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Tarnish

(Royal Circle #2)

Katherine Longshore (Goodreads Author)

3.79 · Rating details · 1,145 ratings · 215 reviews

Anne Boleyn is the odd girl out. Newly arrived to the court of King Henry VIII, everything about her seems wrong, from her clothes to her manners to her witty but sharp tongue. So when the dashing poet Thomas Wyatt offers to coach her on how to shine at court—and to convince the whole court they’re lovers—she accepts. Before long, Anne’s popularity has soared, and even the ...more

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Hardcover, 448 pages

Published June 18th 2013 by Viking Books for Young Readers (first published May 9th 2013)

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Lists with This Book

The Life and Death of Anne Boleyn by Eric Ives

The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory

The Wives of Henry VIII by Antonia Fraser

The Six Wives of Henry VIII by Alison Weir

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69 books — 167 voters

The Boleyn Inheritance by Philippa Gregory

The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory

Best Books About Tudor England

603 books — 1,593 voters

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Sep 26, 2013 Khanh, first of her name, mother of bunnies rated it liked it

Shelves: nobility, historical, alternate-retelling, uk, france, ya, romance, siblings, tudor, alpha-male

Actual rating: 3.5

I’m afraid I was wrong. Wrong about Mary, who never wanted to be better than anyone else; she just wanted to be herself.
I’m afraid all the things I’ve said and done will hunt me down and haunt me. Because the thing I’m afraid of is the same thing I told the king would make me happy. The thing I’ve been pursuing through the forest of my own life.
“Love.”

This book wasn't what I anticipated. It was still good---it just didn't head in the direction I thought it would. Co Actual rating: 3.5

I’m afraid I was wrong. Wrong about Mary, who never wanted to be better than anyone else; she just wanted to be herself.
I’m afraid all the things I’ve said and done will hunt me down and haunt me. Because the thing I’m afraid of is the same thing I told the king would make me happy. The thing I’ve been pursuing through the forest of my own life.
“Love.”

This book wasn't what I anticipated. It was still good---it just didn't head in the direction I thought it would. Come on now, Anne Boleyn? Arguably the most famous of Henry VIII's wives? The woman was was made the scapegoat for Henry's formation of the new Church of England? The seductress who won a king's heart?

Really. Look into my eyes and tell me you're not utterly fascinated by this woman. If you say no, you're a lying liar, and we are no longer friends.

This book didn't fit into my expectations of it because it was so much about character development, and compared to other books I've read, Henry VIII played such a minor role. This book was about Anne's initial arrival at court, in disgrace from her antics at the French court, in pain, in absolutely uncertainty about her future, and with a whole lot of growing up to do. There really is not a lot of plot to this book, the character development and family dynamics is what made this book shine. Knowing Anne's history, this was a somewhat bittersweet read.

There is also a whole lot of romance, insta-loves, love---I don't even want to say triangle, because it's more of a love hexagon, not to mention adultery. Despite everything, it didn't bother me that much, because it was fitting given the time and the context. There are a lot of love interests, a lot of courtship, a lot of flirtation, and almost none of it relevant to who we know will win in the end. Really, that's my main complaint about the book.

Maybe that was the point of the book, to let the reader know that Anne was Anne before she was Henry's infamous lover, but for a book about Anne's development during her initial meetings with Henry and throughout his initial infatuation of her---Henry's interest and Anne's interactions with him were just not believable. Henry's growing infatuation with Anne as she grows into herself was so weak and so poorly depicted as to be almost nonexistent. And despite Anne's overwhelming crush on Henry...and he does cut a pretty attractive figure in his youth:

The red of his hair shone against his black velvet cap, echoed in a more subdued shade by his beard. He was dressed all in crimson and cloth of gold, with jewels at his throat and crossing his chest, on his cap and encrusting his fingers.
But it wasn’t the gold that dazzled me. And it wasn’t the jewels.
It was the way he wore them. The way they fit the body beneath. Broad chest. Narrow waist. The hard edge of the muscles in his leg beneath the stockings. And he towered above us, especially the lame and stocky Claude, who glowed round and sweet like a gilded pudding.

Anne's conversations with Henry and how he came to grow increasingly attracted to her was just inadequately depicted. The sparks flew off the pages far more and far more believably for Anne's alternative love interests.

This book offers a very interesting view on her character. From what we know of Anne, from the numerous accounts and rumors as to her character as "the great whore," the witch, the seductress, I certainly didn't come to expect the Anne we came to meet within this book. Young Anne was not beautiful, not like her sister Mary, who was also King Henry's mistress. Anne is intelligent, well-read, witty, educated. She is independent, she has a lovely singing voice, she plays the lute beautifully. But she is nothing like Mary.

