I love the way Alison Weir brings history to life and makes you feel like you're there. She has a great sense of place and character in her books, and they work particularly well too as audiobooks since you can just absorb all the detail.

I love Alison Weirs books so was excited to listen to this one, as always its has been well researched and gave me a fantastic history lesson on a subject I didnt know that much about, Narration was easy to listen to and the book flowed well for me, Really enjoyed

Elizabeth of York: The Last White Rose by Alison Weir Narrated by Nicky Diss is the first book in the new Tudor Rose series. It is historical fiction from the author of the Sunday Times-bestselling Six Tudor Queens series. This is the spellbinding, untold story of Elizabeth of York, the first Tudor queen, and I loved it!! Alison always writes with attention to detail and adherence to facts, that make all her books a 5 star read or listen, This book was no different.

The Narrator by Nicky Diss was excellent from start to finish.

I highly recommend this books and was so Lucky to listen to the next book within this beautifully written series Back to back.

The Biggest of thank you's to the publishers, Headline Audio, and Netgalley for kindly providing me with an advance release copy

I have to give the author credit for how painstakingly this book is researched - there’s no doubt in my mind that Weir is exceptionally knowledgable about the history and conveying the political tensions of the time in an informative manner and convincing setting. I think for me, though, it almost read more like non-fiction than a fictional account where I could really get swept up in the story. Perhaps I’m just too much of a fan of fast-paced novels to really appreciate the depth Weir reaches in her novel here. She clearly knows her stuff, but it was a bit too slow paced for me. I’d certainly recommend it for historical fiction fans who are sticklers for authenticity and details, but it wasn’t quite as gripping as I’d hoped it might be. The narrator did a good job for the audio, with a lovely clear voice that was a good fit for the characters. Huge thanks to the author, Alison Weir, and publisher, Headline, for this advance review copy. Views my own. 4*

Another wonderful character from history brought to life by Alison Weir. Well researched and full of familiar and known historical events and people. This is the story of Elizabeth of York. She wasn't all that powerful for what she did, however it was all about who she was. He marriage with Henry Tudor united England after the devastating Wars of the Roses. There was real affection between her and Henry, and it is interesting how Alison has given us Elizabeth's possible perspective of the events of her life.

Found this book too long. Wish it had been a bit more condensed. I liked the writing style as it was very descriptive and allowed you to visualise the era.

This was a powerful novel, giving an interesting insight into the lives of two great monarchs of English history. The writer brought to life their thoughts, dreams and passions along with with their struggles. I found the impact of the tragic loss of so many children in their families very meaningful. The audio book was well narrated and easy to listen to. I highly recommend the novel.

Elizabeth of Yoirk

I found this a tough listen in all honesty. I personally struggled as I felt the story dragged on longer than needed. It felt like a round about over Henry and Elizabeth.

We are following young Princess Elizabeth through her journey after fleeing to sanctuary due to her father dying.

I found this a very slow listen and could get into it.

A phenomenal account of the life of Elizabeth of York, wife of Henry VII and mother of Henry VIII.

I have read and enjoyed a couple of Weir's Six Tudor Queens series, but I've always been interested in Elizabeth of York so I was excited to see this book. The narrative starts when Elizabeth is 4 years old and ends with her death at 37, and covers such events as her time in sanctuary with her mother, the disappearance of her brothers (the princes in the tower), her marriage to Henry VII and the arrival of Catherine of Aragon. Weir combines historical fact and fiction so well, I personally love how she sticks closely to the facts but fleshes things out. Tudor history is a great story in itself but Weir really makes it live.

The historical painted portrait of Elizabeth shows a rather demure looking young woman, but Weir makes her into a strong and feisty character who knows when to be silent but isn't afraid to speak her mind when necessary, especially within her own family. She holds her own with Henry and Weir portrays their marriage as warm and supportive. Henry's character is well drawn as is Elizabeth's mother, Elizabeth Woodville - I especially liked her. I also loved the portrayal of Prince Harry, who steals all the scenes he is in.

