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40th out of 571 books
—
750 voters
The Red Queen's Daughter
Mary Seymour is the daughter of the great Katherine Parr--the last Queen of Henry VIII. Orphaned at a young age because of her mother's bad marriage to Thomas Seymour, Mary determines early on that love is a sentiment that causes foolishness at best, and death at worst. She is sent to be raised by Lady Strange, a mysterious noblewoman who informs her of her destiny: Mary i...more
Hardcover, 416 pages
Published
October 2nd 2007
by Disney-Hyperion
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Orphaned at an early age Mary Seymour’s life isn’t luxurious or pampered as you would think the daughter of a queen’s life would be. Her mother died shortly after she was born and her father was sentenced to death for betraying the crown, leaving Mary to become nothing more than a seamstress in a duchesses’s household. Soon after the death of her guardian, Mary discovers that she indeed has a destiny all her own. "Fetch the red queen’s daughter from the house of shadows. Bring her to your home b...more
I have always been fascinated with the time surrounding Queen Elizabeth's court and all the deceit that took place. This books main character is Mary Seymour, who is Katherine Parr (Henry the Eighths sixth wife) and Thomas Seymour's daughter. She really existed though this book is a complete fictional account of her her life. No one knows much about Mary, and she disappears at some point from history. Thus, there is witchcraft and magic woven into the storyline. Mary goes to court to act as a sp...more
My book was called the Red Queen's Daughter, by Jacqueline Kolosov. Because of this book, my understanding of the time period (the 1500's) has increased. I have learned a lot about the struggles at court and about the Virgin Queen (Queen Elizabeth, Henry the V111's daughter).
I do think that many 8th graders would like this book, because of the way it was written. Unfortunately, there were a few boring parts, and what was supposed to be the main plot was cut short to the ending quarter of the boo...more
I do think that many 8th graders would like this book, because of the way it was written. Unfortunately, there were a few boring parts, and what was supposed to be the main plot was cut short to the ending quarter of the boo...more
From a young age Mary Seymour vows never to marry or never to succumb to romantic love with the impurdent marriage of her mother, Katherine Parr to her father, Thomas Seymour. But in a world where marriage, warfare, and alliance dominated the scope of things, Mary fears she cannot escape such a fate. But she is determined to, whatever the costs.
Fortunately for Mary, her new guardian the magical, Lady Strange brings to Mary a whole other world. She gives Mary the alternative to marriage- to becom...more
Fortunately for Mary, her new guardian the magical, Lady Strange brings to Mary a whole other world. She gives Mary the alternative to marriage- to becom...more
July Book #21: Coming on the heels of Outlander this book just didn't have a chance. Add to that the fact that the writing was cheesy, the characters undeveloped, the "love" story totally unbelievable and the "magic" ridiculous and this ended up a one star book. I am a huge fan of historical novels (although this is very ironic when you consider that I hate history, hmmm, must ponder on this later) and this seemed like it might be a YA version of something Philippa Gregory might write, for insta...more
Mary Seymour, daughter of Katherine Parr, the sixth wife of Henry VIII, is determined never to be bound by love and marriage. With the example of her mother—a woman who was queen, who then was brought low when she fell in love with Thomas Seymour, who was executed a traitor—Mary is determined to keep herself free of love’s dangerous influences.
So when her new guardian, the mysterious Lady Strange, tells Mary of her destiny—to serve as a white magician in Queen Elizabeth’s court—Mary is determine...more
So when her new guardian, the mysterious Lady Strange, tells Mary of her destiny—to serve as a white magician in Queen Elizabeth’s court—Mary is determine...more
Normally, I hate writing really scathing book reviews. That is because if a book is truly atrocious, I simply stop reading it. I wish that I had done so with this book. Around page 50 I was ready to throw the thing down, but the story began to pick up so I wanted to see if maybe a little action would make up for the sub par writing. Unfortunately, it did not.
