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All the Queen's Players
At Queen Elizabeth’s palace, intrigue abounds. And when a naive girl with a gift for keen observation enters the court, she can hardly imagine the role she will play in bringing England—indeed, the whole of Europe—to the brink of war. Nor can she foresee her own journey to the brink of ecstasy and beyond. . . .
When she becomes a junior lady of Queen Elizabeth’s bedchamber, Rosamund is instructed by her cousin, the brilliant and devious secretary of state Sir Francis Walsingham, to record everything she observes. Her promised reward: a chance at a good marriage. But through her brother Thomas, Rosamund finds herself drawn to the forbidden, rough-and-tumble world of theatre, and to Thomas’s friend, the dramatic, impetuous playwright Christopher Marlowe. And then Rosamund meets Will Creighton—a persuasive courtier, poet, and would-be playwright who is the embodiment of an unsuitable match.
The unsanctioned relationship between Rosamund and Will draws the wrath of Elizabeth, who prides herself on being the Virgin Queen. Rosamund is sent in disgrace to a remote castle that holds Elizabeth’s cousin Mary Stuart, the imprisoned Queen of Scots. Here, Walsingham expects Rosamund to uncover proof of a plot against Elizabeth. But surely, nothing good can come of putting an artless girl in such close proximity to so many seductive players and deceptive games. Unless, of course, Rosamund can discover an affinity for passion and intrigue herself. . . .
When she becomes a junior lady of Queen Elizabeth’s bedchamber, Rosamund is instructed by her cousin, the brilliant and devious secretary of state Sir Francis Walsingham, to record everything she observes. Her promised reward: a chance at a good marriage. But through her brother Thomas, Rosamund finds herself drawn to the forbidden, rough-and-tumble world of theatre, and to Thomas’s friend, the dramatic, impetuous playwright Christopher Marlowe. And then Rosamund meets Will Creighton—a persuasive courtier, poet, and would-be playwright who is the embodiment of an unsuitable match.
The unsanctioned relationship between Rosamund and Will draws the wrath of Elizabeth, who prides herself on being the Virgin Queen. Rosamund is sent in disgrace to a remote castle that holds Elizabeth’s cousin Mary Stuart, the imprisoned Queen of Scots. Here, Walsingham expects Rosamund to uncover proof of a plot against Elizabeth. But surely, nothing good can come of putting an artless girl in such close proximity to so many seductive players and deceptive games. Unless, of course, Rosamund can discover an affinity for passion and intrigue herself. . . .
400 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
32 people are currently reading
1020 people want to read
About the author
Jane Feather
170 books629 followersJane Feather (born Jane Robotham) is a popular British–American writer of historical romance novels. In 1984 she wrote five contemporary romances under the pseudonym Claudia Bishop. She is a New York Times-bestselling, award–winning writer, and has more than ten million romance novels in print.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
July 3, 2012
I hate to be over dramatic when I review books because as much as I love them, I like to be honest about the book. Well...ummm...I feel actually betrayed by this one. Because it didn't deliver what it promised.
The back of the book promises a fun good time through Elizabeth I's court because Rosamund is supposed to draw whatever she sees there and reports back while having a forbidden love for theater and a romance with an unsuitable match. It also makes a note to mention that Christopher Marlowe is a character in the book. Then Rosamund ends up sent to Mary Stuart's court to spy on her and find out whether Mary Stuart is plotting treason. This is the blurb on the back, not spoilers. This is what they want you to know before you read this thing. And the blurb ends with "Surely, nothing good can come of putting an artless girl in close proximity to such seductive players and deceptive games. Unless, of course, Rosamund can discover an affinity for passion and intrigue herself...".
DON'T. TRUST. THIS. DESCRIPTION. ONE. BIT.
Rosamund doesn't get to Mary Stuart until page 328 of 455. Her romance is barely dealt with at all, especially for a romance novel. In fact, our heroine has sex all of 2 or 3 times in the entire book. In a romance novel that's supposedly about her. This book could have been a cool, sensual view of Elizabeth I's court, Elizabethan history and ethics, and Mary Stuart's own history but it ends up being a jumbled mess. The narration is third person and it follows any and every character it pleases with no rhyme or reason as to why the narration is there. Maybe the narration is bored. I don't know. I don't even feel like I was drawn in by the characters. Marlowe is just a gay drunk which okay, fine, go there if you wish historically but for a book that decides to put him in, a book where it's deemed important TO MENTION HIM IN THE SUMMARY ON THE BACK, it doesn't do him justice. Her friendship for him is barely even worth mentioning. And our heroine just seems sort of...there? I guess she's fiesty and sort of more of a modern heroine in some respects but her disrespect and her slips of indiscretion in speech and deed make no sense. None. She just wants to do what she wants to do so she does it. Umm...fantastic? But this is a story? So why not just...oh screw it.
THE ENDING BLOWS. I could have forgiven the book all of this if the ending wasn't so mean spirited in its use of the characters, its manipulation of the reader, and how it ties up loose ends. And like I said, I hate being melodramatic about books. I absolutely hate it because it makes it seem like I'm just fangirl hurt about it and I'm not, I assure you. I don't want to spoil it, I'm just going to say that what happens is out of character and not right after putting the characters and the reader through this jumbled mess.
Ummm...I recommend this if you just need a read to get you through a train ride or if you're a Literature/Creative Writing/Elizabethan History major or degree holder or person. Cause it's a good time waster and if you're in that last category, you're gonna laugh at the inaccuracy and the lack of detail.
The back of the book promises a fun good time through Elizabeth I's court because Rosamund is supposed to draw whatever she sees there and reports back while having a forbidden love for theater and a romance with an unsuitable match. It also makes a note to mention that Christopher Marlowe is a character in the book. Then Rosamund ends up sent to Mary Stuart's court to spy on her and find out whether Mary Stuart is plotting treason. This is the blurb on the back, not spoilers. This is what they want you to know before you read this thing. And the blurb ends with "Surely, nothing good can come of putting an artless girl in close proximity to such seductive players and deceptive games. Unless, of course, Rosamund can discover an affinity for passion and intrigue herself...".
DON'T. TRUST. THIS. DESCRIPTION. ONE. BIT.
Rosamund doesn't get to Mary Stuart until page 328 of 455. Her romance is barely dealt with at all, especially for a romance novel. In fact, our heroine has sex all of 2 or 3 times in the entire book. In a romance novel that's supposedly about her. This book could have been a cool, sensual view of Elizabeth I's court, Elizabethan history and ethics, and Mary Stuart's own history but it ends up being a jumbled mess. The narration is third person and it follows any and every character it pleases with no rhyme or reason as to why the narration is there. Maybe the narration is bored. I don't know. I don't even feel like I was drawn in by the characters. Marlowe is just a gay drunk which okay, fine, go there if you wish historically but for a book that decides to put him in, a book where it's deemed important TO MENTION HIM IN THE SUMMARY ON THE BACK, it doesn't do him justice. Her friendship for him is barely even worth mentioning. And our heroine just seems sort of...there? I guess she's fiesty and sort of more of a modern heroine in some respects but her disrespect and her slips of indiscretion in speech and deed make no sense. None. She just wants to do what she wants to do so she does it. Umm...fantastic? But this is a story? So why not just...oh screw it.
THE ENDING BLOWS. I could have forgiven the book all of this if the ending wasn't so mean spirited in its use of the characters, its manipulation of the reader, and how it ties up loose ends. And like I said, I hate being melodramatic about books. I absolutely hate it because it makes it seem like I'm just fangirl hurt about it and I'm not, I assure you. I don't want to spoil it, I'm just going to say that what happens is out of character and not right after putting the characters and the reader through this jumbled mess.
Ummm...I recommend this if you just need a read to get you through a train ride or if you're a Literature/Creative Writing/Elizabethan History major or degree holder or person. Cause it's a good time waster and if you're in that last category, you're gonna laugh at the inaccuracy and the lack of detail.
April 3, 2011
Had every intention of giving this three stars until I read the last ten pages which didn't flow with the rest of the story in any way. It was a dramatic ending just for the sake of having a dramatic ending but didn't make much sense to me.
The book is very well written but just never completely gets off the ground. It goes in too many directions and it's hard to feel too close to one of the many many story lines.
The book is very well written but just never completely gets off the ground. It goes in too many directions and it's hard to feel too close to one of the many many story lines.
September 18, 2021
I’m surprised I enjoyed this as much as I did, having acquired the book at a Little Free Library from a small selection of used books. I like historical fiction set in Britain, and this tale has some likable and intriguing storylines.
A typo on p. 233: should be Frances, the daughter, rather than Francis, the husband.
A typo on p. 233: should be Frances, the daughter, rather than Francis, the husband.
dnf
July 11, 2015I thought this was historical romance, but it was historical fiction. And hey I love both. But if I am to read historical fiction it needs to be good. This has a boring heroine, who was a follower, and I was all who cares.
