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The Boleyn Bloodline #1
Boleyn Curse
When PhD history student, Ellie Bowlan, attends a séance, she receives a strange message: To end your family curse, you must save the life of the man who killed your parents.
Ellie has always believed her parents’ death to be an accident, but this mysterious missive hints at a secret murder. As a skeptic of all things supernatural, she ignores this bizarre advice, until her research forces her to face the truth about her parents’ murders and the astonishing connection between the Bowlan and Boleyn family line.
Long before Anne Boleyn was Queen of England, she was a precocious teen growing up in the French Royal Court. At the elegant Chateau Clos-Luce, Anne is tutored in witchcraft by artist Leonardo da Vinci and French royalty, Marguerite de Navarre. Drawn in by the alluring power of the Craft, Anne pursues her supernatural gifts with zeal. Then one night, she casts forbidden magic to kill the villainous King of France and leaves behind a terrible curse that echoes across the generations.
And Ellie is next in line to pay the price. Soon Ellie realizes that solving her parent's murders isn't enough. She must find a way to end the curse or fall victim to its dire consequences.
338 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2019
26 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Cohen
2 books13 followersDeborah Cohen is an author of Tudor Historical fiction and dark creepy thrillers, always with a paranormal twist.
She lives in a 170 year old farm house near Ottawa with her wonderful family and two gigantic dogs - a Bulldog and a Great Dane - who love to be spoiled.
She lives in a 170 year old farm house near Ottawa with her wonderful family and two gigantic dogs - a Bulldog and a Great Dane - who love to be spoiled.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 15, 2020
Rating: 4.5/5.0
All in all, this wonderfully imaginative story will be a delight to history and supernatural buffs alike!
Read full review in the 2020 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
All in all, this wonderfully imaginative story will be a delight to history and supernatural buffs alike!
Read full review in the 2020 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
July 5, 2025
Not sure what I'm really feeling about this one.
3 star? A little far fetched for me?
4 star? Well written.
It could be just me, but these authors who "make-believe" "what if this did happen?" take these famous Tudors and twist history around??
*Scratches Head*
Ok..3 1/2 stars
3 star? A little far fetched for me?
4 star? Well written.
It could be just me, but these authors who "make-believe" "what if this did happen?" take these famous Tudors and twist history around??
*Scratches Head*
Ok..3 1/2 stars
December 2, 2020
Just amazing
I wasn’t sure what to make of this book but I completely utterly loved it. It was amazing. It was a good take on a story of Anne Boleyn for sure!!!
I wasn’t sure what to make of this book but I completely utterly loved it. It was amazing. It was a good take on a story of Anne Boleyn for sure!!!
December 16, 2019
Book: The Boleyn Curse
Author: Deborah Cohen
Rating: 🐛🐛🐛🐛 .5
Disclaimer: We would like to thank Ms. Cohen for providing us with the Advanced Review Copy in exchange for our honest opinion. This is a no-spoilers review of the book.
Alternating between two timelines (the 1500s and the present day), the story is about two women: one a familiar yet mysterious central character of the older era, who later went on to become one of the most controversial Queens of England, albeit for a very short period - Anne Boleyn and the present day protagonist - Ellie Bowlan, a PhD student, waiting for her comprehensive exams.
Her not-so-comprehensive question takes Ellie on a path of self-discovery and the uncovering of the truth with serious consequences. Ellie, an orphan, was raised by her great-grandmother, Grapes. Her parents and her grandmother went missing while on a camping trip and were never found. She finds it easier to lock those feelings away and never talk about them, until there is no more running away and she is forced to come face-to-face with the truth.
On the other hand, the story revolves around Anne Boleyn and is based on her time spent in France with the then princess Claude and her sister-in-law Marguerite de Navarre. Anne knew she was special; her sixth finger was proof enough. The three ‘magical’ women instantly become friends and embark on a journey to right the wrong, that ends with Anne and her future generations being cursed - The Boleyn Curse.
The book draws parallels between the two timelines and introduces some pivotal characters of the 1500s. I do not intend to give away too much; I would like for you to read and find out for yourself how the author connects the two and how the story meets its end.
What we loved:
The book is wonderfully written. It is a fast paced read and very well researched. I took all of two days to read the book. One instantly notices the depth of details provided in the book. The author manages to keep you hooked to the mystery till the end of the book. While one starts connecting the dots half way through the book, the ending was an interesting twist, if you ask me.
My favorite part of the book were the Titanium Trio! The funk, the wits, the cool-quotient 🙂 I must say this - every character in the book is beautifully portrayed. The author also clearly mentions in her note that the characters are not fictional but the story line is.
If historical fiction is your thing, this book is a must read.