[Mary's] voice is round and delicate, though tuneless.
But Mary is beautiful.
Her skin is naturally pale with just a touch of pink. She has wide eyes, smooth hair the color of freshly cut oak, both of which she got from our mother. I once heard my father remark that I must be a changeling child, as all the beauty on both sides bypassed me.

Anne is flat-chested, slim with no hips, her hair is dark, her complexion not so much pale as it is sallow. Her eyes are so dark as to be completely black. She is not considered attractive.

Anne is an outcast upon her arrival at Henry's court, exiled from France, where she was raised, and where she still considers home---a very, very unpopular opinion, considering the fact that England and France is on the verge of war. Her French fashions, her French hoods, her tendency to speak before she thinks, and her unwanted reputation as Mary's sister does not make Anne any more popular with the people at court.

To say it mildly, Anne is different, with no desire to change. But she knows she has to change; Anne has to cultivate popularity in the court, because she desperately needs a husband, a better one than the man her father wants her to have. James Butler, her intended, is a deplorable man. He is determined to literally beat the life, the living spark, out of Anne once they are married, and she knows it. Anne wants to get married, not because she wants to, but because as a woman, she has no other options than to find a good husband---or rather, one that's less disagreeable than Butler.

Let's face it, Anne's options are extremely limited. As a woman in Tudor time, a good marriage is pretty much the only way out of a worse marriage and a bad family. I do not begrudge Anne's determination to make a good marriage at all. As her brother George so callously and realistically reminded her:

“Don’t make yourself more than you are.” George stands and brushes his doublet. Checks his fingernails. “As a woman, you have no choice. You have to do what your father says. And eventually what your husband says. You can use your feminine wiles to encourage certain outcomes, but at the end of the day, their will is the only will that matters.”

Anne's only worth, sadly, lies between her legs.

I learned early on that my virginity is the only treasure I carry in a royal court. Everything else about me is worthless. Or belongs to my father.

In order to gain popularity at court, the ungainly, gawky, not-beautiful Anne has much to learn. She makes a strategic alliance with the infamous charmer, Thomas Wyatt. He will help her get what she wants---popularity and acceptance, and if she gets it, Anne must come to his bed. Anne is extremely reluctant to make the agreement, but she is running out of time, and Thomas is her only option and ally at court.

Thomas slowly teaches her the graces and the art of seduction. He shows her how to be coquettish, how to attract a man's attention---and keep it. His lessons not only revolve around flirtation, but on courtly behavior as well, as a side lesson in human psychology. Never apologize. Never show weakness. Always be confident.

“When you walk away—and every time you walk away from me—don’t look back.”
Like Orpheus. Like Lot’s wife. Looking back would break the spell.

Anne's character development is wonderful. I loved seeing her transformation. I also absolutely loved the complicated dynamics within her family, I cannot overemphasize that. George and Mary, Anne's brother and sister, are featured prominently in this novel. They are major figures at court, and as such, Anne has ample opportunities to interact with them. We see their family history at play, we get a glimpse into their past, we see how close they were, and how they grew apart at the time. We see the fruits of their overbearing, cruel, manipulative father's behavior on their relationship. We see Anne's love and hate of both her brothers and sister, and her conflicted feelings towards them.

Anne and George's relationship is so interesting. Like a lot of things in this book, it was not what I expected. We have accounts of Anne's extremely closeness with George, but as the years passed, their relationship has changed into a somewhat bitter one. It is not smooth sailing, not a purely loving relationship as I had anticipated from previous Anne Boleyn novels. George loves her---and hates her, for many reasons, none of them simple. Their interaction fluctuates between completely loving---to the point of crossing the boundaries sometimes, to backhanded and backstabbing. Absolutely brilliantly depicted.

I also loved Mary and Anne's relationship. It was a complicated one, because, as we know, Mary was Henry's lover first. As such, Anne has some very strong opinions of Mary, none of it positive. Anne has always envied Mary for her beauty, and for her ability to attract men's attention, from the French king to Henry. Their relationship is a quietly resentful one, but Anne came to change her opinion of Mary as she matures.

A great book for those who love character insights and an intimate portrayal of familial psychology. The plot could use a lot of work. ...more

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Jun 17, 2013 Jess rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arc, top-reads

Where to even begin this review? I have always been fascinated by Henry VIII and his wives, but most especially by Anne Boleyn. I always hope that when I read another book about her it brings me something new to love. Katherine Longshore has not only done that but has completely surpassed my expectations in doing so.

