Product Description

The new novel from the author of the Sunday Times Top Ten bestselling Innocent Traitor.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #266 in Books
• Published on: 2008-04-03
• Binding: Hardcover
• 496 pages

Synopsis
Alison Weir was already one of Britain's most popular historians when she wrote her first novel, "Innocent Traitor", which hit the "Sunday Times" bestseller list to a chorus of praise. Now, in her second novel, Alison Weir goes to the heart of Tudor England at its most dangerous and faction-riven in telling the story of Elizabeth I before she became queen. The towering capricious figure of Henry VIII dominates her childhood, but others play powerful roles: Mary, first a loving sister, then as queen a lethal threat; Edward, the rigid and sad little King; Thomas Seymour, the Lord High Admiral, whose ambitions, both political and sexual, are unbridled. And, an ever-present ghost, the enigmatic, seductive figure of her mother Anne Boleyn, executed by Henry, whose story Elizabeth must unravel. Elizabeth learns early that the adult world contains many threats that have to be negotiated if she is to keep her heart and her head.

From the Inside Flap
Alison Weir was already one of Britain's most popular historians when she wrote her first novel, Innocent Traitor, which hit the Sunday Times bestseller list to a chorus of praise.

Now, in her second novel, Alison Weir goes to the heart of Tudor England at its most dangerous and faction-riven in telling the story of Elizabeth I before she became queen. The towering capricious figure of Henry VIII dominates her childhood, but others play powerful roles: Mary, first a loving sister, then as queen a lethal threat; Edward, the rigid and sad little King; Thomas Seymour, the Lord High Admiral, whose ambitions, both political and sexual, are unbridled. And, an ever-present ghost, the enigmatic, seductive figure of her mother Anne Boleyn, executed by Henry, whose story Elizabeth must unravel.

Elizabeth learns early that the adult world contains many threats that have to be negotiated if she is to keep her heart and her head.

As Alison Weir writes: `It has been a joy to write once more about Elizabeth. Her story has all the elements of high drama: suspense, tragedy, intrigue and the dynamics that exist between strong and vivid characters. And for good measure, I have added one or two supernatural elements as well… Above all, I have tried to remain true to Elizabeth, the greatest of all queens, and to portray her in character, from early childhood onwards.'

From the Back Cover
Praise for
Innocent Traitor
`If you don't cry at the end, you have a heart of stone.' Kate Saunders, The Times
`Weir manages her heroine's voice brilliantly, respecting the past's distance while conjuring a dignified and fiercely modern spirit.' Daily Mail
`This is an impressive debut… We can look forward to seeing what subject she'll tackle next.' Lesley McDowell, Independent on Sunday
`This is a novel that will grip readers and give great pleasure.' Allan Massie, Scotsman

Customer Reviews

a pacy, moving historical novel
Acclaimed historian and author Alison Weir has evoked real empathy with her subject, the Princess who would one day become Queen Elizabeth I. Weir brings to life the intruige of the Tudor court, the fervent religious struggles and also the triumph and tragedy of the divided Tudor family; all of which the young Princess must rely on her wits to survive.

Disgraced and banished while still in her infancy, the child Elizabeth lives on the unpredictable whim of her father, King Henry VIII. A dangerous combination of precociousness and will, Elizabeth's yearning to win the love of her father vies with her increasing fascination with the controversy and conspiracy surrounding her dead mother, whom she is determined to exonerate. As an adolescent Elizabeth struggles torturously to reconcile her desire, in the form of the ambitious Admiral Seymour, and her duty; emerging as a courageous, astute and also passionate young woman with her heart set upon the English throne. But Elizabeth's path is fraught with danger in many forms; seductions, revolts and the interference of foreign powers: not to mention the lethal religious conflict embodied in her conflict with her troubled half-sister Mary.

While most biographers and novelists focus on Elizabeth's reign as Queen, Alison Weir has charted the journey from naivety to maturity of one of the most remarkable women in history. She gives real imaginative insight into what transformed a young girl into a feared and admired ruler and I would recommend this book not only as accessible historical fiction but as one of the most exciting lives ever lived beautifully transferred into script.

Really Enjoyable
Having read `The Innocent Traitor' I was really excited about Weir's second book and I wasn't left disappointed. The story covers Elizabeth's first years right up until she was crowned Queen. It has some interesting subplots along the way with a possible pregnancy, the death of her younger brother and living with her sister Mary as Queen. I did feel that the story slowed down in the middle of the book and I did find myself wishing that things would hurry up but they did. A really good and interesting read.

Excellent Read
Having enjoyed'Innocent Traitor' I could not wait to read Alison Weir's new novel - I was not disappointed. It was an excellent read particularly if you are an avid historical fiction reader like myself and find yourself quite critical - in fact, I could not put it down and was very disappointed to finish it - let's hope a sequel on the life of Elizabeth as Queen will follow!