Author: Deborah Cohen
Rating: 🐛🐛🐛🐛 .5
Disclaimer: We would like to thank Ms. Cohen for providing us with the Advanced Review Copy in exchange for our honest opinion. This is a no-spoilers review of the book.
Alternating between two timelines (the 1500s and the present day), the story is about two women: one a familiar yet mysterious central character of the older era, who later went on to become one of the most controversial Queens of England, albeit for a very short period - Anne Boleyn and the present day protagonist - Ellie Bowlan, a PhD student, waiting for her comprehensive exams.
Her not-so-comprehensive question takes Ellie on a path of self-discovery and the uncovering of the truth with serious consequences. Ellie, an orphan, was raised by her great-grandmother, Grapes. Her parents and her grandmother went missing while on a camping trip and were never found. She finds it easier to lock those feelings away and never talk about them, until there is no more running away and she is forced to come face-to-face with the truth.
On the other hand, the story revolves around Anne Boleyn and is based on her time spent in France with the then princess Claude and her sister-in-law Marguerite de Navarre. Anne knew she was special; her sixth finger was proof enough. The three ‘magical’ women instantly become friends and embark on a journey to right the wrong, that ends with Anne and her future generations being cursed - The Boleyn Curse.
The book draws parallels between the two timelines and introduces some pivotal characters of the 1500s. I do not intend to give away too much; I would like for you to read and find out for yourself how the author connects the two and how the story meets its end.
What we loved:
The book is wonderfully written. It is a fast paced read and very well researched. I took all of two days to read the book. One instantly notices the depth of details provided in the book. The author manages to keep you hooked to the mystery till the end of the book. While one starts connecting the dots half way through the book, the ending was an interesting twist, if you ask me.
My favorite part of the book were the Titanium Trio! The funk, the wits, the cool-quotient 🙂 I must say this - every character in the book is beautifully portrayed. The author also clearly mentions in her note that the characters are not fictional but the story line is.
If historical fiction is your thing, this book is a must read.
January 9, 2020
I was drawn to this book as I am a descendant of Anne's brother George. This is a well written book mixing history with fiction and producing a lovely result. The witchcraft freaked me out a bit as I'm not good with that. I checked for any extra fingers lol! Recommended.
July 21, 2022
Fantastic read. Very well written, great use of language, an expert blend of history and creative story telling. I definitely look forward to more.
August 17, 2020
I received a copy of this book through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program in exchange for an honest review.
I had requested the book because I find anything about the Tudors interesting. But like many reviewers I did not like the chapters going back and forth between the past and present day. The characters in the modern chapters were made to sound more like tweens than college-age students, and their plot-line was too predictable.
The chapters about the past could have been more interesting had the author not made it so obvious that Anne was to be a witch. Especially including the sixth finger, which in the book is a full finger rather than a hint of a nail which is described on contemporary descriptions (and even some historians doubt it existed at all). I think if the author had just written of them having a common skin mole it would have sufficed.
I was also but put by the suggestion that Elizabeth gave birth to a bastard child, although I understand that was necessary for the plot.
That being said, if this is to be a trilogy, I would still read the other two volumes, not just because of my intense interest in the Tudors, but because I am wondering where the story will go from there. The fact that it is a quick weekend read is a plus.
I had requested the book because I find anything about the Tudors interesting. But like many reviewers I did not like the chapters going back and forth between the past and present day. The characters in the modern chapters were made to sound more like tweens than college-age students, and their plot-line was too predictable.
The chapters about the past could have been more interesting had the author not made it so obvious that Anne was to be a witch. Especially including the sixth finger, which in the book is a full finger rather than a hint of a nail which is described on contemporary descriptions (and even some historians doubt it existed at all). I think if the author had just written of them having a common skin mole it would have sufficed.
I was also but put by the suggestion that Elizabeth gave birth to a bastard child, although I understand that was necessary for the plot.
That being said, if this is to be a trilogy, I would still read the other two volumes, not just because of my intense interest in the Tudors, but because I am wondering where the story will go from there. The fact that it is a quick weekend read is a plus.
May 2, 2020
Ellie loves history and is embarking on her defense of her Comprehensive History final for her PhD. When she receives her question for her defense she is shocked: "Anne Boleyn: Woman or Witch?" What kind of a question is this for her PhD defense? As Ellie begins to dive into her research of the doomed queen, she begins by focusing on Anne the woman and is intrigued by what she finds. However, as she begins to research about Queen Anne's accusations of being a witch, Ellie is shocked to her core by what she learns...both about Anne Boleyn and Ellie's own family.
This really was a great book! I literally could not put it down! I believe there may be more in this series in the future and boy do I hope so! A great fictional spin on the life of Anne Boleyn and how she may have been handed her fate as Henry VIII's most notorious queen.
Thank you LIbraryThing Early Reviewers for a copy of this book!
