Historical Fictionistas discussion

My other great love in historical fiction is the Tudor's. here is a page for such books. One series I liked a lot was this:
and also this series

I've read SO many Tudor books I don't think I could remember all of them! I've read the first of the series by Barbara Kyle and own at least one more of those but haven't read it yet. I also own the first of the ones by Kate Emerson, but haven't read it yet either.

Karen Harper has a good series out with Elizabeth as the sleuth....I think the first one is The Poyson Garden

Elizabeth George has a couple out about Henry VIII and Elizabeth I (own both, again, not read).

Wolf Hall is more Thomas Cromwell-centered, but as historical novels go, it's mandatory reading for the period. Eagerly antecipating it's sequel.

Funny, I just wrote about the Tudor series which was shown on Showtime, I think. An excellent series which begins with Henry's first wife and ends with his last one. Only thing was that while Henry aged he never looked like the portly man we have come to associate with him.

João wrote: Eagerly antecipating it's sequel."

Had no idea that this was going to be a series? Any news on when the sequel will be out, or its title?

Nancy wrote: "Only thing was that while Henry aged he never looked like the portly man we have come to associate with him."

That was my problem with the whole series - Jonathan Rhys Meyers just never felt like the real Henry. He looked like a Calvin Klein model pouting that he'd lost his Gucci sunglasses rather than a bluff dangerous sportsman getting mad enough to chop the head off his wife.

Kate wrote: "Nancy wrote: "Only thing was that while Henry aged he never looked like the portly man we have come to associate with him."

That was my problem with the whole series - Jonathan Rhys Meyers just ne..."
I actually own the whole series and just got through it all...somewhat recently while I was still all baby belly and couldn't move around

And yes, but to be truthful, I'd rather be lookin at him, than a fat hairy guy in the 'less clothing' scenes lol. I think they did a very good job on the series. The sets alone were perfect, and the clothing was so beautiful. My only complaint, is that all this crazy stuff was going on in the world that Henry VIII was apart of, but they just had it as 'background content'. They'd mention it, but never really get into any of it. All in all I do really love that show :)

True, JRM is much nicer to look at in the buff than the real H8 must have been. And the show is certainly worth watching just for the clothes - I absolutely slavered over those dresses!

Valerie wrote: "João wrote: Eagerly antecipating it's sequel."

Had no idea that this was going to be a series? Any news on when the sequel will be out, or its title?"

Not sure. My copy of Wolf Hall came with an interview with Mantel, where she hinted there was a second part to come, that's where I got the info.

Brandy Purdy has written a few good Tudor books.

you have also if you like crime thrillers 2 authors whom books spread over Henry VIII and Elizabeth 1 thats c j sansom and Rory Clements

this looks like it could be interesting. At least it's not your typical Tudor plot. I'm betting a lot of good twists and turns

João wrote: "Valerie wrote: "João wrote: Eagerly antecipating it's sequel."

Had no idea that this was going to be a series? Any news on when the sequel will be out, or its title?"

Not sure. My copy of Wol..."

Apparently it's coming out early this year:
http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Bring...

does any one have any good recommendations for Plantagenent books?

Yes, try Sharon Kay Penman's books. She has written several about Henry II and his family, some about family members(i.e King John's natural daughter Joan), and one about Edward IV and Richard III. She's also written some mysteries based during Henry II's time.

Kim, thanks for the recommendation about Plantagenent novels. I'll definitely have to check one soon.

Does anyone have a good rec for something a little more arthurian? I just finished watching the show 'Camelot' (which only has one season and it kills me) so I need my Arthurian fix from somewhere else. Help?

Sarah (Loudog) Louise wrote: "Does anyone have a good rec for something a little more arthurian? I just finished watching the show 'Camelot' (which only has one season and it kills me) so I need my Arthurian fix from somewhere ..."

I liked the Pendragon series by Stephen Lawhead. It is written as an Historical Fantasy and the milieu was as accurate as possible for Dark Age Britain.

Kate wrote: "Nancy wrote: "Only thing was that while Henry aged he never looked like the portly man we have come to associate with him."

That was my problem with the whole series - Jonathan Rhys Meyers just ne..."

I was kind of upset for the same reason, but the further into the series it got, the more I could undersand why they would pick him. He has his own demons, and when Henry went a little crazy, JRM could really pull it off. Other than that, Henry Cavill as Charles Brandon was my highlight. Wow...

thanks kernos and cheryl, I'll look into them, if you have any more recs I'd love to hear them! and you can always send a message to my inbox

Cheryl wrote: "Sarah (Loudog) Louise wrote: "Does anyone have a good rec for something a little more arthurian? I just finished watching the show 'Camelot' (which only has one season and it kills me) so I need my..."

I enjoyed Gwenhwyfar by Mercedes Lackey as well. She's definitely my favorite Guinevere.

There are also The Camulod Chronicles by Jack Whyte, a 9 book series I called Historical Fantasy and gave 4/5*.

You might also be interested in the novelization of the branches of the Mabinogion by Evangeline Walton.

If you haven't read it, The Other Boleyn Girl is a great book about Anne and Mary Boleyn. Also The Other Countess is a historical romance that is set in the reign of Elizabeth I.