The plot is of course dictated by historical events but they are really well dealt with and the characters' reactions are believable. I wasn't sure I agreed with how she resolved the matter of the missing princes but it made sense and fitted with the story. The atmosphere was excellent, I felt like I was living in the 1400s every time I listened.

I really loved this book. I had so much fun with it and I didn't want it to end. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and especially if you are a fan of the Tudors. I will be purchasing my own copy.

Some thoughts on the audiobook: the narration was great, very well paced and the narrator did good voices so that you could easily distinguish the different characters. Highly recommended.

I'd like to thank the publishers, Headline Audio, and Netgalley for kindly providing me with an advance release copy. All opinions are my own.

Alison Weir writes with a historian’s attention to detail and adherence to fact, which she fleshes out with narrative and realistic detail. She gives a voice to lesser known characters in history, telling their stories as historically accurately as possible and creates a narrative that fuses fact & fiction in an easy-to-read way. Whilst the history books tend to focus on the men, she looks to the women, those who survived the battles, maintained the home life, played their part in negotiating marriage alliances and made difficult decisions when families were torn apart.

This story centres around Elizabeth of York, daughter of a King (Edward IV), Sister of a king (Edward V), Wife of a King (Henry VII) and mother of one of the most famous kings to ever have reigned: (Henry VIII).
The book is written in a linear fashion, with clear indication of dates along the way. It is split into 4 parts, each a different era of her life: Childhood, Marriage, Motherhood & her latter years as Queen & Matriarch. Along the way we have lavish royal celebrations, a queen & her children seeking sanctuary, births, deaths, strategic marriages, treason, beheadings, “evil King Richard III”, the possible murder of the “Princes in the Tower” and fire destroying palaces! The clear dates help to anchor the events during this very turbulent time of British history, when several people had equal claims to the throne.
The book opens with a young Princess Elizabeth being woken in the middle of the night by her mother, and taken to Westminster Abbey to seek sanctuary as the Earl of Warwick is rising against her father, King Edward IV. Through Elizabeth’s eyes, as a young child, we see her playing with her sisters whilst slowly gaining an understanding of the politics involved and working out who she can trust. She lives in turbulent times, with her parents always vigilant in case one of the cousins should start another uprising. However she also has a strong sense of her importance, betrothed to the Dauphin of France & often referred to as the Queen of France.
As she approaches her teenage years, the alliance with France doesn’t come to fruition and following her father’s death Elizabeth’s 12 yr old brother becomes king with her Uncle Gloucester appointed as Regent until he is of age. Unfortunately Elizabeth’s two brothers, King Edward V and Richard, Duke of York mysteriously disappear just weeks later (The Princes in the Tower), and “Uncle Gloucester”, better known as King Richard III, announces his intention to claim the throne for himself. Elizabeth is a very valuable “pawn” in the marriage game, and hHaving always been caring & affectionate towards Elizabeth, she is not sure how much she can trust Richard, and he wants to keep his niece close at hand by bringing her to court & seeking a potential marriage that would strengthen his claim. (Though initially he works to declare her illegitimate!). Elizabeth’s mother realises that there could be an opportunity to settle the “throne” by marrying Elizabeth to Henry Tudor, who also has a very strong claim to the throne as the senior male of the Lancastrian line.
Henry eventually is able to raise enough manpower to come to England from his home in France, where he beats Richard at the Battle of Bosworth and becomes king by right of conquest.
Henry and Elizabeth marry, uniting the houses of York & Lancaster.
Elizabeth & Henry are portrayed in the book as having an amicable, and subsequently loving marriage, though not without its challenges as they need to balance frugality with the expectations of maintaining court life (Elizabeth’s mother was banished to a nunnery as the king could not support two queens at court), the loss of several children in infancy and of course they are still dealing with the political situation of the time where anyone with a Plantagenet bloodline is suspected of coveting the throne!
The middle of the book covers family life, the “pretenders” to the throne particularly in Perkin Warbeck, the boy who presents himself as Elizabeth's long lost brother Richard Duke of York. Throughout this period, Elizabeth is portrayed with divided loyalties, desperately wanting her brothers to be alive, but knowing that their reappearance would threaten her own marriage & the future of her own children.
The latter part of the book shows Elizabeth & Henry preparing their teenage son and heir to the throne, Arthur, for his future. The conclusion of an earlier alliance with Spain, which results in the marriage of Arthur to Catalina (Katherine) of Aragon, and the treaty with Scotland for their daughter Margaret Tudor to be married to King James IV of Scotland. The Tudors finally establishing the dynasty that Elizabeth’s mother has always envisaged.
Towards the end of the book, Elizabeth and Henry lose their heir, Arthur shortly after his marriage. Elizabeth falls pregnant once more, but shortly after childbirth, she dies from complications. The book ends with hope for the future as an agreement is made that the widowed Katherine will be married to the new heir, Henry (VIII).


