Fatal Throne
Author: Various
I'm not sure why I'm such a sucker for Tudor era history and fiction. I've read more pages on Henry VIII and his wives than any other historical figures. I think it's a mix of things....shock at so much power in the hands of one man and how misguided that sort of power can make even the strongest person....the sheer political grasping and manipulating of upper class men and women in that time...and the role of English women in the 1500s. Six women destined to be queen.....six women finding out that being the queen was the highest rank in the country, but not the safest or most secure spot. Was the reward worth the cost? I think not. Divorced, Beheaded, Died. Divorced, Beheaded, Survived.
So much drama. So much manipulation. So much sorrow. And death. And betrayal. And lies. The whole situation so F'd up that people still talk about it more than 450 years later.
When I saw the blurb for this book, I had to read it! Seven YA authors coming together to write a book from the POV of each wife and Henry VIII. The emotions, the behind-the-scenes manipulation, the realizations, the reasons why.....
Although some changes were made (for instance a couple names are spelled differently in the book to avoid confusing people with similar names. It's fiction, not a non-fiction narrative of events, so I didn't mind the switch.) and the events are toned down a bit, this was a very interesting and enjoyable take on events. I liked the fact that this was written by several different authors. The changing styles between each chapter was fitting. All of Henry's wives were very different people, so the style changes really brought that concept home. My favorite chapter was the one about Anne of Cleves. In my opinion, she fared better than any of Henry's other wives -- divorced, but very wealthy.
This book definitely illustrates the fact that women were often used in bargaining for political power, riches and place at court. These women had little or no choice....if Henry showed interest in them at all, their families wanted to capitalize on it. Women had no power outside of manipulation....even when married to the King. In his quest to have an heir to carry on the Tudor line, Henry positioned himself so that he could do as he wished with his wives.....divorce, execution.....all for that heir. Sad. And he bankrupted the country. Worst. King. Ever. Worst. Husband. Ever.
I enjoyed this book! The stories are well-written, emotional and engaging. Each chapter is followed by commentary from Henry VIII's point of view. At the very back of the book is a timeline for the Henry's life and reign.
I wouldn't recommend this book for children under 14. There are some very adult situations and a little bit of sex. Nothing graphic. Just Henry trying to get his heir. Ugh. There is also a little bit of description of why this proved impossible or incredibly gross......nothing graphic, but it's impossible to tell the story without discussing impotence, morbid obesity, festering leg sores, etc.
This is the first book I've read by any of these YA authors. I'm definitely looking into their other books. Very enjoyable reading experience, despite the heaviness of the subject.
