What do you think?
Rate this book
The Lacey Chronicles #3
The Rogue's Princess
1586 - London, England. Sixteen-year-old Mercy Hart is the daughter of one of London's richest - and strictest - cloth merchants. Kit Turner is an actor and the illegitimate son of the late Earl of Dorset. A chance encounter finds Kit falling for the beautiful Mercy's charms, but their love is forbidden. A merchant's daughter and a vagabond - it simply cannot be. If Mercy chooses Kit she must renounce her family name and leave her home. Will she favour duty over true love, or will she give Kit his heart's desire?
257 pages, Paperback
First published July 7, 2011
17 people are currently reading
1552 people want to read
About the author
Eve Edwards
11 books199 followersEve Edwards has a doctorate from Oxford University and thinks researching a large part of the fun for writing historical fiction. She has visited Tudor houses, attended jousts and eaten Elizabethan banquets to get the sights, sounds and tastes right for this book. And, yes, she can testify that it is possible to eat neatly without the modern invention of the fork. She lives in Oxford and is married with three children.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
July 4, 2011
I really loved the first two books, The Other Countess and The Queen’s Lady, so I fully expected to feel the same way about The Rogue’s Princess. And I did!
Of all of the Lacey brothers we’ve heard from so far, I think that Kit may be my favourite. I thought that it would take a lot to knock kind and gorgeous Will of the top spot, but Kit, with his flowery and poetic way of speaking. I’m a sucker for a silver tongue! But it was his unwavering dedication to Mercy that really got me. Even though her dad forbade their relationship, he refused to give up *swoon*. I do love a forbidden love story. In fact, they’re my favourite kind.
Mercy is the kind of quiet, shy guy that you just know has a fire inside of her waiting to be unleashed. She hints at it with her cheeky flirtation with Kit and her ‘sinful’ thoughts about Kit and disobeying her father. She really came into her own in the second half of the novel, though. She was no longer afraid to follow her heart, regardless of how negatively it would affect her.
The Tudor period is one I’ve been fascinated by since I was little and that was part of the reason that I accepted the review request for the first book in this series. In no other period would you have William Shakespeare making a cameo and debuting his first play on the stage. Along with that, the political turmoil surrounding the suspected plots to overthrow Elizabeth I and reinstate Mary Queen of Scots on the throne really rooted these characters that were so easily relatable to the modern day firmly in the late 1500s. The was also a lot of focus on the clash of beliefs and the harshness of the Puritans which would usually make me uncomfortable, but the period in which this novel is set almost required it.
There’s something about this series that just makes me smile. It’s laid-back and so easy to read and thoroughly enjoyable. Eve Edwards has created a cast of characters that are instantly loveable and it’s effortless to get behind them. The way that the main characters and storylines from the other books all intertwine throughout the series is a real favourite technique of mine, too.
I turned the last page of The Rogue’s Princess with a smile and a serious case of the warm fuzzies. I really hope Eve Edwards continues with The Lacey Chronicles as I love them. There is one Lacey brother left, after all...
Of all of the Lacey brothers we’ve heard from so far, I think that Kit may be my favourite. I thought that it would take a lot to knock kind and gorgeous Will of the top spot, but Kit, with his flowery and poetic way of speaking. I’m a sucker for a silver tongue! But it was his unwavering dedication to Mercy that really got me. Even though her dad forbade their relationship, he refused to give up *swoon*. I do love a forbidden love story. In fact, they’re my favourite kind.
Mercy is the kind of quiet, shy guy that you just know has a fire inside of her waiting to be unleashed. She hints at it with her cheeky flirtation with Kit and her ‘sinful’ thoughts about Kit and disobeying her father. She really came into her own in the second half of the novel, though. She was no longer afraid to follow her heart, regardless of how negatively it would affect her.
The Tudor period is one I’ve been fascinated by since I was little and that was part of the reason that I accepted the review request for the first book in this series. In no other period would you have William Shakespeare making a cameo and debuting his first play on the stage. Along with that, the political turmoil surrounding the suspected plots to overthrow Elizabeth I and reinstate Mary Queen of Scots on the throne really rooted these characters that were so easily relatable to the modern day firmly in the late 1500s. The was also a lot of focus on the clash of beliefs and the harshness of the Puritans which would usually make me uncomfortable, but the period in which this novel is set almost required it.
There’s something about this series that just makes me smile. It’s laid-back and so easy to read and thoroughly enjoyable. Eve Edwards has created a cast of characters that are instantly loveable and it’s effortless to get behind them. The way that the main characters and storylines from the other books all intertwine throughout the series is a real favourite technique of mine, too.
I turned the last page of The Rogue’s Princess with a smile and a serious case of the warm fuzzies. I really hope Eve Edwards continues with The Lacey Chronicles as I love them. There is one Lacey brother left, after all...
July 11, 2011
One of the things I like about these books is that while each of them largely revolves around the main female character, it's the boys who link the stories together. In the previous books, we've seen Will, the young Earl of Dorset fall in love with a girl of no fortune and his brother, James, fall for the lady Will was suppose to marry. This time it's their half-brother Kit's turn to fall in love with the 'wrong' girl.
Mercy comes from a strictly religious background which she takes to another level because of something in her past that she feels was her fault. An invite to her friend's for dinner leads to her meeting Kit and she's immediately attracted to him. However, what she doesn't know is that Kit is a theatre player and therefore not a suitable match for her. Kit is determined to win both Mercy and her father over, changing his laddish habits to try and prove himself.
The Rogue's Princess takes the Lacey Chronicles in another direction in which we are immersed into the world of Elizabethan theatre, complete with a cameo appearance from one Will Shakespeare. I've loved each of the Lacey boys as I've gotten to know them but unsurprisingly, Kit is my favourite. Just that he is considered the 'rogue' of the bunch swung my allegiances in his direction. He's a player in every sense of the word, both on stage and with the women. As soon as he meets Mercy though, he wants to change all that, not just to win her over but because he no longer wants that kind of life. He's dedicated to her from the start.
The story itself is rich in history from Shakespeare to religious conflict and conspiracy. While it's quite obvious that Kit and Mercy end up together, it's a bumpy ride and it's more about how and when it will happen than if it will.
An excellent addition to a great series, all I hope now is that their will be a fourth book centred around the youngest Lacey brother, Tobias.
Mercy comes from a strictly religious background which she takes to another level because of something in her past that she feels was her fault. An invite to her friend's for dinner leads to her meeting Kit and she's immediately attracted to him. However, what she doesn't know is that Kit is a theatre player and therefore not a suitable match for her. Kit is determined to win both Mercy and her father over, changing his laddish habits to try and prove himself.
The Rogue's Princess takes the Lacey Chronicles in another direction in which we are immersed into the world of Elizabethan theatre, complete with a cameo appearance from one Will Shakespeare. I've loved each of the Lacey boys as I've gotten to know them but unsurprisingly, Kit is my favourite. Just that he is considered the 'rogue' of the bunch swung my allegiances in his direction. He's a player in every sense of the word, both on stage and with the women. As soon as he meets Mercy though, he wants to change all that, not just to win her over but because he no longer wants that kind of life. He's dedicated to her from the start.
The story itself is rich in history from Shakespeare to religious conflict and conspiracy. While it's quite obvious that Kit and Mercy end up together, it's a bumpy ride and it's more about how and when it will happen than if it will.
An excellent addition to a great series, all I hope now is that their will be a fourth book centred around the youngest Lacey brother, Tobias.
July 17, 2011
Christopher ‘Kit’ Turner is the illegitimate Lacey brother. For years he thought himself a cast-off of their father’s ill-favour; the forgotten son and family secret. Kit was forced to find his place elsewhere in the world, and so he sought solace and fame on the stage. Years later he is a London favourite – a marvel for the ladies and money-maker for his kind manager.
But recent events have conspired to reunite Kit with his three brothers – Will, James and Tobias. While he shares an uneasy alliance with the two elder Lacey’s, Kit has a tender-hearted spot for his look-alike youngest brother, Tobias. So when the little shrimp comes calling on Kit’s London apartment, eager to stay with his delightful brother and avoid certain debt collectors, Kit is bemusedly happy to have him. But when Tobias falls in with a crowd of Scottish queen sympathizers, Kit finds it necessary to intervene before treason catches Tobias by surprise.
Meanwhile, Kit’s cynical heart is filled with hope upon meeting the lovely Mercy Hart. At a dinner to raise funds for the theatre, Kit finds himself instantly smitten with the pious and humble Mercy – with her dimpled smile and belying fiery curls. Though her father disproves the match, most vehemently, both Kit and Mercy are determined to have each other . . . even when murder, treason and plot look set to rip them apart, forever.
‘The Rogue’s Princess’ is the third book in Eve Edwards’s young adult Tudor Historical Romance.
I have been a big admirer of this series since ‘The Other Countess’ first came out last year. Eve Edward’s has written such incredibly immersive and unique young adult books – set in the Elizabethan period and covering all manner of historical topics from religious persecution to politics in the Virgin Queen’s court. ‘The Rogue’s Princess’ is another sublime historic romance – this time observing the life of an illegitimate nobleman’s son and set in the grimy, gossiping London town.
Kit was first introduced in ‘The Queen’s Lady’ – a surprise appearance for the Lacey boys who never knew they had a fourth brother. We learnt a little about Kit’s unfortunate illegitimate status in that book, but Edwards goes into more detail in ‘Rogue’s’. We learn of the few choices set before Kit when his father died and funds for his schooling dried up. Through happenstance and a kind manager, not to mention the flights of fancy for little boys, Kit carved himself a nice life on the stage. First he was a youthful boy-girl for the romances, at a time when women were banned from setting foot on the stage for reasons of impropriety. Years later and Kit is a leading-man, nabbing all the best hero roles and making the London ladies swoon.
But despite Kit’s fandom, the theatre is still considered an unrespectable trade. The stage has also become the newest whipping-post for preachers and church-goers, claiming that it degrades humanity and shows people in the worst light imaginable. The politics of theatre in the 1500’s is fascinating – especially since a certain William Shakespeare is just starting out in Kit’s theatre troupe, and nobody is even sure if he can write a decent play. Edwards does a brilliant job of showing this side of life in Elizabethan times. In previous books Edwards has shown us the way of life for a country nobleman and the intricate inner-workings of the Queen’s circle. It was nice to get out onto the London streets in ‘Rogue’s’ and get a feel for the town – especially from the point of view of someone who has his foot in so many worlds. Kit has noble blood, but is illegitimate. He is invited into the very noblest of houses for entertainment purposes, but his profession labels him something close to a degenerate.
On the other end of the spectrum is Mercy Hart, a wealthy merchant’s daughter and pious church-goer. Mercy made a deal with God many years ago to remain righteous and humble – and she has taken her promise to the very edge. Wearing drab clothes, avoiding the theatre and even ignoring her musical talents. But underneath it all, Mercy is suffocating and dying for some light in her life;
Mercy smoothed her grey skirts, secretly agreeing that they were dreadful, but she had made a bargain with God when she was little and she meant to keep it. “I like being this way.”
Ann turned away to gather a few things for Mercy, putting them in a little leather bag. “No, you don’t. I see you eyeing my orange kirtle. You, Mercy Hart, are a counterfeit good girl. There is a merry maid just waiting to burst out.”
When Kit and Mercy meet at a benefactor’s dinner party, it’s love at first sight. Kit is amazed at Mercy’s sweet disposition and innocent nature, so different from the fans who come courting him. And in Kit, Mercy has found an outlet for her soul – someone with whom she can play and enjoy life.
