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A review by oliviaoverthinkseverything
Under These Restless Skies by Lissa Bryan
5.0
When I signed up for the TWCS Summer Romance Review Blog Tour, I did something I’ve always been afraid to do: I picked Under These Restless Skies from a very long list of books without knowing anything more about the book other than it was a romance published by The Writer’s Coffee Shop. I live a pretty boring life, so I must admit this was rather thrilling. Would I like the book? Would I hate it? WHO KNEW?
As it happens, history is my first love. Just so you’ll understand how much of a geek I am, I read an entire textbook cover to cover at the age of eight while on a roadtrip. For fun. While most of my interest lies in American history, there is one deviation, one fascinated obsession that since childhood has bordered on the rabid that still lies near and dear to my heart: the Tudor family. I read everything I could get my hands on about this strange, sad family I had the names of the six wives of Henry VIII memorized before I was twelve. I longed for my own Anne Boleyn necklace (and let’s face it, still do).
I also got burned out on the fictional takes on the story of Anne Boleyn. Was she a witch or a truly pious woman? Was she conniving or kind? Was she an incestuous adulteress or a faithful wife? Each and every rendition seemed to play tug of war with my heart. So when, during the first chapter of Under These Restless Skies, I picked up on the words “Will,” “fool,” and “king’s court,” I was anxious. But within a few hours of reading, all my fears were assuaged.
By telling the story through a wellknown member of Henry’s court who is not often in the spotlight in fictional accounts and integrating the mythological selkie, Ms. Bryan manages to spin a tale that seems fresh and new within the existing historical framework. The Anne Boleyn she depicts is realistic: virtuous, yet flawed. The love that blossoms between Emma and Will as the story progresses is truly beautiful. Their marriage, which is pure and based on sacrifical love, serves as a lovely juxtaposition to both of Henry’s. Toward the end of the story, even though I already knew the fate of Anne Boleyn in intimate detail, I found myself completely gripped by the book. I couldn’t put it down. I just had to know what came next…even though I already did. That is the mark of a true artist.
Even though I was graciously provided with a free review copy of this book, halfway through the reading I purchased my own copy. It’s that good! I absolutely recommend to anyone who enjoys paranormal, fantasy, romance, and historical fiction. There are adult themes present, but the few intimate scenes are not at all graphic and there is little cursing, so it’s very appropriate for teenage readers as well.
As it happens, history is my first love. Just so you’ll understand how much of a geek I am, I read an entire textbook cover to cover at the age of eight while on a roadtrip. For fun. While most of my interest lies in American history, there is one deviation, one fascinated obsession that since childhood has bordered on the rabid that still lies near and dear to my heart: the Tudor family. I read everything I could get my hands on about this strange, sad family I had the names of the six wives of Henry VIII memorized before I was twelve. I longed for my own Anne Boleyn necklace (and let’s face it, still do).
I also got burned out on the fictional takes on the story of Anne Boleyn. Was she a witch or a truly pious woman? Was she conniving or kind? Was she an incestuous adulteress or a faithful wife? Each and every rendition seemed to play tug of war with my heart. So when, during the first chapter of Under These Restless Skies, I picked up on the words “Will,” “fool,” and “king’s court,” I was anxious. But within a few hours of reading, all my fears were assuaged.
By telling the story through a wellknown member of Henry’s court who is not often in the spotlight in fictional accounts and integrating the mythological selkie, Ms. Bryan manages to spin a tale that seems fresh and new within the existing historical framework. The Anne Boleyn she depicts is realistic: virtuous, yet flawed. The love that blossoms between Emma and Will as the story progresses is truly beautiful. Their marriage, which is pure and based on sacrifical love, serves as a lovely juxtaposition to both of Henry’s. Toward the end of the story, even though I already knew the fate of Anne Boleyn in intimate detail, I found myself completely gripped by the book. I couldn’t put it down. I just had to know what came next…even though I already did. That is the mark of a true artist.
Even though I was graciously provided with a free review copy of this book, halfway through the reading I purchased my own copy. It’s that good! I absolutely recommend to anyone who enjoys paranormal, fantasy, romance, and historical fiction. There are adult themes present, but the few intimate scenes are not at all graphic and there is little cursing, so it’s very appropriate for teenage readers as well.