Anne Boleyn. There is so much to be said about Anne Boleyn. There are countless books written about her, both fiction and non-fiction. So why does this one stand out? Katherine Longs Where to even begin this review? I have always been fascinated by Henry VIII and his wives, but most especially by Anne Boleyn. I always hope that when I read another book about her it brings me something new to love. Katherine Longshore has not only done that but has completely surpassed my expectations in doing so.

Anne Boleyn. There is so much to be said about Anne Boleyn. There are countless books written about her, both fiction and non-fiction. So why does this one stand out? Katherine Longshore has written a young Anne with the kind of perseverance that is common in many accounts of her, but also with a heart she tries to hide and a sense of insecurity she tries to swallow that is often ignored. In Tarnish, Anne is not a list of character traits, successes, and mistakes. She is a young woman caught up in the wonder of the court of King Henry VIII and all the deception, secrets, and potential it holds. She is trying to make a place for herself where nobody else will. She is trying to balance her desire for power and free-will with her blossoming yearning for love. She is ever growing and learning, for better or worse. She is unfailingly witty and excels at the games she plays, especially when it comes to playing with men's hearts. Despite being mocked and rejected at court and by her own family, her resiliency is impressive. She believes in herself as a woman and as a person, and she doesn't step down to take the easy road. She refuses to be controlled by the wills and whims of the men in her life. Anne Boleyn is so much more than what she is often classified as: a manipulative, power-hungry temptress. Katherine Longshore shows us that other side of her. Tarnish made me fall in love with both Anne and Katherine Longshore's storytelling all over again.

One of the aspects of the book I enjoyed the most, aside from Anne's character, of course, was her interactions with the men at court. Right away it is clear how intelligent she is, and it comes across constantly in her conversations (which often felt more like battles of wit) with her brother, George, and her friend at court, Thomas Wyatt. With both men she has entertaining and smart back-and-forth that can change in an instant from light and humourous to playful and flirty (with Wyatt, at least) to venomous and back again. Sometimes their conversations made me laugh out loud, sometimes they broke my heart, and sometimes they left me thinking about the historical figures I thought I understood, but I always, always wanted more. Watching Anne play the game of Tudor court life with these two men was never dull and I was thrilled to get such an in-depth and exciting look at their relationships and conversations.

I also adored the way King Henry was presented in the novel. So often we picture Henry as he was in his later years; bound to his chairs by injury, growing ever fatter and grumpier. But here we see Henry in his prime; an incredible hunter and dancer, physically fit, and confident in himself. He was a marvel in his prime and it was wonderful seeing that reflected in Anne's view of him. I was thrilled with the timeline Katherine Longshore chose to follow as it really demonstrated Anne's growing attraction to Henry and his growing interest in her at the pace she likely felt it. It was a slow build, but filled with entertaining distractions to keep the plot from lagging. There were moments of tension and setback, but moments of growth and pure elation on Anne's part to help balance the growing relationship out. I often wonder why the Henry we think we know was so interested in a woman who defied him as strongly and openly as Anne did, but Tarnish leaves me with no doubt in her charms and his infatuation. It was a beautiful exploration of Anne's many relationships; both the struggles and the triumphs.

Tarnish absolutely entranced me. I am not one to often find historical fiction boring, but I am also not often completely captivated by the words and the setting and the characters the way I was with Tarnish.
An undeniable 5 stars!

*I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.* ...more

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Mar 12, 2013 A.C. Gaughen rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I *know* the history of the Tudor court. I love that history. I know a considerable amount about Anne Boleyn (as an Anne myself, I kind of bonded with her).

Katherine Longshore's GILT showed the wide-eyed waif Catherine Howard to be a manipulative and unapologetic mean girl who arguably got what she deserved. So when I got to TARNISH, about the girl who history seems to argue knowingly and seductively turned the world upside down and changed the course of English history (to say nothing of raisi ...more

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Oct 01, 2013 Caroline rated it it was ok

Shelves: read-2013, two-star, historical-fiction, young-adult, the-tudors

Hoo, boy. And I left Gilt excited for this one.