But Kit and Mercy have her father to contend with – a man of strict virtue and unbending morals. He thinks the stage is for degenerates and whoresons, and would see Mercy barefoot and nameless before agreeing to a match with Kit Turner. Still, despite her families condemnation – Mercy and Kit have a luscious and intense romance;
Bending down, he plucked three strands of grass and wove them into a ring. “Here. I cannot afford gold – yet,” he winked, “but wear this for me.” He bit off the ragged ends and pushed the grass ring on to her finger. “Mercy, I do not know any words for this. Perhaps I should have consulted the poets and learnt my part, but too late. You are left with the plain man speaking plain words, a worthless rogue daring to address a merchant princess. Will you marry me? Will you be mine?”
She covered her left hand with her right, caressing the ring he had made for her. “It is better than gold to me.”
I love Eve Edwards’s ‘Tudor Historical Romance’. Her books are rich in history, full of romance and dashing/daring characters to captivate the heart. ‘The Rogue’s Princess’ is another jewel in Edwards’s marvellous series, but I sincerely hope it’s not the last. I have my fingers-crossed that Edwards gives us a book for youngest Lacey, Tobias. I adore these books and heartily recommend them to lovers of history and romance alike!
But recent events have conspired to reunite Kit with his three brothers – Will, James and Tobias. While he shares an uneasy alliance with the two elder Lacey’s, Kit has a tender-hearted spot for his look-alike youngest brother, Tobias. So when the little shrimp comes calling on Kit’s London apartment, eager to stay with his delightful brother and avoid certain debt collectors, Kit is bemusedly happy to have him. But when Tobias falls in with a crowd of Scottish queen sympathizers, Kit finds it necessary to intervene before treason catches Tobias by surprise.
Meanwhile, Kit’s cynical heart is filled with hope upon meeting the lovely Mercy Hart. At a dinner to raise funds for the theatre, Kit finds himself instantly smitten with the pious and humble Mercy – with her dimpled smile and belying fiery curls. Though her father disproves the match, most vehemently, both Kit and Mercy are determined to have each other . . . even when murder, treason and plot look set to rip them apart, forever.
‘The Rogue’s Princess’ is the third book in Eve Edwards’s young adult Tudor Historical Romance.
I have been a big admirer of this series since ‘The Other Countess’ first came out last year. Eve Edward’s has written such incredibly immersive and unique young adult books – set in the Elizabethan period and covering all manner of historical topics from religious persecution to politics in the Virgin Queen’s court. ‘The Rogue’s Princess’ is another sublime historic romance – this time observing the life of an illegitimate nobleman’s son and set in the grimy, gossiping London town.
Kit was first introduced in ‘The Queen’s Lady’ – a surprise appearance for the Lacey boys who never knew they had a fourth brother. We learnt a little about Kit’s unfortunate illegitimate status in that book, but Edwards goes into more detail in ‘Rogue’s’. We learn of the few choices set before Kit when his father died and funds for his schooling dried up. Through happenstance and a kind manager, not to mention the flights of fancy for little boys, Kit carved himself a nice life on the stage. First he was a youthful boy-girl for the romances, at a time when women were banned from setting foot on the stage for reasons of impropriety. Years later and Kit is a leading-man, nabbing all the best hero roles and making the London ladies swoon.
But despite Kit’s fandom, the theatre is still considered an unrespectable trade. The stage has also become the newest whipping-post for preachers and church-goers, claiming that it degrades humanity and shows people in the worst light imaginable. The politics of theatre in the 1500’s is fascinating – especially since a certain William Shakespeare is just starting out in Kit’s theatre troupe, and nobody is even sure if he can write a decent play. Edwards does a brilliant job of showing this side of life in Elizabethan times. In previous books Edwards has shown us the way of life for a country nobleman and the intricate inner-workings of the Queen’s circle. It was nice to get out onto the London streets in ‘Rogue’s’ and get a feel for the town – especially from the point of view of someone who has his foot in so many worlds. Kit has noble blood, but is illegitimate. He is invited into the very noblest of houses for entertainment purposes, but his profession labels him something close to a degenerate.
On the other end of the spectrum is Mercy Hart, a wealthy merchant’s daughter and pious church-goer. Mercy made a deal with God many years ago to remain righteous and humble – and she has taken her promise to the very edge. Wearing drab clothes, avoiding the theatre and even ignoring her musical talents. But underneath it all, Mercy is suffocating and dying for some light in her life;
Mercy smoothed her grey skirts, secretly agreeing that they were dreadful, but she had made a bargain with God when she was little and she meant to keep it. “I like being this way.”
Ann turned away to gather a few things for Mercy, putting them in a little leather bag. “No, you don’t. I see you eyeing my orange kirtle. You, Mercy Hart, are a counterfeit good girl. There is a merry maid just waiting to burst out.”
When Kit and Mercy meet at a benefactor’s dinner party, it’s love at first sight. Kit is amazed at Mercy’s sweet disposition and innocent nature, so different from the fans who come courting him. And in Kit, Mercy has found an outlet for her soul – someone with whom she can play and enjoy life.
But Kit and Mercy have her father to contend with – a man of strict virtue and unbending morals. He thinks the stage is for degenerates and whoresons, and would see Mercy barefoot and nameless before agreeing to a match with Kit Turner. Still, despite her families condemnation – Mercy and Kit have a luscious and intense romance;
Bending down, he plucked three strands of grass and wove them into a ring. “Here. I cannot afford gold – yet,” he winked, “but wear this for me.” He bit off the ragged ends and pushed the grass ring on to her finger. “Mercy, I do not know any words for this. Perhaps I should have consulted the poets and learnt my part, but too late. You are left with the plain man speaking plain words, a worthless rogue daring to address a merchant princess. Will you marry me? Will you be mine?”
She covered her left hand with her right, caressing the ring he had made for her. “It is better than gold to me.”
I love Eve Edwards’s ‘Tudor Historical Romance’. Her books are rich in history, full of romance and dashing/daring characters to captivate the heart. ‘The Rogue’s Princess’ is another jewel in Edwards’s marvellous series, but I sincerely hope it’s not the last. I have my fingers-crossed that Edwards gives us a book for youngest Lacey, Tobias. I adore these books and heartily recommend them to lovers of history and romance alike!
April 8, 2017
The Rogue's Princess is the latest in Eve Edward's Tudor series. Each book focuses on a different brother of Lacey family, this one in particular focusing on the illegitimate half brother Kit Turner.
I am pleased to say that this instalment is as good as the other two in the series and I already have a new Lacey brother to swoon over in Kit. He is just as gorgeous as the brothers in the previous two books so be prepared to fall in love all over again. The main storyline follows Kit as he tries to woo Mercy, a young lady he met at a dinner and plays with the idea of forbidden love as her father does all he can to prevent the couple from being together.
What I love about this series is the characterisation. It is done brilliantly making the whole host of characters easily to relate to even though they act and behave in a way that is fitting for the time period they are in. I love how you get a real sense of period whilst reading them without feeling like the history is being rammed down your throat. The dialogue is witty and clever throughout.
The star of this piece without a doubt is Kit. Kit's story is very different from that of the other Lacey brothers. As he was illegitimate he had a very different background to his brothers and his life since then is also very different. He is a player who spends his evenings making audiences fall in love with him and is in all intents and purposes a bit of a Jack the Lad until he meets Mercy whom he falls for instantly and wishes to marry. Mercy father who is a putrian has other ideas however. I loved following Kit's attempts to both win Mercy won (which was easy) and then her father (which was not). I loved seeing how their relationship develops over the book and seeing how far both of them would go to have the other in their lives.
Those of you who enjoyed the first two books will be pleased to know that the characters you loved in the earlier books all have cameos throughout the story, a feature which I really loved.
All in all this book is a prime example of how historical fiction should be done. Fun, fast paced and witty which excellent characters you can relate to instantly.
I am pleased to say that this instalment is as good as the other two in the series and I already have a new Lacey brother to swoon over in Kit. He is just as gorgeous as the brothers in the previous two books so be prepared to fall in love all over again. The main storyline follows Kit as he tries to woo Mercy, a young lady he met at a dinner and plays with the idea of forbidden love as her father does all he can to prevent the couple from being together.
What I love about this series is the characterisation. It is done brilliantly making the whole host of characters easily to relate to even though they act and behave in a way that is fitting for the time period they are in. I love how you get a real sense of period whilst reading them without feeling like the history is being rammed down your throat. The dialogue is witty and clever throughout.
The star of this piece without a doubt is Kit. Kit's story is very different from that of the other Lacey brothers. As he was illegitimate he had a very different background to his brothers and his life since then is also very different. He is a player who spends his evenings making audiences fall in love with him and is in all intents and purposes a bit of a Jack the Lad until he meets Mercy whom he falls for instantly and wishes to marry. Mercy father who is a putrian has other ideas however. I loved following Kit's attempts to both win Mercy won (which was easy) and then her father (which was not). I loved seeing how their relationship develops over the book and seeing how far both of them would go to have the other in their lives.
Those of you who enjoyed the first two books will be pleased to know that the characters you loved in the earlier books all have cameos throughout the story, a feature which I really loved.
All in all this book is a prime example of how historical fiction should be done. Fun, fast paced and witty which excellent characters you can relate to instantly.
June 8, 2024
Mercy is a Puritan, determined to do what is right.
Kit is a player. On his own since the age of 14, he is grateful to grace the London stage.
These two worlds do not regularly mix. But one meeting changes everything, and now Kit is now determined to win the heart of a lady whose family will never accept him. Mercy is afraid to make the wrong choice.
And in Elizabethan England, the consequences for wrong choices can be grave indeed.
This is the third book in Eve Edwards's trilogy, The Lacey Chronicles. I've enjoyed every one of them, and I feel there should be at least one more. Surely Tobias's story merits publication as well! These were all breezy, romantic tales with real danger.
Kit is a player. On his own since the age of 14, he is grateful to grace the London stage.
These two worlds do not regularly mix. But one meeting changes everything, and now Kit is now determined to win the heart of a lady whose family will never accept him. Mercy is afraid to make the wrong choice.
And in Elizabethan England, the consequences for wrong choices can be grave indeed.
This is the third book in Eve Edwards's trilogy, The Lacey Chronicles. I've enjoyed every one of them, and I feel there should be at least one more. Surely Tobias's story merits publication as well! These were all breezy, romantic tales with real danger.
October 2, 2011
When I found out in about April 2011 that there was going to be a third book in this series now named The Lacey Chronicles, I knew I had to get it and read it as soon as possible. So I pre-ordered it as it was half price and it was delivered over at the end of August, a couple of days before the release day. I was rather happy really. Due to commitments to other things, this is the first chance I've had to read this book and BOY, IT WAS WORTH THE WAIT. Warning: I will be gushing on how much I love this book.
Synopsis: A chance encounter finds Kit, actor and illegitimate brother to the Lacey brothers, falling hopelessly in love with the charms of a rich merchants daughter, Mercy. Who is also a Puritan. The match is doomed. A vagabond marrying a merchant's daughter - and a Puritan - it cannot be. As Mercy starts to call equally for Kit as well, she knows that she might have to renounce her family name and leave home. Will she choose duty over her heart? Suddenly, Kit is caught is a dangerous web, one which could be fatal.
