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classiccaitlin's review against another edition
4.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I would give it 4 and a half stars if I could! I liked how the author imagined a life for Mary Seymour, who presumably died when she was only 2 years old. The way the author included magic into the novel was very mature, nothing kid-ish. Her use of language was exquisite, she definitely has a way with words. The second half of the book really kept me on my feet, eager to read more and find out what happens. Maybe the author could've delved a bit more into the psyche of the characters but honestly, she did a great job in any case.
I recommend this book for people who like historical fiction and who like a bit of magic in their novels. The magic included in this one is a lot less fantastical than in other novels but it's still captivating. I think the author did a marvelous job with this novel.
I recommend this book for people who like historical fiction and who like a bit of magic in their novels. The magic included in this one is a lot less fantastical than in other novels but it's still captivating. I think the author did a marvelous job with this novel.
bohemienne's review against another edition
3.0
THE RED QUEEN'S DAUGHTER was a satisfying enough blend of history, fantasy, romance, and intrigue, though light on all counts. The fictional projection of Mary Seymour is strong-willed, and seeing Elizabeth I's court through her eyes was the real treat of this book. The story simultaneously dispelled our magical notions of the romantic renaissance with details of how the body odor of hundreds of people stank up the palace so bad they had to rotate palaces, and yet still showed us the glamorous, aristocratic life of bygone days. The magical system was interesting, but the spells were infrequent and seemed way too situational to be of any real use. Edmund was the most interesting character, and the denouement offered more interesting continuation of the tale than what was explicated in the book--I think I'd more enjoy a view of the black magicians' side of life in this historical fantasy.
unphilosophize's review against another edition
4.0
Not what I was expecting but a really interesting read
Lots of court intrigue and an interesting look at QEI
Lots of court intrigue and an interesting look at QEI
dailyjulianne's review against another edition
5.0
This book haunted me for YEARS. It's pretty redhead, gorgeous dress, and Tudor family connections intrigued me. But I never read it. Until I find it on Barnes and Noble for two dollars. What honest book lover can pass up a two dollar book?
Oh how I loved it.
I loved Mary as a character, I loved how Elizabeth was portrayed, I loved the magic, I loved Lady Strange and how fitting her name is, and I loved how wholly evil the villian was.
The romance was somewhat unrealistic. This huge Elizabethan-player and evil magician suddenly in loved and devoted to a pure, young, white magician? Huh? But I also think it was part of the magic in the book. It wasn't a fully pure historical fiction. The magic added to the book and changed how I looked at some things. The book was also fairly short for the amount of time it covered, making it SEEM like very little time passed.
My only real problem was the open ending. It's a happy...ish ending, but it's also so amazingly open it seems like there should be a sequel. But the author has already put out one new book and there's no way to tell if she's working on a sequel or something totally difference because her site and blog aren't updated really well...as in I think it's been over a year. So sad.
I can't really explain why I loved this book. Maybe it's just because it IS a well written book on the Tudors for teens, which IS a very, very, very, very hard find (just ask twitter), but goodness I loved this book. And I'll be eagerly waiting for Kolosov's book, even though I DO keep trying to call her Kostov.
Oh how I loved it.
I loved Mary as a character, I loved how Elizabeth was portrayed, I loved the magic, I loved Lady Strange and how fitting her name is, and I loved how wholly evil the villian was.
The romance was somewhat unrealistic. This huge Elizabethan-player and evil magician suddenly in loved and devoted to a pure, young, white magician? Huh? But I also think it was part of the magic in the book. It wasn't a fully pure historical fiction. The magic added to the book and changed how I looked at some things. The book was also fairly short for the amount of time it covered, making it SEEM like very little time passed.
My only real problem was the open ending. It's a happy...ish ending, but it's also so amazingly open it seems like there should be a sequel. But the author has already put out one new book and there's no way to tell if she's working on a sequel or something totally difference because her site and blog aren't updated really well...as in I think it's been over a year. So sad.
I can't really explain why I loved this book. Maybe it's just because it IS a well written book on the Tudors for teens, which IS a very, very, very, very hard find (just ask twitter), but goodness I loved this book. And I'll be eagerly waiting for Kolosov's book, even though I DO keep trying to call her Kostov.
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