It is an imagined but realistic telling of the beginning of their relationship, and it feels quite different from the public image we saw in later in years. However, that public image wasn't the most exciting- this certainly gives us a more human and relatable story!

Also, he includes a wonderful biography. It has the standard Queen Mary biography from Hennessy Pope and Vickers' book on that biography, but many more. This is a perfect book for anyone interested in The Crown, and the British royal family in general!

[chiara · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The thing she wanted most from this life was given to her. Is the price to be paid that there is no longer any point to it?"

This book was not what I expected.

I have always been fascinated by the lives of monarchs. The idea of dedicating one's whole life to service, of having so much wealth and status and privilege but at the cost of not being able to live one's life freely. There have been so many stories of tormented royals (especially in the Western world) over the years that I think most of us are disillusioned as to the glamour and glitz of being one.

Going into this as someone who didn't know Queen Mary's rule or reputation apart from her relation to the current Queen Elizabeth II, Valhalla became an enchantingly impossible liminal space in which May of Teck was given (finally) the space to tell her own story. Clark writes so beautifully and creates such a tense, tragic character study that by the end you feel as if your heart has been all wrung out. The only question I've come out of it with is why May went on to have such an unrelenting reputation, even (or perhaps especially) with her own children. It seems inconsistent with her characterisation for most of the book, but perhaps there is more I need to know about her to understand.

Regardless, whether you're a fan of history, the British royal family, or indeed just another family saga full of forbidden love and angst, this book's for you. I'm looking forward to reading more of Clark's work and of Queen Mary.

[Debbie Sessum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not much is known about the life of Queen Mary, formally known as May of Teck. Her parents bloodlines were somewhat muddy, and it was their lifelong ambition to marry May to royalty and take a step up the aristocratic social ladder. May is well read, has a governess Brika, who encourages her dreams and free thinking. May has many dreams of what her adult life will be, Noticed by Queen Victoria, May is chosen to be the bride of Prince Eddy, heir apparent. May is against the match, but in the name of duty she agrees to marry Eddy, oldest son of Prince of Wales and his wife Alexandra. But Prince Eddy dies of the flu, and May goes to Italy to decide her future. Queen Victoria again chooses May to marry George, the new heir to the throne. Duty prevails and May and George are married. Her life as Queen takes and wife to George is not a happy one.
This was a very readable book, and I enjoyed it immensely. Anyone with an interest in all things royal, will enjoy finding out about this enigmatic woman, Grandmother to the current Queen. The book is well written, and the pacing keeps you interested, as May 's devotion to duty eclipses her chances for happiness.
This is an honest unbiased review in return for an eARC from Net Galley

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a royalist all of my life. When I was young , Princess Diana was all over the media and she sparked my interest in the whole family. So I was eager to learn more...albeit Historical Fiction and I am not sure how much embellishment has taken place.
Queen Mary had seemed aloof and always stood very straight and tall in pictures I had seen. And there were stories of how she never came to the rescue of her own children, when their harsh father demanded too much from them. This having major effects on our own queens father, who struggled with a stutter.
I loved learning of May of Teks early years. She loved life but her mother was an absolute snob, even though she couldn't afford to be.
May was fun, sociable and progressive ahead of her time. And strong enough to lose not only her fiance, but also her true love .....who was married to another. She lived her life of sacrifice married to a man unable to express feelings and ultimately she became Queen Mary.
In telling her story, Alan Robert Clark has transformed my impression of May from staid to stunning. Thank you NetGalley, Fairlight Books and the author for the chase to read and review this enlightening book. 

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Queen Mary has always come across as a formidable figure - upright, rigidly duty-bound, cold and unyielding. Because of this image, I have always wondered about her - is anybody quite so rigid in real life? Where is the real woman? What is she like? While reading, I felt compelled to look up images of her at various stages of her life. Elizabeth II’s resemblance to her is marked - as is her attitude to the role that life has called her to play. I always very much enjoy books about real people in history and this one hit the spot. The insight into the young May, her early life, friends and interests, then her marriage ( after the disappointment of losing her first intended) gave a good theory of how she developed into the woman she became. My heart went out to her. I also liked the hint at the end that this rigidity and devotion to duty was the very reason that Edward VIII opted for the happiness of a marriage to the woman he chose. A very enlightening book and a must for fans of history told in the form of a novel. 5 stars from me. Many thanks to the author and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immersive interpretation of the early life and marriage of May of Teck, who would become Queen Mary, mother of the the notorious Edward VIII, who abdicated to marry Wallis Simpson, and grandmother of current monarch Elizabeth II. Born into minor royalty, her family was looked down upon; her mother, Mary Adelaide, though the granddaughter of King George III, was known as "Fat Mary," while her father, Francis, Duke of Teck, was known for his peculiar behavior.

