Reviews

A Contemporary Asshat at the Court of Henry VIII by MaryJanice Davidson

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colorfulleo92's review against another edition

I found the title to be a bit hilarious and wanted to listen to it because of that and it sounded fun. But I don't think I was in the right mood for it so I've decided to dnf it for now, having only about an hour left. Might pick it back up in a later date

rosietomyn's review against another edition

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5.0

"A Contemporary Asshat at the Court if Henry VIII" is a very entertaining, quick adventure. The characters, while slightly under-developed and in a few ways unbelievable, are engaging and fun to traipse along with to prominent stages of Tudor era Europe. Where this book isn't believable, it is still very lively and charming.

I look forward to a sequel and revisiting Lady Joan and Thomas' relationship. And the best part -- getting to live through Lady Joan as she gives prominent historical figures a piece of her mind.

It's not at all realistic, but it sure is entertaining!

toldotha's review against another edition

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4.0

I laughed all the way through this and finished it in about five days. Took a while yeah, but it was a super easy read, and well thought out book. Yes it reads like historical Tudor fanfic, and YES that is a great thing. Also, MJD is the nicest sweetest person so I basically just imagine her as all of these badass vivacious characters and with her being so sweet it makes me cackle harder (even though I hear she’s quite the badass herself). Love the characters and their conversation styles, and as always her world building paints a picture.

eb2114's review

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Level of suspension of disbelief required was too much.

rileylopez's review

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

bahbadook's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

<strong>This is what Mark Twin wished his book could be.</strong>

This is basically the exact same concept as A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, which I hated, but this was done so much better. (I suspect that this was all deliberate but I can't confirm it.) Instead of aggressively trying to change history, the main character does her best to avoid attention and begrudgingly has to fix history to make sure it happens like it's supposed to happen.
Because there's a reason why the Fates are attached to thread and weaving. Change anything in the pattern and things will not turn out the same as they would.
Every choice in the present shapes the future.

And sometimes, it's a character who is manipulating things to cause chaos for reasons.
Anyway. Time travel. It's a thing. I found the explanation for it a bit lacking but whatever. It caused that lovely scene at the end, so it's fine.

Also, I desperately need to look up Catherine of Aragon's speech at Blackfriars because if it's how it was portrayed in this book, I CHOSE SO VERY FREAKING WELL IN MY DECIDING WHICH WIFE WAS MY FAVORITE. Holy crap. As the main character says, mic drop before mics were invented.

I wasn't expecting this book to be as funny as it ended up being. It was as funny as I expected Connecticut Yankee to be but I was so thoroughly disappointed on that end that I didn't dare hope for more. Well, it was freaking hilarious.
The main character was lovely. Thomas Cromwell made me smile even when he was being a jerk. And Thomas Wynnter (don't quote me on the last name, I don't know names and there were a lot of Thomases and Catherines). I fell head over heels in love. Full blown love of him. He made me laugh. He made me squeal. Absolutely precious.

If you like Six, I have to recommend this. But fair warning because the roommate has a mouth on her and is creative in ways I haven't heard in years.