This really was a great book! I literally could not put it down! I believe there may be more in this series in the future and boy do I hope so! A great fictional spin on the life of Anne Boleyn and how she may have been handed her fate as Henry VIII's most notorious queen.
Thank you LIbraryThing Early Reviewers for a copy of this book!
September 2, 2021
Magic and science
Anne Boleyn, woman or witch? When Ellie gets this as her comp exam question her world is rocked. As she delves into her research, she is pulled to her dads research as well. Then at a seance she is told she can stop the curse on her family by saving the man who killed her parents and grandmother. In the course of her research, she learns her true heritage as well as the truth behind Anne.
I love the mix between fantasy and science here amazing. Ellie takes the scientific approach but as the story goes along she becomes more open to the paranormal as well.
Anne Boleyn, woman or witch? When Ellie gets this as her comp exam question her world is rocked. As she delves into her research, she is pulled to her dads research as well. Then at a seance she is told she can stop the curse on her family by saving the man who killed her parents and grandmother. In the course of her research, she learns her true heritage as well as the truth behind Anne.
I love the mix between fantasy and science here amazing. Ellie takes the scientific approach but as the story goes along she becomes more open to the paranormal as well.
April 10, 2020
Loved the book, the story was well written and the characters were intriguing. Once I started I could not get enough, from the start till the end I was engrossed I was even on the edge of my seat with twists and turns, lust and passion, strength, happiness with a happily ever after. Do yourself a favor and buy the book you want be disappointed.
Thank you for allowing me to review your book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Thank you for allowing me to review your book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 27, 2021
This was a really interesting novel! I liked Ellie and her journey from skeptical PhD student to a skeptical PhD student who is a witch. This book weaved history, obviously with fictional twists that are noted in the foreword, but it feels real and rich. This book switches between the past with Anne Boleyn and the present with Ellie Bowlan. The plot was interesting, with twists, some action, and lovely characters. Would recommend to people who enjoy historical-ish fiction and intriguing plot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2023
Enjoyable but very different
I enjoyed the mystery associated with this different tale of Anne Boleyn, and yet, the deviation from the historical events was somehow disturbing and difficult to accept at times but truly interesting at the same time. So to rate this book was quite difficult since it was based on fiction with many inconsistencies that were notable! I'm going to take a chance and read the second book to see whether it gets more interesting!
I enjoyed the mystery associated with this different tale of Anne Boleyn, and yet, the deviation from the historical events was somehow disturbing and difficult to accept at times but truly interesting at the same time. So to rate this book was quite difficult since it was based on fiction with many inconsistencies that were notable! I'm going to take a chance and read the second book to see whether it gets more interesting!
December 31, 2019
Great book!
This story was interesting and easy to read. It’s a tale of a curse that plagued a family for many generations and the exciting story of how it came to be. As part of that journey, the author takes you to the early 1500s in England then brings you back to the present. You will experience royalty, romance and witchcraft in this well researched historical fiction.
This story was interesting and easy to read. It’s a tale of a curse that plagued a family for many generations and the exciting story of how it came to be. As part of that journey, the author takes you to the early 1500s in England then brings you back to the present. You will experience royalty, romance and witchcraft in this well researched historical fiction.
November 18, 2020
Well written story. I especially enjoy the binary nature of the book. Two time lines but still connected. Great characters and relationships among them plus two really good realities with backgrounds. Really good read for long Fall evenings. Every lover of mystery with historical twist will enjoy it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 26, 2020
I got this due to al the great reviews I got too 60% and gave up .......dull as dish water
July 19, 2024
I LOVED this book! A new twist on a favorite period piece!
March 6, 2020
I got this book for free from LibraryThing's Early Reviewers and really enjoyed it.
I'm a big fan of historical fiction in general, but I really liked the twist adding the academia angle and switching back and forth between present day and the historical fiction part of the book. If you like historical fiction, I highly recommend this book.
The plot of the book was definitely predictable, so if you like to be kept guessing this book is probably not for you, but it still really entertained me and I was interested in how the events in the book would unfold.
I look forward to reading the others in the series.
I'm a big fan of historical fiction in general, but I really liked the twist adding the academia angle and switching back and forth between present day and the historical fiction part of the book. If you like historical fiction, I highly recommend this book.
The plot of the book was definitely predictable, so if you like to be kept guessing this book is probably not for you, but it still really entertained me and I was interested in how the events in the book would unfold.
I look forward to reading the others in the series.