Review: For avid readers of the Lacy Chronicles, we know that we were introduced to Kit in Book 2 of this series, The Queen's Lady, as a close friend of Milly Porter, who is consequently good friends with Lady Jane (now James Lacey, the middle brother's, wife - she was focused on in Book 2) Milly Porter goes on to marry Diego, a servant of the Lacey family. The brothers found out that Kit was their illegitimate brother and let him into the family as if his illegitimacy was non-existent.
This book focuses on this mysterious Kit that we have been only recently introduced to and his search for love, like his previous two brothers. From reading this, I can tell that some will not enjoy it as the format is rather similar to the previous two books although with different people and the central theme of the theatre, but I personally like this consistency. I know that I am going to probably enjoy it and this type of 'historical romance' books have become my favourite.
Saying this, when I first started the book, I was doubtful if I would enjoy it completely. I was actually rather worried when I started the book, as for me the beginning was...well, average, as I think I wrote about the intro in The Queen's Lady. The lengthy passage on Mercy thinking herself sinful started to annoy me. The long description of Kit's debut and then, being 'purified' was, although a little bit more interesting, not anything up to the standards Eve Edwards has placed herself. Now, before any readers that LOVE these series, as do I, start throwing insults at me for saying this - wait.
Then, we hit the moment when they meet and suddenly, I was falling in love with Edwards' writing all over again, like I have twice before. I could feel the excitement in the room they were in, the emotions of Kit and Mercy - everything. Every time I read Eve Edwards' books, I fall into this historical paradise which I hardly want to leave in a hurry.
Here, again, we have old and new characters. Will, James and especially Tobias all feature in this book and help Kit along the path to try and marry Mercy; Ladies Ellie and Jane are also in it briefly. Milly and Diego are also featured briefly. For new characters, we are introduced to Mercy's family - her strict, uptight father, John; her siblings, Faith and Edwin - both more Puritan and well behaved than the younger Mercy; her jolly aunt, Rose and the hilarious character of her Grandmother Isham - who for me made the comedy in this book. They all have a part to play in getting Mercy and Kit together. All of these are interesting characters that you will enjoy. Kit and Mercy play engaging protagonists, although Kit's humour favoured me more.
The great thing about these books are they are always so detailed historical wise. I learnt so much about the world of theatre (useful as I'm reading Othello in English Literature) and being a Puritan (by the way, apparently Rebecca is a Puritan name...). The language, although not quite so '1600's' as Shakespeare is, the language uses odd sentences and words that wouldn't be used nowadays but makes it so it is still easy to understand. The bit which I smiled at the most was the casual references to big events and characters that we all know about in modern day. Kit is in the same theatre company as William Shakespeare himself who is bursting at the chance to write - 'The company was still a little in shock that something so good could come from rural Stratford' (Page 252). And a mention of 'the what-his-name Marlowe' which really shows you what people those days must have thought of these normal seeming guys. Who knew they would be remembered four centuries later?
This book really shone out for me and I enjoyed it immensely. The characters of Mercy and Kit are incredibly entertaining and it's lovely to see their relationship flower and personalities deepen into characters that I would love to meet. The romance once again is there in force but not too sensual to offend anyone, you can tell deeply that they do truly love each other. The book is one of the best of 2011 so far and coming home every day this book from college, I just wanted to snuggle up and go back to the wonderful world of the Lacey's, Let's hope, there are some more coming soon. Keep up the good work, Edwards.
Verdict: The beginning is a tad rocky, but the book as a whole makes up for it.
I give it a 5 out of 5
Synopsis: A chance encounter finds Kit, actor and illegitimate brother to the Lacey brothers, falling hopelessly in love with the charms of a rich merchants daughter, Mercy. Who is also a Puritan. The match is doomed. A vagabond marrying a merchant's daughter - and a Puritan - it cannot be. As Mercy starts to call equally for Kit as well, she knows that she might have to renounce her family name and leave home. Will she choose duty over her heart? Suddenly, Kit is caught is a dangerous web, one which could be fatal.
Review: For avid readers of the Lacy Chronicles, we know that we were introduced to Kit in Book 2 of this series, The Queen's Lady, as a close friend of Milly Porter, who is consequently good friends with Lady Jane (now James Lacey, the middle brother's, wife - she was focused on in Book 2) Milly Porter goes on to marry Diego, a servant of the Lacey family. The brothers found out that Kit was their illegitimate brother and let him into the family as if his illegitimacy was non-existent.
This book focuses on this mysterious Kit that we have been only recently introduced to and his search for love, like his previous two brothers. From reading this, I can tell that some will not enjoy it as the format is rather similar to the previous two books although with different people and the central theme of the theatre, but I personally like this consistency. I know that I am going to probably enjoy it and this type of 'historical romance' books have become my favourite.
Saying this, when I first started the book, I was doubtful if I would enjoy it completely. I was actually rather worried when I started the book, as for me the beginning was...well, average, as I think I wrote about the intro in The Queen's Lady. The lengthy passage on Mercy thinking herself sinful started to annoy me. The long description of Kit's debut and then, being 'purified' was, although a little bit more interesting, not anything up to the standards Eve Edwards has placed herself. Now, before any readers that LOVE these series, as do I, start throwing insults at me for saying this - wait.
Then, we hit the moment when they meet and suddenly, I was falling in love with Edwards' writing all over again, like I have twice before. I could feel the excitement in the room they were in, the emotions of Kit and Mercy - everything. Every time I read Eve Edwards' books, I fall into this historical paradise which I hardly want to leave in a hurry.
Here, again, we have old and new characters. Will, James and especially Tobias all feature in this book and help Kit along the path to try and marry Mercy; Ladies Ellie and Jane are also in it briefly. Milly and Diego are also featured briefly. For new characters, we are introduced to Mercy's family - her strict, uptight father, John; her siblings, Faith and Edwin - both more Puritan and well behaved than the younger Mercy; her jolly aunt, Rose and the hilarious character of her Grandmother Isham - who for me made the comedy in this book. They all have a part to play in getting Mercy and Kit together. All of these are interesting characters that you will enjoy. Kit and Mercy play engaging protagonists, although Kit's humour favoured me more.
The great thing about these books are they are always so detailed historical wise. I learnt so much about the world of theatre (useful as I'm reading Othello in English Literature) and being a Puritan (by the way, apparently Rebecca is a Puritan name...). The language, although not quite so '1600's' as Shakespeare is, the language uses odd sentences and words that wouldn't be used nowadays but makes it so it is still easy to understand. The bit which I smiled at the most was the casual references to big events and characters that we all know about in modern day. Kit is in the same theatre company as William Shakespeare himself who is bursting at the chance to write - 'The company was still a little in shock that something so good could come from rural Stratford' (Page 252). And a mention of 'the what-his-name Marlowe' which really shows you what people those days must have thought of these normal seeming guys. Who knew they would be remembered four centuries later?
This book really shone out for me and I enjoyed it immensely. The characters of Mercy and Kit are incredibly entertaining and it's lovely to see their relationship flower and personalities deepen into characters that I would love to meet. The romance once again is there in force but not too sensual to offend anyone, you can tell deeply that they do truly love each other. The book is one of the best of 2011 so far and coming home every day this book from college, I just wanted to snuggle up and go back to the wonderful world of the Lacey's, Let's hope, there are some more coming soon. Keep up the good work, Edwards.
Verdict: The beginning is a tad rocky, but the book as a whole makes up for it.
I give it a 5 out of 5
July 5, 2011
This third instalment of the Lacey family tales follows the story of the Lacey boy's illegitimate half brother Kit who was estranged from the family after their father died and enjoys a life on stage as a player at Richard Babbage's famous company whilst Mercy Hart is the daughter of a well respected London tradesman who belongs to the Puritans. All the unwritten laws of society declare that they cannot be together- is there love strong enough to overcome this and sacrifice part of themselves for each other?
I loved the previous two books in the Lacey Chronicle series, The Other Countess and The Queen's Lady so I was really hoping that The Rouge's Princess would live up to my high expectations and it did! I fall every time for the 'will they, won't they' romances in books and this was no exception.
Kit made an appearance in the Queen's Lady and at first I was unsure of whether I liked him because he came across as irritating so I was apprehensive about him being a main character. However, I couldn't have been more wrong because out of the male leads so far, I think he is the most fun to read about because he leads such a different life than his half brothers. His gift with words and use of poetic flowery language makes him a real charmer complete with gorgeous looks- swoon! I doubt I will be the only reader crushing on him. At the beginning of the book, he has his heart in the right place but also likes a good drink down the pub like the other theatre boys but the thing that really won him over as a worthy hero of the book was his resilience in his pursuit of Mercy. He treated her with the utmost kindness and respect and was even willing to change his character to fit in with her Puritan ways by toning down his bright fashionable clothes. It was so sweet because it was clear that he really loved Mercy and she wasn't just a passing fancy because he was determined to continue his courtship even at the opposition of the Hart family.
Likewise, Mercy has a different personality than the other ladies in the books so far because she's quiet, shy and extremely modest about herself because of her Puritan upbringing and will not even allow herself the pleasure of a pretty new dress. Kit bought out the more wild side in her character, which was hidden inside at the start but started to show in her half shy cheeky flirtations with Kit when they first meet by chance. I admired her for the courage she showed and she is the kind of girl I'd like to have as a friend because she has a fun sense of humour that emerged but a sensible head.
The main characters from the other books with Will, James and Tobias Lacey as well as Milly Porter and her husband Diego appearing in person and Ellie, Jane and Sarah being mentioned. I particularly loved Tobias's mischievous neature and his witty and affectionate brotherly banter with Kit. That bought a lot of comic relief to the story and was funny to read.
Again, the Tudor era was described vividly and I found myself right in the heart of the streets of London and I could visualise the bawdy roar of the crowds at the Globe Theatre and sense the political atmosphere at the taverns that Kit visits. As in the other books, historical events were involved heavily in the plot and this book focused on suspicion of plots to overthrow Mary Queen of Scots and gave a glimpse into the start of William Shakespeare's career. I particularly enjoyed learning about the Puritan beliefs because I've heard things about them in other historical books but never in detail. Their simple and harsh way of life fascinated me and fitted in perfectly with the plot and setting. The author's biography says that she dined at a Tudor banquet in order to get the sounds and smells of the era right and this really shines through in her writing.
I loved curling up with the Rogue's Princess and it left me with a smile on my face. The character cast that Eve Edwards has created is wonderful and it feels like I know them. It's not often I feel that way about book characters and when you do find that special series, it feels like you've struck gold. I really hope that there will be more books in the series because I've thoroughly enjoyed reading them and of course, there's still the youngest Lacey brother Tobias and sister Sarah to write about.
Verdict/ Speed read: Eve Edward's evocative depiction of Tudor England took me to Elizabethan London along with well crafted and loved characters. Mercy and Kit's romance was adorable and I was so glad to see some characters from the previous books in the series. The Lacey Chronicle books are now firm favourites of mine and The Rogue's Princess is no exception to this. I savoured every last word and hope that we will see more books in the series! Highly recommended for fans of YA historical and those who are looking to escape in a wonderfully romantic book.
I loved the previous two books in the Lacey Chronicle series, The Other Countess and The Queen's Lady so I was really hoping that The Rouge's Princess would live up to my high expectations and it did! I fall every time for the 'will they, won't they' romances in books and this was no exception.