Alison Weir has created a very believable character in Elizabeth – the girl who knew she would one day be a queen is also the sister who never knew what had happened to her brothers; a Queen of England is also a mother who loses several children in infancy.
The author delivers a convincing account of what Elizabeth’s life might have been like, which we see through her own eyes. There is vivid detail and excellent conversation, however it is also rooted in fact, and I found myself regularly diverting off to look up people on the family tree, events or places mentioned – Sheen Palace, Baynard's Castle, Greenwich, Elsyng, Ludlow, Westminster & the Tower of London (as it was then, not now!). Whilst I know quite a lot about Tudor times, when it’s all put together it’s still quite eye opening to discover that drinking the water was dangerous so even very young children drank wine, that medicine invariably involved bloodletting, that travelling from the Tower of London to Westminster was quite an undertaking (now it’s a 40 minute pleasure cruise!), that bringing the doctor from Plymouth to London might be possible in 4 days if they rode hard & had changes of horse at every resting place, and the thought of a pregnant queen travelling to Ludlow was quite preposterous!

I liked that the pain and hardships of Tudor life, the difficult decisions and divided loyalties are given as much focus as the happiness and luxury of being royal. Elizabeth was portrayed constantly as morally strong yet emotionally able to express both love & hurt, supporting her family members when they got into difficulties & always making the best of her situation. I was less keen on the slightly stereotypical portrayal of Richard III, but can see how it can never really be determined what made the previously loyal Richard turned against his own nephew. Was it the constant threat from Elizabeth’s maternal family, the Woodvilles?
Superb narration by Nicky Diss brings this audio book to life. She differentiated the characters well, expressed emotions that were believable and the pacing was good. The audiobook is 19+ hours, and whilst there are a few places in the middle where it dragged a little, it soon picked up again and overall it is worth the effort!

I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in the Tudor period, enjoys tv shows by historians like Lucy Worsley, or enjoys this style of fiction-based-on-fact.

I always enjoy an Alison Weir title - fictoion or not, so was excited to read this latest title. It did not disappoint.

I did not know much about Elizabeth (Bess) of York and thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns of her story and learnt so much along the way. I had not realised that her brothers were the princes in the tower and had never given much thought to the implication of their disappearance at the time. I cannot imagine the anguish felt by their mother, but this terrible secret caused so much uncertainty and plotting for so many years - and probably even beyond the remits of this title.

Richard III's place in history is firmly cemented as the stereotypical 'baddie' and this books does nothing to change that image. I was shocked at how hard Elizabeth's life was at times and her bravery to negotiate the sexual politics of her position. It is hard to believe that she finally pulled off the marriage to Henry and that it seemed to develop into such a loving relationship.

I learnt SO much when listening to this whilst also being thoroughly entertained. What a great history lesson I have had! I know I could have looked up the facts and I am aware this is a work of fiction grounded in research but WOW - don't miss this if you like historical novels. Shame that Bessie's life was so prematurely ended, though it felt like she lived for many more years than she actually did - so great were the multiple challenges presented during her life.