Once again, I feel that I need to preface my review with a bit of background. I am not patting myself on the back when I say I know a lot about Anne Boleyn. Though no scholar, I've been hooked on this woman's life since I was eleven. She was what got me interested in history, and arguably the trigger for my subsequent passion for feminist study of historical women. I would say that she's tied with Cesare and Lucrezia Borgia for my favorite historica ...more

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May 15, 2013 Claire Ridgway rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I'm hard to please when it comes to fiction on Anne Boleyn because I research Anne on a daily basis and spend my time trying to banish the myths propagated by some novels. I have to chant "it's fiction, it's fiction" before I start an Anne Boleyn novel, but there have still been novels that I've had to give up on because they're so far removed from history or they've just plain got on my nerves. Thankfully, Tarnish was one that I enjoyed. There were a few things that niggled me - the characters I'm hard to please when it comes to fiction on Anne Boleyn because I research Anne on a daily basis and spend my time trying to banish the myths propagated by some novels. I have to chant "it's fiction, it's fiction" before I start an Anne Boleyn novel, but there have still been novels that I've had to give up on because they're so far removed from history or they've just plain got on my nerves. Thankfully, Tarnish was one that I enjoyed. There were a few things that niggled me - the characters of George and Thomas, and the fact that Anne was sent back to France after her return to the English court because she shamed her family. I also sighed on the first page when a mention is made of Anne hiding her misshapen finger, but I was relieved when it is explained that Anne actually broke her finger in a childhood accident, it's not an extra finger - hurray!

What I really enjoyed about this novel was the interaction and relationship between Anne Boleyn and poet Thomas Wyatt. Nobody knows the depth of their relationship, whether they ever had a romance or whether it was unrequited love, so it is the perfect topic for an author to explore in fiction. Their relationship starts with a wager: Wyatt promises to help Anne, who's the odd-one-out at court due to her dress, her past and her sharp tongue, advance at court. Her reputation has become 'tarnished' and she needs help, but it's also a game to Wyatt. He believes that if he helps Anne to be accepted at court that "before long in this pretty, showy dance, you will want me in your bed." They make a wager: Anne makes Wyatt promise that he will leave her alone and not "press" her further if he loses the bet and in return she promises to "follow through" if he wins and she desires him. As the nature of their relationship is unknown, this wager adds tension to the book and the reader is desperate to find out where Longshore will take them. What will happen?

I enjoyed Longshore's writing and her characterization. Although Thomas and George grated for me, because they were not how I imagine them to be or how I think they were, I loved Wyatt (OK, I fell in love with him!) and I liked the mixture of strength and vulnerability in Anne's character. It was also good to see a Jane Boleyn who's not spiteful and voyeuristic for a change!

All in all, it was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. It also contains a detailed "Author's Note" explaining where Longshore has used poetic licence and filled the blanks with her own ideas - very useful. ...more

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Jan 04, 2013 Gina rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: ya, historical, romance, recommend-for-libraries

If you only read one book about Anne Boleyn, let it be TARNISH! Let it be when Anne was young, when her future was uncertain and anything was possible! So many writers focus on the tedious undoing of Anne Boleyn, but here, Katherine Longshore writes a gripping story about the young and hopeful Anne who first arrives at King Henry VIII's court, one in which we desperately wish we could change the future and shout at her, "Nooooooooooooooo!! Don't let the king notice you ... he will destroy you fo ...more

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Oct 06, 2012 Sarah Mac rated it really liked it

Shelves: young-adult, almost-5-stars, optimism-for-the-win, cover-me-metallic, reviewed, hoopy-good-reads, cover-me-yellow, soapy-melodrama, light-historical, zzz-2014

This book is unlike other Boleyn novels. Rather than ending with Anne's execution, Tarnish focuses on the years before Anne marries the King. We meet our narrator as she's returning from exile & trying desperately to gain favor with Queen Katherine -- both for her own sake & the tarnished reputation of her family. In the process she becomes entangled with Thomas Wyatt, Henry Percy, Jane Parker, & her moody brother George...not to mention her older sister Mary, who is currently mistress to Henry This book is unlike other Boleyn novels. Rather than ending with Anne's execution, Tarnish focuses on the years before Anne marries the King. We meet our narrator as she's returning from exile & trying desperately to gain favor with Queen Katherine -- both for her own sake & the tarnished reputation of her family. In the process she becomes entangled with Thomas Wyatt, Henry Percy, Jane Parker, & her moody brother George...not to mention her older sister Mary, who is currently mistress to Henry VIII. After careful observation of Mary's life, Anne opts for marriage -- not because she's a romantic, but because she wants power & advancement. The problem? Her marriage choices are dim, & they grow dimmer because she makes a dumb decision. But that decision brings her to the attention of King Henry, & their mutual obsessions bring the novel to a close.

Well...we know what happens eventually. :P Historical hindsight makes Anne's calculated triumph all the more poignant -- but she's no innocent when it comes to maneuvering. Her choice is deliberate. And while that choice gives her a sense of possibility at the close of Tarnish, the reader is well aware of how tenuous & bittersweet those possibilities are.

(If that's not the definition of intricate historical fiction, I don't know what is.)