October 21, 2014
3.5 stars
Sayang banget konfliknya rada datar padahal ceritanya sudah bagus. Pendalaman karakter utamanya juga kurang tergali. Tapi so far so good. Buat pecinta historical fiction, gak rugilah utk membaca buku ini.
Sayang banget konfliknya rada datar padahal ceritanya sudah bagus. Pendalaman karakter utamanya juga kurang tergali. Tapi so far so good. Buat pecinta historical fiction, gak rugilah utk membaca buku ini.
June 21, 2012
I am currently on page 164 of this book and I doubt I will be able to finish it. The heroine, Rosamund, seems to lack any sense and despite her asserted intelligence and keen observational skills, she quickly allows herself to fall into court dalliance and an affair/scandal (yet to be seen) that will cause her downfall and make her all the more useful to her patron and cousin, spymaster Francis Walsingham. The book has an uncomfortable mix of court life and theatre that so far does not make much sense, a subplot that (as observed by another reviewer) seems to have been copied from Dangerous Liaisons, and poorly developed characters. Kit Marlowe, the brilliant playwright, atheist, and possible spy, is a particularly egregious victim of this treatment, so I will focus on him for the purpose of this review.
It is clear that Feather has chosen to depict Marlowe as an alcoholic. But she does so with such a heavy hand that it quickly becomes tiresome, straining the reader's (or at least my) belief. Feather cannot seem to convey Kit's alcoholism without having him constantly downing ale, gulping goblets of wine, or calling out for refills, often with barely a few brief paragraphs between demands. First, it just bad writing: can Feather not communicate Marlowe's problem in a more subtle way, especially if the heroine is supposed to be so "observant"? References to bloodshot eyes and a few scenes of excess would have been sufficient without becoming repetitive. Second, Feather is portraying Marlowe at the very outset of his career, as he is composing his first of several brilliant works. A man who is already so far gone as Feather's Kit--who cannot make it past ten in the morning without downing multiple drinks and already has a "waxen" complexion from his excess--would be unlikely to have the brilliant career that the historical Marlowe had, nor would he be a likely choice as a spy for Walsingham. Moreover, Kit has another SEVEN YEARS to live before his untimely murder. As he is described by Feather, one would expect him to be dead much sooner, let alone just at the beginning of a writing career that transformed the English stage.
I had hoped that once Rosamund, the supposed focus of the novel, reached court that the story would gather steam, but so far she is just making foolish choices and dallying with a few uninspiring secondary characters. The author also makes odd, counter-intuitive choices--for instance, in one of scenes in which Rosamund attends the theatre, her brother seats them on the stage in order to decrease the chance that they will be recognized. This, despite the fact that other courtiers are seated on stage directly across from them, and the fact that the Theatre was likely shaped like an O, giving not only the groundlings but the spectators in the gallery a good, clear view of who was on stage (courtiers paid extra for those seats for the very purpose of being SEEN, after all).
In addition, the book is filled with unnecessary sex scenes that are neither arousing nor particularly relevant to the story, and they are often focused on characters in whom we have little investment. This distracts from what might be a more interesting storyline (if only Feather would pick one): either Rosamund's interest in the theatre, or her involvement in political intrigue.
Some reviewers comment that the book picks up in the latter half, but so far it has not captured my interest enough to merit more than a skimming of the remainder, at best.
It is clear that Feather has chosen to depict Marlowe as an alcoholic. But she does so with such a heavy hand that it quickly becomes tiresome, straining the reader's (or at least my) belief. Feather cannot seem to convey Kit's alcoholism without having him constantly downing ale, gulping goblets of wine, or calling out for refills, often with barely a few brief paragraphs between demands. First, it just bad writing: can Feather not communicate Marlowe's problem in a more subtle way, especially if the heroine is supposed to be so "observant"? References to bloodshot eyes and a few scenes of excess would have been sufficient without becoming repetitive. Second, Feather is portraying Marlowe at the very outset of his career, as he is composing his first of several brilliant works. A man who is already so far gone as Feather's Kit--who cannot make it past ten in the morning without downing multiple drinks and already has a "waxen" complexion from his excess--would be unlikely to have the brilliant career that the historical Marlowe had, nor would he be a likely choice as a spy for Walsingham. Moreover, Kit has another SEVEN YEARS to live before his untimely murder. As he is described by Feather, one would expect him to be dead much sooner, let alone just at the beginning of a writing career that transformed the English stage.
I had hoped that once Rosamund, the supposed focus of the novel, reached court that the story would gather steam, but so far she is just making foolish choices and dallying with a few uninspiring secondary characters. The author also makes odd, counter-intuitive choices--for instance, in one of scenes in which Rosamund attends the theatre, her brother seats them on the stage in order to decrease the chance that they will be recognized. This, despite the fact that other courtiers are seated on stage directly across from them, and the fact that the Theatre was likely shaped like an O, giving not only the groundlings but the spectators in the gallery a good, clear view of who was on stage (courtiers paid extra for those seats for the very purpose of being SEEN, after all).
In addition, the book is filled with unnecessary sex scenes that are neither arousing nor particularly relevant to the story, and they are often focused on characters in whom we have little investment. This distracts from what might be a more interesting storyline (if only Feather would pick one): either Rosamund's interest in the theatre, or her involvement in political intrigue.
Some reviewers comment that the book picks up in the latter half, but so far it has not captured my interest enough to merit more than a skimming of the remainder, at best.
June 21, 2010
Unfortunately ALL THE QUEEN'S PLAYERS fell totally flat for me. Jane Feather used to be an auto buy author for me, with a strong voice showcasing fast moving tales of action, suspense, romance and passion, but she seems to have lost that voice. With this book I wasn't expecting a romance, but I was expecting a good story. Instead I felt that it just seemed to drag on and on. The plot never really went anywhere, it just stagnated. The court intrigue lacked any spark of adventure, the petty jealousies didn't feel very malicious, even though I felt that was the intent.
Potentially interesting characters were quickly blended into the mix of blandness. Rosamund had some great qualities, she was spunky, outspoken and independent without being annoying. When she had to reign in her personality, she usually did so without being to stubborn. She was supposed to be a spy for her uncle, but that was quickly lost in the everyday nonsense of court life, and I became bored with it. Kit, Thomas and Will were all characters that I wish grew more with the story, and each time I thought they were about to do something interesting, they would just ride off and get drunk or just disappear.
With the minimum romance between Will and Rosamund, there was a teeny tiny hint of Ms. Feather's former voice of passion, but that too very quickly petered out. I would have rather she wrote no love scenes, than the lame attempts she included. I don't know if she or her editor felt that because this is general fiction and not romance that the spark needed to be toned down, but I felt that was a mistake, as it just made the characters that much more impersonal and I lost any inkling of a connection to them.
There was so much I thought Ms. Feather could have expanded upon, but instead she just seemed to jump from one scene to the next without ever completing or accomplishing anything. Maybe if she had focused on the just the action and secrets of the theater life or just the intrigues of Elizabeth's court, she could have told a more focused tale, but by trying to mix them both together she seemed discombobulated and generally all over the place, while getting no where. When any action did happen, it seemed to have been hastily shoved into the storyline without being smoothly worked into plot.
This book could not end soon enough. But when it did it got even worse. I wasn't surprised by the ending, but it did tick me off. I will admit that I came close to shedding a tear, not because I was so enwrapped in the characters lives, but because it seemed so senseless. It rather came out of no where and seemed to be there just to tie up a loose end. Though I did like the epilogue, but I wished that what led up to that scene could have played a part in the storyline...what can I say, I'm a romance fan at the heart of it all.
Potentially interesting characters were quickly blended into the mix of blandness. Rosamund had some great qualities, she was spunky, outspoken and independent without being annoying. When she had to reign in her personality, she usually did so without being to stubborn. She was supposed to be a spy for her uncle, but that was quickly lost in the everyday nonsense of court life, and I became bored with it. Kit, Thomas and Will were all characters that I wish grew more with the story, and each time I thought they were about to do something interesting, they would just ride off and get drunk or just disappear.
With the minimum romance between Will and Rosamund, there was a teeny tiny hint of Ms. Feather's former voice of passion, but that too very quickly petered out. I would have rather she wrote no love scenes, than the lame attempts she included. I don't know if she or her editor felt that because this is general fiction and not romance that the spark needed to be toned down, but I felt that was a mistake, as it just made the characters that much more impersonal and I lost any inkling of a connection to them.
There was so much I thought Ms. Feather could have expanded upon, but instead she just seemed to jump from one scene to the next without ever completing or accomplishing anything. Maybe if she had focused on the just the action and secrets of the theater life or just the intrigues of Elizabeth's court, she could have told a more focused tale, but by trying to mix them both together she seemed discombobulated and generally all over the place, while getting no where. When any action did happen, it seemed to have been hastily shoved into the storyline without being smoothly worked into plot.
This book could not end soon enough. But when it did it got even worse. I wasn't surprised by the ending, but it did tick me off. I will admit that I came close to shedding a tear, not because I was so enwrapped in the characters lives, but because it seemed so senseless. It rather came out of no where and seemed to be there just to tie up a loose end. Though I did like the epilogue, but I wished that what led up to that scene could have played a part in the storyline...what can I say, I'm a romance fan at the heart of it all.