February 27, 2020
First off, I received a copy of this book through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program, and I'm grateful to the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
I found the book interesting, if not exactly up my alley. I'm also a graduate student in history, albeit in the United States, so there were parts of it I felt kind of judge-y about, and also weirdly had a hard time suspending my disbelief about the DNA/science parts (tracing motherhood lineage is actually way harder than it sounds, which I know from Native American DNA by Kim TallBear, weirdly.) But I think that was me having difficulty, and if you want to turn off your brain and just enjoy it, you can. Some of it felt rushed towards the end, and given that is it in a series I was expecting the ending to be less neat than it was, but it wasn't bad, and I did enjoy some of it. If you like historical fantasy, there is lots for you to love in this book!
I found the book interesting, if not exactly up my alley. I'm also a graduate student in history, albeit in the United States, so there were parts of it I felt kind of judge-y about, and also weirdly had a hard time suspending my disbelief about the DNA/science parts (tracing motherhood lineage is actually way harder than it sounds, which I know from Native American DNA by Kim TallBear, weirdly.) But I think that was me having difficulty, and if you want to turn off your brain and just enjoy it, you can. Some of it felt rushed towards the end, and given that is it in a series I was expecting the ending to be less neat than it was, but it wasn't bad, and I did enjoy some of it. If you like historical fantasy, there is lots for you to love in this book!
March 3, 2020
A great read that kept me guessing, some aspects I had suspicions but there were surprises. I thought this book drew together historical info with fiction beautifully ... I always like 2 different timelines running parallel then begin to twist and snake together 🙂
February 13, 2020
"Boleyn Curse" is an enjoyable take on Anne Boleyn and her legacy.
Using two view points, a historical and current, the novel is brilliantly paced. I found that just at the moment I grew tired of one storyline, the other one would swoop in and get me all enthused again. This meant that the pacing was excellent.
The 'almost history' parts of the novel were compelling and frame such an interesting 'what if'.
It's lovely to find a historical novel that doesn't take itself too seriously. The novel is fun, easy to read, and one that I'd recommend to anyone with an interest in historical fiction.
Using two view points, a historical and current, the novel is brilliantly paced. I found that just at the moment I grew tired of one storyline, the other one would swoop in and get me all enthused again. This meant that the pacing was excellent.
The 'almost history' parts of the novel were compelling and frame such an interesting 'what if'.
It's lovely to find a historical novel that doesn't take itself too seriously. The novel is fun, easy to read, and one that I'd recommend to anyone with an interest in historical fiction.
January 26, 2020
This is an amazing book, it captivated me from the first page and I couldn't stop reading. I have always been a fan of Anne Boleyn's story, and this version did not disappoint me at all. The story is about Ellie, she is investigating the about Anne Boleyn for her thesis, in order, to finally graduate from her PhD. At the same time that Ellie's story unfolds, the writer brings us to the past with Anne Boleyn and Margueritte of Navarre. It is believed that a curse fell upon Anne and her entire family. As the story progresses Ellie goes deeper into the details, her research is so important since her future is at stake and only she can solve it. A magnificent book that deserves to be read, I want to be able to read more about this author because there were literally moments in the book in which I felt chills of emotion.
December 11, 2019
Absolutely loved this captivating read by Deborah Cohen! Whether you're a dedicated fan of historical fiction or completely new to the genre, this book is bound to entertain and shed light on one of history's most fascinating yet misunderstood figures. Weaving a breathtaking narrative tapestry of the past and the present, the real and the rumored, the dark and the divine, Cohen delivers a thrilling and evocative story of two women centuries apart but more connected than they initially appear. Can't wait for the rest of this series. Highly recommended!
December 17, 2019
Boleyn Curse is the first book in The Boleyn Bloodline series. This story is a fascinating juxtaposition of the past and the present with a connection and a family curse for Anne Boleyn and Ellie Bowlan.
The characters are well developed and interesting, especially the Titanium Trio. The storyline is excellent and captivating. The historical aspects were well researched and the twists and turns make this into an intriguing mystery.
I loved this book and cannot wait for the next one in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters are well developed and interesting, especially the Titanium Trio. The storyline is excellent and captivating. The historical aspects were well researched and the twists and turns make this into an intriguing mystery.
I loved this book and cannot wait for the next one in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 19, 2019
What if Anne Boleyn had been a witch and started a curse that continued through her family line? Ellie Bowlan, a descendant of Anne, must research the past and find a way to end the curse. She is being watched by the man who secretly murdered her parents and wants her to die, as well. But she must save his life to end the curse!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 17, 2019
The first book in The Boleyn Bloodline series a story giving you past and present times and deals with a family curse for Anne Boleyn and Ellie Bowlan. A well written story by an Author I have not read before and it looks like this is her debut book. I will be watching for more by her. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 10, 2020
An enjoyable read!
January 14, 2020
Wow...I'm not usually a fan of historic fiction, but i loved how Ms Cohen divided the chapters between history and current times. Easy to read and kept my attention. The book was full of twists.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews