Young Elizabeth

Young Elizabeth: Princess. Prisoner. Queen. by Nicola Tallis is a great nonfiction that delves into the early life of Queen Elizabeth…before she became Queen.

I have enjoyed several books by Ms. Tallis in the past, and this falls right amongst the others. I know quite a bit about this infamous Tudor Queen, but it was great to read a well-researched book focusing on her life leading up the throne. Learning more about the “person” behind the “position” gives more insight on just how this woman became one of the most famous monarchs of all time.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Michael O'Mara Limited, Michael O'Mara for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 2/29/24.

This detailed biography of Queen Elizabeth I, showcasing her journey towards the crown, is enjoyable for readers and academics, with fluid writing and numerous references.

What an excellent book. Fluently written, packed full of good research, a really excellent nonfiction look at the early years of Elizabeth I's life. Highly recommend to those who love reading about the Tudor period. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review of the book.

An excellent, well written, well researched detailed look at Elizabeth's first 25 years. At times this must have been difficult to write with little facts/evidence to help during some of these 25 years.?

I have not read any of Ms Tallis' books before, usually gorging myself on Tudorista (is that a word?) works by Mesdames Gregory, Borman and Weir, but I really enjoyed this one.

It would have been easy to dwell on Henry and his wives but this was certainly not the case with 'Young Elizabeth'. A perfect read for fans of the Tudor period, I loved it!

Many thanks to Net Galley and Michael O'Mara Ltd. for the chance to read and review.

I love a history based read and this one didn't disappoint. Strong, powerful writing to reflect the subject and I highly recommend if you're a fan of history. This one is clearly very well researched.

An excellent and well researched book about the early life of Elizabeth until she became Queen. Nicola Tallis details not only her life but how the unstable political events surrounding her affected her in every way. Lots of background notes that help bring the courtiers around her to life. For someone interested in the Tudor period this book is a must read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Michael O.'Mara Ltd for the advanced copy of this book.

I am a huge fan of all things Tudor, I enjoy both non fiction and fictional works on the era and this was not a disappointment.
Thoroughly well researched, this incredible and detailed description of Elizabeth I’s early years where her life was in constant turmoil is a most moreish read.
Attention to detail while engaging the reader is prevalent in this book, and ai would recommend to anyone interested in this era.

What a well researched and written account of the young life of Elizabeth. I thought I knew quite a lot about this period of Tudor history but this really fleshed it out. Excellent

Nicola Tallis' "Young Elizabeth" is a splendid journey through the early life of the iconic queen, skillfully intertwining personal details with the turbulent political landscape that shaped her destiny. The meticulous research is evident in every page, offering readers a fresh perspective on Elizabeth's formative years.

Tallis's powerful writing not only mirrors the indomitable spirit of Elizabeth but also immerses readers in the intricate web of Tudor politics.

For history enthusiasts, this book is a treasure trove of information with a compelling narrative that keeps readers captivated.

A unique focus on Elizabeth's early life sets it apart, from many previous books that I've read about Elizabeth's life.

This book is a perfect read for fans of the Tudor period, offering a nuanced perspective on a queen who would eventually shape the course of history.

In conclusion, I highly recommend "Young Elizabeth" to history enthusiasts and fans of Tudor literature alike. It's a must-read that seamlessly blends scholarly research with a captivating narrative. Heartfelt thanks to NetGalley and Michael O'Mara Ltd. for the opportunity to delve into this Tudor gem.

I read this ARC in exchange for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

I loved this author and feel so lucky to have been able to read this

I am a bit obsessive about the Tudors and will read anything about them.

This is so wonderfully researched

So readable

I was totally engrossed

You may think you already know everything there is to know about Elizabeth I, given the media’s obsession with the Tudors – all those films, books and TV programmes.

But you'd be wrong. Nicola Tallis, herself a self-confessed obsessive with Elizabeth from childhood, has a whole lot more to reveal.

Yes, we all know she wasn’t sister Mary’s favourite person, but I, for one, hadn’t realised the length and intensity of the real danger to Elizabeth, with the ever-present fear that she would leave the Tower of London in the same way as her mother, Anne Boleyn. Fighting the stigma of illegitimacy (ambassador Eustace Chapuys called her ‘the little bastard’) – or worse (the rumours about her parentage would continue throughout her life), she ricocheted from being a pampered infant to persona non grata, living under a thick cloud of mistrust throughout the reign of Mary I.

