An introduction to the Tudor court for those who don't like non-fiction.

I've read and watched quite a lot of books, fiction and non-fiction, documentaries, and dramas, about this period, but I stopped listening to this 20% of the way in, and my conclusion is, that this book isn't for me, but if probably for those who want a way in to Tudor history.

I didn't get along with the narration, it sounded like a dry documentary voice over, or the voice of an audio guide through a stately home, and unfortunately, the writing for me, took a similar tack - a series of names, dates, places, and events that lacked a connecting thread of emotion, personality, or theme. While the novel focuses on Henry, and is written from his point of view, it is written in third person, and there's an innate sense of distance from the events, the narrative voice feels like it's looking back on history and telling Henry's story, so I didn't really feel connected to Henry at all.

The general feeling I got was that it wasn't doing anything new, the main events were all ones that I knew about before, but I didn't really get a new take on them, and Henry still comes across as selfish and childish, even in the first fifth of the book, the more positive parts of his reign.

There is a lot about his relationship with Catherine, though more focus is on lust and an immediate obsession with producing an heir than conveying or exploring any sense of affection, but what that means is that the focus is once again on the queen, rather than the less explored male characters, politics, religion, and sovereignty which likely took up more of Henry's time and attention than his wives.

As I say though, this is probably because this book isn't for me, for anyone wanting to read about Henry without committing to non-fiction, this provides a more accessible version, and gives you an idea of the main events of his reign, and for those who want to read a historical faction overview of the reign, not just focusing on one wife or character, this does do that. But for those who already know a fair bit about Henry VIII and his wives, and are wanting a new take, this might be a bit disappointing.

I gave up at 8% after 10 days of trying.

Maybe I'm oversaturated in the period but I do find it disappointing when a historian misrepresents the time period.

Another excellent Alison Weir book. She never disappoints.
Having read all Hilary Mantel's series on Thomas Cromwell several times (and OK, let's face it, no-one matches Mantel, so we won't go there), it was so good to read about the era from Henry VIII's perspective. Cromwell becomes an almost minor character, whereas Wolsey appears as a major character in the first half of the book. One thing that was really brought to life was how sumptuous Hampton Court was, and Henry VIII was jealous, so took it off him and gave him Richmond Palace in exchange. So many palaces! We may think the modern monarchy has too many, but the amount Henry has is crazy.
It was also good to see the six queens from the King's perspective, because so many books have been written about them as individuals (including by Alison Weir of course), and here we see them from Henry's perspective.
This is great for lovers of historical fiction, especially when it's fiction based on fact. The fictionalised conversations only serve to bring the historical facts to life. If I have one really minor criticism, it is that so long is spent on Henry's early life and first marriage that by the time Anne Boleyn comes along, we're almost halfway through. Yes, that reflects the timeline of Henry's life, but it does get a little slow in the repetitive jousting etc, and perhaps - just perhaps - the first half needn't have been so long.
But otherwise, a book to be recommended.
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I love all of Alison Weir’s books and this is another first class example of her ability to combine first class historically accurate research with great story telling. The audio book was a real treat to listen to and the narrator is fantastic.

From youthful optimism to warped reasoning, Henry lives in constant anxiety. The spoilt spare has become the heir.
Henry's story has been well crafted in detail and in atmosphere. We are led into Tudor times with his wives, laws
and desperation for a son., secrets and treason. An enthralling book .Read it.

I don't think I really need to say much about the...erm we'll say gentleman that this is about other than to say to me he really was a bit of an ass. A very interesting ass but an ass nonetheless. So, has having the fantastic Ms Weir give him a voice made me think any differently? Nope, but it's still a fantastically enjoyable book.

I'd have to say this series so far isn't as literary as the Six Wives series. By that, I mean you really felt in the story with thar series. With this one, it feels more like a series of events played out. It's a bit like one of those documentaries where you have talking heads interspersed with dramatic recreations. So, a bit dry but still entertaining.

I listened to this on audiobook and was a little disappointed with the narration. Elliot Fitzpatrick is usually a reliable reader, but he just didn't fit this story. A shame but it's not so bad that it's unlistenable. It just needed someone maybe a bit older....or perhaps different narrators for different stages of Henry's life. Still an easy 4 stars.

this the first book that i have read by this author. i really enjoyed the book the author had a way of humanising Henry .
i would highly recommend. 5 stars

This was an ambitious novel to write, but Alison Weir managed to triumphantly pull it off.

Everyone reading this book will know at least something about Henry VIII. At the very least, they will know the fates of his wives, and most people will know at least something more about his role in history. And it’s safe to say that this is a figure everyone has an opinion on. This isn’t a book about a hero, or an anti-hero, or a villain, or a tyrant. It gives a very nuanced, thoughtful depiction of one of British histories most charismatic characters.