May 17, 2010
All the Queen's Players by Jane Feather
Historical Romance- April 13th, 2010
3 stars
All the Queen's Players is a mix between intrigue and romance. However, romance is not the primary focus of the novel. So if you are expecting a book in Jane Feather's usual style please be aware this book is a bit different.
The main character, Rosamund Walsingham is involved in many royal intrigue cases as a spy. There was a lot of plot twists, but unfortunately many of which I could not follow. And the did not hold my attention because I tend to need a bit more romance and less intrigue. I did find the book sis gain momentum with the book when the courtier Will Creighton arrives. He is Rosamund's love interest and she falls in love with him.
I'm not sure if I was just unable to relate to the thriller/intrigue aspect of the story, but it took me a bit longer to get through this book, even though, it was well written. I think fans of thrillers and clever plot twist will appreciate this book. I did appreciate the historical aspects of the book which did make me feel the character lived in the past. But since I am primarily a romance reader I generally found myself disappointed in the story.
Reviewed by Sophia from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Historical Romance- April 13th, 2010
3 stars
All the Queen's Players is a mix between intrigue and romance. However, romance is not the primary focus of the novel. So if you are expecting a book in Jane Feather's usual style please be aware this book is a bit different.
The main character, Rosamund Walsingham is involved in many royal intrigue cases as a spy. There was a lot of plot twists, but unfortunately many of which I could not follow. And the did not hold my attention because I tend to need a bit more romance and less intrigue. I did find the book sis gain momentum with the book when the courtier Will Creighton arrives. He is Rosamund's love interest and she falls in love with him.
I'm not sure if I was just unable to relate to the thriller/intrigue aspect of the story, but it took me a bit longer to get through this book, even though, it was well written. I think fans of thrillers and clever plot twist will appreciate this book. I did appreciate the historical aspects of the book which did make me feel the character lived in the past. But since I am primarily a romance reader I generally found myself disappointed in the story.
Reviewed by Sophia from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
October 15, 2012
I was very pleased with this book. I didn't have super high hopes, I purchased this one out of a bargain bin. So, for $2.99 I think I lucked out.
I'm sure this is atleast 85% fiction, there are tons of historical elaborations.... but that's exactly why I loved it. Sometimes I want an escape read.
Also, any sex scenes in this were tastfully done and not over the top. There is a lot left up to the imagination. However, nipples are mentioned atleast twice ;) Hey-O!
Anywho, good fun. Nothing super amazing, but a great pleasure read, when you just want to shut your brain down for a while.
3.5 stars
I'm sure this is atleast 85% fiction, there are tons of historical elaborations.... but that's exactly why I loved it. Sometimes I want an escape read.
Also, any sex scenes in this were tastfully done and not over the top. There is a lot left up to the imagination. However, nipples are mentioned atleast twice ;) Hey-O!
Anywho, good fun. Nothing super amazing, but a great pleasure read, when you just want to shut your brain down for a while.
3.5 stars
November 21, 2018
'All The Queen's Players' is the first novel and historical novel that I have read from Jane Feather. As soon as I saw this book on Amazon, and I found out that it was a historical novel, I knew that I had to have it!
'All The Queen's Player' focuses on a young woman called Rosamund, who is a cousin of one of the most powerful and influential men at the court of the Virgin Queen, Elizabeth I; Francis Walsingham (known as the Spymaster). She was living a simple country life after the death of her mother until her older brother, Thomas and his friend, poet and playwright Christopher Marlowe turned up to their family home and bring her to their cousin in London, Francis Walsingham. However, as her observational drawing skills become noted and work to the benefit of Francis Walsingham. As long as Rosamund uses her skill to help him in his spy work, Francis manages to acquire Rosamund a place at Elizabeth's court amongst her ladies-in-waiting. Despite her brother's warning not to go to the theatre, Rosamund disobeys his orders and comes across an actor and playwright, Will Creighton. She ends up in a scandal that gets her banished from court and used as an informant in the household of the imprisoned Mary Queen of Scots.
I personally liked Rosamund as a character, but I will admit at times I did find her a bit too naive and willing to let her passions run wild but I cannot criticise her wholly on those two things. Although I found her to be one of the more likeable characters in this novel, other than Will Creighton and Mary Queen of Scots (just because I love her and in novels she can do no wrong for me), the rest were quite boring, horrible and just hated reading about. Rosamund's brother Thomas wasn't likeable and I at first enjoyed reading about his friendship/relationship with Kit Marlowe but in the end, I got really bored of reading about it as it was (in my own opinion) quite a volatile relationship and I don't think neither Thomas or Kit benefited from the relationship. Kit Marlowe was an okay character to read throughout the novel, but sadly I became bored reading about him in the end, as all he did was moan and whine about his situation as Francis Walsingham's spy, but also the author has used the idea that he was an alcoholic and he is constantly getting drunk, it was boring to read after a while that even though I liked Kit as a character (when he wasn't drunk), I hated reading his sections of the novel.
One character however that I detested above all else was definitely Arnaud Chevalier de Vaugiras. His whole story line and how he fit into the novel really confused me, as to be perfectly honest, I felt that if he wasn't even written into the book that the story would have made more sense, as his plot was completely POINTLESS! All he wanted to do was seduce Rosamund and he even used his mistress Agathe (Lady Leinster) to help him get close to Rosamund to try and sleep with her. Arnaud and Thomas Walsingham's hatred of each other also did not make any sense to the story, I understand that it would help to explain why Thomas wanted Rosamund to stay away from him, other than that it is completely irrelevant of the story, it was frustrating to read! I did feel sorry for Agathe when it came out about her courtship with Arnaud and she was banished from court by Elizabeth, she was told that she should go to her lover, but when she turned up at his door, he refused to help her! I literally could not believe him, but sadly that was the world that people had in. He is one of my most hated characters!
I don't want people to read this review and think that I absolutely hated it, as that is not the case, but there were a lot of ideas/storylines/characters that annoyed me, the lack of Mary Queen of Scots until near the end actually devastated me, as I love her and was looking forward to reading more about her. I felt that the ending was a little bit rushed and was looking for a happy ending for Rosamund (which to be fair, everyone would want her to have) but it would have been interesting to read about the aftermath for Rosamund and the events that led up to her eventual wedding and birth of her child. Also, I will agree with many readers and anyone who has reviewed the book that once I read the blurb, I was gripped and needed the book, but the blurb did not really match what happened in the book, and the most important parts (i.e. Rosamund's banishment and her place in Mary Queen of Scots household) did not happen until near enough the end of the book, and just felt rushed.
I will give the author big credit for the amount of detail that the author put into her historical fiction novel made me feel as if I was transported back into the Elizabethan Era and got a good sense of all the historical figures in that period of time, but also the author did a fantastic job in teaching me and opening up my mind more to the theatre as well. This book is a good one to recommend, but however if you are going by the blurb of this book, then I would say to you "Don't!" but you can still enjoy the book! This would be a good book for anyone interesting in reading a drama based in the Elizabethan era, if you like espionage, and if you would like a book lightly based on the theatres and in the court of Elizabeth I.
'All The Queen's Player' focuses on a young woman called Rosamund, who is a cousin of one of the most powerful and influential men at the court of the Virgin Queen, Elizabeth I; Francis Walsingham (known as the Spymaster). She was living a simple country life after the death of her mother until her older brother, Thomas and his friend, poet and playwright Christopher Marlowe turned up to their family home and bring her to their cousin in London, Francis Walsingham. However, as her observational drawing skills become noted and work to the benefit of Francis Walsingham. As long as Rosamund uses her skill to help him in his spy work, Francis manages to acquire Rosamund a place at Elizabeth's court amongst her ladies-in-waiting. Despite her brother's warning not to go to the theatre, Rosamund disobeys his orders and comes across an actor and playwright, Will Creighton. She ends up in a scandal that gets her banished from court and used as an informant in the household of the imprisoned Mary Queen of Scots.
I personally liked Rosamund as a character, but I will admit at times I did find her a bit too naive and willing to let her passions run wild but I cannot criticise her wholly on those two things. Although I found her to be one of the more likeable characters in this novel, other than Will Creighton and Mary Queen of Scots (just because I love her and in novels she can do no wrong for me), the rest were quite boring, horrible and just hated reading about. Rosamund's brother Thomas wasn't likeable and I at first enjoyed reading about his friendship/relationship with Kit Marlowe but in the end, I got really bored of reading about it as it was (in my own opinion) quite a volatile relationship and I don't think neither Thomas or Kit benefited from the relationship. Kit Marlowe was an okay character to read throughout the novel, but sadly I became bored reading about him in the end, as all he did was moan and whine about his situation as Francis Walsingham's spy, but also the author has used the idea that he was an alcoholic and he is constantly getting drunk, it was boring to read after a while that even though I liked Kit as a character (when he wasn't drunk), I hated reading his sections of the novel.