The main problem with the story was the writing. The characterizations were terrible, everyone was either a goodie or a baddie, and the her...more
The main problem with the story was the writing. The characterizations were terrible, everyone was either a goodie or a baddie, and the her...more
The Red Queen's Daughter was a pleasant mix of factual history and creative fantasy. I've always been interested in Queen Elizabeth, but non-fictional books have never been very fun for me to read. There isn't room for my brain to make things up. Jacqueline Kolosov presented a way to learn about history and court while still having a wonderful time with my imagination, and I really enjoyed that. The story was extremely slow paced, but it didn't bother me too much, because I was enjoying the hist...more
Jan 09, 2011
Sanskriti Bist
rated it
2 of 5 stars
Recommended to Sanskriti by:
no one, found it in Delhi Book fair
See the post in my blog: http://sanskritibist.blogspot.com/
Her father, Thomas Seymour was executed for treason and her mother Katherine Parr, Henry VII’s last wife died of fever six days after giving birth to her only heiress Mary Seymour. Mary Seymour was under the guardianship of the Duchess of Suffolk’s and soon after her death another odd keeper Lady Strange. Instead of sewing and stitching Lady Strange teaches much to Mary to read and write and most importantly White Magic.
As a dutiful Whi...more
Her father, Thomas Seymour was executed for treason and her mother Katherine Parr, Henry VII’s last wife died of fever six days after giving birth to her only heiress Mary Seymour. Mary Seymour was under the guardianship of the Duchess of Suffolk’s and soon after her death another odd keeper Lady Strange. Instead of sewing and stitching Lady Strange teaches much to Mary to read and write and most importantly White Magic.
As a dutiful Whi...more
THE RED QUEEN'S DAUGHTER was a satisfying enough blend of history, fantasy, romance, and intrigue, though light on all counts. The fictional projection of Mary Seymour is strong-willed, and seeing Elizabeth I's court through her eyes was the real treat of this book. The story simultaneously dispelled our magical notions of the romantic renaissance with details of how the body odor of hundreds of people stank up the palace so bad they had to rotate palaces, and yet still showed us the glamorous,...more
Okay, I really wanted to rate 2.5 but it wouldnt let me anyway. I found this book okay, there were some good moments, but nothing super outstanding. Its a light read. This story had the potential to be extremely compelling but much was lackluster. On a positive note, I enjoyed the bits about Queen Elizabeth I and her life and customs I found that interesting and a reason to read this book in the first place, it provide little bits and pieces about her life that is not covered in your basic Histo...more
This book was really difficult to get into to. I almost gave up on it. But, I'm glad I didn't because it's getting really interesting...
The author seemed in haste to finish this book. It seems as though she forgot one major part of the plot; I don't know. I still liked the book but it could have been a lot better.
The author seemed in haste to finish this book. It seems as though she forgot one major part of the plot; I don't know. I still liked the book but it could have been a lot better.
This book was beyond fantastic. This book gave me by far a brand new look upon life. Mary was told never to fall in love. What she didn't know was the heart is far louder then the mind. Her dear cousin Edmund was the one to show the truth. I was expecting to cry. I knew the story wouldn't end well. I expect all love stories to end well. I atleast hope. When it comes to books involving the court, I know not to hope for the best. In a court everything is ruled and choosen for you. That can never e...more
This was surprisingly a very good read. I'm always a little worried about fantasy mixed in with history especially when it's young adult. It was easy to read, as I expected, yet a lot of fun.
Mary Seymour is one of those historical mysteries that intrigues a lot of us history buffs, so this was a fun story. The magical part of the books was subtle and clever enough so that it didn't over power the over all story.
My only complaint was a oops on a name about mid book and that it went so fast! I kn...more
Mary Seymour is one of those historical mysteries that intrigues a lot of us history buffs, so this was a fun story. The magical part of the books was subtle and clever enough so that it didn't over power the over all story.
My only complaint was a oops on a name about mid book and that it went so fast! I kn...more
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Great historical fiction/fantasy! The real Mary Seymour was the daughter of England's former queen Catherine Parr and Thomas Seymour. Orphaned early, she was taken in by the Duchess of Suffolk, and there are no records of her after the age of two. Jacqueline Kolosov takes that story and creates a new life for young Mary, where she is taken in by the Lady Strange after the Duchess' death, and educated in the normal arts and sciences as well as the arts of white magic. When she comes of age, Mary...more
Jun 08, 2010
Amber (The Musings of ALMYBNENR)
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Anyone who loves YA and magic or YA and historical fiction.
