Reviews

Lady of the Ravens by Joanna Hickson

bec_wheels's review against another edition

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dark emotional informative slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This was an informative read about the beginning of Henry VII's reign following the Battle of Bosworth. The book is from the perspective of Joan Vaux, who was a lady in waiting to Elizabeth of York, and we see the tribulations of the Tudor Court and life through her eyes. I enjoyed this book as it was different to most Tudor fiction, which is about Henry VIII or Elizabeth I.

flickwitch's review against another edition

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informative lighthearted 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? No

4.0

girlglitch's review

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3.0

Lady of the Ravens is an interesting historical novel, set in the reign of Henry VII. Featuring many of the key players in 15th century England, Hickson offers a straightforward fictional foray into the genesis of the Tudor monarchy, with all its power struggles and personal frictions.

While I enjoyed the detail of day to day life in the early Tudor court, and the interesting facts Hickson weaves in, I was a little underwhelmed by the narrative. Although following chronological history, the storytelling feels a little aimless and lacking in structure. Joan Vaux is clearly a fascinating figure, but this depiction of her life is a little underwhelming; I wish there was a stronger sense of purpose, of why her story should be heard.

Lady of the Ravens may not offer anything new, but will make an enjoyable read for anyone who loves historical fiction.

*Thank you to Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review*

cazxxx's review against another edition

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dark informative mysterious medium-paced

3.5

cathlin's review

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

dragonbex's review

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5.0

Always good to find a novel that takes a period in history I know so well and gives a different perspective. Would very much recommend to any historical fiction fan

harriets_reading's review against another edition

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I started the audiobook and had to stop after 3 chapters because the way the reader handled some of the characters' voices was just so grating. I wasn't particularly blown away by the prose, so that didn't help either, but I expect I'll come back to the book at some point as I do love Wars of the Roses-related historical fiction.

jules_writes's review against another edition

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5.0

One of the best historical fiction novels I have read in a while. I will absolutely be reading more from Joanna Hickson in the future.

Great read!

4.5 stars.

amydiddle's review against another edition

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dark emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

traceyyoung's review against another edition

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

3.0