It is easy to dismiss the Wars of the Roses as a conflict fought on the battlefields. Lancaster versus York. Red rose versus white. The House of Lancaster lost at Tewkesbury, the House of York fallen at Bosworth and then from the ruins, the House of Tudor was born. But it is not that simple. The men all died, mostly on the battlefield but others in shadier circumstances. What people forget is that the women survived. Cecily Neville lived to be eighty, she saw her family gain and lose the throne, all of her sons lost to the cause and she still had to bend the knee to her granddaughter's husband. That granddaughter was Elizabeth of York, daughter of one king and wife to another. She had a life which easily lends itself to historical fiction - did she love her husband or did she feel forced into the marriage? Did she actually and truly try to marry her uncle Richard? Was she actually happy in the life that she lived?

I was lucky enough to attend an author event for this book which included a reading, a talk about Elizabeth of York as a person and a Q and A. As someone who has read and been appalled by a lot of historically inaccurate Tudor fiction, it was electrifying to listen to someone discuss how they have tried to follow the evidence to guide their novel. Members of the audience asked whether Margaret Beaufort might have been responsible for this or that and Weir smiled politely and reminded them gently that there was nothing to support that claim. She also pointed out that nobody even spouted these theories until a historical docu-drama back in 2005. Forget Gillipa Phregory and her pontificating that Elizabeth of York's Twu Wuv was Richard III. Weir is following nothing but the facts and narrative logic. Unsurprisingly, it makes for a much better book.

Reading The Last White Rose during 2022 was a thought-provoking experience. It was the fate of Elizabeth of York to live in interesting times. The book picks up as the young Bessy is hustled off into sanctuary by her mother as her father's reign crumbles during Henry VI's brief coup. Her brother is born in sanctuary and then her father regains his throne. But the factionalism all seemed rather familiar. The young Bessy realises that her mother's family have too much power and have made too many enemies. She is able to see that her mother is not good at making friends when she needs to be. In so many ways, this is another era. And yet. The in-fighting and squabbles within the Tory party over the past year all seems rather similar. Corrupt Boris Johnson, inept Liz Truss, vacuous Rishi Sunak - we may have passed beyond regime change being decided through violence but yet the shadows of it remain. They still need to marshal their supporters and can coordinate brutal attacks to unseat their rivals.

Weir's novel gave me a sneaking sympathy for Richard III. He had seen what happened to his brother George. He knew that his political lifespan was likely to be very limited under the reign of Edward V. Small wonder he took steps to remove the boy from the influence of his mother. Maybe he thought that he could change his nephew's loyalties. But fair-minded Weir observes how Elizabeth Woodville's behaviour shifted Richard firmly into the role of the villain. There was no way back. It is not a defence of an obviously wicked deed. But it does offer an explanation for why the previously loyal Richard turned coat on his brother's death. It was either his nephew had to go or Richard and his own family would be in danger from the Woodvilles. Tough decisions had to be made.

I read Weir's biography on the same topic but while the novel necessarily treads the same ground, this is one of the first pieces of historical fiction that I felt really brought its protagonist to life once more. I had always known that the women of the Wars of the Roses had hard lives. Isabel Neville dead by twenty-five, her younger sister Anne may have been queen but she never saw thirty. Their lives were worn out by reproduction and hard care. But The Last White Rose really hammers it home. The litany of loss was incredible. It is one thing to read about a sibling who died at three, another for Weir to describe a happy smiling toddler suddenly struck down. To remember that Elizabeth's closest sister in age died suddenly of a fever at fifteen and that Elizabeth bore the sorrow all her life, naming one of her own daughters after her.