Kit made an appearance in the Queen's Lady and at first I was unsure of whether I liked him because he came across as irritating so I was apprehensive about him being a main character. However, I couldn't have been more wrong because out of the male leads so far, I think he is the most fun to read about because he leads such a different life than his half brothers. His gift with words and use of poetic flowery language makes him a real charmer complete with gorgeous looks- swoon! I doubt I will be the only reader crushing on him. At the beginning of the book, he has his heart in the right place but also likes a good drink down the pub like the other theatre boys but the thing that really won him over as a worthy hero of the book was his resilience in his pursuit of Mercy. He treated her with the utmost kindness and respect and was even willing to change his character to fit in with her Puritan ways by toning down his bright fashionable clothes. It was so sweet because it was clear that he really loved Mercy and she wasn't just a passing fancy because he was determined to continue his courtship even at the opposition of the Hart family.
Likewise, Mercy has a different personality than the other ladies in the books so far because she's quiet, shy and extremely modest about herself because of her Puritan upbringing and will not even allow herself the pleasure of a pretty new dress. Kit bought out the more wild side in her character, which was hidden inside at the start but started to show in her half shy cheeky flirtations with Kit when they first meet by chance. I admired her for the courage she showed and she is the kind of girl I'd like to have as a friend because she has a fun sense of humour that emerged but a sensible head.
The main characters from the other books with Will, James and Tobias Lacey as well as Milly Porter and her husband Diego appearing in person and Ellie, Jane and Sarah being mentioned. I particularly loved Tobias's mischievous neature and his witty and affectionate brotherly banter with Kit. That bought a lot of comic relief to the story and was funny to read.
Again, the Tudor era was described vividly and I found myself right in the heart of the streets of London and I could visualise the bawdy roar of the crowds at the Globe Theatre and sense the political atmosphere at the taverns that Kit visits. As in the other books, historical events were involved heavily in the plot and this book focused on suspicion of plots to overthrow Mary Queen of Scots and gave a glimpse into the start of William Shakespeare's career. I particularly enjoyed learning about the Puritan beliefs because I've heard things about them in other historical books but never in detail. Their simple and harsh way of life fascinated me and fitted in perfectly with the plot and setting. The author's biography says that she dined at a Tudor banquet in order to get the sounds and smells of the era right and this really shines through in her writing.
I loved curling up with the Rogue's Princess and it left me with a smile on my face. The character cast that Eve Edwards has created is wonderful and it feels like I know them. It's not often I feel that way about book characters and when you do find that special series, it feels like you've struck gold. I really hope that there will be more books in the series because I've thoroughly enjoyed reading them and of course, there's still the youngest Lacey brother Tobias and sister Sarah to write about.
Verdict/ Speed read: Eve Edward's evocative depiction of Tudor England took me to Elizabethan London along with well crafted and loved characters. Mercy and Kit's romance was adorable and I was so glad to see some characters from the previous books in the series. The Lacey Chronicle books are now firm favourites of mine and The Rogue's Princess is no exception to this. I savoured every last word and hope that we will see more books in the series! Highly recommended for fans of YA historical and those who are looking to escape in a wonderfully romantic book.
April 1, 2020
Minus 5, worst book I’ve ever read in my whole entire life
March 19, 2013
Eve Edwards' Lacey Chronicles offer up historical romance for a young adult audience. I enjoyed both the previous two novels in the series, and was eager to break into this one. As with the rest of the series, The Rogue's Princess is a quick, light, romantic read, full to the brim with love, betrayal, drama, and sumptuous clothing. This series is perfect for fans of light historical romance. Though this is a series, each novel stands alone well. There is no need to read all of them or to read them in order unless that is your wont.
The Rogue's Princess features the illegitimate half-brother of the Laceys. Kit Turner works as a player on Burbage's stage, a peer of William Shakespeare. I love that in the first chapter, we get a glimpse of Kit's youth, when he tread the boards in women's weeds as a young boy. Now fully grown, though, he plays the romantic leads, the young heroes.
Kit lives a life of drinking and flirting until the day he attends the same party as young Puritan Mercy Hart. She captures his heart at first sight, and he sways her easily with his charms. Their instalove does bother me a bit, but it fits the time, as courtship was a much faster process in those days, since people needed to get married and breeding as soon as possible. The two have several cute moments, and, while they're not my favorite couple of the Lacey series, they are sweet.
Mercy runs more to the Fanny Price end of the heroine spectrum than the Elizabeth Bennet. What I mean by this, for those less familiar with Jane Austen, is that Mercy is shy, quiet, and endlessly determined to do right by God. She often doesn't stand up for herself when I think she should, and her constant reference to prayers and sins made me crazy. For other readers, perhaps those who enjoy Christian fiction, this could be an asset rather than a negative, however. On the plus side, Mercy does gain in spirit as the story goes along, all while retaining her values.
The attempt to add historical weightiness to The Rogue's Princess with Kit's imprisonment for treason does not succeed. He is imprisoned for such a stupid reason (drinking once with people who spoke of putting Mary on the throne) and there is no question that he shall be found innocent in this sort of novel. I appreciate the attempt to make it more historical and less a romance, but I do not think it played out particularly well, especially in how easily it is resolved in the end.
Easily readable as standalones, The Lacey Chronicles consists of romantic stories set during the reign of Elizabeth I. The Rogue's Princess will even have appeal for a Christian audience.
The Rogue's Princess features the illegitimate half-brother of the Laceys. Kit Turner works as a player on Burbage's stage, a peer of William Shakespeare. I love that in the first chapter, we get a glimpse of Kit's youth, when he tread the boards in women's weeds as a young boy. Now fully grown, though, he plays the romantic leads, the young heroes.
Kit lives a life of drinking and flirting until the day he attends the same party as young Puritan Mercy Hart. She captures his heart at first sight, and he sways her easily with his charms. Their instalove does bother me a bit, but it fits the time, as courtship was a much faster process in those days, since people needed to get married and breeding as soon as possible. The two have several cute moments, and, while they're not my favorite couple of the Lacey series, they are sweet.
Mercy runs more to the Fanny Price end of the heroine spectrum than the Elizabeth Bennet. What I mean by this, for those less familiar with Jane Austen, is that Mercy is shy, quiet, and endlessly determined to do right by God. She often doesn't stand up for herself when I think she should, and her constant reference to prayers and sins made me crazy. For other readers, perhaps those who enjoy Christian fiction, this could be an asset rather than a negative, however. On the plus side, Mercy does gain in spirit as the story goes along, all while retaining her values.
The attempt to add historical weightiness to The Rogue's Princess with Kit's imprisonment for treason does not succeed. He is imprisoned for such a stupid reason (drinking once with people who spoke of putting Mary on the throne) and there is no question that he shall be found innocent in this sort of novel. I appreciate the attempt to make it more historical and less a romance, but I do not think it played out particularly well, especially in how easily it is resolved in the end.
Easily readable as standalones, The Lacey Chronicles consists of romantic stories set during the reign of Elizabeth I. The Rogue's Princess will even have appeal for a Christian audience.
July 3, 2011
This series about the Lacey brothers is one of my absolute favourites! The books may be set in the past but they feature wonderful characters and stories that literally pulse with life.
'The Rogue's Princess' follows the Laceys' illigitimate half-brother Kit Turner, a player in the theatre. Some what flamboyant and a bit of a loveable rogue with an eye for the ladies, Kit becomes a reformed man when he meets the pure and innocent Mercy Hart, the daughter of a rich cloth merchant. However, Kit has not had the same start in life and all the priviliges that go with it as his brothers, so he must first try to win over Mercy's Puritan father before he can claim her hand in marriage.
I love books which feature romances which make my heart flutter and skip a beat and this one certainly did! In fact, all of the books in the series have incredible romances at the root of their stories. I enjoyed seeing the way in which Kit woos Mercy and makes her fall in love with him. Their courtship is pure but also full of longing looks, gentle kises and unswerving devotion.
Many familiar faces are featured throughout, including Will and Jamie Lacey, plus Milly and her new husband Diego. The youngest Lacey brother Tobias also has a signiciant part to play in the plot and I'm keeping my fingers firmly crossed that there wll be a fourth book based around Tobias finally meeting a nice girl of his own.
As the story is set in 1586, there are also glimpses of some real life historical figures such as the playwright from Statford, William Shakespeare. I love the way so many historical details and touches from the past have been interwoven, such as the plot to remove Elizabeth from the throne and reinstate Mary. Eve Edwards has done so much research to make sure that all the details of ther period are accurate and true.
I have to also briefly mention the beautiful cover art for this book too which really stands out from other YA historical fiction series. It's absolutely gorgeous and a treat to have on my bookshelves.
Let yourself by swept away by 'The Rogue's Princess' and surrender to the past as Eve Edwards works her magical storytelling skills on you!
'The Rogue's Princess' follows the Laceys' illigitimate half-brother Kit Turner, a player in the theatre. Some what flamboyant and a bit of a loveable rogue with an eye for the ladies, Kit becomes a reformed man when he meets the pure and innocent Mercy Hart, the daughter of a rich cloth merchant. However, Kit has not had the same start in life and all the priviliges that go with it as his brothers, so he must first try to win over Mercy's Puritan father before he can claim her hand in marriage.
I love books which feature romances which make my heart flutter and skip a beat and this one certainly did! In fact, all of the books in the series have incredible romances at the root of their stories. I enjoyed seeing the way in which Kit woos Mercy and makes her fall in love with him. Their courtship is pure but also full of longing looks, gentle kises and unswerving devotion.
Many familiar faces are featured throughout, including Will and Jamie Lacey, plus Milly and her new husband Diego. The youngest Lacey brother Tobias also has a signiciant part to play in the plot and I'm keeping my fingers firmly crossed that there wll be a fourth book based around Tobias finally meeting a nice girl of his own.
As the story is set in 1586, there are also glimpses of some real life historical figures such as the playwright from Statford, William Shakespeare. I love the way so many historical details and touches from the past have been interwoven, such as the plot to remove Elizabeth from the throne and reinstate Mary. Eve Edwards has done so much research to make sure that all the details of ther period are accurate and true.
I have to also briefly mention the beautiful cover art for this book too which really stands out from other YA historical fiction series. It's absolutely gorgeous and a treat to have on my bookshelves.
Let yourself by swept away by 'The Rogue's Princess' and surrender to the past as Eve Edwards works her magical storytelling skills on you!
January 7, 2013
Historical romances are one of my favorite genres, but I never read YA historical romance all that often. So when I saw The Rogue Princess, I was super excited to get into it and see if I would enjoy it as much as I enjoy the adult version of the genre.
Mercy is the sixteen-year-old daughter of a very rich, very religious, cloth merchant. Growing up in such a strict household, Mercy has led a life of respecting God and making it her mission to adhere to her religious laws. Kit, however, is quite the opposite. Kit is an actor, seen as a devilish act in the eyes of the church, who engages in drinking and other "sinful" deeds. But when he first lays eyes on Mercy, he's a goner. Kit tries to turn his life around so that Mercy's father will accept him, but can he sway such a religious man into allowing him to marry the love of his life?
I really did enjoy the historical romance aspect of this story, but I just could not connect with Mercy as a character. She seemed very naive and her obsession with pleasing God and avoiding sin just got a tad bit annoying after awhile. Also, I am not a big fan of super long prologues, and the one in this book went on for twenty pages. Now that may not be long to some people, but I just wanted to get to the story already. The other part that bugged me was the insta-love between Mercy and Kit. As soon as their eyes met, they had fallen in love. I wish there was more conversation and courting before they decided that they couldn't live without each other.
