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Review: "The Boleyn Reckoning" by Laura Andersen


From Goodreads:  Elizabeth Tudor is at a crossroads. After a disastrous winter, the Duke of Northumberland has been executed for treason while his son, Robert Dudley, claims from the Tower that the true traitor has not yet been caught. And though her brother, William, has survived smallpox, scars linger in the king's body and mind and his patience is at an end. As English ships and soldiers arm themselves against the threat of invasion, William marches to the drumbeat of his own desires rather than his country's welfare. Wary of this changed royal brother, Elizabeth assembles her own shadow court to protect England as best she can. But William, able to command armies and navies, cannot command hearts. Minuette and Dominic have married in secret, and after an ill-timed pregnancy, they take to flight. Faced with betrayal by the two he loved most, William's need for vengeance pushes England to the brink of civil war and in the end, Elizabeth must choose: her brother, or her country?

My Thoughts:

Likes:  I love the whole alternative history aspect of this book. It is the third in a trilogy and I thought the author did a wonderful job of wrapping everything up.  I loved the romance between Minuette and Dominic and how it withstood all the horrible things that were thrown their way.  I also really liked Elizabeth's character.  She was the voice of reason in what was a really chaotic situation.

Characters:  William was crazy.  I hated him in this book because he was a complete mess and basically a horrible person.  I kind of felt bad for him but he really needed to get a grip.  Also, a lot of characters died in this book.  I was a little surprised by how many were killed off but it's an alternative history so I guess anything can happen.

Dislikes:  The only thing I really 'disliked' was that I wanted an epilogue or something to tell me what happened to Dominic and Minuette years after.  I really want to know how things worked out for them!

Overall:  This was a great finish to a really good series.  I have to give Ms. Andersen a lot of credit for writing such a creative and unique story.  4 stars.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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  1. Holly (2 Kids and Tired)July 17, 2014 at 6:07 PM

    I love the cover. I didn't realize it was part of a series. That is good to know before I pick it up! And, I love epilogues. I think they should be required.

    2 Kids and Tired Books

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