Scan barcode
A review by shanshantastic
The Crown by Nancy Bilyeau
5.0
Excerpted from my review at http://www.luxuryreading.com (review copy provided by Touchstone):
Nancy Bilyeau's The Crown is an exquisite, compelling tale set in the most famous years of Henry VIII's reign...Bilyeau's prose is beautifully constructed without feeling contrived; it is easy to fall into the story and stay there for hours. As the story relies heavily on centuries of history, her descriptions are woven into each chapter with a precision that can enlighten even those least familiar with the background while never faltering in her quest to entertain.
Her narrative brilliance extends to the characters that bring her story to life. Joanna is a dynamic and refreshing heroine, dedicated to her priory and to her family, brilliant and daring in equal measure. The supporting characters are no less impressive; each has a secret that, when revealed, brings the complex plot closer to its unexpected, moving conclusion.
The Crown would be an exceptional offering from an established author; as a first novel, Bilyeau has surpassed extraordinary. Lovers of history, mystery, intrigue or a strong heroine will get hours of enjoyment from this story time and time again. I can't wait to read whatever Bilyeau writes next!
Nancy Bilyeau's The Crown is an exquisite, compelling tale set in the most famous years of Henry VIII's reign...Bilyeau's prose is beautifully constructed without feeling contrived; it is easy to fall into the story and stay there for hours. As the story relies heavily on centuries of history, her descriptions are woven into each chapter with a precision that can enlighten even those least familiar with the background while never faltering in her quest to entertain.
Her narrative brilliance extends to the characters that bring her story to life. Joanna is a dynamic and refreshing heroine, dedicated to her priory and to her family, brilliant and daring in equal measure. The supporting characters are no less impressive; each has a secret that, when revealed, brings the complex plot closer to its unexpected, moving conclusion.
The Crown would be an exceptional offering from an established author; as a first novel, Bilyeau has surpassed extraordinary. Lovers of history, mystery, intrigue or a strong heroine will get hours of enjoyment from this story time and time again. I can't wait to read whatever Bilyeau writes next!