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  • The Heretic Wind

  • The Life of Mary Tudor, Queen of England
  • By: Judith Arnopp
  • Narrated by: Alex Lee
  • Length: 10 hrs and 38 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (31 ratings)
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The Heretic Wind

By: Judith Arnopp
Narrated by: Alex Lee
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Summary

Adored by her parents and pampered by the court, the infant Princess Mary’s life changes suddenly and drastically when her father’s eye is taken by the enigmatic Anne Boleyn. Mary stands firm against her father’s determination to destroy both her mother’s reputation and the Catholic church. It is a battle that will last throughout both her father’s and her brother’s reign, until she is almost broken by persecution. When King Edward falls ill and dies, Mary expects to be crowned queen. 

But she has reckoned without John Dudley, the Duke of Northumberland, who before Mary can act, usurps her crown and places it on the head of her Protestant cousin, Lady Jane Grey. Furious and determined not to be beaten, Mary musters a vast army at Framlingham Castle; a force so strong that Jane Grey’s supporters crumble in the face of it, and Mary is at last crowned queen of England.

But her troubles are only just beginning. Rebellion and heresy take their toll both on Mary’s health, and on the English people. Suspecting she is fatally ill, and desperate to save her people from heresy, Mary steps up her campaign to compel her subjects to turn back to the Catholic faith.

All who resist will face punishment for heresy in the flames of the Smithfield fires.

©2020 Judith Arnopp (P)2020 Judith Arnopp

What listeners say about The Heretic Wind

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A well-crafted and beautifully narrated novel

I very much enjoyed Alex Lee’s moving and emotional narration of this well-crafted novel by Judith Arnopp, which is why I think it’s well-deserving of a five star rating. I felt as if I was being given a first person insight into the complex and troubled mind of a very bitter, heartbroken and totally unfulfilled Tudor Queen, who became known as “Bloody Mary”. If, like me, you are a fan of historical fiction, and are fascinated by The Tudors, I would thoroughly recommend this as a great listen.

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Excellent portrayal of a Tudor Queen.

Excellent narrator and Mary's voice was well written by Judith Arnopp. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I would definitely recommend to lovers of historical fiction.

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Great to hear Mary's account

I love history like this, from the woman's point of view. it brings it all to life. In reality, Mary was a broken child.

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Another Tudor Triumph from Judith!

Narrated with the soothing voice of Alex Lee this book has been my constant companion, my soother through the tedium of my chores.

Whisked away through the years to Tudor England to witness alongside Princess Mary her trials and tribulations through her life.

I’ve understood her in a way I’d never thought of before, England’s Princess, her Daddy’s Little Pearl and then the deep loss of her status and hope as she witnesses her family pulled to shreds.

Thank you to Judith, for this view from the eyes of Queen Mary!

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Another triumph!

I never had much sympathy for Mary Tudor. Until now. Judith Arnopp has very skilfully given us a glimpse into Mary’s traumatic childhood and life. It is impossible not to feel empathy and compassion for the happy, cherished princess who became the bitter, unhappy Queen. The book is rich in detail and easily transports you back to the 16th century. From the beginning it is very hard to stop listening. The narrator’s interpretation is also amazing. She portrays a very different Mary to the angry woman I expected. Thoroughly enjoyed this audio book. Can’t recommend it highly enough.

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Excellent book

Beautifully written account of the life of Mary 1st, with a sympathetic look at her upbringing and a frank account of her treatment of heretics. There is so much more to her than Bloody Mary and I loved this book. The narration is absolutely superb, really bringing the words to life. I highly recommend this book. Just brilliant. I’m going to listen to more of Judith Arnopp’s work now.

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Superb

This is a superb listen. Judith Arnopp books are so well written and Alex Lee is the perfect narrator, making this book so enjoyable. More please!

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Different take on Mary I

Enjoyed this book. Mary I had a difficult life, really quite badly treated by her father. It’s no wonder she was bitter and angry. This book takes a look at her life, through her own eyes, and possibly explains the reasons behind the awful burning of the so-called heretics at her hands.

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Mary Tudor is brought to life

A beautiful novel that gave me great insight into the life of Mary Tudor. Alex Lee narrates the life of Mary with such sensitivity. I was very moved by this wonderful book and it is brought to life perfectly.

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very powerful and emotional story

would definitely recommend if you are a fan of the revisionist view of Mary, and how her actions were the results of fanaticism. but also a very neglected childhood

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