One character however that I detested above all else was definitely Arnaud Chevalier de Vaugiras. His whole story line and how he fit into the novel really confused me, as to be perfectly honest, I felt that if he wasn't even written into the book that the story would have made more sense, as his plot was completely POINTLESS! All he wanted to do was seduce Rosamund and he even used his mistress Agathe (Lady Leinster) to help him get close to Rosamund to try and sleep with her. Arnaud and Thomas Walsingham's hatred of each other also did not make any sense to the story, I understand that it would help to explain why Thomas wanted Rosamund to stay away from him, other than that it is completely irrelevant of the story, it was frustrating to read! I did feel sorry for Agathe when it came out about her courtship with Arnaud and she was banished from court by Elizabeth, she was told that she should go to her lover, but when she turned up at his door, he refused to help her! I literally could not believe him, but sadly that was the world that people had in. He is one of my most hated characters!
I don't want people to read this review and think that I absolutely hated it, as that is not the case, but there were a lot of ideas/storylines/characters that annoyed me, the lack of Mary Queen of Scots until near the end actually devastated me, as I love her and was looking forward to reading more about her. I felt that the ending was a little bit rushed and was looking for a happy ending for Rosamund (which to be fair, everyone would want her to have) but it would have been interesting to read about the aftermath for Rosamund and the events that led up to her eventual wedding and birth of her child. Also, I will agree with many readers and anyone who has reviewed the book that once I read the blurb, I was gripped and needed the book, but the blurb did not really match what happened in the book, and the most important parts (i.e. Rosamund's banishment and her place in Mary Queen of Scots household) did not happen until near enough the end of the book, and just felt rushed.
I will give the author big credit for the amount of detail that the author put into her historical fiction novel made me feel as if I was transported back into the Elizabethan Era and got a good sense of all the historical figures in that period of time, but also the author did a fantastic job in teaching me and opening up my mind more to the theatre as well. This book is a good one to recommend, but however if you are going by the blurb of this book, then I would say to you "Don't!" but you can still enjoy the book! This would be a good book for anyone interesting in reading a drama based in the Elizabethan era, if you like espionage, and if you would like a book lightly based on the theatres and in the court of Elizabeth I.
January 13, 2018
At Queen Elizabeth’s palace, intrigue abounds. And when a naive girl with a gift for keen observation enters the court, she can hardly imagine the role she will play in bringing England—indeed, the whole of Europe—to the brink of war. Nor can she foresee her own journey to the brink of ecstasy and beyond. . . .
When she becomes a junior lady of Queen Elizabeth’s bedchamber, Rosamund is instructed by her cousin, the brilliant and devious secretary of state Sir Francis Walsingham, to record everything she observes. Her promised reward: a chance at a good marriage. But through her brother Thomas, Rosamund finds herself drawn to the forbidden, rough-and-tumble world of theatre, and to Thomas’s friend, the dramatic, impetuous playwright Christopher Marlowe. And then Rosamund meets Will Creighton—a persuasive courtier, poet, and would-be playwright who is the embodiment of an unsuitable match.
The unsanctioned relationship between Rosamund and Will draws the wrath of Elizabeth, who prides herself on being the Virgin Queen. Rosamund is sent in disgrace to a remote castle that holds Elizabeth’s cousin Mary Stuart, the imprisoned Queen of Scots. Here, Walsingham expects Rosamund to uncover proof of a plot against Elizabeth. But surely, nothing good can come of putting an artless girl in such close proximity to so many seductive players and deceptive games. Unless, of course, Rosamund can discover an affinity for passion and intrigue herself. .
When she becomes a junior lady of Queen Elizabeth’s bedchamber, Rosamund is instructed by her cousin, the brilliant and devious secretary of state Sir Francis Walsingham, to record everything she observes. Her promised reward: a chance at a good marriage. But through her brother Thomas, Rosamund finds herself drawn to the forbidden, rough-and-tumble world of theatre, and to Thomas’s friend, the dramatic, impetuous playwright Christopher Marlowe. And then Rosamund meets Will Creighton—a persuasive courtier, poet, and would-be playwright who is the embodiment of an unsuitable match.
The unsanctioned relationship between Rosamund and Will draws the wrath of Elizabeth, who prides herself on being the Virgin Queen. Rosamund is sent in disgrace to a remote castle that holds Elizabeth’s cousin Mary Stuart, the imprisoned Queen of Scots. Here, Walsingham expects Rosamund to uncover proof of a plot against Elizabeth. But surely, nothing good can come of putting an artless girl in such close proximity to so many seductive players and deceptive games. Unless, of course, Rosamund can discover an affinity for passion and intrigue herself. .
September 25, 2022
I ended up liking this book more than I thought I would when I first started reading it. I love Tudor-era novels, and this was more of a bodice-ripper that what I'm used to, but it redeemed itself in the latter half.
Rosamund Walsingham, cousin to her majesty’s spymaster, has been summoned to court. Her cousin Francis hopes that Rosamund’s exposure will help her prospects of securing an advantageous marriage. But her headstrong attitude, her love of the theater, her flirtatiousness, and her uncanny skill for drawing make her stand out a little too much. Rosamund is careless and makes some poor decisions. She falls for young playwright Will Creighton, and soon finds out that her indiscretions have been discovered. Elizabeth banishes her from court, and Francis realizes that despite her passionate stupidity, Rosamund’s cunningness could come in useful to spy on the imprisoned Mary of Scots.
Despite my frustration with Rosamund herself, what I most liked about the novel was the intrigue. Everyone, it seems, is on an errand for Walsingham, or as Rosamund reflects, are all players on his stage. The theatrical aspect didn’t play as much of a role in the plot as I thought, but I understand how it played into the overall theme. I appreciated how historical figures like Kit Marlowe and Mary of Scots were portrayed. If you like heady romance paired with historic fiction, you’d enjoy this book.
Rosamund Walsingham, cousin to her majesty’s spymaster, has been summoned to court. Her cousin Francis hopes that Rosamund’s exposure will help her prospects of securing an advantageous marriage. But her headstrong attitude, her love of the theater, her flirtatiousness, and her uncanny skill for drawing make her stand out a little too much. Rosamund is careless and makes some poor decisions. She falls for young playwright Will Creighton, and soon finds out that her indiscretions have been discovered. Elizabeth banishes her from court, and Francis realizes that despite her passionate stupidity, Rosamund’s cunningness could come in useful to spy on the imprisoned Mary of Scots.
Despite my frustration with Rosamund herself, what I most liked about the novel was the intrigue. Everyone, it seems, is on an errand for Walsingham, or as Rosamund reflects, are all players on his stage. The theatrical aspect didn’t play as much of a role in the plot as I thought, but I understand how it played into the overall theme. I appreciated how historical figures like Kit Marlowe and Mary of Scots were portrayed. If you like heady romance paired with historic fiction, you’d enjoy this book.
December 2, 2012
Warning: Very harsh
Back-Story: I picked this up when Borders was going out of business. When that happened, I basically went to every Borders in my area and literally any book that looked interesting or the summary sounded good, I bought. This was one of them.
First off, I initally thought that the book was called "Jane Feather: All the Queen's Players" because the author's name is written so incredibly large on the cover. It's larger even than the title. But I figured out that she was actually the author after being unable to find it listed on here under that title. Just something I find funny: that the author's name is even larger than the title of the book.
Review: Overall, I liked part of the book. However, there is a lot that I think could be improved.
Looks- The cover is interesting. It definitely draws the eye if you are a lover of the Elizabethan time period. Also the title draws you in, in my opinion.
Content- This book became a lot more than I expected it to be. I thought it would just be a bit of a period piece with some unsanctioned romance in it. I thought the Elizabethan court would be a larger part than it was. But in actual fact, this book is about a young girl who's been left to herself for years and is now suddenly called upon by a cousin to be enlisted in his spy circle. She's placed into court eventually as one of Queen Elizabeth's ladies to just tell her cousin everything she sees and hears while she is there with the possible prospect of a good marriage should the queen favor her. After she's disgraced, she's placed into another situation to spy. After a few more events, she's placed back to where she was to start with. Exciting, right? *sarcastic note*
A lot happens in the 400 pages of this book; however, I definitely think at least 100 of those pages could be removed and the story would read better. For one thing, the plot is really pointlessly drawn out in a lot of places. It takes a really long time for Rosamund (the main character) to even get to the court. Then she seems to be there for a short period of time before she's disgraced and quickly removed from court. She's then sent off quickly to Mary of Scots where she is for a while to spy on Mary before Mary is executed and it's basically the end. I just felt like the plot was badly paced with a lot of pointless details inserted that don't have much to do with the main plot. It seemed as if there were three different stories being forced together into this book. The focus was changed quite frequently, leaving kind of a dazed feeling, with the reader trying to pinpoint what is actually significant and what's just thrown in there for the heck of it. Which is really what I feel like Jane Feather did: she just threw a bunch of disjointed stories into one. There's just way too much happening in the book to have a main focus in it that's easy to distinguish. Just for instance the romance part jumps from Thomas Walsingham (Rosamund's brother) and Kit Marlowe, to Agathe and the Chevalier de Vaugiras, to Rosamund and Will Creighton with Sir Roger Askew just wandering around randomly in the plot. There's details added into all of the separate stories that I just think make it hard to determine the important parts. Basically: needless details in a disjointed plot that is trying too hard.
