Title: The Taming of the Queen  

Author: Philippa Gregory

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher: Touchstone

Format: Paperback

Pages: 496

Rating: 5/5 stars

*Warning: mature content. Parents please be advised.*

Synopsis:

By the #1 New York Times bestselling author, a novel of passion and power at the court of a medieval killer, a riveting new Tudor tale featuring King Henry VIII’s sixth wife Kateryn Parr.

Kateryn Parr, a thirty-year-old widow in a secret affair with a new lover, has no choice when a man old enough to be her father who has buried four wives—King Henry VIII—commands her to marry him.

Kateryn has no doubt about the danger she faces: the previous queen lasted sixteen months, the one before barely half a year. But Henry adores his new bride and Kateryn’s trust in him grows as she unites the royal family, creates a radical study circle at the heart of the court, and rules the kingdom as Regent.

But is this enough to keep her safe? A leader of religious reform and the first woman to publish in English, Kateryn stands out as an independent woman with a mind of her own. But she cannot save the Protestants, under threat for their faith, and Henry’s dangerous gaze turns on her. The traditional churchmen and rivals for power accuse her of heresy—the punishment is death by fire and the king’s name is on the warrant…

From the bestselling author who has illuminated all of Henry’s queens comes a deeply intimate portrayal of the last: a woman who longed for passion, power, and education at the court of a medieval killer.

Review:

I loved this portrayal of Katherine Parr, who is considered to be one of Henry’s smartest wives as she was able to outlive him! The book plays on a couple different historical myths, including the one that Katherine was in love with Thomas Seymour. This was probably the case, as she married him right after King Henry died, and I love how Gregory played it into the book! She was also a smart woman, who was allowed to study and debate theology! This is something that was rare back then, and I love how she was portrayed as an inspiration to women back then! I highly recommend this piece of historical fiction as it will teach you about the reform of the church during the end of Henry’s reign, as well as the different perspectives and beliefs!