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kirstym25's review against another edition
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Child death, and Miscarriage
Moderate: Rape, Infertility, and Violence
Minor: Sexual assault and Mental illness
bookedbymadeline's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
Loving all the history tidbits! I’ve seen many comparisons to Wolf Hall and I agree (in a way) but for me it was more entertaining 😅 Wolf half was too much detail and too dry for my taste so this was a much more concise but nevertheless in depth story.
It was a bit of a slow start but once I got into it I simply couldn’t put it down! I enjoyed getting to know more about this part of history and Cecily herself. The characters were all well developed and strong! I really hope the author writes a sequel since the book only looks at the first half of Cecily’s life. This will be a favorite for the month and I’m ready to make the war of the roses my hyperfixation once again 😂
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage, Child death, Death, and War
Moderate: Mental illness, Infertility, Violence, and Grief
Minor: Rape
flashandoutbreak's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Murder, Miscarriage, Death, Violence, Pregnancy, Child death, Adult/minor relationship, Rape, Confinement, and Grief
blackcatlouise's review
adventurous
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage, War, Violence, Pregnancy, Blood, and Death
My favourite book of the year so far, i have been living in Medieval England for the last few days xbeckymlgud's review
adventurous
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Really enjoyed this book. I didn't really know anything about Cecily Neville and only had a vague idea of the time period, this book taught me so much and kept me engaged throughout. I liked the focus on politics and women's role and found Cecily to be a complex and well-rounded character.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Child death, and Miscarriage
happyladyjadereads's review
challenging
tense
slow-paced
4.0
Despite a slow pace, this is a look at an unheard of woman from history, with her story really well developed out so it's a fascinating look at the almost Machiavellian Cecily's scheming on behalf of her husband and then her children for increased power and status in 1600's England. Really enjoyed the historical background (it opens on the burning of Joan of Arc), as this is a time period I didn't know much about so a little bit of Google research paid dividends but its not necessary if just enjoying as is.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
jamieleepilk's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Thank you so much to Penguin for sending me a Proof copy!
UK Release - 29.07.2021
'The word is a spark. They can start a fire with it, or smother it in their fingertips. She chooses to start a fire.'
Cecily Neville, Duchess of York was witness to some of the most defining moments in British History but is often overshadowed by the men in her life. The lives of her two sons Edward and Richard (who both become Kings of England) are well documented but Cecily is often overlooked in retellings and even modern adaptations. Annie puts Cecily front and centre with her own determination, will and strength. Cecily is a fierce protagonist that will have you turning the pages and absorbing her story.
I found once I picked this book up it was hard to put down, the writing is smooth and easy to follow considering all the different characters and politics involved. Brilliant Debut.
UK Release - 29.07.2021
'The word is a spark. They can start a fire with it, or smother it in their fingertips. She chooses to start a fire.'
Cecily Neville, Duchess of York was witness to some of the most defining moments in British History but is often overshadowed by the men in her life. The lives of her two sons Edward and Richard (who both become Kings of England) are well documented but Cecily is often overlooked in retellings and even modern adaptations. Annie puts Cecily front and centre with her own determination, will and strength. Cecily is a fierce protagonist that will have you turning the pages and absorbing her story.
I found once I picked this book up it was hard to put down, the writing is smooth and easy to follow considering all the different characters and politics involved. Brilliant Debut.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Miscarriage
Minor: Sexual content, Violence, and Infertility
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