This was a time of hard and brave choices, where lines blurred between the personal and the political. Elizabeth and her sisters were in deep peril after the death of their father, still more so when they were ordered out of sanctuary. Richard married off Elizabeth's sister Cecily to a nobody, when the girl had once been mooted as a future Queen of Scotland. Weir postulates Elizabeth's likely attempt to marry Richard as a move intended to protect her family. Elizabeth of York was the eldest daughter of a king. She knew her own worth. She spent most of her childhood addressed as Madame la Dauphine since she was expected to be Queen of France one day. She had ambitions for herself that went beyond a humble marriage. But as events moved on, Weir suggests that a marriage to Henry Tudor was preferable. This is not hard to believe since few teenagers would wish to marry their uncle who was fourteen years older and who was probably responsible for the deaths of her younger brothers and definitely ordered the death of their older half-brother. Tales of incestuous true love in these circumstances have always seemed distasteful.

Ever the historian, Weir does not present Elizabeth and Henry's marriage as a blissful bed of Tudor roses. He is faithful and he is respectful. There is affection. But there is still a ruthlessness which means that Elizabeth cannot tread easily. Despite being queen, money is not plentiful. Her own mother is dispatched roughly to a nunnery because Henry cannot afford to keep two queens at court. Cecily's low marriage is abruptly undone and another found, all of it causing distress. And amid the chaos, Elizabeth's first child is born and she cannot find the joy in him that she had hoped for.

The ongoing thorn in Henry's side is Perkin Warbeck, the boy who presents himself as Elizabeth's long lost brother Richard Duke of York. Her aunt Margaret of York insists it is he, though she never saw the boy as a child. Elizabeth is at first uncertain what to hope for. When she finally meets the young man, her own theory is that he is yet another of her father's bastards, likely born while he was hiding in Burgundy. The lingering question mark on the fate of the two princes lurks throughout the novel. Where would Elizabeth's loyalties be if they suddenly appeared once more? With her own husband and children or her brothers? Yet, through her protagonist, Weir notes down all of the evidence which shows that Henry VII shared his wife's uncertainty. During his own proclamation as king, he noted that he and his heirs would take precedence even if previous heirs were made known. So basically, even if Edward V or his brother had been found, the Tudors would keep the throne. Even if you disregard the fact that Henry was in France and his mother was under house arrest, it is clear that neither of them had any knowledge of the boys' whereabouts.

Amidst all the loss, the final revelation of what happened to Elizabeth's brothers still feels heartbreaking. No matter what the Ricardians may argue about the bias of Thomas More, you can't ignore the fact that he said the boys were murdered and then buried under a staircase in the White Tower and that that is precisely where the skeletons of two young boys were found during the reign of Charles II. Amidst all the mythology around Elizabeth of York, it is easy to forget that she was a sister who lived decades of her life wondering what had happened to her brothers. No idea of whether they were afraid, if they suffered or what was done to them. No way of knowing where they were buried. Two children. Their only crime being the sons of a king. Dumped like trash.

All of this seems like a lot of grief for one person to carry. Joy to be found in her children, even love to be found in her marriage, but still a huge burden of sadness at all the people who were lost along the way. My major gripe with mainstream historical fiction is how lives as complex as these could be forced into the template of fiction. The image that always springs to mind is of dough and a cookie cutter. You can fill the cookie cutter but there will be an awful lot left over unused. Unlike most writers within the genre, Weir does not simply find a plausible happy point and stop there. She follows Elizabeth right to the bitter end. Following the loss of their heir Arthur, Elizabeth tells Henry that they should try for another baby, something they seemed to have decided against following her health issues. The men of the medieval era shown their courage on the battlefield. The women showed theirs in childbed. The consequences are disastrous.

Weir has a clear sympathy for Elizabeth. She never makes her ridiculous or patronises her by casting her as a powerless victim. At her very, very lowest during Richard's reign, Elizabeth is still allowed to be clear-sighted about what is going on. Weir acknowledges her integrity by describing how Elizabeth used her own money to support the less fortunate members of her family. Even the more distasteful moments of Henry VII's reign are noted, with Elizabeth's sorrow over poor Warwick and anguish for her mother. Weir absolves Elizabeth of moral ambiguity, casts her as just a good woman doing her best in difficult times. But Weir's ultimate gift to her character is the finale. As Elizabeth lies dying in her husband's arms, she cares not that the bleeding will not stop because she suddenly sees all those many people she has loved and lost - her parents, her brothers, her lost children and all of them waiting for her in a Heaven 'more glorious than anything she had ever dreamed of'. A woman of valour lost too soon, this glorious resurrection feels like no more than what Elizabeth deserved.

