Jani Brooks

Ms. Gregory once again brings Tudor England gloriously to light in this, in my opinion, her best novel yet. The three women are very different, but also very much the same. They all want to live normal lives, although each deals with her choices in her own way.

Anne is the pawn, but a not-so-reluctant one, who very much wants out of her mother's and brother's clutches. She is vaguely aware of the danger of her new role, but is willing to take the risk. Katherine, vain, beautiful Katherine, may just have bitten off more than she can chew with her flirtations. It's Jane, however, the link between all the previous queens, who is both dangerous and malicious. Her actions can and will affect all of them. And then, there is Henry -- the man with a boy's wants and needs - spoiled, aging, and sick. Oh, and heartless. He never says good-bye to those he wants to be rid of - he simply refuses to see them again.

Don't miss this excellent tale of fear and betrayal set during one of England 's most exciting and dangerous times.