May was briefly engaged to Prince Albert Victor, heir to the throne, but he died during a flu pandemic shortly after their engagement. At the urging of both families, she later married the unimaginative Georgie, younger brother of her first fiance, who would become King George V. Although May yearned for a more intellectual and creative life, she eventually subsumed her desires in favor of her royal responsibilities.

A fascinating glimpse into late 19th and mid-twentieth century royal life, and the tangled, confusing web of European royalty. #ValhallaNovel #NetGalley @FairlightBooks

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really interesting book describing the life of Mary of Teck who became Queen Mary. I had not known anything about her mother Even the fact 5hat she was known as Fat Mary.. it was an eye opener to see the work that the Duchess did as the first real charity worker and supporting the Needlework Guild. I love historical books that weave a story around the facts as it brings history alive. As Queen Mary she did a wonderful job despite her sad upbringing. From her early years she was indoctrinated in the fact that her role in life was to please everybody else and hide her own emotions. It has always been said that her and George were devoted to each other but after reading this and hearing what Edward said on her death I have to wonder if she went through life just doing her duty and not being able to experience true love.
A sad but beautiful story and I loved the references to Aunt Queen.

[Mary Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd like to express my appreciation to Fairlight Books and NetGalley for the e-galley and hours of much-needed reading enjoyment. *Due to limited power and hurricane damage, I'm forced to shorten my reviews.



Valhalla is a legendary hall of fame; a place of high honor. May of Teck finds her Gloriana as Queen Mary. As Royals do, May's marriage is methodically matched. May is known as a smart, simple girl. Her posture is perfect. She is quiet and polite. Most importantly, she has good, strong hips - a requirement for breeding future heirs. May's lot in life may seem like a royal lottery to her parents, but I felt brokenhearted for the future Queen consort of George V, not to mention the children of these two - one being the abdicated King Edward VIII, and his overburdened brother, King George VI, future father of the current monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.

While Clark devotes great attention to fact, Valhalla is a fictional account of what could have been occurring behind the privately guarded walls and halls of one of the most popular royal families to rule the United Kingdom. This is NOT a biography. Clark blends fact with fiction. The reader is permitted the facts and allowed to imagine feelings, private conversations, and possibilities. When May of Teck becomes the royal princess bride, all possibilities are lost to duty. No one understood royal obligation better than May. The real Queen Mary appeared stone cold. Clark breathes color and imagination into a rigid, privileged life.

My thoughts: the halls of Valhalla may be filled with legendary heroes, and Gloriana herself, but they echo of longing and loneliness.

[Ahri · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I'm a huge historical fiction/non-fiction lover, so the whole premise of the book was so exciting to me. Queen Mary was a woman whom experienced so much hardship and tragedy in life, so I was SO pleased for this book and hear more about her.

Please note, while "Valhalla" covers a real historical story and person, there is fact and fiction mixed in. Just wanted to ensure that was clear here.

Overall, I was really impressed with this book. It can be really hard for authors to create a work that includes a real historical character, and blend fact and fiction together where it's well balanced. This was perfectly woven by the author - I was really impressed and had to start researching more about Queen Mary just because the book left me so intrigued and wanting to know more. Highly recommend this book, especially for lovers of historical fiction!

Thank you for Netgalley and Fairlight Books for providing me an ARC.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A distressing story which has kept me captivated from the beginning till the end. A life where the sense of duty is stronger than the feelings of love can destroy a lot innerly. Well written, you do feel along the characters' depression, their angst when they try and suppress their emotions in order to project a perfect image to the world. Do we expect so much from Royal people? At such a cost? I don't.
Enthralling and informative. Highly recommended for readers of historical fiction based on real people.
Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this book for free.

[Doris Vandruff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is based on fact and then fictionalized. Mary Teck was destined to be Queen. As a child she was loving, and smart. She wanted to find love as a young woman. She did have a crush on the painter of her portrait. She also cared deeply for her betrothed. He died before they married. Later she was married to his brother. The saddest thing is that she was never able to be herself or do anything that went against her position. Friends were lost, love was lost in her being devoted to her place in life.
A wonderful story.

[Ann McGuinness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Privilege versus sacrifice

I chose a 5 star rating because I loved this book. I loved the girl Mary of Teck, I pitied her priveleged yet lonely early years. I admired her spirit, her ability to enjoy and appreciate simple things.
I loved the telling of her story, imagined of course to some extent and fictionalized, but nonetheless it succeeded in humanising an historical royal figure normally portrayed as a stiff and unbending paragon, relentless in her devotion to duty.
It is an easy to read totally absorbing story.

[Polly Krize · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Long a fan of British history, I was not familiar with May of Teck, betrothed of Queen Victoria's grandson, Prince Eddy. Her life is not her own, and when Prince Eddy dies, she is now married to his brother, George. Basically a loveless marriage, both of them do their duty, with May ultimately becoming Queen Mary of England Well researched and written.