2022 was the year I really fell in love with historical fiction again and this was one of two reads by Alison Weir.

I had really no idea about Elizabeth of York and yet, having listening to this excellent account of her life, I now have an appreciation of what an incredible role she had to play in history. She was the Mother of Henry VIII and the sister of the two princes who were murdered in the tower. Elizabeth’s oldest son Arthur, heir to the throne, married Katherine of Aragon; his brother Henry went on to be probably the most infamous King in history. This is an account from Elizabeth’s early days - born daughter of Elizabeth Woodville - until her death aged 37. It’s a story of precarious monarchy, constantly under attack from pretenders to the throne; of the fragility of health in an age without medicine; and of great love.

The narrator is very clear and easy to listen to. After about 5 hours I did wonder if I had the concentration and patience for 20 + hours of listening to this life, but at that point I became totally immersed in the story of the two brothers in the tower and the way that this affected the whole of Henry’s reign. Weir’s account really fleshes out the characters that history has never fully imagined in this way. The novel has the most incredible detail about events, relationships..the food, the conversation. And in 20 hours you really come to know this woman, her loves, her frustrations…and the often surprising role she played. I felt a real sense of loss at the end of the story.

This is an incredible biographical novel of a fascinating woman. I did wonder if I might have been better reading rather than listening as I really wanted to be aided by family trees in order to work out some of the relationships. However, it became a highlight of my day to sit back, listen and immerse myself in wonderful history. I have subsequently purchased a copy of the book for myself as it is one I definitely want in my collection, and I think I would happily read this again.
With many thanks to Netgalley and Headline Audio for a digital copy of this audiobook.

An excellent novel I "read" as an audiobook! As always, I have been fascinated by the author's work! She is definitely one of my favourite writers of historical fiction and nonfiction.
Along with Elizabeth' s masterfully defined, one gets an accurate insight into the historical background. All characters feel alive, and one feels with them. I have read a considerable amount of books covering this period, still, I was enthralled by this novel! The narrator is excellent, keeping me riveted to the story. Highly recommended!
I have received a complimentary ARC of this audiobook from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.

This gripping story of Elizabeth of York is tense and hopeful even though the outcome is known. The private

family life, sanctuary, and the glittering court scenes are vividly described as we read about emotional bonds and

the rule of Kings. The historical facts are brilliantly woven into an amazing biography. A true page-turner..

Alison Weir is fast becoming an auto-buy author for me, and this is another excellent entry in her string of recent historical fictions.

Elizabeth of York is a fascinating and often overlooked figure who was central to the end of the Wars of the Roses. As older sister of the Princes in the Tower, niece of Richard III, husband of Henry VII and mother of Henry VIII, her life ties together some of the most enduring figures in British history but its rare that her perspective is given.

This is where Alison Weir really comes into her own. As a historian she draws on every source we have, creating a fully-fledged picture of Elizabeth. Every aspect of her was brought to life, from the fear and terror of her childhood, her strength and conviction as she became her father’s heir, and her leadership as queen. I hadn’t appreciated until this book quite how vital her marriage to Henry VII was to ending the Wars of the Roses, and by putting her at the centre, Weir has given a more complete version of this story than is usually told.

One of the pitfalls of this particular subgenre – fictionalised versions of a historical figures life – is that it can be hard to create a satisfying character arc and strong character motivations, but that wasn’t a problem here. I could root for Elizabeth from the very start, and her motivations were always clear which I really appreciated.

On top of that, Nicky Diss provides truly excellent narration, creating an immersive listening experience and a story that you can’t stop listening to. It’s a very long audiobook, much longer than I would usually go for, but it was a joy to listen to the whole time, never dragging or feeling too long.

Alison Weir continues to write the best of historical fiction, and I can’t wait to see who’s story she tells next.