Weir did an excellent job of creating a character who did many terrible things, but was always convinced that it was the right decision. A lot of time and care goes into not only building the wider world and context, but also establishing Henry’s character from childhood. As we follow his journey, we see him growing up as a young prince and then king who is never told no. His whole life he is surrounded by people who either want to please him, manipulate him, or both, which he is often ignorant to. The balance was just right, that we as the reader could see clearly what was going on, but Henry either couldn’t or wouldn’t. Weir never passes moral judgement on Henry; instead, this book exists as a lengthy character study, bringing to life a complex and divisive figure.

This also takes place in the same slightly-fictionalised world as the Six Tudor Queens series. There were plenty of nods and references to the things in those books that Weir invented, and it is definitely worth reading all seven books for the full story.

The audiobook had excellent narration from Elliot Fitzpatrick. Coming in at just under 22 hours, having a good narrator is essential, and it was an incredibly engaging listen.

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

Wow! This is an exceptional read. I love Alison Weir, so did not expect to be disappointed, but was blown away by the story telling in this particular title.

Everyone knows Henry VIII and his six wives, so I was not expected to read very much that I had not already heard before: I was wrong! As I read on I realised I had never heard of the story from Henry's point of view - it is usually dry facts or all about the wives. For me, Weir's writing, really made me reevaluate the man behind the crown and myth. I did not know that Henry's various wives had suffered so many miscarriages collectively and this book portrays him sympathetically through each and every one of them. He really tried to be a good king but I felt he was overly persuaded by those around him.

This book has good humour which is entirely appropriate to the characterisation of King Henry - particularly his fear of the plague. I am left with a swirl of emotions for the man which I know I will return to again and again. The feasting, buildings and sumptuous lifestyle is described in technicolour detail and there are times when I felt I might have been at the event personally.

Any book by Alison Weir is worth the time. This audiobook is almost 20 hours, and it felt like time flew by as I listened on totally captivated. By the end, as Henry dispatches Catherine Howard, annuls his marriage to Anne of Cleves and marries Katherine Parr in quick session, the narrative seems to speed up as his desperation for happiness and to retain his youth slips through his fingers.

What a man! What a life! What a book!

A great, thorough retelling of Henry VIII’s life. Entertaining and enlightening. You see Henry as a more sympathetic character than what we are sometimes led to believe. A man who is manipulated somewhat by the men (and women) who surround him.
An enjoyable read.

As always with Alison Weir books this was another well researched and we'll put together story and I enjoyed that it was the perspective of Henry VIII rather than of his wives.

Simply brilliant….I liked the writing and how the story didn’t stale at all, just kept pushing through and intrigued me with the diverse cast of characters their interactions.

I was so intrigued by the premise of this book and it honestly was so much better than I expected it to be it is an incredible read.

Audiobook was an amazing experience to listen to.

I have read the majority of Alison. Weir books on the period of Henry the eighth. However, this is the first time I have read a book told from the male perspective. The author did not disappoint.

In other books, Henry the eighth has always come across as a hard callous man. However, in this book, I feel that I actually saw a different side to Henry or Harry as he was called. He was desperately in need of love and of an heir to the throne. He was often led by the advisors around him.

The book beautifully portrays the court of the time. Feel that you are a fly on the wall, watching the rich characters and their beautiful outfits and the stunning court of Henry the eighth. Alison Weir has done Exhaustive research into this era and this comes across in the book. Personally, I would not look any further from this author for a book on the times of Henry the eighth, and his wives.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to see an A.R.C.

I was dying to get stuck in to this audio title and I’m not disappointed. Over some years I’ve read and listened to a number of Alison Weir’s non fiction books about various Tudors. Her work and research is meticulous and every detail seems to be included.

In her fiction titles, she brings her extensive knowledge of the people and time’s vividly to life. This book follows the life and wives of Henry VIII, in fiction format and it’s absolutely spellbinding. Heavy on period detail, rather than being an academic read, it’s a richly rewarding slice of social history where the court, the people, the events and attitudes leap from every page. Henry’s treachery and deceit from early on is captured to perfection. He’s portrayed as wise, often generous but seriously flawed. Obviously the characterisations are subjective, but given Weir’s extensive knowledge of her subjects, I feel her interpretations are authoritative. Although I knew how things worked out, there were times when I was willing him to listen to his advisers and do things differently. It’s a text that takes you with it as his life and all the issues unfold. Brilliant writing.

She puts real flesh on the people. Henry’s hairstyle, clothing, growing girth, sports prowess, small mouth and more make him feel like the person he was. Novels like this help to fix people, places and events in context and without a doubt, this is first rate historical fiction. Well written, interesting, revealing and well narrated throughout. I’ve really enjoyed this title and look forward to more.


My thanks to the publisher for a review copy via Netgalley.