While those aspects of the book were turnoffs, I really did enjoy the whole context and story of the book. I loved how Kit was an actor and actually acted with William Shakespeare. That part of the plot was really cool and the part about how theater was so looked down upon at that time. Also, I really loved Mercy's grandmother and Aunt. They were great characters, but I don't like it when I start enjoying the parts about the secondary characters far more than the main character. So while the historical part of the book was spot on and fun to read, the romance and main characters just didn't do it for me.
Mercy is the sixteen-year-old daughter of a very rich, very religious, cloth merchant. Growing up in such a strict household, Mercy has led a life of respecting God and making it her mission to adhere to her religious laws. Kit, however, is quite the opposite. Kit is an actor, seen as a devilish act in the eyes of the church, who engages in drinking and other "sinful" deeds. But when he first lays eyes on Mercy, he's a goner. Kit tries to turn his life around so that Mercy's father will accept him, but can he sway such a religious man into allowing him to marry the love of his life?
I really did enjoy the historical romance aspect of this story, but I just could not connect with Mercy as a character. She seemed very naive and her obsession with pleasing God and avoiding sin just got a tad bit annoying after awhile. Also, I am not a big fan of super long prologues, and the one in this book went on for twenty pages. Now that may not be long to some people, but I just wanted to get to the story already. The other part that bugged me was the insta-love between Mercy and Kit. As soon as their eyes met, they had fallen in love. I wish there was more conversation and courting before they decided that they couldn't live without each other.
While those aspects of the book were turnoffs, I really did enjoy the whole context and story of the book. I loved how Kit was an actor and actually acted with William Shakespeare. That part of the plot was really cool and the part about how theater was so looked down upon at that time. Also, I really loved Mercy's grandmother and Aunt. They were great characters, but I don't like it when I start enjoying the parts about the secondary characters far more than the main character. So while the historical part of the book was spot on and fun to read, the romance and main characters just didn't do it for me.
July 18, 2011
As with her earlier Elizabethan stories (The Last Countess and The Queen's Lady), Eve Edwards has kept her story deceptively simple and, at heart, rather predictable. Kit and Mercy are clearly destined to be together and there are no real surprises in store on that count – however, it is the subtly clever roads that Edwards leads her characters down that make her stories so completely readable. While it could be argued that the romance in The Rogue's Princess is rather rushed, it's speedy commencement merely leaves room to add in more interesting aspects. Elizabeth I still looms large over London and has become increasingly paranoid in recent times. While her Scottish cousin, Mary, languishes under lock and key the Queen is determined to hunt down any who oppose her and it is into these choppy and dangerous political times that Kit and Mercy, as well as the Lacey's find themselves wading.
As previously, Eve Edwards has the ability to weave fascinating history into the lightest of stories and yet never veer towards incongruity. In addition to the political scene of the day, she has added the usual wealth of historical detail – her descriptions of fashions, living conditions and societal expectations continue to be a delight to read. Equally, her characters are beautifully drawn from the central twosome and familiar Lacey's to master Player Burbage and a dubiously hopeful young playwright going by the name of Will Shakespeare. As with The Other Countess and The Queen's Lady, I sat down to read The Rogue's Princess with some doubt in my mind – as I keep insisting, historical fiction just isn't my bag, baby - yet it is impossible to not be drawn into these charming stories that are on one hand gloriously fluffy and on the other intriguingly interesting, I will certainly be reading whatever comes next.
(full review available at www.mountainsofinstead.blogspot.com)
As previously, Eve Edwards has the ability to weave fascinating history into the lightest of stories and yet never veer towards incongruity. In addition to the political scene of the day, she has added the usual wealth of historical detail – her descriptions of fashions, living conditions and societal expectations continue to be a delight to read. Equally, her characters are beautifully drawn from the central twosome and familiar Lacey's to master Player Burbage and a dubiously hopeful young playwright going by the name of Will Shakespeare. As with The Other Countess and The Queen's Lady, I sat down to read The Rogue's Princess with some doubt in my mind – as I keep insisting, historical fiction just isn't my bag, baby - yet it is impossible to not be drawn into these charming stories that are on one hand gloriously fluffy and on the other intriguingly interesting, I will certainly be reading whatever comes next.
(full review available at www.mountainsofinstead.blogspot.com)
February 19, 2012
After enjoying the simple romance of The Other Countess and The Queen's Lady, I thought The Rogue's Princess would be a worthwhile read. Even though it's not out in the U.S. yet, I was able to find a decently-priced copy on American soil, so I decided I might as well give it a try.
The Rogue's Princess follows the adventures of Mercy Hart, the daughter of a rich London merchant, and a man who strictly follows the new Puritan religion to the letter. With such a strong religious background, it's difficult for Mercy's father, and Mercy herself, to accept her romance with Kit Turner, an actor and illegitimate relation to the Lacey family. Though she has fallen desperately in love with Kit, it goes against everything Mercy has been raised to believe.
As soon as I opened up The Rogue's Princess, I was lost. All of a sudden I was introduced to a completely new group of characters in a different period than in the other two Lacey novels. In fact, the strong religious themes and the lack of cohesion with the previous novels made Rogue's Princess feel like it was a completely different book that should stand on its own. The only connection with the previous novels is Kit's obscure relation to the family, and the brief appearance of some of the Lacey clan, but even that seemed forced.
It's best to think of this novel as completely separate from the others, but still along the vein of simple YA-oriented romance with a Tudor backdrop (but instead of Henry Tudor, we have Elizabeth Tudor) -though now it's peppered with Puritan religious fervor and a hint of the theatre (plus an appearance by William Shakespeare). I wouldn't say Rogue's Princess was a let down, but it really threw me due to the lack of cohesion, but if you enjoyed the first two books, you'll like this one.
The Rogue's Princess follows the adventures of Mercy Hart, the daughter of a rich London merchant, and a man who strictly follows the new Puritan religion to the letter. With such a strong religious background, it's difficult for Mercy's father, and Mercy herself, to accept her romance with Kit Turner, an actor and illegitimate relation to the Lacey family. Though she has fallen desperately in love with Kit, it goes against everything Mercy has been raised to believe.
As soon as I opened up The Rogue's Princess, I was lost. All of a sudden I was introduced to a completely new group of characters in a different period than in the other two Lacey novels. In fact, the strong religious themes and the lack of cohesion with the previous novels made Rogue's Princess feel like it was a completely different book that should stand on its own. The only connection with the previous novels is Kit's obscure relation to the family, and the brief appearance of some of the Lacey clan, but even that seemed forced.
It's best to think of this novel as completely separate from the others, but still along the vein of simple YA-oriented romance with a Tudor backdrop (but instead of Henry Tudor, we have Elizabeth Tudor) -though now it's peppered with Puritan religious fervor and a hint of the theatre (plus an appearance by William Shakespeare). I wouldn't say Rogue's Princess was a let down, but it really threw me due to the lack of cohesion, but if you enjoyed the first two books, you'll like this one.
August 14, 2011
I just fell in love with this book. It was absolutley amazing. It was the first period book i became addicted to. Even though i read the 3rd book before the first few. Set in Elizabethan England it seems to paint a perfect picture of what life was like with the same ideas thought of at the time. An enchanting love story with shocking sections others beautiful. A great variety of chapters. I also love the puritin angle used. Deffintaly will continue reading the Lacey brothers series. It may not be that long at only just over 200pgs but those few pages were amazing. Well done Eve.
October 22, 2011
It's funny reading this now, because I read Other Countess and Queen's Lady ages ago, so Will, Ellie, James and Jane are all strangers to me. But now I've read this and Queen's Lady, Other Countess seems a bit pathetic, which is funny cos when I read that I loved it.
I hope she writes one about Tobias, cos he's my favourite Lacey brother. (Blushes) I never liked Kit before reading this but he's grown on me, and I don't really like Will. But James and Tobias are cool.
I hope she writes one about Tobias, cos he's my favourite Lacey brother. (Blushes) I never liked Kit before reading this but he's grown on me, and I don't really like Will. But James and Tobias are cool.
August 24, 2011
T'was not as good as the other books
January 23, 2018
I don't remember reading the first two books of this series, and I only read this one to finish it. I know I should have been firmly on Mercy and Kit's side, but they seemed ridiculous. I think I would have liked it better if they didn't seem so foolish.
First of all, the prologue seems like an after thought. As if the author completed the book but needed to explain aspects of her characters behavior. It was unnecessary.
Kit. The only thing good about him seems to be his looks. He's a liar from the start with Mercy, a fact she quickly ignores. He's a schemer. He plots and maneuvers her innocence into getting a kiss. He disregards her morals and hesitancy for his own gratification. The very next day he's staring at a barmaids chest with his friends. When Mercy doesn't wait for him after discovering his deceit, instead of trying to understand her pain he is determined to go flirt in a bar. And how on earth does he think it will go, confronting her father at church? When he goes too far when kissing her and she protests, he mocks her. When she gets upset he uses his height to intimidate her. Instead of respecting her morals and decisions he 'teaches' her. A private engagement didn't equal marriage, and especially back then a wise girl would wait for things to be official. At one point Mercy says, "you were treating me with care and respect; I was the one to go too far with my reaction." I could not disagree more.
Mercy's father, John. He is judged way too harshly. When Kit first comes to him he is understandably upset, and he has a good point. Mercy and Kit spent one evening together, after which they were both sure they were in love. Kit did know she was rich, in fact had vowed to target her for his boss. He can't just pretend that wasn't a factor to John now. And how is it Rose dares be mad at John? Deeply religious, he still made a place for her in his home. Even though she openly disregards his beliefs and treats his blameless older daughter with derision, he made a place for his sister in law for years, even as he provides a home for her mother. When facing a family crisis he asks her leave, but doesn't kick her out. He's willing to provide for her, he simply is exercising his right as a father to determine who is a daily influence on his children. When he inquires about ow Rose is doing, even Mercy admits his personality is more about forgiveness than punishment, and Rose admits he is never cruel to his kids.
Things that annoyed me:
Faith-the saintly sister who everyone ignores and treats badly. She deserves better.
Why would Mercy have freckles anywhere but her face, as Kit daydreams?
The play on Mercy's name got to be intolerable.
Mercy complaining about not being allowed to be with Kit, while also so young she couldn't get married without her father's consent.
First of all, the prologue seems like an after thought. As if the author completed the book but needed to explain aspects of her characters behavior. It was unnecessary.
Kit. The only thing good about him seems to be his looks. He's a liar from the start with Mercy, a fact she quickly ignores. He's a schemer. He plots and maneuvers her innocence into getting a kiss. He disregards her morals and hesitancy for his own gratification. The very next day he's staring at a barmaids chest with his friends. When Mercy doesn't wait for him after discovering his deceit, instead of trying to understand her pain he is determined to go flirt in a bar. And how on earth does he think it will go, confronting her father at church? When he goes too far when kissing her and she protests, he mocks her. When she gets upset he uses his height to intimidate her. Instead of respecting her morals and decisions he 'teaches' her. A private engagement didn't equal marriage, and especially back then a wise girl would wait for things to be official. At one point Mercy says, "you were treating me with care and respect; I was the one to go too far with my reaction." I could not disagree more.
Mercy's father, John. He is judged way too harshly. When Kit first comes to him he is understandably upset, and he has a good point. Mercy and Kit spent one evening together, after which they were both sure they were in love. Kit did know she was rich, in fact had vowed to target her for his boss. He can't just pretend that wasn't a factor to John now. And how is it Rose dares be mad at John? Deeply religious, he still made a place for her in his home. Even though she openly disregards his beliefs and treats his blameless older daughter with derision, he made a place for his sister in law for years, even as he provides a home for her mother. When facing a family crisis he asks her leave, but doesn't kick her out. He's willing to provide for her, he simply is exercising his right as a father to determine who is a daily influence on his children. When he inquires about ow Rose is doing, even Mercy admits his personality is more about forgiveness than punishment, and Rose admits he is never cruel to his kids.