Without sentimentality, Nicola Tallis gets under the skin of perhaps the most famous monarch in history, who eclipsed her siblings, and even her father. We are given touching details about her babyhood, such as Anne Boleyn’s ordering of a wardrobe fit for a princess, and the precocious three-year-old quickly realising she had been demoted from ‘princess’ to ‘lady’ from one day to the next.

Equally, the author exposes the impact of this jeopardy on Elizabeth’s character and is not afraid to show us her heroine’s dark side – including the vindictiveness she could display to anyone who put their own needs above hers, especially if they had the temerity to marry without her consent. Elizabeth was always hyper-alert to real and imagined threats to her person and kingdom.

All this and much more is covered in this fascinating tale, which reads like a novel, and a page-turner at that. I loved it and will look for more by this author. I am eagerly awaiting the forthcoming publication day when I shall post this on Amazon.

An excellent biography of Elizabeth I. The Tudor period is endlessly fascinating and to go into a deep dive into the life of Elizabeth before she became Queen is very interesting.

I thought I knew a lot about this period of English history but I learned so much from this book it was like being back at school but in a good way.

This is excellent. I have read a lot about the Tudors but somehow this book makes Elizabeth come to life. This book must be the product of some incredible research. The author has a really good, easy style of writing and I recommend it to anyone interested in this period of history

This is the best history book that I have read for a long, long time. Not only is it set in almost everyone's favourite time period, it is well written, well documented, with superb dialogue and superb notes.
I did not know Nicola Tallis as a writer of history books but I will certainly look out for her in future.
The author pitched the content just right, not too academic, not too sensational, obviously well researched. I would recommend this book to all lovers of history books, and I think that readers of fiction should give it a go as well.

Thanks to the author for a fantastic book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Elizabeth I was a fascinating character - born of the tyrannical Henry VIII and the disgraced Anne Boleyn, her early years were idyllic as the heir to the throne. Then Anne was beheaded and replaced by Jane Seymour, who gave Henry his much needed son. Elizabeth was declared illegitimate, but still the King's daughter. However, on Henry's death she had a difficult path to negotiate - only young herself, she became the centre of plots as the Catholics tried to put forward their own candidate, her equally illegitimate sister Mary. Highly intelligent and articulate, she did well to survive the maelstrom of Edward, Jane and Mary's reigns.

Survive she did, to become the much-beloved and lasting legacy of Henry, despite being female. The book tells of her careful planning and determination not to be drawn into foolish plots, particularly during her sister's reign. The book is firmly based on research and fact, but is written in a very rearticularly during her sister's reign. The book is firmly based on research and fact, but is written in a very readable style. I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope the author will follow on with the next stages of Elizabeth's fascinating life.

Thank you to NetGalley and Michael O'Mara Ltd for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve read a few books about Elizabeth l. She’s a fascinating figure; conflicted, strong, enigmatic, flawed….Few match the approach taken by Dr Nicola Tallis and the research appears to be meticulous and extraordinary. There can be few individuals who’ve experienced so many significant traumas in their early and formative years. It’s difficult to look back on those events with any true understanding of how they must have affected and ultimately shaped a young woman destined to rule. Dr Tallis takes the reader through these events with fascinating, if speculative, views on how such traumas may have caused some of her known physical ailments including breathlessness, headaches and swelling.

This is an academic title, but it’s presented in a way accessible to the lay reader. It’s often an emotive and bumpy ride as we follow her life from one disaster to another. One moment feted by the Court, the next vilified with the suggestion of inappropriate liaisons. A domineering and distant father, her mother beheaded, four stepmothers and then the death of her father is beyond the bounds of our imagination. Dr Tallis brings it all very vividly to life and the text is rich in detail. I found this a fresh and thoroughly engaging read. .

Young Elizabeth is an accessible academic text. It appears to have been extremely well-researched, gathering information previously little known about Elizabeth I's first years and the complex upbringing she had in light of having several stepmothers of various temperaments. Tallis tells about Elizabeth's struggles to gain recognition and position in her own right under the respective reigns of her younger brother Edward VI and older sister Mary. The author describes the brutal treatment of Elizabeth by those who wished to deny her queenship. The book ends with Elizabeth's eventual accession to the throne following the death of Mary I.