The characters were interesting and fairly-developed. I felt like, once again, there were pointless characters in there that added nothing to the plot. I personally think that Thomas Watson, Frances (Lady Walsinghman's daughter), and Agathe didn't even need to be in the story at all, not to mention all the conspirators that were mentioned constantly. I understand Agathe's part but I think Rosamund would have fallen into the trap without Agathe's help simply because Rosamund has been sheltered all her life and she's curious. It was hard for me to keep the minor characters straight since there was so many of them and the names were similar.
The ending was bittersweet. I really liked it even though it was very, very predictable and unoriginal. I liked some of the characters. I also liked that the espionage portion of it was realistic. Even though this book has a lot of flaws, I gave it the two stars because the portions that I did like, I liked a lot. The book is similar to the Pink Carnation series written by Lauren Willig but that series is better written, in my opinion.
I honestly was shocked when I finished this and read that this entire book was inspired by a real person named Christopher Marlowe. Marlowe has a very small portion of the book that really didn't even need to be included. He's just written in randomly and is constantly only doing three things: drinking, fighting, or reciting parts of his play. Oh, and don't forget drinking. I felt like the fact that he drinks a lot was shoved in our faces repeatedly. I understand, Jane Feather, the guy drinks a lot. I don't need to read that he's repeatedly asking for ale every single time we see him. However, the author's note definitely made the book make more sense: the entire point of this was just to shove Marlowe in where she could. So why not shove other random characters in to try to make it more historical? "That seems entirely a good idea! No one will notice my needless characters or details or plotpoints. I'll just fit in everything I want because I can't seem to part against any of my ideas or characters for this book so I'll just put them all in! Perfect!" (That is me trying to understand Jane Feather's thinking when she wrote this.) But I understand why she couldn't just write a book about Kit Marlowe and could only put him in wherever she could: because he's an entirely uninteresting, mundane character that she had to invent another character to write a book about.
Likes: Most of the characters. Will and Rosamund's romance. The theater parts. The Elizabethan court and Mary of Scots part.
Dislikes: The plot was badly paced and had a lot of needless, cluttered details. Pointless characters. Many of the names were similar and hard to distinguish the characters. Overall, poorly written.
Overall:
Recommend? If you like predictable stories and don't mind cluttered books. Overall, I don't recommend it.
Back-Story: I picked this up when Borders was going out of business. When that happened, I basically went to every Borders in my area and literally any book that looked interesting or the summary sounded good, I bought. This was one of them.
First off, I initally thought that the book was called "Jane Feather: All the Queen's Players" because the author's name is written so incredibly large on the cover. It's larger even than the title. But I figured out that she was actually the author after being unable to find it listed on here under that title. Just something I find funny: that the author's name is even larger than the title of the book.
Review: Overall, I liked part of the book. However, there is a lot that I think could be improved.
Looks- The cover is interesting. It definitely draws the eye if you are a lover of the Elizabethan time period. Also the title draws you in, in my opinion.
Content- This book became a lot more than I expected it to be. I thought it would just be a bit of a period piece with some unsanctioned romance in it. I thought the Elizabethan court would be a larger part than it was. But in actual fact, this book is about a young girl who's been left to herself for years and is now suddenly called upon by a cousin to be enlisted in his spy circle. She's placed into court eventually as one of Queen Elizabeth's ladies to just tell her cousin everything she sees and hears while she is there with the possible prospect of a good marriage should the queen favor her. After she's disgraced, she's placed into another situation to spy. After a few more events, she's placed back to where she was to start with. Exciting, right? *sarcastic note*
A lot happens in the 400 pages of this book; however, I definitely think at least 100 of those pages could be removed and the story would read better. For one thing, the plot is really pointlessly drawn out in a lot of places. It takes a really long time for Rosamund (the main character) to even get to the court. Then she seems to be there for a short period of time before she's disgraced and quickly removed from court. She's then sent off quickly to Mary of Scots where she is for a while to spy on Mary before Mary is executed and it's basically the end. I just felt like the plot was badly paced with a lot of pointless details inserted that don't have much to do with the main plot. It seemed as if there were three different stories being forced together into this book. The focus was changed quite frequently, leaving kind of a dazed feeling, with the reader trying to pinpoint what is actually significant and what's just thrown in there for the heck of it. Which is really what I feel like Jane Feather did: she just threw a bunch of disjointed stories into one. There's just way too much happening in the book to have a main focus in it that's easy to distinguish. Just for instance the romance part jumps from Thomas Walsingham (Rosamund's brother) and Kit Marlowe, to Agathe and the Chevalier de Vaugiras, to Rosamund and Will Creighton with Sir Roger Askew just wandering around randomly in the plot. There's details added into all of the separate stories that I just think make it hard to determine the important parts. Basically: needless details in a disjointed plot that is trying too hard.
The characters were interesting and fairly-developed. I felt like, once again, there were pointless characters in there that added nothing to the plot. I personally think that Thomas Watson, Frances (Lady Walsinghman's daughter), and Agathe didn't even need to be in the story at all, not to mention all the conspirators that were mentioned constantly. I understand Agathe's part but I think Rosamund would have fallen into the trap without Agathe's help simply because Rosamund has been sheltered all her life and she's curious. It was hard for me to keep the minor characters straight since there was so many of them and the names were similar.
The ending was bittersweet. I really liked it even though it was very, very predictable and unoriginal. I liked some of the characters. I also liked that the espionage portion of it was realistic. Even though this book has a lot of flaws, I gave it the two stars because the portions that I did like, I liked a lot. The book is similar to the Pink Carnation series written by Lauren Willig but that series is better written, in my opinion.
I honestly was shocked when I finished this and read that this entire book was inspired by a real person named Christopher Marlowe. Marlowe has a very small portion of the book that really didn't even need to be included. He's just written in randomly and is constantly only doing three things: drinking, fighting, or reciting parts of his play. Oh, and don't forget drinking. I felt like the fact that he drinks a lot was shoved in our faces repeatedly. I understand, Jane Feather, the guy drinks a lot. I don't need to read that he's repeatedly asking for ale every single time we see him. However, the author's note definitely made the book make more sense: the entire point of this was just to shove Marlowe in where she could. So why not shove other random characters in to try to make it more historical? "That seems entirely a good idea! No one will notice my needless characters or details or plotpoints. I'll just fit in everything I want because I can't seem to part against any of my ideas or characters for this book so I'll just put them all in! Perfect!" (That is me trying to understand Jane Feather's thinking when she wrote this.) But I understand why she couldn't just write a book about Kit Marlowe and could only put him in wherever she could: because he's an entirely uninteresting, mundane character that she had to invent another character to write a book about.
Likes: Most of the characters. Will and Rosamund's romance. The theater parts. The Elizabethan court and Mary of Scots part.
Dislikes: The plot was badly paced and had a lot of needless, cluttered details. Pointless characters. Many of the names were similar and hard to distinguish the characters. Overall, poorly written.
Overall:
Recommend? If you like predictable stories and don't mind cluttered books. Overall, I don't recommend it.
January 21, 2022
There were multiple things in this that I should have enjoyed but I just felt that none of them were satisfying. There wasn’t enough of the romance and the ending felt unsatisfying. The spying was interesting but I felt like I was being fed scraps, I just wanted more. I like Thomas and Kit, but they were just side characters. I also felt like the perspective was hopping all over the place and it was a bit disorienting. I don’t know, I just felt disappointed and unsatisfied.
September 4, 2017
I could definitely do without the gay sex.
November 4, 2017
Entertaining book. Interesting to read about the spy network set up around Elizabeth and also the way the hierarchy of the court ran.
April 22, 2018
Great book.
July 23, 2019
I always forget how much I enjoy historical fiction until I’m reading it.
Loved this, although parts were long.
I was near in tears at the end, the path of true love never runs smooth.
Loved this, although parts were long.
I was near in tears at the end, the path of true love never runs smooth.
November 29, 2019
Definitely could not get into that one
August 13, 2022
It was nice to read a Tudor period book where there was a plot that goes beyond a silly young girl with 21st century sensibilities developing romantic feelings and forbidden love.
November 21, 2022
A disappointment. The novel did not successfully deliver what it promised to. A waste of time and one of the worst Tudor era books I've read.