Wow, there’s so much to say…I just hope I can remember all of the thoughts that were swirling around my head as I read this book.
I will begin that I was very skeptical once I started this book. It takes place during the early part of Elizabeth I’s reign in the sixteenth century and the main character is Mary Seymour - the daughter of Katherine Parr, Henry VIII’s last wife and queen (the one who “survived”) and Thomas Seymour, the younger brother of Lord Protector Somerset (Edward Seymour) and un...more
I will begin that I was very skeptical once I started this book. It takes place during the early part of Elizabeth I’s reign in the sixteenth century and the main character is Mary Seymour - the daughter of Katherine Parr, Henry VIII’s last wife and queen (the one who “survived”) and Thomas Seymour, the younger brother of Lord Protector Somerset (Edward Seymour) and un...more
Here's a book with a great premise and that's about all.
The writing is flat and often very awkward, even stilted. The characterizations are minimal. The "magic" doesn't seem magical. I was on to "Cordelia"'s identity the minute she came on the scene--anyone who's read "King Lear" would--and why does the author feel the need to drag that into her plot? And the ending is neither believable nor satisfying.
While we're at it, what is the NEED for the whole magical thing? Just the idea of Katherine Pa...more
The writing is flat and often very awkward, even stilted. The characterizations are minimal. The "magic" doesn't seem magical. I was on to "Cordelia"'s identity the minute she came on the scene--anyone who's read "King Lear" would--and why does the author feel the need to drag that into her plot? And the ending is neither believable nor satisfying.
While we're at it, what is the NEED for the whole magical thing? Just the idea of Katherine Pa...more
Set in the sixteenth century during the early years of Queen Elizabeth's reign, Mary Seymour is the imagined character of Henry VIII's last queen, Katherine Parr. Though the real Mary died at the age of two, author Jacqueline Kolosov, created a life full of magic and court intrigue for her.
Mary lives with her guardian, who teaches her white magic for the purpose of supporting the reign of Queen Elizabeth. This is the part of the story that I like, particularly the use of elemental magic and very...more
Mary lives with her guardian, who teaches her white magic for the purpose of supporting the reign of Queen Elizabeth. This is the part of the story that I like, particularly the use of elemental magic and very...more
I loved this book until the last ten pages. It combined the Tudors and magic very well and I learned a lot about reading auras, gemstones, and general readings/interpretations of magical ingredients. However, the ending of the book felt a little slapped together as though she realized that she needed to end it so that there isn't a second book. Not even that, she just realized that she needed to end it and wasn't sure how to do it without writing another 50 pages. Although I would have preferred...more
Jul 07, 2009
♥BookGeek♥
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
People who like to read about the Tudor period
Mary Seymour was abandoned at a very young age because of her father's execution as a traitor. Her mother died in child birth. Since then, Mary has been going from the Duchess of Suffolk's estate to a dreary orphanage after her death. Until she meets Lady Strange, who promises her to give her a new life.
And she does. It is Mary's destiny to become a white magician, to ensure the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. When MAry is invited at court, she knows nothing of the backstabbing, even less what love...more
And she does. It is Mary's destiny to become a white magician, to ensure the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. When MAry is invited at court, she knows nothing of the backstabbing, even less what love...more
Historians believe that Mary Seymour, daughter of Henry VIII's last wife, Katherine Parr, must have died very young, as no historical record of Mary is known to exist after her second birthday. The author of the story states that she wanted to rewrite the history of Mary and give her the life she never had. This is Mary's "story."