Many thanks to the publishers and to Netgalley for the ARC.

It’s no secret that I am a bit obsessed with the Tudors, so I was VERY excited to read this book – and it delivered!

The book covers the period from when Anne Boleyn first met Henry VIII, to when Elizabeth I becomes queen. It’s possibly one of the most tumultuous and exciting times in British history, and Tallis does an excellent job of exploring the effect that would have on the girl who would become one of the most memorable and influential British monarchs.

Using extensive primary sources, we get a glimpse into the every day life of the young Elizabeth I, whether it’s her childhood routine, or her servants as a teenager. Tallis also draws on other historians’ work, especially in the areas of Elizabeth’s life where there is some speculation as to exactly what happened. I also thought she dealt with some of the more difficult topics – specifically Elizabeth’s encounter with Thomas Seymour – both sensitively and with a good balance of modern and contemporary values.

As much as this is a book about Elizabeth I, Tallis does an excellent job of laying out the full historical context. For example, Elizabeth’s relationships with each of her step-mothers was very different, and Tallis lays all of the changes and politics behind each one really clearly.

It is a thorough and well-researched non-fiction book, but it still reads almost like a thriller. It was such a page turner, I would get absorbed into it for hours at a time and the writing never once felt overly dense or difficult. While a lot of the historical context given was not new to me, it still felt fresh and enjoyable to read.

This is an excellent addition to anyone’s Tudor shelf, for both the Tudor buff and the Tudor novice.

I received a free copy for an honest review.

A familiar story, but told from the viewpoint of a Princess who quickly learnt about the disappointment of being born the wrong sex.
Henry the Eighth and Anne Boleyn wanted a son, heir to their new Protestant Kingdom, but a girl arrived and everything changed for both mother and daughter.
Elizabeth lost her place in the line of succession when she was three years old. Her mother was beheaded upon trumped up charges of adultery and during her young life, she had four stepmothers. She very quickly learnt not to trust men. I shall never marry, she is rumoured to have said, and who could blame her? As an eligible female, she was paraded in front of foreign ambassador on the marriage merry go round, but, she refused any suitors, as she was content to be ‘ settled in the single state’.
Her life was in peril many times and she was imprisoned in the Tower of London, when her step sister Queen Mary believed she was planning against her Catholic Religion.
Elizabeth ascended the throne when she was 25 years old. She was incredibly well educated , has a good working knowledge of at least six languages, could debate with her ministers, had beautiful handwriting, and a love of fine clothes and jewels. She was tolerant of religious differences, and rules her realm fairly.
If only her father could have known what a strong and impressive Queen she became. The most touching aspect is the description of the Chequers Ring, worn constantly by the Queen. Hidden inside are two portraits, one of Elizabeth, the other of her mother, Anne Boleyn.
All portraits of Anne had been destroyed on the orders of King Henry, the portraits we have now were commissioned many years after her death.
I found this to be a very powerful and well researched novel. Finally, Elizabeth has a voice!
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, Michael O’ Mara Limited for my advanced copy, freely given in exchange for my honest review. I shall leave my five star rated review to Goodreads and Amazon upon publication.

A story that many of us will be familiar with, especially those who are historical fans or Tudor fans. The story of young Elizabeth, who is constantly aware she was 'supposed' to be a boy to give Henry VIII the male heir he desperately wanted. Elizabeth is a fascinating woman and seeing what she went through before becoming queen only adds to her persona. Would absolutely recommend this to any historical non-fiction fans.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for this ARC.

Elizabeth is such an interesting person and monarch. Views and attitudes to her constantly evolve. It iswhy I still read biographies.

She is fascinating and what happened to her whilst young coloured the rest of her life.

This is a good new light on Elizabeth's life. She is really well brought ot life.

It is non-fiction but written but you never feel it is too heavy. There is a lot of detail and research her but you never felt bludgeoned by it.

I enjoyed it immensley and ccame away with some new insights

This was a great and easy read about Elizabeth's early life. It was very informative and focused on the topic. It highlights what Elizabeth went through on her journey to becoming Queen. I would recommend it to anyone starting out on reading historical non-fiction books.

