Wednesday 14 June 2017

Kings and Queens by Terry Tyler

Reviewer: Liza Perrat, author of The Bone Angel trilogy (Spirit of Lost Angels, Wolfsangel, Blood Rose Angel) and new release, The Silent Kookaburra.

What we thought: Kings and Queens by Terry Tyler is a unique and highly entertaining story that brings to life Henry VIII and his six wives via a contemporary setting. Through a clever storyline, each well-drawn character parallels the life and times of this infamous historical ruler. Each of the six wives were so different, and totally modern, whilst being the perfect reflection of her historical counterpart.

I really enjoyed how the multiple viewpoints gave me the opportunity to see Harry Lanchester (Henry VIII’s modern-day counterpart) through many different eyes. And, of course, not all of those were totally flattering!

This novel brought home to me the point that human behavior remains the same, across the ages.

While many readers of Kings and Queens will be well-acquainted with Tudor history, and more particularly, the fate of Henry VIII’s wives, I found it the way the author managed these stories in a modern-day setting turned the story into something quite unique and special.

I’m not sure what genre this book could be classified as. We are certainly enjoying alternative history and historical fantasy these days. So why not parallel history?

I love a compelling and gripping historical fiction novel. I also love good contemporary fiction, and Kings and Queens enormously satisfied these two readers in me. Highly recommended.

You’ll like this if you enjoy: Great fiction, both historical and contemporary.

Avoid if you don’t like: A modern take on historical stories.

Ideal accompaniments: Swan pie (kidding!) with a huge glass of mead.

Genre: Parallel History, I’d say.

Available on Amazon


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