September 16, 2023
Not that compelling. (read years ago, review from my note written in the book)
May 14, 2010
I have never read anything by Jane Feather before. I had an inkling that her style was more "romance" over the historical genre. Although pure romance novels are not my favorite, if they are paired with a good historical fiction writing style, I can find it enjoyable when I am in the right frame of mind. This is a mix that met that even requirement of romance in an intriguing historical fiction setting, namely within the Elizabethan courts, but some of the lines were tediously annoying that I feel it had to be mentioned. If you have the patience for a romance with some history, this is perfect. If you are having a week that is something close to hectic, this is a good comfort read that does not require 110% concentration. The heroine is Rosamund Walsingham, who is entirely fictional, but she is written in as the cousin to the true historical figure Sir Francis Walsingham, the Master Secretary to Queen Elizabeth I, who is also well known as the spymaster.
Rosamund was brought up in a sheltered home with little distractions until her esteemed cousin brings her to court. She soon gets caught up in flirtations which lead to romances which eventually lead to scandal. (Predictable.) This take up more than half of the novel. Rosamund is then used as a pawn amidst the plots against Mary Queen of Scots. Familiar names are being mentioned such as Savage, Babington and Lord Burghley. Familiar unease of the Protestants versus the Catholics. Nothing is heavy into these historical aspects as the primary feel of this novel is focused on Rosamund's character and her survival as a young woman without a dowry. Being told in third person, the actual empathy for Rosamund is thwarted a bit, as she can easily be blown off as a nincumpoop. Her dalliances within the court were warned against and yet it seemed within days she threw caution to the wind. A swift kick in the butt she needed but instead her penance was to bring her into the folds of treachery and spying against Queen Mary. It was there within the walls that imprisoned the Scots queen where Rosamund began to mature a bit and understand the force that her cousin Walsingham carried when she witnessed the torturous hangings of the conspirators against Queen Elizabeth I in the name of Queen Mary.
I really enjoyed the portrayal of Sir Francis Walsingham, and his wife Ursula. Ursula stepped in as a much-needed mother figure to Rosamund, and was supportive and helpful to her even when Rosamund could have easily been shunned as a result of her naive actions. Also very interesting was the character of Christopher "Kit" Marlowe who was a popular poet of the Elizabethan era. He is used as a lover to Rosamund's brother in the novel, as well as one of Walsingham's many spies in the Protestant networks, working to dispose of the threat of Mary Queen of Scots and her Catholic supporters. Marlowe is the subject of much debate, ranging from his sexual orientation to his spying, as well as whether or not he faked his death to assume the identity of William Shakespeare.
Jane Feather does write an interesting story, not entirely unpredictable, but it is not a complete waste of time. The title refers to the plays that occur at the Elizabethan court, which is a topic through out the novel as well as Rosamund's talent for artistic endeavors. It also refers to the networks of political supporters to Queen Elizabeth as they strive to rid the realm of the threat within Mary of Scots. The sexual content is prevalent immediately, and it never does go away, so if you are not looking for some typical romantic themes I would advise against it. I would recommend this as a perfect read to wile away a gloomy day. Even though I normally stay away from romances, I managed to enjoy this enough to keep going, when the last read I was plodding through needed to be put down. Those interested in the machinations against Mary Queen of Scots would appreciate the plot lines that Jane Feather has produced in All the Queen's Players.
Also provided at the end of the novel are a reading group guide, author's note, bibliography and a Q&A with the author.
Incidentally, those readers who are more interested in Sir Francis Walsingham, the man behind the politics of Queen Elizabeth I, there is a book titled Francis Walsingham, Spymaster by Derek Wilson that was recently published, which I have on my wishlist. Also, an earlier book is out titled Elizabeth's Spymaster:Francis Walsingham and the Secret War That Saved England, by Robert Hutchinson.
Rosamund was brought up in a sheltered home with little distractions until her esteemed cousin brings her to court. She soon gets caught up in flirtations which lead to romances which eventually lead to scandal. (Predictable.) This take up more than half of the novel. Rosamund is then used as a pawn amidst the plots against Mary Queen of Scots. Familiar names are being mentioned such as Savage, Babington and Lord Burghley. Familiar unease of the Protestants versus the Catholics. Nothing is heavy into these historical aspects as the primary feel of this novel is focused on Rosamund's character and her survival as a young woman without a dowry. Being told in third person, the actual empathy for Rosamund is thwarted a bit, as she can easily be blown off as a nincumpoop. Her dalliances within the court were warned against and yet it seemed within days she threw caution to the wind. A swift kick in the butt she needed but instead her penance was to bring her into the folds of treachery and spying against Queen Mary. It was there within the walls that imprisoned the Scots queen where Rosamund began to mature a bit and understand the force that her cousin Walsingham carried when she witnessed the torturous hangings of the conspirators against Queen Elizabeth I in the name of Queen Mary.
I really enjoyed the portrayal of Sir Francis Walsingham, and his wife Ursula. Ursula stepped in as a much-needed mother figure to Rosamund, and was supportive and helpful to her even when Rosamund could have easily been shunned as a result of her naive actions. Also very interesting was the character of Christopher "Kit" Marlowe who was a popular poet of the Elizabethan era. He is used as a lover to Rosamund's brother in the novel, as well as one of Walsingham's many spies in the Protestant networks, working to dispose of the threat of Mary Queen of Scots and her Catholic supporters. Marlowe is the subject of much debate, ranging from his sexual orientation to his spying, as well as whether or not he faked his death to assume the identity of William Shakespeare.
Jane Feather does write an interesting story, not entirely unpredictable, but it is not a complete waste of time. The title refers to the plays that occur at the Elizabethan court, which is a topic through out the novel as well as Rosamund's talent for artistic endeavors. It also refers to the networks of political supporters to Queen Elizabeth as they strive to rid the realm of the threat within Mary of Scots. The sexual content is prevalent immediately, and it never does go away, so if you are not looking for some typical romantic themes I would advise against it. I would recommend this as a perfect read to wile away a gloomy day. Even though I normally stay away from romances, I managed to enjoy this enough to keep going, when the last read I was plodding through needed to be put down. Those interested in the machinations against Mary Queen of Scots would appreciate the plot lines that Jane Feather has produced in All the Queen's Players.
Also provided at the end of the novel are a reading group guide, author's note, bibliography and a Q&A with the author.
Incidentally, those readers who are more interested in Sir Francis Walsingham, the man behind the politics of Queen Elizabeth I, there is a book titled Francis Walsingham, Spymaster by Derek Wilson that was recently published, which I have on my wishlist. Also, an earlier book is out titled Elizabeth's Spymaster:Francis Walsingham and the Secret War That Saved England, by Robert Hutchinson.
August 26, 2019
The book was really awesome
November 7, 2011
I must confess, when I read the many lukewarm reviews of this book I prepared myself for the worst. Fortunately I shouldn't have worried, I actually enjoyed this novel even despite the romance-y parts (all the between-the-sheets adventures are not my cup of tea).
One of my favorite things about this novel is that little about it was straightforward. There is a lot of intrigue, both political and personal. Everyone has something they want and the means they employ are hardly ever savory. I've always thought that "life at court", wherever and whenever the court exists, is a dark place and this novel only supports this belief of mine. What would anyone want to be there is beyond me. Excitement? Closeness to the ones with power? Are they really worth the need to constantly watch one's back, literally and figuratively? But I digress. Fortunately all the talk about the intrigues didn't swallow up too much page time and didn't slow down the story as it often does. Another element I enjoyed is tied into the intrigues and has to do with how quickly it all can suck one in. Rosamund, the protagonist, went from an innocent, sheltered girl to one of the key players in a conspiracy at the highest levels in the blink of an eye and with no way out, and she wasn't the only one trapped in the quicksand.
In a simple but effective device the author gave almost every character an antipode, which served to highlight their personalities. Elizabeth had Mary, Will had Arnauld, Mrs. Walsingham had Agathe and interestingly enough Tom had Kit. Kit was the most intriguing of them all, a man with seemingly no moral compass but showing more scrupples and higher standards than any of his associates and at the most unexpected of times. If nothing else he was more true to himself throughout the novel than any of the others, even Rosamund who even in the most dire of circumstances managed to go her own way.
The novel spans less than a year but Rosamund's growth in just several months is incredible. The girl who was most concerned with capturing the apple blossom just right on her parchment grew into a young woman familiar with the price of life and death and the pain of loss and deceipt. In short, she grew up and as traumatic as the journey was it was interesting to follow it.
The whole book is permeated with Rosamund's love for the theater, which in fact is the cause of all her troubles. It was interesting to look in on this world that wasn't considered suitable for the gentle-folk and women in particular, and the appeal it held for people of all layers of society. Nowadays theater isn't all that popular and reading about people being willing to risk their reputation and their future to attend a play is a bit surreal. I can't even imagine what would be comparable in today's world. Makes me glad to be living a simple life in this century and not at court in Elizabethan England - it would seem that even those not involved with the performing arts found themselves acting every day whether they liked it or not.