Things that annoyed me:
Faith-the saintly sister who everyone ignores and treats badly. She deserves better.
Why would Mercy have freckles anywhere but her face, as Kit daydreams?
The play on Mercy's name got to be intolerable.
Mercy complaining about not being allowed to be with Kit, while also so young she couldn't get married without her father's consent.
April 3, 2018
In this book we are introduced to pretty much brand new characters, although we had met Kit Turner in the previous novel, we had not been allowed to get to know him, and the characters of him, and of Mercy Hart, and their friends and family were interesting and likeable, like always.
The change of primary setting from court and the homes of the nobility, to the centre of London and the theatre is am exciting change, as it allows us to meet different types of people, and gain a wider experience of the Elizabethan world.
By this point at the series, the reader is able to see significant character development in the recurring characters, making the characters seem more real and relatable
The change of primary setting from court and the homes of the nobility, to the centre of London and the theatre is am exciting change, as it allows us to meet different types of people, and gain a wider experience of the Elizabethan world.
By this point at the series, the reader is able to see significant character development in the recurring characters, making the characters seem more real and relatable
June 20, 2017
I think this one is my favorite in the chronicles.
May 24, 2021
Don't read if you hate the love-at-first-sight trope, because this book is exactly that.
December 28, 2021
kit very h-word. grandma best character!! she is an icon
November 28, 2024
Leuk verhaal. Historische personen gebruiken, zeker als ze maar 31 jaar worden.
March 23, 2017
Very cute!
Ok, I don't read tons of YA romances, too corny. But the books in this series were fun. I like all the brothers, Will, James, Tobias, and Kit. Kit and Tobias' story was especially fun. This book was just cute.
Ok, I don't read tons of YA romances, too corny. But the books in this series were fun. I like all the brothers, Will, James, Tobias, and Kit. Kit and Tobias' story was especially fun. This book was just cute.
January 16, 2013
I often read adult historical romance, but it wasn't until I read Eve Edwards' The Other Countess, the first in the Lacey Chronicles that I really liked YA historical romance. I quickly fell in love with Edwards' writing, which manages to stay surprisingly true to history while adding a contemporary undertone that seems to alleviate the dryness that can easily dissuade readers (like me) from picking up historically accurate novels.
This particular installment of the Lacey Chronicles focuses on Kit, the illegitimate brother of the three (legitimate) Lacey brothers: Will, Tobias, and James. The three brothers are introduced in the first book, but, not having read the second book, The Queen's Lady, this was my first real encounter with Kit.
Being illegitimate, Kit has lived a much different life than his brothers. He hasn't had the easiest life and, when the reader meets him, he's earning his living as an actor among the troupe that will eventually become the favorite of Queen Elizabeth I, Lord Chamberlain's Men. Though he does appear a bit flamboyant at the start, Kit definitely is more steadfast and serious than first appearances let on. though his love for the innocent Mercy might seem a bit improbable at first, he never wavers. My only issue with this is that the reader isn't really given a compelling reason for his devotion. The reader knows there's more to Mercy than prayers and minding her father, but Kit's love seems to be based solely on her pretty face and other... endowments.
Still, Kit does make some rather drastic changes to give Mercy what he believes she deserves. In ways, his transformation mirrors that of Orlando in As You Like It. At first, Kit only shows his love through flowery verses and complimentary words, but he eventually learns that real love takes means much more and takes steps to clean up his life and prove he's serious about Mercy. He doesn't give up things that are fundamental parts of his life that he loves (like the theater or his flashy fashion choices), but he give up rowdy nights at the tavern and stops squandering his money.
Mercy is an interesting character. Raised in a very strict Puritan household, she spends most of her days punishing herself for impure and rebellious thoughts. And she definitely has impure thoughts about the dashing Kit... She falls for him before she's aware he's an actor and, therefore, someone her father would never approve of and she's been raised to regard as un-Christian. Kit, his lifestyle, and her feelings challenge her upbringing and everything she's ever known. I was proud of Mercy for standing up to her father and following her heart to Kit, while still staying true to herself and her religion.
Though religion plays a big part in understanding Mercy and her actions, it isn't overbearing. Instead it just feels natural and true to the time period.
The Lacey Chronicles are set directly before Elizabeth I takes the throne and are pre-Shakespeare (though he does make an appearance or two in this book), I time time period I've always been fascinated with, and I find that Edwards does a phenomenal job at portraying this time period. The Rogue's Princess is a historical romance, but it also incorporates political and religious conflict in interesting ways, simultaneously entertaining and teaching.
This particular installment of the Lacey Chronicles focuses on Kit, the illegitimate brother of the three (legitimate) Lacey brothers: Will, Tobias, and James. The three brothers are introduced in the first book, but, not having read the second book, The Queen's Lady, this was my first real encounter with Kit.
Being illegitimate, Kit has lived a much different life than his brothers. He hasn't had the easiest life and, when the reader meets him, he's earning his living as an actor among the troupe that will eventually become the favorite of Queen Elizabeth I, Lord Chamberlain's Men. Though he does appear a bit flamboyant at the start, Kit definitely is more steadfast and serious than first appearances let on. though his love for the innocent Mercy might seem a bit improbable at first, he never wavers. My only issue with this is that the reader isn't really given a compelling reason for his devotion. The reader knows there's more to Mercy than prayers and minding her father, but Kit's love seems to be based solely on her pretty face and other... endowments.
Still, Kit does make some rather drastic changes to give Mercy what he believes she deserves. In ways, his transformation mirrors that of Orlando in As You Like It. At first, Kit only shows his love through flowery verses and complimentary words, but he eventually learns that real love takes means much more and takes steps to clean up his life and prove he's serious about Mercy. He doesn't give up things that are fundamental parts of his life that he loves (like the theater or his flashy fashion choices), but he give up rowdy nights at the tavern and stops squandering his money.
Mercy is an interesting character. Raised in a very strict Puritan household, she spends most of her days punishing herself for impure and rebellious thoughts. And she definitely has impure thoughts about the dashing Kit... She falls for him before she's aware he's an actor and, therefore, someone her father would never approve of and she's been raised to regard as un-Christian. Kit, his lifestyle, and her feelings challenge her upbringing and everything she's ever known. I was proud of Mercy for standing up to her father and following her heart to Kit, while still staying true to herself and her religion.
Though religion plays a big part in understanding Mercy and her actions, it isn't overbearing. Instead it just feels natural and true to the time period.
The Lacey Chronicles are set directly before Elizabeth I takes the throne and are pre-Shakespeare (though he does make an appearance or two in this book), I time time period I've always been fascinated with, and I find that Edwards does a phenomenal job at portraying this time period. The Rogue's Princess is a historical romance, but it also incorporates political and religious conflict in interesting ways, simultaneously entertaining and teaching.
August 16, 2012
This book is the third in the Lacey Chronicles by Eve Edwards. It follows along after The Other Countess and The Queen’s Lady, this time focusing on the illegitimate son of the late Earl of Dorset (the first two followed his sons Will and James).
The book starts off with an earthquake which causes Mercy to believe it is her fault because she wasn’t really listening to her father’s prayers. It seems silly, but she is ten at the time and is from a God-fearing family.
I am not too fond of books that have to do with Christianity (although I myself am a Christian). This book is an exception. Yes, it does mention God a fair bit, but it isn’t like it centres around Him. Mercy’s father is very religious so of course Mercy believes that God plays a large part in her life. Kit on the other hand, doesn’t tend to go to church and isn’t even really religious.
Anyways, the characters. Mercy… I like her. She is described as pretty, although she dresses herself in plain clothes as punishment for the earthquake. She is a God-fearing girl who barely ever thinks of herself. She reminds me of that one friend that your mom wants you to hang out with because she is a good influence.
Kit, oh my! In The Queen’s Lady we meet Kit (I can’t remember if he was in the first book), and I fell in love with him. He is an actor and pretty much is just the best character I have ever read. Ever since I first read The Witch of Blackbird Pond those many years ago, I was in love with the name Kit… for a girl. When I found out this character was called Kit, I was a bit iffy (I’m still not really sure why they call him that since his name is Christopher). Kit dresses in bright, loud clothing and has his ear pierced – not something a father would exactly look of in his future son-in-law; especially a strict, religious father. Kit is swoon worth, I must admit.
Tobias is also a favourite of mine. He is Kit’s younger brother who left the Lacey manor to stay with his half-brother. Tobias doesn’t really think before he acts, but I think at the end he has matured a lot. I really hope there will a novel about him too!
Mercy’s grandmother is a hoot, gaining more than a few chuckles from me. She also was the only one in Mercy’s family (besides her aunt) who agreed that Kit was a good man for her.
At the beginning of the book I detested Mercy’s father, John. He was much too hard on her when it came to Kit, but I guess that is expected. She is his baby girl and Kit, as I said before, is not what one would look for in his son-in-law. In the end I was fond of John and was glad that he wasn’t as much of a jerk as I thought he was.
The plot was nice, although I am not really one to believe in love-at-first-sight. To me Kit fell too hard and fast for Mercy. I loved the scenes between them, but at their first meeting they pretty much had to be pried apart.
This is a really good book, truly. I enjoyed all of the books in the Lacey Chronicles and I hope that we can see another one.
This book is pretty clean. I don’t think there was any swearing (there might have been two or three if any), but there was kissing and a few gropes. ;)
THe full review can be found at: http://www.wrote-with-love.blogspot.com
The book starts off with an earthquake which causes Mercy to believe it is her fault because she wasn’t really listening to her father’s prayers. It seems silly, but she is ten at the time and is from a God-fearing family.
I am not too fond of books that have to do with Christianity (although I myself am a Christian). This book is an exception. Yes, it does mention God a fair bit, but it isn’t like it centres around Him. Mercy’s father is very religious so of course Mercy believes that God plays a large part in her life. Kit on the other hand, doesn’t tend to go to church and isn’t even really religious.
Anyways, the characters. Mercy… I like her. She is described as pretty, although she dresses herself in plain clothes as punishment for the earthquake. She is a God-fearing girl who barely ever thinks of herself. She reminds me of that one friend that your mom wants you to hang out with because she is a good influence.
Kit, oh my! In The Queen’s Lady we meet Kit (I can’t remember if he was in the first book), and I fell in love with him. He is an actor and pretty much is just the best character I have ever read. Ever since I first read The Witch of Blackbird Pond those many years ago, I was in love with the name Kit… for a girl. When I found out this character was called Kit, I was a bit iffy (I’m still not really sure why they call him that since his name is Christopher). Kit dresses in bright, loud clothing and has his ear pierced – not something a father would exactly look of in his future son-in-law; especially a strict, religious father. Kit is swoon worth, I must admit.
Tobias is also a favourite of mine. He is Kit’s younger brother who left the Lacey manor to stay with his half-brother. Tobias doesn’t really think before he acts, but I think at the end he has matured a lot. I really hope there will a novel about him too!
Mercy’s grandmother is a hoot, gaining more than a few chuckles from me. She also was the only one in Mercy’s family (besides her aunt) who agreed that Kit was a good man for her.