I received a free copy for review. All opinions are my own.

An interesting Queen with so many loyalties to juggle. As is expected of Ms Weir a full and detailed history found within but a little dry in the telling, would have liked a little more emotional attachment to Henry and Elizabeth but this is a tiny complaint

The narration was excellent, clear and without inflection that detracted from the storytelling.

Do not be fooled! This is a tough audiobook to get through! However, it is not due to the narrator, as Nicky Diss is clear and suits this audiobook well. I struggled towards 8hours left, as I felt as though the story was being dragged on a bit more than it really needed too. It was constantly going round with Henry being annoyed at Elizabeth for one thing or another, Elizabeth being in fear, them making up and then it starting all over again. I do understand that this does have some merit from history, however, it gave the book a foreboding feeling throughout, and not enjoyable to sit through.

When I went into this audiobook, I was expecting a similar story line to 'The White Princess' by Philippa Gregory, however, they (quite rightly) are completely different. Gregory's stories resonate the sorcery that surrounds Princess Elizabeth and her family as they rose to power, whereas Weir focuses on the facts to create a novel with added emotions and feelings (as there is limited proof to how Elizabeth would have felt).

The novel covers how a young Princess Elizabeth was woken one morning by her pregnant mother (the Queen), to be taken to Sanctuary due to Warwick starting an uprising that lead to her father, King Edward having to flee. When King Edward returns to his throne, we see through Elizabeth's eyes the constant worry and flow of death. Whilst Elizabeth grows up she finds herself in Sanctuary often, including after her father dying due to King Richard taking the throne after supposedly murdering her two brothers that had been taken to the safety of the Tower.

In her teens at this point, Elizabeth's mother is trying to get Elizabeth on the throne by setting a marriage between Henry Tudor and Elizabeth. However, King Richard realising early on the problem with this, requested that Elizabeth and her sister join court and serve Queen Anne. Although Elizabeth was cautious around Richard due to her brothers disappearance/death, she was caught under his spell with her innocence and started growing feelings for Richard in the hope of becoming his Queen when his wife, Anne passed away. This was until Richard publicly swore that he was not interested in marrying Elizabeth after his wife died, feeling let down and ashamed, Elizabeth started helping with the plans of bringing Henry Tudor back onto the throne, and become his Queen instead.

Before long, Henry had gained enough power to come to England and battle Richard, ending in Henry winning and becoming the King. Henry and Elizabeth become married and start their life together. However, they have difficult times during their marriage, from the loss of their young children (from premature births to illness), and the overwhelming paranoia that follows Henry regarding Elizabeth and her family.

Towards the end of the audiobook, Elizabeth and Henry lose their heir, Arthur in his teenage years. Elizabeth falls pregnant once more, but shortly after childbirth, she dies from the complications.

Overall, as a fan of Tudor books and the history that surrounds the Tudors, I enjoyed hearing another authors perspective to the Tudor dynasty. However, I found as an audiobook, it was full on, with which I struggled to immerse myself with.

Loving this book, the narrator is good and really enjoying getting reacquainted with the Early Tudors. It is 20 years or so since I read about this period of History but it is so easy to remember what the highlights were and find out a bit more about them
Really my only complaint is that I couldn't access the audiobook on the plane home and finish the book a few days ago. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

The audiobook is 19+ hours but I've loved every minute. Don't be discouraged with the size. I've heard lots about her son, Henry VIII, so I was interested to see where the Tudors began. It's split into 4 parts, each a different era of her life.

To say she died quite young a lot had happened in her life. I had heard of a few of events that had happened but wasn't sure of the timeline. The Princes in the Tower was a constant throughout the book, these were her brothers. They held a big significance to the lack of stability crown, something I wasn't aware of. Elizabeth should have been England's first Queen but male dominance in the era prevented it. I found a lot of the ways very gender biased.

Towards the end you are introduced to Katherine of Aragon who was married to Arthur, then Henry when Arthur died when she was just 16 . I'm looking forward to reading her story next.