The parts I didn't enjoy had to do with the particularly descriptive intimate scenes that I felt were gratuitous most of the time and the fact that some ideas kept being repeated, as if the author either forgot that she's already had her characters say things exactly the same way before or wanted to reiterate them but didn't do it very well. In either case, the effect wasn't favorable. Another oddity that caught my eye is that the novel is set in England, the language appears to be true to the period with archaic turns of phrase and sentence structure but the spelling is infallibly American. I'm sure it isn't too much of a stretch to believe that the readers on this side of the Atlantic can figure out that "theatre" is the same as "theater" and "colour" is "color" and it would've kept the atmosphere consistent.
All in all this was an enjoyable read that satisfied my appreciation of historical fiction. And I found myself using words I've forgotten I knew, which hasn't happened in a while.
One of my favorite things about this novel is that little about it was straightforward. There is a lot of intrigue, both political and personal. Everyone has something they want and the means they employ are hardly ever savory. I've always thought that "life at court", wherever and whenever the court exists, is a dark place and this novel only supports this belief of mine. What would anyone want to be there is beyond me. Excitement? Closeness to the ones with power? Are they really worth the need to constantly watch one's back, literally and figuratively? But I digress. Fortunately all the talk about the intrigues didn't swallow up too much page time and didn't slow down the story as it often does. Another element I enjoyed is tied into the intrigues and has to do with how quickly it all can suck one in. Rosamund, the protagonist, went from an innocent, sheltered girl to one of the key players in a conspiracy at the highest levels in the blink of an eye and with no way out, and she wasn't the only one trapped in the quicksand.
In a simple but effective device the author gave almost every character an antipode, which served to highlight their personalities. Elizabeth had Mary, Will had Arnauld, Mrs. Walsingham had Agathe and interestingly enough Tom had Kit. Kit was the most intriguing of them all, a man with seemingly no moral compass but showing more scrupples and higher standards than any of his associates and at the most unexpected of times. If nothing else he was more true to himself throughout the novel than any of the others, even Rosamund who even in the most dire of circumstances managed to go her own way.
The novel spans less than a year but Rosamund's growth in just several months is incredible. The girl who was most concerned with capturing the apple blossom just right on her parchment grew into a young woman familiar with the price of life and death and the pain of loss and deceipt. In short, she grew up and as traumatic as the journey was it was interesting to follow it.
The whole book is permeated with Rosamund's love for the theater, which in fact is the cause of all her troubles. It was interesting to look in on this world that wasn't considered suitable for the gentle-folk and women in particular, and the appeal it held for people of all layers of society. Nowadays theater isn't all that popular and reading about people being willing to risk their reputation and their future to attend a play is a bit surreal. I can't even imagine what would be comparable in today's world. Makes me glad to be living a simple life in this century and not at court in Elizabethan England - it would seem that even those not involved with the performing arts found themselves acting every day whether they liked it or not.
The parts I didn't enjoy had to do with the particularly descriptive intimate scenes that I felt were gratuitous most of the time and the fact that some ideas kept being repeated, as if the author either forgot that she's already had her characters say things exactly the same way before or wanted to reiterate them but didn't do it very well. In either case, the effect wasn't favorable. Another oddity that caught my eye is that the novel is set in England, the language appears to be true to the period with archaic turns of phrase and sentence structure but the spelling is infallibly American. I'm sure it isn't too much of a stretch to believe that the readers on this side of the Atlantic can figure out that "theatre" is the same as "theater" and "colour" is "color" and it would've kept the atmosphere consistent.
All in all this was an enjoyable read that satisfied my appreciation of historical fiction. And I found myself using words I've forgotten I knew, which hasn't happened in a while.
May 14, 2010
All the Queen's Players tells the story of life in the court of an aging Queen Elizabeth I and the demise of Mary Queen of Scots, through the eyes of Rosamund Walsingham, neice of spymaster Sir Francis Walsingham. The first hundred pages or so of All the Queen's Players was rather dull. The novel begins with Rosamund witnessing Mary Stuart's execution. Then it flashes back to Rosamund's removal from the country into a life of intrigue and court life. Rosamund, who lived a quiet, fairly isolated existence in her family's Sussex estate, travels to London at the request of her uncle Sir Francis. She is accompanied by her brother Thomas, also a spy, and his lover Christopher Marlowe, the playright. Once in London, she discovers that she is to be sent to court as a maid of honor to the Queen while also working for her uncle, reporting on the Queen's moods as well as observing interactions amongst the courtiers. At this point in the novel, the focus is largely on Rosamund with chapters on Will Creighton, a courtier who becomes Rosamund's love interest, and the sexually adventurous Agathe, Lady Leinster and her lover Arnaud de Vaugiras. It is uncertain for those first 150 pages or so why the novel spends any time on Agathe and Arnaud.
Ultimately, Rosamund - who is rather innocent - finds herself in the midst of a plot straight out of Chaderlos de Laclos' Dangerous Liaisons and finds herself banished from court. As punishment, she is sent to Mary Stuart to spy for her uncle as he engages in counter-intelligence operations to get rid of the Queen of Scots. Through Rosamund's eyes - with brief mentions of Thomas Walsingham (her brother) and Will Creighton, the reader sees the Babington plot unfold and sees Mary careen towards her execution. Ultimately, Rosamund finds contentment, having managed to find redemption through marriage.
All the Queen's Players turned out to be a more entertaining read than I expected. The back cover seemed promising, but the first 100 pages or so were very dull. The novel took a while to "get going" and I had a hard time becoming interested in the spy games. Further, it was uncertain how the different plot lines were connected. I found the second part of the novel to be far superior to the first half.
The novel was too much of a bodice ripper at times - it certainly could have done without the Dangerous Liaisons copycat plot. (I found myself mentally referring to cetain characters as Vicomte de Valmont and Marquise de Merteuil instead of the names used in All the Queen's Players.) I also noticed in the beginning of the novel that the fork made an untimely appearance - earlier than forks were available in England. It automatically led me to question the authenticity of the novel. This was only heightened by Rosamund's rather anachronistic views of sexuality (the author "told" us that she was an innocent, but she was no Cecile de Volanges either, as evidenced by her frank conversations and flirtatious ways and her easy - and anachronistic -acceptance of her brother's homosexuality). In short, Rosamund did not ring true to me as a sixteenth century character. While the author seems to "excuse" this due to Rosamund's lack of a mother, she seemed a bit "freer" than a teenage 16th century girl. I don't want to spoil the conclusion, but certain actions described in the 1593 section seemed anachronistic for the 16th century landed man.
Reviewed for Amazon VINE.
Ultimately, Rosamund - who is rather innocent - finds herself in the midst of a plot straight out of Chaderlos de Laclos' Dangerous Liaisons and finds herself banished from court. As punishment, she is sent to Mary Stuart to spy for her uncle as he engages in counter-intelligence operations to get rid of the Queen of Scots. Through Rosamund's eyes - with brief mentions of Thomas Walsingham (her brother) and Will Creighton, the reader sees the Babington plot unfold and sees Mary careen towards her execution. Ultimately, Rosamund finds contentment, having managed to find redemption through marriage.
All the Queen's Players turned out to be a more entertaining read than I expected. The back cover seemed promising, but the first 100 pages or so were very dull. The novel took a while to "get going" and I had a hard time becoming interested in the spy games. Further, it was uncertain how the different plot lines were connected. I found the second part of the novel to be far superior to the first half.
The novel was too much of a bodice ripper at times - it certainly could have done without the Dangerous Liaisons copycat plot. (I found myself mentally referring to cetain characters as Vicomte de Valmont and Marquise de Merteuil instead of the names used in All the Queen's Players.) I also noticed in the beginning of the novel that the fork made an untimely appearance - earlier than forks were available in England. It automatically led me to question the authenticity of the novel. This was only heightened by Rosamund's rather anachronistic views of sexuality (the author "told" us that she was an innocent, but she was no Cecile de Volanges either, as evidenced by her frank conversations and flirtatious ways and her easy - and anachronistic -acceptance of her brother's homosexuality). In short, Rosamund did not ring true to me as a sixteenth century character. While the author seems to "excuse" this due to Rosamund's lack of a mother, she seemed a bit "freer" than a teenage 16th century girl. I don't want to spoil the conclusion, but certain actions described in the 1593 section seemed anachronistic for the 16th century landed man.
Reviewed for Amazon VINE.
March 14, 2011
Pretty impressive and compelling blurb, isn't it? I thought so too. But, like many movie trailers making you believe the movie would be great and wasn't, is exactly how I felt about this blurb in relation to this book. The protagonist came off as very inconsistent and I am not sure how I felt about her. At times, I felt sorry for Rosamund's character, especially when it came to those who were suppose to care for her and pretty much neglected or used her for their own benefit. I also sympathized with her when she had to deal with the cruelty of the other ladies and when several of the courtiers attempted to debauch her. Then there were times, she just plain pissed me off. Her ignorance and some of her stupid choices often overshadowed any good quality I might have thought of her. I also felt her acceptance and tolerance of her brother's homosexual affair was little too liberal thinking for that era making it seem a little incredulous.