At the beginning of the book I detested Mercy’s father, John. He was much too hard on her when it came to Kit, but I guess that is expected. She is his baby girl and Kit, as I said before, is not what one would look for in his son-in-law. In the end I was fond of John and was glad that he wasn’t as much of a jerk as I thought he was.
The plot was nice, although I am not really one to believe in love-at-first-sight. To me Kit fell too hard and fast for Mercy. I loved the scenes between them, but at their first meeting they pretty much had to be pried apart.
This is a really good book, truly. I enjoyed all of the books in the Lacey Chronicles and I hope that we can see another one.
This book is pretty clean. I don’t think there was any swearing (there might have been two or three if any), but there was kissing and a few gropes. ;)
THe full review can be found at: http://www.wrote-with-love.blogspot.com
November 16, 2015
England, 1586
Mercy Hart, daughter of one of London's wealthiest and most devout cloth merchants, is expected to marry her equal in rank and piety. Certainly not Kit Turner, a lowly actor and playboy, who also happens to be the late Earl of Dorset's illegitimate son. But when a chance encounter throws them together, Kit instantly falls for the beautiful Mercy's charms . . . and Mercy can't deny the passion that Kit stirs within her. She seems ready to defy her father's wishes--ready to renounce her family and her family name for true love.
Then Kit finds himself accused treason.
Will Mercy have the strength to stand by him? Or will she succumb to pressure and break his heart?
Another historical novel from the same series. This story follows Kit, the current Earl of Dorset’s half brother. He is a playboy which in those times meant that he used to act which was not respected in England by people who were higher in rank.
The girl in the story was Mercy Hart who is the daughter of a wealthy merchant. She lived in a god-fearing family. She had extremely conservative views and her family wanted her to marry someone in her rank as well as someone who was as devoted as her family was.
When a chance encounter at Mercy’s best friend’s house throws them together, they find themselves falling in love. Even knowing the other’s reputation, the two of them were willing to risk everything and change their normal lifestyle to have a life together.
Then Kit was wrongly accused for treason. Mercy stood by him through a lot of confusion because their love was that strong and Mercy loved him too much to let him go.
What I liked about this story was that the author really emphasised on the social standings in that time. In historical fiction, it is very important to make the readers understand that time without confusing them because the readers are living in a very different time zone and they don’t understand some aspects of the past. Especially as far behind as this.
Kit was an amazing character. The way he had a the strength to compromise and realise that he needed to do something with his life to be able to support the family and he changed for Mercy. He really did which I think shows strength in character.
Mercy as well was not blinded by her family’s views even though she was living with them all her life. It is very easy to be brainwashed by your family and be confused by what is right and what is wrong but she was not. When she fell in love, she knew what her family was doing was wrong. Especially how they were treating Kit. They treated him as if he was below them which is wrong. He just had an unlucky hand in life which nobody should be blamed for.
I think Eve Edwards is a great historical fiction writer and she should write more books and I will be willing to read it because she is a good writer. Based on her other books, I liked all of them mostly the same because the style is exactly the same and the plots are connected in some way or another.
I would recommend this series to my friends because this is a book, that even if you don’t like historical fiction, you would like this book because it is light enough to read.
Mercy Hart, daughter of one of London's wealthiest and most devout cloth merchants, is expected to marry her equal in rank and piety. Certainly not Kit Turner, a lowly actor and playboy, who also happens to be the late Earl of Dorset's illegitimate son. But when a chance encounter throws them together, Kit instantly falls for the beautiful Mercy's charms . . . and Mercy can't deny the passion that Kit stirs within her. She seems ready to defy her father's wishes--ready to renounce her family and her family name for true love.
Then Kit finds himself accused treason.
Will Mercy have the strength to stand by him? Or will she succumb to pressure and break his heart?
Another historical novel from the same series. This story follows Kit, the current Earl of Dorset’s half brother. He is a playboy which in those times meant that he used to act which was not respected in England by people who were higher in rank.
The girl in the story was Mercy Hart who is the daughter of a wealthy merchant. She lived in a god-fearing family. She had extremely conservative views and her family wanted her to marry someone in her rank as well as someone who was as devoted as her family was.
When a chance encounter at Mercy’s best friend’s house throws them together, they find themselves falling in love. Even knowing the other’s reputation, the two of them were willing to risk everything and change their normal lifestyle to have a life together.
Then Kit was wrongly accused for treason. Mercy stood by him through a lot of confusion because their love was that strong and Mercy loved him too much to let him go.
What I liked about this story was that the author really emphasised on the social standings in that time. In historical fiction, it is very important to make the readers understand that time without confusing them because the readers are living in a very different time zone and they don’t understand some aspects of the past. Especially as far behind as this.
Kit was an amazing character. The way he had a the strength to compromise and realise that he needed to do something with his life to be able to support the family and he changed for Mercy. He really did which I think shows strength in character.
Mercy as well was not blinded by her family’s views even though she was living with them all her life. It is very easy to be brainwashed by your family and be confused by what is right and what is wrong but she was not. When she fell in love, she knew what her family was doing was wrong. Especially how they were treating Kit. They treated him as if he was below them which is wrong. He just had an unlucky hand in life which nobody should be blamed for.
I think Eve Edwards is a great historical fiction writer and she should write more books and I will be willing to read it because she is a good writer. Based on her other books, I liked all of them mostly the same because the style is exactly the same and the plots are connected in some way or another.
I would recommend this series to my friends because this is a book, that even if you don’t like historical fiction, you would like this book because it is light enough to read.
August 22, 2011
This review was written for The Review Diaries: http://reviewdiaries.blogspot.com/201...
Eve Edwards Elizabethan romance series – how do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
1) The research that has gone into these. So often historical romance these days is riddled with modernisms, that make you feel like you’ve just been catapulted back to the twenty first century at a most unfortunate moment. Edwards has done so much research it makes my head spin. Not only are the clothes and speech spot on, but the whole feel of the place is just perfect. It’s the first time I’ve read a well-researched Elizabethan young adult series that has remained consistent throughout.
2) The boys. We’re faced with a family of roguish, but not too much, brothers, and boy are they handsome. It’s not just all about the looks though, they’re simply so romantic, and they do the most romantic things, and it makes me grin like an idiot if I’m reading in public.
3) Spunky female characters. The first two books had fabulous headstrong, independent women who knew what they wanted, but also knew what was realistic. They weren’t afraid to fight for what they wanted, yet they still function within the social confines of the day. Edwards treads a very fine line with her girls, and it’s a thing of beauty to watch. However, I wasn’t so fussed on Mercy in this book. She was so meek and downtrodden. She does eventually learn to stand up for what she wants, but it takes her a while to see how under her father’s influence she really is. So it took me a while to warm up to her, and her transformation was quite sudden, but she was a good strong character that was believable, if not entirely my cup of tea.
4) It’s not all about the romance. This has been true to a degree in the first two books, but it has never been so apparent as in this one. The romance was a nice slow burn – it gave the ‘love at first sight’ a more believable undercurrent, because it stands the test of all the things that happen to them. But the romance almost takes a backseat to the history happening around them. The plot on the Queens life is superbly constructed and fits in brilliantly with the lovers rocky road to happiness. There is so much more to these books than a pretty boy and a swooning girl – there is danger and politics and a whole mix of realism that just makes these books a cut above the rest.
5) The fact that in amongst all that there is still at the heart a beautiful fluffy romance. These are just on the cusp of Young Adult – there’s a little bit more than kissing, but no hanky panky that would mark these as unsuitable; I’d probably say 14 and above would enjoy this.
Edwards does fluff, she does the beautiful poetic moments and the ones that make you melt. Kit really was a true romantic, showing that even the most devilish rogue can change his ways for the love of his life.
I love this series, I cannot recommend it enough to anyone who is after a beautifully written and researched historical romance for young adult. I just hope that now Tobias has grown up we get a book out of him… And then maybe the youngest Lacey…
Eve Edwards Elizabethan romance series – how do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
1) The research that has gone into these. So often historical romance these days is riddled with modernisms, that make you feel like you’ve just been catapulted back to the twenty first century at a most unfortunate moment. Edwards has done so much research it makes my head spin. Not only are the clothes and speech spot on, but the whole feel of the place is just perfect. It’s the first time I’ve read a well-researched Elizabethan young adult series that has remained consistent throughout.
2) The boys. We’re faced with a family of roguish, but not too much, brothers, and boy are they handsome. It’s not just all about the looks though, they’re simply so romantic, and they do the most romantic things, and it makes me grin like an idiot if I’m reading in public.
3) Spunky female characters. The first two books had fabulous headstrong, independent women who knew what they wanted, but also knew what was realistic. They weren’t afraid to fight for what they wanted, yet they still function within the social confines of the day. Edwards treads a very fine line with her girls, and it’s a thing of beauty to watch. However, I wasn’t so fussed on Mercy in this book. She was so meek and downtrodden. She does eventually learn to stand up for what she wants, but it takes her a while to see how under her father’s influence she really is. So it took me a while to warm up to her, and her transformation was quite sudden, but she was a good strong character that was believable, if not entirely my cup of tea.
4) It’s not all about the romance. This has been true to a degree in the first two books, but it has never been so apparent as in this one. The romance was a nice slow burn – it gave the ‘love at first sight’ a more believable undercurrent, because it stands the test of all the things that happen to them. But the romance almost takes a backseat to the history happening around them. The plot on the Queens life is superbly constructed and fits in brilliantly with the lovers rocky road to happiness. There is so much more to these books than a pretty boy and a swooning girl – there is danger and politics and a whole mix of realism that just makes these books a cut above the rest.
5) The fact that in amongst all that there is still at the heart a beautiful fluffy romance. These are just on the cusp of Young Adult – there’s a little bit more than kissing, but no hanky panky that would mark these as unsuitable; I’d probably say 14 and above would enjoy this.
Edwards does fluff, she does the beautiful poetic moments and the ones that make you melt. Kit really was a true romantic, showing that even the most devilish rogue can change his ways for the love of his life.
I love this series, I cannot recommend it enough to anyone who is after a beautifully written and researched historical romance for young adult. I just hope that now Tobias has grown up we get a book out of him… And then maybe the youngest Lacey…
April 13, 2014
Eve Edwards w każdym tomie Kronik rodu Lacey przybliża losy innego z braci. Jednak w Grze o miłość to nie najmłodszy Tobias będzie głównym bohaterem, a jego przyrodni brat – Kit Turner. Jako syn z nieprawego łoża nie cieszył się przywilejami hrabiowskiego syna, a los skierował go na drogę aktorstwa.
Mercy Hart jest córką bogatego kupca, zagorzałego purytanina i człowieka o bardzo sztywnym kręgosłupie moralnym. Pech chciał, że na swojej drodze spotkała aktora, lekkoducha niegodnego jej ręki i oczywiście to właśnie jemu postanowiła oddać swoje serce. Aby połączyć się z ukochanym, Mercy będzie musiała wyrzec się własnego nazwiska, na co z pewnością nie jest gotowa. Jednak i to nie będzie oznaczało końca problemów tej dwójki, bo prawdziwe problemy dopiero przed nimi...
