Fiction: Fantasy / Adventure About the Author: Robin Maxwell "Wild Irish" is a fictionalized account of the meeting of Elizabeth I with Irish pirate Grace O'Malley in 1593. |
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Fiction About the Author: Alison Weir | Submitted by: queen_elizabeth_1533
Comments: This book goes through Elizabeth's life from 1536, when she learns of her mother's execution, to 1558, when she becomes queen. However, in my opinion this book was not as good as Weir's other historical novel, Innocent Traitor. Obviously Weir has a liking for Elizabeth, since she spends much of the book extolling her virtues and when there are passages from the point of view of others besides Elizabeth, they always praise her, no matter who it is. Now, I am a huge fan of Elizabeth and I know that there is much to praise, but I feel like it was too much focus on how great she is instead of a human who is, yes, intelligent but still makes mistakes. The one mistake she does make is still ungratifying, because it is catastrophic for us Elizabeth supporters who like to stick with the history and not rumors. I won't spoil the story, but let's say Weir takes some historical license that she is not allowed in her biographies, only to imagine "what if," as she writes in the afterword. Overall, I was unsatisfied with it, although in all other respects it is accurate, if not annoying. | Submitted by: Lady -Demiya
Comments: This is a beautiful story about the youth of Elizabeth. I especially enjoyed Alison's portrayal of the relationship between Elizabeth and Mary, which is something I love to read about. Henry VIII is also portrayed as loving and doting father, and then how his temper changes quickly (without giving spoilers to the book). It is worth reading! |
Submitted by:ClumsyXheart
Comments:I loved the book. I was very intrigued and couldn't put it down. I loved the emotions when Elizabeth mourned the loss of her mother. Also instead of having this be a typical historical fiction novel it was a coming of age novel that even we teenagers could relate to.
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Submitted by: Katharine_fanatic
Comments: I was surprised how good this book was, even though it covered a very short period of Elizabeth's life. I enjoyed its depiction of Mary. It was interesting to read what might have happened, but I think the author was stretching things a bit not only by presuming that Elizabeth was raped, but that she also bore an illegitimate child through Thomas Seymour. |
Submitted by:yddib
Comments:I really enjoyed this. A very gripping read and gets you very emotional at the end. |
Submitted by:Anne'sCurls
Comments: I just finished this book and I have to sing its praises. Although it is not my favorite book about Elizabeth it was a real page turner and I could not put it down. The book goes through multiple points of views so you get an idea of what everybody is thinking in certain situations. Like with most books about Elizabeth, I found myself wanting to slap the girl at certain times. For example the incident with the pendant Katherine Parr gave her; and of course the Admiral scandal. I will admit I hated that part of the book because, Katherine Parr was so sweet and loving to Elizabeth. Edward was given very little thought imo, he just shows up periodically and not enough time is spent on him as opposed to Mary. Anyone who is a fan of Mary or is sympathetic towards her will walk away liking this book and its portrayal of her. Even when the "Bloody Mary" years emerge I still found myself hating the people around Mary more than her. Mary is strong and brave while at the same time small and desperate for somebody to love her. Weir also creates some situations where Elizabeth has to deal with the memory of her mother and what it means to her; allowing those of us who believe her mother meant a lot ot her even though she couldn't say so, to walk away with a smile on our face. Overall a very good read, and now it is on to Innocent Traitor. | |
Fiction- Mystery / Adventure About the Author: Patricia Finney Patricia Finney is a gifted British author who wrote her first award-winning novel at age 18 before attending Oxford. She has written a mystery/adventure trilogy set in the Elizabethan Era around two fictional courtiers David Becket and Simon Ames. "Gloriana's Torch" the last in the series, takes place during the Spanish Armada. Aside from adult historical fiction, Finney also writes children's books including the Lady Grace Mystery series which has the daughter of George Cavendish as the protagonist. |
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