Joined two stories of women in love well

Love this book, it had a bit of history, woman power, intrigue and double the pleasure two stories in one and tied them in nicely. A really well done book

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2 people found this helpful

Engaging listen

I really enjoyed this until the last couple of hours which I found 'clunky' and repetitive. That said, for a book so long I was totally engaged in it from the first couple of chapters. I don't know much of the history of either of the main characters so loved hearing this story about them and hearing how true it linked to the actual historical evidence.
At times I wasn't keen on some of the tones used for the males in the story or when a character was upset, to the point of annoyance but overall I enjoyed the performance. Listening to this was time well spent IMO 😁

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Nice story

I enjoyed this book. The only thing that I started to dread hearing was the narrators drawly attempts at different people. They all sounded pompously drunk. If she’d have kept that voice for the older men she’d have got away with it but it was for women alike so this is the only thing that spoiled it. She has a lovely voice otherwise.
You can learn a lot from the story

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It does get better

The book seems to jump between the Tudor reign, the end of Edwards and the beginning of Marys to be precise, to Richard 3rd without any real indication of why or how this is happening. It is not until chapter 12 that things start to come together. At times it is difficult to work out if you are listening to Kate or Catherines story and at times they tend to blur into one.

In history reference books it is a requirement to stay detached and showing all sides of historical facts. However, the attempt to do so in this novel has sadly failed and lends to a sitting on the fence atmosphere. I think this is why the main characters in this book seems very shallow. At times listening to Anne and Kate is like listening to children at a school play, who feel credibly awkward and not really believing in what they are saying.

Anne Nevil spoke the line of the book “…I should not burden you with this…” it is a pity the author didn’t think the same. Unfortunately this book is not up to the usual standard of Alison Weir. The book does get a bit better as you read but it never really gets there. Its like pouring yourself a really nice Chardonnay and getting Lambrini.

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10 people found this helpful

Absorbing story

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Alison Weir knows her subject so well and really breathed new life into these tragic characters.Narrated brilliantly by Maggie Mash.Highly recommend

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not one of her better ones.

much too long. I didn't like the way it jumped from one thing to another, quite confusing at times. it took sheer willpower on my behalf to get to the end.

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Intriguing tale

This jumps back and forth between 1480's and 1560's, and at times I had to take stock and remember which Katherine was which. Further confused by the multiple Henry's, Edwards and John's, it could have been hard to follow, however there were references to family trees to describe the descendency of many of the characters which was helpful.
I found the story compelling, and very cleverly written, almost a ghost story in some parts and very entertaining.

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3 people found this helpful

Why all the shouting?

This is 1 of my favourite audiobooks, the storyline is very well thought out. I just don't understand, why the reader has to SHOUT while narrating some of the characters??

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5 people found this helpful

Great story. Truly DREADFUL narration.

It’s such a shame that the narration is so poor. Narration lacks expression and diversity. This is particularly true for male characters as, for some reason, the narrator decided to shout all dialogue for them. ALL the men are made to sound angry and aggressive ALL of the time. They ALL have THE SAME VOICE and one volume setting … i.e. loud. It makes for a very unpleasant and off-putting listening experience. Loved the story but could only bear to listen in short bursts. Definitely one to read & not listen to, unless it is re-recorded with better narration!

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Meh and flat

The story of lady Jane grey is such a compelling one I felt hopeful this would be a fantastic story.
It just wasn't.
The characterisation felt flat. The historical detail felt contrived at times.
A big fan of Alison Weir's authorship ordinarily I didn't enjoy this one and I gave up on it a few chapters from the end.

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3 people found this helpful