Reviews

A Aia da Rainha by Barbara Kyle

brooke_review's review against another edition

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4.0

This novel is not lacking in adventure, suspense, or passion, whether it be for one's religion or for another human being. Not the typical Tudor story - the focus is more on the actions that happened outside the castle walls in regards to the conflicts over religion occurring at that time.

dott's review against another edition

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adventurous dark hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

I picked this book up at random while travelling not expecting much. I like historical fiction and needed to pass the time. The description on the back cover peaked my interest but I was sure it would be shallow and overly romantic based on the artwork. I was very pleasantly surprised that the book had real depth and passion. For me it is an adventurous story with a flawed but likeable and strong female lead. It is a thought provoking and exciting book that has stuck with me as a go to comfort read throughout the years.

monicamjw's review against another edition

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3.0

The story plays out against the drama unfolding during Henry VIII's struggle against the Church to marry Ann Boleyn. I found the main character disappointingly unlikable: a character so certain of her own version of justice that she wreaked havoc in the lives of those around her. I wish I had found her less frustrating.

atheriaque's review against another edition

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1.0

Awful. A stupid, shallowly developed storyline. The author tossed in random members of the Tudor era, but it was just so artificial feeling. I got to a certain point and just couldn't continue. Ugh.

nightfalltwen's review against another edition

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3.0

It was a good story. I enjoyed Philippa Gregory's version a lot more. What annoyed me the most and I could never get over it, was that the main character was British and yet her name was spelt "Honor" instead of "Honour"

And wtf... Ralph...

The character names were like little speedbumps. But other than that... I did enjoy the plot.

amberinpieces's review against another edition

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4.0

Honor Larke had a rough childhood, but everything turned around when Thomas More took her in as his ward. Now in 1527, she has a choice: marry and fall into the role of obedient wife or serve Queen Catherine at court. Honor chooses the latter and soon finds that court life is not everything she thought it would be but she is loyal to the queen whose position is being undermined by Anne Boleyn.

Still, when the burning of heretics rubs Honor the wrong way - why should people die just for a difference in thought? - the lines of loyalty and religion blur and she finds her true calling and even romance in the form of Richard Thornleigh.

Written in the third person from multiple viewpoints (but mostly Honor’s), The Queen’s Lady was a delight to read. It was an original story revolving around fictional characters who believably interacted with the historical figures in the novel.

I had not expected to enjoy The Queen’s Lady as much as I did, but Honor Larke was a great main character and all of the other characters were great as well. The story was awesome. An ahead-of-her-time woman, undercover missions, intrigue, secrets, a slow romance - it all came together rather nicely. There are more books in this series and I look forward to reading them.

Recommended for historical fiction and Tudor era lovers.

Read the review in its original format here.

rhianonleigh's review against another edition

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2.0

I admit, I love historical fiction, especially about the Tudors.This one was a bit disappointing, though. It read too much like a romance novel. I found myself rolling my eyes a lot.

kgcm72008's review against another edition

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I was really disappointed to read the author's notes at the end and find out that Honor was a fictional character! I usually prefer historical fiction that's a little more history and a little less fiction. But an entertaining book nonetheless.

jcwlib's review against another edition

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4.0

http://bibliophibian.blogspot.com/2008/11/three-queens-lady-barbara-kyle.html

libbet's review against another edition

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3.0

Interesting historical fiction.