This book, while written for young adults, was one I found fun and enjoyable. I love reading about the Tudors and this was very different from the other Tudor-related...more
This book, while written for young adults, was one I found fun and enjoyable. I love reading about the Tudors and this was very different from the other Tudor-related...more
I enjoyed this book reading it in two days time. While I am not a big believer in white magic, etc this book was a lovely little historical type story. Geared towards YA, I didnt seem to notice much inappropraite words, or scenes. Its always interesting to me when someone picks out an obscure person from histroy and weaves a story around them. Such is the case with this Mary. And spells, incantations, etc hold not interest in me I can't help but believe they might have to the people of Elizabeth...more
Mary Seymour, orphan and daughter of Katherine Parr (Henry VIII's last wife) and Thomas Seymour, lives a miserable existence, shoved out of the way and forgotten. That is, until Lady Strange takes charge of her care and education. Through Lady Strange's mentoring, Mary learns white magic, and of her destiny to ensure the success of the Virgin Queen's reign. Once she gets to court, however, her powers are tested beyond what she could have imagined.
Good mix of the fantasy and historical fiction g...more
Good mix of the fantasy and historical fiction g...more
This was a great take on Mary Seymour's life. Mary is the daughter of Queen Katherine Parr who was King Henry VII's last wife. Yet Mary's father is Thomas Seymour's daughter who Katherine married after King Henry had died. In the book Mary is a white magician who is destined to help Queen Elizabeth rein. When Mary is a lady-in-waiting for Elizabeth she fights an evil magician at the palace as well as keep up with politics. All while fighting the concept of marriage and losing the ability to lear...more
The mix of Tudor history and magic intrigued me enough to buy this book. Mary Seymour, the daughter of Katherine Parr and Thomas Seymour who is believed to have died around the age of two years old, is imagined by the author as a 16 year old White Magician. She is summoned to court to serve Queen Elizabeth I as a lady-in-waiting.
It seemed to take a really long time for the plot to get going, and after finally getting into the plot, the climax was very flat. The last ten-twenty pages just seemed...more
It seemed to take a really long time for the plot to get going, and after finally getting into the plot, the climax was very flat. The last ten-twenty pages just seemed...more
This book haunted me for YEARS. It's pretty redhead, gorgeous dress, and Tudor family connections intrigued me. But I never read it. Until I find it on Barnes and Noble for two dollars. What honest book lover can pass up a two dollar book?
Oh how I loved it.
I loved Mary as a character, I loved how Elizabeth was portrayed, I loved the magic, I loved Lady Strange and how fitting her name is, and I loved how wholly evil the villian was.
The romance was somewhat unrealistic. This huge Elizabethan-play...more
Oh how I loved it.
I loved Mary as a character, I loved how Elizabeth was portrayed, I loved the magic, I loved Lady Strange and how fitting her name is, and I loved how wholly evil the villian was.
The romance was somewhat unrealistic. This huge Elizabethan-play...more
Feb 16, 2009
Pam
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommended to Pam by:
Jennifer
Shelves:
young-adult,
historical-fiction
Magical women power adorns this historically based tale of what life might have been like had Mary Seymour, Katherine Parr's daughter, lived beyond the age of 2. I was enchanted by Mary's "destiny" to be Queen Elizabeth's "white magician", keeping watch and protecting her from evil. Jacgueline Kolosov's use of earthly magic, including the powers found in minerals and natural things, gave this story its strength. While at its heart it is a very simple, romantic tale, it is inner desires and coura...more
This book was strange for me. I was a bit iffy about the beginning, it was so rushed and the dialogue between Mary and Lady Strange seemed so extremely artificial and unrealistic. However, once I got into the middlish part I started liking it much better, the multiple conflicts developing nicely. But when it came to the end, I was very unsatisfied. The ending was also very rushed and almost antiresolutional. Mary just never proved herself to be a strong character.(minor spoilers ahead) It seemed...more
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I'm not one to read fantasy, and I have never read any book with both history and fantasy elements (unless you count the Magic Tree House series). The Red Queen's Daughter was a pleasant surprise. I feel that the book does not deserve lower than a three, but it doesn't deserve more than a four. It was a great read with great promise, but a number of things hindered it from achieving it's highest potential.
The prominent factor is the poor quality of the writing. It seemed like the author tried so...more
The prominent factor is the poor quality of the writing. It seemed like the author tried so...more
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“Love is but a frailty of mind when ‘tis not with ambition joined." -Sir Thomas Seymour”
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