Has anyone else read this yet? (I’m not sure if it is available outside of the UK yet) It’s a new historical fiction book which is supposed to answer the question of how Henry VIII turned from the handsome well-loved youth to the tyrant he later became.

Apparently it is actually intended for teenage readers which I was unaware of when I bought it. I still thought it was a good read though. The only problem was pacing – the entire first half of the book deals with Henry’s childhood and youth (which is great because that is not so often written about), but then that means that the remaining five wives and the whole rest of his life is squeezed into the second half and comes across as rather rushed! For example, the dissolution of the monasteries isn’t mentioned at all, and his relationship with Anne Boleyn is skirted over pretty quickly (considering what a major part of his life it was).

It is beautifully written though with some lovely descriptions. One of those books where you really feel that you are THERE in the room with them all, as if you have travelled back in time. 🙂 I would definitely recommend it for Tudor fans.