Eve Edwards trzyma się wcześniej wytyczonej ścieżki. Problematyczna miłość, intryga oraz polityczny spisek, z naciskiem na ten ostatni. Gra o miłość została umiejscowiona w roku 1586, czyli dokładnie wtedy, kiedy na jaw wyszedł spisek, mający na celu uwolnienie królowej Szkotów i osadzenie jej na angielskim tronie. Afera polityczna stała się bardzo interesującym tłem do wydarzeń opisywanych przez Edwards i to – w mojej ocenie – najmocniejszy punkt powieści. Główny wątek niestety mnie nie przekonał. Mercy okazała się naiwną gąską, która w porywie młodzieńczej miłości buntuje się przeciwko rodzinie i myśli, że sama zawojuje świat. Kit stracił cały swój urok bawidamka znanego z poprzedniej części, bo gdy tylko trafiła go strzała Amora, zaczął rozsądniej patrzeć na życie. Stał się przez to nudny i trochę bezbarwny. Perypetie tej dwójki nie zainteresowały mnie tak bardzo, jak w przypadku innych braci Lacey. Uczucie Mercy i Kita było bardzo naiwne i nieco cukierkowe, mimo poważnych problemów, jakim musieli stawić czoła. Fabułę uratował polityczny spisek, w który zamieszany był Turner oraz jego praca w teatrze, gdzie jednym z aktorów był sam William Shakespeare. Oczywiście nie zabrakło tutaj najważniejszych postaci z poprzednich części, odgrywających już tylko epizodyczne, jednak nie pozbawione znaczenia, role.
Porównując do siebie całą serię, ta część wydaje mi się najsłabsza właśnie ze względu na nieprzekonujący wątek miłosny, który jest tym najbardziej eksponowanym w całej trylogii. Z drugiej strony tło historyczne jest niezwykle ciekawe, bo dokładnie ukazuje angielski purytanizm, uprzedzenia społeczne i wewnętrzne konflikty. Myślę, że żaden miłośnik elżbietańskiej Anglii oraz lekkich romansów historycznych nie będzie zawiedziony sięgając po Kroniki rodu Lacey. Seria łączy w sobie elementy historyczne z romansowymi, tworząc powieści relaksujące i jednocześnie naprawdę wciągające.Lekkość i subtelność pióra Edwards dopełniają całości i zachwycają swoją prostotą, która tak pięknie oddaje realia ówczesnych czasów.
Mercy Hart jest córką bogatego kupca, zagorzałego purytanina i człowieka o bardzo sztywnym kręgosłupie moralnym. Pech chciał, że na swojej drodze spotkała aktora, lekkoducha niegodnego jej ręki i oczywiście to właśnie jemu postanowiła oddać swoje serce. Aby połączyć się z ukochanym, Mercy będzie musiała wyrzec się własnego nazwiska, na co z pewnością nie jest gotowa. Jednak i to nie będzie oznaczało końca problemów tej dwójki, bo prawdziwe problemy dopiero przed nimi...
Eve Edwards trzyma się wcześniej wytyczonej ścieżki. Problematyczna miłość, intryga oraz polityczny spisek, z naciskiem na ten ostatni. Gra o miłość została umiejscowiona w roku 1586, czyli dokładnie wtedy, kiedy na jaw wyszedł spisek, mający na celu uwolnienie królowej Szkotów i osadzenie jej na angielskim tronie. Afera polityczna stała się bardzo interesującym tłem do wydarzeń opisywanych przez Edwards i to – w mojej ocenie – najmocniejszy punkt powieści. Główny wątek niestety mnie nie przekonał. Mercy okazała się naiwną gąską, która w porywie młodzieńczej miłości buntuje się przeciwko rodzinie i myśli, że sama zawojuje świat. Kit stracił cały swój urok bawidamka znanego z poprzedniej części, bo gdy tylko trafiła go strzała Amora, zaczął rozsądniej patrzeć na życie. Stał się przez to nudny i trochę bezbarwny. Perypetie tej dwójki nie zainteresowały mnie tak bardzo, jak w przypadku innych braci Lacey. Uczucie Mercy i Kita było bardzo naiwne i nieco cukierkowe, mimo poważnych problemów, jakim musieli stawić czoła. Fabułę uratował polityczny spisek, w który zamieszany był Turner oraz jego praca w teatrze, gdzie jednym z aktorów był sam William Shakespeare. Oczywiście nie zabrakło tutaj najważniejszych postaci z poprzednich części, odgrywających już tylko epizodyczne, jednak nie pozbawione znaczenia, role.
Porównując do siebie całą serię, ta część wydaje mi się najsłabsza właśnie ze względu na nieprzekonujący wątek miłosny, który jest tym najbardziej eksponowanym w całej trylogii. Z drugiej strony tło historyczne jest niezwykle ciekawe, bo dokładnie ukazuje angielski purytanizm, uprzedzenia społeczne i wewnętrzne konflikty. Myślę, że żaden miłośnik elżbietańskiej Anglii oraz lekkich romansów historycznych nie będzie zawiedziony sięgając po Kroniki rodu Lacey. Seria łączy w sobie elementy historyczne z romansowymi, tworząc powieści relaksujące i jednocześnie naprawdę wciągające.Lekkość i subtelność pióra Edwards dopełniają całości i zachwycają swoją prostotą, która tak pięknie oddaje realia ówczesnych czasów.
January 2, 2013
A true rogue, Kit won my heart with his Player's heart. He's flamboyant in his manner of dress and speech, and I would probably laugh at his outrageous outfits if I saw him in person, but I do love a good rogue. One of my favorite literary guys of all time is a rogue from a book set in a historical setting--George from Tamora Pierce's Song of the Lioness quartet. Kit is a gallant hero. He's kind and brave. No matter what is said of him, he stays true to his heart be it acting on the stage, disciplining his unruly half-brother, or pursuing the love of his life. Mercy, on the other hand, is a bit frustrating. I love her, but she's so innocent and religious that she takes offense at very small things and often takes things the wrong way. At the same time, she's a fiery little spirit and can hold her own in a fight if need be, and I loved watching her grow into a mature young lady with the strength to stand up for her beliefs. I really hope to see a fourth book about the youngest Lacey brother so that I get to see more of Mercy and how married life with Kit suits her.
Given the synopsis, I was expecting to see more of the book dedicated to Kit being accused of treason. However, the first half of the book is about Mercy and Kit mooning over each other. It works out okay, as I also expected Kit to take a while to win Mercy's heart; still, the transitions between events aren't smooth, the time skips don't flow into one another, and the romance ends up feeling rushed. While I can believe Kit being intrigued by Mercy from first sight, I didn't think that such a wordly Player could fall so hard for a girl like Mercy so quickly, especially since they don't get many chances to talk immediately after their first meeting. I would also have appreicated it if the book went into more depth on the trials that Mercy and Kit go through to reconcialiate Mercy's strict but loving father with Kit's background.
A true historical novel, this book delves into Mercy's Puritan roots and her religious conflict. There are also treasonous plots surrounding Mary, Queen of Scots, and an appearance by William Shakespeare. Though the plot is simple and generally predictable, this book is an enjoyable read overall. I haven't read the first two books in the series, but I'm definitely going to be reading them as soon as I get copies of them in my hands! I recommend this book for those who enjoy a good historical romance.
--
For more of my reviews, visit my blog Imaginary Reads.
Given the synopsis, I was expecting to see more of the book dedicated to Kit being accused of treason. However, the first half of the book is about Mercy and Kit mooning over each other. It works out okay, as I also expected Kit to take a while to win Mercy's heart; still, the transitions between events aren't smooth, the time skips don't flow into one another, and the romance ends up feeling rushed. While I can believe Kit being intrigued by Mercy from first sight, I didn't think that such a wordly Player could fall so hard for a girl like Mercy so quickly, especially since they don't get many chances to talk immediately after their first meeting. I would also have appreicated it if the book went into more depth on the trials that Mercy and Kit go through to reconcialiate Mercy's strict but loving father with Kit's background.
A true historical novel, this book delves into Mercy's Puritan roots and her religious conflict. There are also treasonous plots surrounding Mary, Queen of Scots, and an appearance by William Shakespeare. Though the plot is simple and generally predictable, this book is an enjoyable read overall. I haven't read the first two books in the series, but I'm definitely going to be reading them as soon as I get copies of them in my hands! I recommend this book for those who enjoy a good historical romance.
--
For more of my reviews, visit my blog Imaginary Reads.
January 7, 2013
I have not read the other books in the Lacey Chronicles and was pleased that each works well as a standalone. The Rogue’s Princess shares the tale of Mercy Hart and Kit Tuner. Set in 1586, this historical romance beautifully captures the tone of the times and the power of young love. While the tale was predictable the characters themselves were delightful.
Mercy Hart is the daughter of a deeply religious and wealthy cloth merchant. She strives to be pure in the eyes of the lord and to subdue her own true nature. While at a friend’s dinner party, she meets the charismatic young Kit Turner and they fall in love. She believes him to be a merchant dealing with music, but he is a player at the theater. He is shocked to learn she has never been to the theater and encourages her to form her own opinion. Before the evening is over, he asks to call upon her father so that he may court her. She agrees and the tale that unfolds is full of angst, romance, betrayal, danger and choices.
Poor Mercy, she grows up in a repressed, God fearing home and often thinks her wayward thoughts and feelings are a sin. She tries to be a good daughter and servant to the lord, but Kit awakens things in her and makes her question both her father and his religious views. Kit is the bastard son of an Earl and when his mother dies in childbirth he takes to acting at the age of fourteen. He is well respected in the theatrical community, but those in the upper class, and especially those that run in the Hart’s family circle, see the theater as the devils work. His youth and young love make him optimistic, and I really liked him. He is quite handsome, well spoken and quite determined. Other secondary characters added to the tale, and I found some of them refreshing.
Edwards weaves a delightfully accurate historical fiction. She captures the sentiments and political views of 1586 from the speech to religious views. While the romances itself was predictable, a few climatic twists placing main characters in peril had me completely enthralled as I searched for my happily-ever-after. I commend the author on how researched the period was. Her attention to details from the clothing to speech was impressive. Historical characters and events added to the tales authenticity. Even William Shakespeare was introduced. I enjoyed Edwards writing style and the flow of the tale.
I want to thank Random House for providing this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.The Sunday Post
Mercy Hart is the daughter of a deeply religious and wealthy cloth merchant. She strives to be pure in the eyes of the lord and to subdue her own true nature. While at a friend’s dinner party, she meets the charismatic young Kit Turner and they fall in love. She believes him to be a merchant dealing with music, but he is a player at the theater. He is shocked to learn she has never been to the theater and encourages her to form her own opinion. Before the evening is over, he asks to call upon her father so that he may court her. She agrees and the tale that unfolds is full of angst, romance, betrayal, danger and choices.
Poor Mercy, she grows up in a repressed, God fearing home and often thinks her wayward thoughts and feelings are a sin. She tries to be a good daughter and servant to the lord, but Kit awakens things in her and makes her question both her father and his religious views. Kit is the bastard son of an Earl and when his mother dies in childbirth he takes to acting at the age of fourteen. He is well respected in the theatrical community, but those in the upper class, and especially those that run in the Hart’s family circle, see the theater as the devils work. His youth and young love make him optimistic, and I really liked him. He is quite handsome, well spoken and quite determined. Other secondary characters added to the tale, and I found some of them refreshing.
Edwards weaves a delightfully accurate historical fiction. She captures the sentiments and political views of 1586 from the speech to religious views. While the romances itself was predictable, a few climatic twists placing main characters in peril had me completely enthralled as I searched for my happily-ever-after. I commend the author on how researched the period was. Her attention to details from the clothing to speech was impressive. Historical characters and events added to the tales authenticity. Even William Shakespeare was introduced. I enjoyed Edwards writing style and the flow of the tale.
I want to thank Random House for providing this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.The Sunday Post
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews