Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Book Review : The King's Rose by Alisa M. Libby


I love this cover! It's so beautiful!

Book details:
  • Reading level: Young Adult
  • Hardcover: 320 pages
  • Publisher: Dutton Juvenile (March 19, 2009)
  • ISBN-10: 0525479708
  • ISBN-13: 978-0525479703
Synopsis:
Life in the court of King Henry VIII is a complex game. When fifteen-year-old Catherine Howard catches the king's eye, she quickly transforms from pawn to queen. But even luxury beyond imagination loses its luster as young Catherine finds her life and her heart threatened by the needs of an aging king and a family hungry for power. Will their agendas deliver Catherine to the same fate as her infamous cousin, Anne Boleyn sacrificed at the altar of family ambition?

My review:

Catherine Howard, King Henry’s 'rose without a thorn' was only fifteen years old when she caught the his lustful eye. Her life changed that very moment. She was introduced to a glamorous and luxurious world which she had not encountered before she became Queen. At first, she found it interesting to pamper herself with gorgeous, specially-tailored gowns and dresses, exquisite, one-of-a-kind jewels and indulge herself in elaborate revelries.

It was not long before she realized the truth that she was merely a pawn of the Howard clan in a game of power and politics. She had to hide her true self and burn her past, for many were out there, waiting for a chance to pull her down into the big, black abyss of no return.

I feel pity for Catherine Howard, because she did not have a choice. In fact, she never had. She was only a teenage girl who had no rule over her own fate. I won't reveal the ending to those who haven't read this book, but I assure you that The King's Rose, a story constructed on accurate historical facts, is exceptionally well-written, highly entertaining, and plausible.

Alisa uses her fascinating style of writing to deliver the story in Catherine’s point of view, which gives me a more exact idea of her feelings, emotions and life. Catherine’s character is portrayed realistically, but somehow, readers will feel that this young girl is very naïve. Alisa describes the Tudor court brilliantly. Thou shalt not trust anyone in court. The court is a dangerous place full of conspiracies, backstabbers and powerful clans who are hungry for power.

The King’s Rose is written for young adults but I think adults will enjoy it as well. Through this novel, you will know more about Catherine's life as the fifth wife of King Henry, relish the grandeur of the Tudor court, and have a real view of what is it like to life in a place where you are all alone and there is nobody you can trust. Overall, The King's Rose is a great read. If you are a fan of historical fictions, you MUST read this book. I promise you will love it! Lastly, if you think being married to a King means a fairytale with a happy ending, maybe you would want to consider about it again.

Rating : 10/10

A great THANK YOU to Alisa M. Libby for sending me a signed hardcover copy of The King’s Rose!



The love letter which leads to Catherine Howard's condemnation.

15 comments:

Molly said...

Great Review!!!

Reading said...

The King's Rose look like something I would like. I will put this on my TBR list!

Unknown said...

Thanks for linking this up! As always, I enjoy reading your reviews.

-CYM

Stacey Brucale said...

This book sounds like it's going to be interesting. I really like the trailer.

Aik said...

Thanks, Buukluvr81 and Cym!

Bethie: This book is a good historical fiction. You will enjoy it. :)

xxsquigglesxx: I like the trailer too! :)

brokenteepee said...

Noble women back then were just power pawns. *sigh* Poor child.

Melissa (Books R Us) said...

What a great review. I like the cover

Unknown said...

Hi :)
Thank you for the thoughtful review.
All the best,
RKCharron

Esme said...

I love the cover of this book.

KayeDean said...

Great review. Sounds like a must read book!

Benita said...

I've always loved historical fiction. The review was very interesting.

bgcchs*at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

sounds like a good read.

karenk
kmkuka(at)yahoo(Dot)com

justpeachy36 said...

justpeachy36@yahoo.com

I've always been very interested in Henry VIII and his six wives. This looks like a great look into one of them.... Look forward to reading it.

Sarah E said...

Excellent review! I didn't know that Catherine Howard was related to Anne Boleyn, which makes this novel sound even more interesting.

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