There were times, I thought the supporting characters often overshadowed the Rosamund's character. While her romance with play writer Will was an large element of the book, there were times, it seemed her brother's love life was the focus. At other times, it seemed like Agathe, Lady Leinster and her lover Arnaud de Vaugiras sexual affair was the character focal point. Actually, the book shifted quite a bit between characters, that it was difficult to pin point the true protagonist of the book.
The world the author created was richly detailed and the plot highly complex. Jane has a remarkable ability to put a visual image into words. But at times, it was overwhelming. It felt like the concentration was centered more on the surroundings and situation and less on the characters. Because of this, the story seemed to drag on and on. I found myself often lacking interest, especially at the beginning of the book. So much so, I was forcing myself to chug-a-long to continue reading with the hope it had to get better. In truth, it did get better, but I don't think it was enough to make me love this book. I thought the espionage and intrigue was a compelling factor, but I wish the author had put more focus on the characters and less on the history.
Overall, I am a fan of Jane Feather's works. But I confess, this was not amongst my favorites. It was evident that the author put alot of research into this book, but I just didn't feel her heart in it. For me, it lacked the emotional connection that allows me to be pulled into a story. All The Queen's Players felt like I was getting a history lesson instead of being entertained from reading a historical romance. I guess that is why it was labeled as Historical Fiction and not usually a genre I would read.
There were times, I thought the supporting characters often overshadowed the Rosamund's character. While her romance with play writer Will was an large element of the book, there were times, it seemed her brother's love life was the focus. At other times, it seemed like Agathe, Lady Leinster and her lover Arnaud de Vaugiras sexual affair was the character focal point. Actually, the book shifted quite a bit between characters, that it was difficult to pin point the true protagonist of the book.
The world the author created was richly detailed and the plot highly complex. Jane has a remarkable ability to put a visual image into words. But at times, it was overwhelming. It felt like the concentration was centered more on the surroundings and situation and less on the characters. Because of this, the story seemed to drag on and on. I found myself often lacking interest, especially at the beginning of the book. So much so, I was forcing myself to chug-a-long to continue reading with the hope it had to get better. In truth, it did get better, but I don't think it was enough to make me love this book. I thought the espionage and intrigue was a compelling factor, but I wish the author had put more focus on the characters and less on the history.
Overall, I am a fan of Jane Feather's works. But I confess, this was not amongst my favorites. It was evident that the author put alot of research into this book, but I just didn't feel her heart in it. For me, it lacked the emotional connection that allows me to be pulled into a story. All The Queen's Players felt like I was getting a history lesson instead of being entertained from reading a historical romance. I guess that is why it was labeled as Historical Fiction and not usually a genre I would read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2011
It was nice returning to the court of Queen Elizabeth, as I had not visited in some time. Ms. Feather did a wonderful job keeping tone and language as well as did a fabulous job with description of scenes and characters. This story was very well-written.
I quite enjoyed All the Queen’s Players, a story about Rosamund Walsingham, cousin to Queen Elizabeth’s spy master. Rosamund is a young girl who is sent to Queen Elizabeth’s court to spy on the courtiers and the Queen’s ladies, and later sent into exile with Mary, Queen of Scots, months before her execution. Being in the court of Queen Elizabeth, there are plenty of plots and intrigues, mostly focused in this book on the discovery of those who would support ‘Scots Mary’ taking the English throne.
Kit Marlowe focuses largely in this book, and our young heroine has somehow finagled her way into several different play houses, and falls in love with the scene, the actors and how plays are presented. The only objectionable content was the love affair between Rosamund’s brother, Thomas, and Kit Marlowe. However, Ms Feather doesn’t dwell too much on this aspect, so it was not a ‘show stopper’ for this reader.
Rosamund has the unique ability to draw from memory and to render people quite well. Her skills are put to use for Sir Francis Walsingham, in hopes of discovering plots and intrigues of the court. Rosamund is told not to carry on any liaisons, as Queen Elizabeth liked to direct her ladies-in-waiting. However, young Rosamund does not heed this advice and falls for young and poor courtier Will Creighton. Knowledge of a liaison leads to her banishment from Queen Elizabeth’s court and Sir Francis sends her directly to the imprisonment of Mary, Queen of Scots, where she is to play her greatest role of entrapping the Scottish queen in authorizing the rebellion against Queen Elizabeth.
The pace of the story was very good. I found myself stealing away whenever possible to read more...until the story was finished. One almost felt like she was walking around the gardens or through the crowded hallways or down a London street with the smells and sights of Elizabethan England. I was quite taken with the main character and enjoyed watching her grow. The later part of the book did seem a bit rushed, but not so much as to feel cheated when the story ended. I had wondered how Ms. Feather would end the story; it wasn’t the fairy-tale ending I had hoped for, but it was a good ending.
I quite enjoyed All the Queen’s Players, a story about Rosamund Walsingham, cousin to Queen Elizabeth’s spy master. Rosamund is a young girl who is sent to Queen Elizabeth’s court to spy on the courtiers and the Queen’s ladies, and later sent into exile with Mary, Queen of Scots, months before her execution. Being in the court of Queen Elizabeth, there are plenty of plots and intrigues, mostly focused in this book on the discovery of those who would support ‘Scots Mary’ taking the English throne.
Kit Marlowe focuses largely in this book, and our young heroine has somehow finagled her way into several different play houses, and falls in love with the scene, the actors and how plays are presented. The only objectionable content was the love affair between Rosamund’s brother, Thomas, and Kit Marlowe. However, Ms Feather doesn’t dwell too much on this aspect, so it was not a ‘show stopper’ for this reader.
Rosamund has the unique ability to draw from memory and to render people quite well. Her skills are put to use for Sir Francis Walsingham, in hopes of discovering plots and intrigues of the court. Rosamund is told not to carry on any liaisons, as Queen Elizabeth liked to direct her ladies-in-waiting. However, young Rosamund does not heed this advice and falls for young and poor courtier Will Creighton. Knowledge of a liaison leads to her banishment from Queen Elizabeth’s court and Sir Francis sends her directly to the imprisonment of Mary, Queen of Scots, where she is to play her greatest role of entrapping the Scottish queen in authorizing the rebellion against Queen Elizabeth.
The pace of the story was very good. I found myself stealing away whenever possible to read more...until the story was finished. One almost felt like she was walking around the gardens or through the crowded hallways or down a London street with the smells and sights of Elizabethan England. I was quite taken with the main character and enjoyed watching her grow. The later part of the book did seem a bit rushed, but not so much as to feel cheated when the story ended. I had wondered how Ms. Feather would end the story; it wasn’t the fairy-tale ending I had hoped for, but it was a good ending.
February 13, 2015
Palace intrigue and liasons abound at the court of Queen Elizabeth. Rosamund Walsingham, young cousin of Sir Francis Walsingham, the Queen's secretary and spy master, finds herself a junior lady in waiting to Queen Elizabeth. Her talent as an artist caught the attention of Sir Francis who has asked her to draw scenes from palace life that may help him unravel treasonous activities. Already in Sir Francis's ring, her brother Thomas tries to advise and look after her, but his love of the theater and close friedship with playwright Christopher Marlowe, bring Rosamund in contact with unsuitable people. Disguising herself as a boy, Rosamund ventures into the world of the theater where she meets Will Creighton, a young man who has hopes of writing plays himself. When she discovers him at court, the two become close friends and lovers. Betrayed by a jealous lady in waiting, Elizabeth banishes Rosamund from court for her indiscretion. However, Sir Francis feels he can still use her talents, and thus has her sent to be an attendant on Mary, Queen of Scots, who has been imprisoned by Elizabeth for many long years. If she is successful in gaining information to prove Mary is involved in treasonous activities, Rosamund is promised a return to favor. However, Sir Francis did not count on the fact that Rosamund would grow to admire Mary.
Extremely well-written, this is a novel of history and suspense. It is hard to know just who might be on the wrong side as a complicated series of events and characters unfold. This book kept me on the edge of my seat. At the end I researched this time period and was astonished to find out how many events and 'players' were actually true.
Extremely well-written, this is a novel of history and suspense. It is hard to know just who might be on the wrong side as a complicated series of events and characters unfold. This book kept me on the edge of my seat. At the end I researched this time period and was astonished to find out how many events and 'players' were actually true.
July 26, 2010
I accidentally read this book last week, I was supposed to be reading a similar titled one, with a young girl protagonist set in the 1500s, just as this one was. Despite this not being the right book for my book discussion club, I really enjoyed this novel. It was fun, but at the same time, historically minded enough that I felt I was also learning something. I really liked that Rosamund was so drawn to the stage and the side story of Kit Marlowe who was a contemporary of Shakespeare. Although some of this was obviously just conjunctive ideas of him, I found it fascinating to also wonder what if? Had he not died so violently in his prime would he have rivaled Shakespeare at some point? Could there have been a gay lover in his life? Could there have been a young girl who was so entrenched in the court yet longed to be free of all of societies restraints? We can only guess! A fascinating read, the only negative point I had was all the reference to the gay sex, although I know it happened at that time too, I am not into that so it was a bit of a turn off for me. But this book was still a good read despite that! ;-)
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