A big thank you to Nicola Tallis, Michael O' Mara Books & Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I LOVED this title!!!!
Wow it was amazing, a lot of people like me, are obsessed with the tudors. This is a great novel which takes you thorough Elizabeth the firsts life from infancy to queenship! I would recommend everyone that loves the Tudor period to read this book as it is stunning and well thought through very well recommended xxx

Like many other reviewers, I had believed that I knew quite a lot about the life of the Virgin Queen but Young Elizabeth threw a light on the early infancy, childhood and adolescence of the one of the most intriguing characters in Tudor history. What was most moving was the bond between the King's children and how their love for each other was threatened by the politics of the day. Full of detail and beautifully written, I can highly recommend this book.

Really enjoyed this book, very informative and many new insights. Great to read, different to any others I have read about Elizabeth. This is before her reign and has some great insights. Definatley recommend this to everyone

In ‘Young Elizabeth: Princess, Prisoner, Queen’ we follow Elizabeth on her perilous path to the throne. Her journey is brought vividly to life through a superb narrative combined with meticulous research.

To get there she had to survive the reigns of her father, her half-brother, and her half-sister. Elizabeth was declared illegitimate by Henry VIII, overlooked by Edward VI when he left the crown to Lady Jane Grey and implicated in the Wyatt Rebellion during Mary I’s reign, when Elizabeth came close to sharing the fate of the nine day’s queen.

Tallis’s portrait of Elizabeth is a must read which gives the reader greater understanding of the Queen she became.

A wonderful book for anyone interested in the Tudors.

This book is clearly well researched, detailing the events surrounding Elizabeth's life, even if they occured before her birth. Tallis also clearly and objectively references numerous sources when it comes to personal accounts of Elizabeth as well as the political schemes in play at the time, but manages to write this in such a way that keeps the reader interested- no mean feat!

I found that I learnt a lot and couldn't put this book down. This is a must-read for any history enthusiast.

Expected to be a boy, Elizabeth was a disappointment to her father on birth. Her mother was accused of much and executed and Elizabeth pronounced a bastard before the age of three. Until her late teens, Elizabeth was not really a credible candidate for the throne as her illegitimacy and then her religion stood against her. Potentially abused by her guardian's husband and used as a pawn by many powerful men, this intelligent girl learned to politic to survive.
Usually a biography of Elizabeth I skips lightly over her formative years with huge gaps during her childhood, here Tallis has chosen to focus on the life of the monarch before her coronation and a really excellent book it is. The meticulous research really fills in a lot of gaps and outlines the psychological influences on the actions during the actual reign. Relationships are explored and there is a genuine empathy for the difficult situations a vulnerable girl finds herself in.

Brings to life the young girl who would later become such an iconic, influential British monarch
“The stigma of illegitimacy, cast upon her by her own father, meant she was cut out of the line of succession before her 3rd birthday”
Her path to the throne was far from smooth, and her future was never set in stone, her life was subject to the twists and turns of the unstable politics of the period.
It will completely transform how you see young Elizabeth.
Well researched, beautifully written, in a totally accessible way for any reader
Thanks @historian_nicola, @michaelomarabooks & @netgalley for such a page turner

Well-written & Researched.
Not having read any other books about Elizabeth’s early life, I couldn’t say whether this book contains any new information. All I can say is that I found it eminently readable and informative and it was clear that the author had gone to great lengths with her research. I certainly gained new insights into the young woman who was to become a truly remarkable monarch.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this story from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

i have just read this book immediately after finishing the amazing "Mary I:Queen of Sorrows" by Alison Weir. As, of course, both being half-sisters and daughters of Henry VIII there is an amount of overlap and similarity within the books at specific times, places and people where research quotes the same sources but each is tackled from the perspective of a different daughter. It is interesting that there appears to be less primary sources regarding the early years of Elizabeth than of Mary but Nicola Tallis has written an equally amazing story based on what original sources there are. As Alison Weir says herself, "Outstanding".
My grateful thanks to NetGally, Michael O'Mara Ltd and the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Wow what a book thank you ever so much for the opportunity to review. I could not put it down. Would definitely recommend to others