Anne isn't always the most likable narrator, but she's very much a product of her time. She's faced with a variety of unpalatable choices & does the best she can. As opposed to Kitty's role in Gilt, Anne is on the aristocratic end of the Tudor court, which makes for an interesting juxtaposition of concepts between Gilt & Tarnish, particularly the ideas of freedom, power, & lust. To that point, I really liked the way Henry was portrayed -- a powerful, masculine figure who fades in & out of Anne's life, a monarch who is both accessible & unattainable, one who is rarely heard from yet defines so many choices by other characters. Another positive: the groundwork for Anne's eventual (though questionable) charges of infidelity & incest is touched upon within a believable context. (Don't sweep those Tudor melodramaz under the rug, y'all. ;))

As with Gilt, Katherine Longshore takes a handful of footnotes & personal anecdotes to spin a complete tale of who, what, & where could have happened to the real people involved. She gives a closing overview of where her ideas come from, & I'm (still) impressed with the depth she weaves from such little threads. She's constantly shading her characters with good & bad points, both of which play off other personalities via dialogue & the subtleties of court life, which gives a sophisticated depth to the players. Exploration of topics like adultery, political marriages, & court politics create an atmosphere with plenty of drama, both subtle & overt.

Though this author is classified as YA & there's a scattering of teenage angst, the majority of topics are adult. Longshore's style is more ethereal & staccato than historical novelists like Philippa Gregory, which may or may not agree with your reading taste. (For my part, I think she's one of the few who incorporate staccato & first-person-present to enhance the narration & tension, rather than a token effort to be edgy & hip.)

4 stars. I liked Gilt better from a personal POV, but I think this is a more sophisticated & mature novel. Overall it's a very good read with a unique vision of Anne Boleyn -- a (somewhat?) heartless woman who's painted with a gentle hand. Well done, Ms Longshore. :) ...more

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Aug 12, 2013 Amanda rated it did not like it

I tried and failed to like this book.

Anne Boleyn has been my favorite of Henry VIII's wives, and as such I love to read anything about her. But I'm afraid this did not make the book enjoyable at all; rather, it probably made me enjoy it less.

The main problem in this book, just like many YA novels, is the romance. I'm supposed to believe Anne Boleyn is in a love triangle? Granted, this is true to a certain extent, but the way it was portrayed was absolutely ridiculous. I do not think Anne would b ...more

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Apr 27, 2013 Kimberly Sabatini rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: mg-ya

I LOVED Katherine Longshore's debut novel, GILT, and you should get excited because TARNISH is even better! The one thing that kept running through my mind as I read TARNISH, was how hard it must have been to be a woman in a man's world. To have very little, or no control of your own destiny. The thought is frightening. And yet, against the odds, Longshore gives us Anne Boleyn. She wants more. Anne has a spark and it makes me think of her as one part of a long, bright, string of lights. Anne is ...more

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Dec 03, 2012 Daisy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: own

So do any of you by chance remember how much I LOVED Gilt?? Because I totally did and combine this with my Tudor obsession and GAH YOU JUST HAVE THE PERFECT NOVEL IN TARNISH!!!

Excuse me while I continue to gush.

I cannot even begin to explain how much I love books of the English court and in particular of Anne Boleyn (and Elizabeth I) because she is SUCH an interesting historical figure! I mean, can you imagine if she'd had a son and lived? How different the world would probably be? I really need ...more

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May 18, 2013 Sophie Riggsby / allthingsequilateral rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

*Review posted on Page Turners Blog on 6/21/2013*

I think we all know the fate of Anne Boleyn. I keep remembering that clever, little rhyme:

King Henry the Eighth,

to six wives he was wedded.

One died, one survived,

two divorced, two beheaded

Now, I'm also going to admit here that I'm not a big reader of this time period, but I read Katherine’s Gilt and Tarnish in rapid succession. I devoured these books in two days. I know, TWO DAYS! I simply could not put them down. Why? Well, because Katherine’s writing placed me in the midst of all that swirling political intrigue that made the Tudor era so very interesting to historians and romance readers alike. Perhaps most interesting of all, Katherine chose to tell the story of Anne before she met Henry VIII. The story starts with Anne’s return to England from France and a return to a family who is deeply involved with the King’s innermost circle. The interactions between the siblings – Mary, George and Anne – rang so true. The squabbles, the forgiveness and the understanding were incredibly moving and real.

But my favorite moments were between Anne and the poet, Thomas Wyatt. Their level of banter and yes, even snark, made me laugh. They snap, crackled and popped right off the page. Because I didn’t know the historical details of what happened between them, I fell for every nuance of their relationship. Without any spoilers for Tudor-lite readers like me, let me emphasize how very much I loved the two of them, and I have a feeling that most of you who love a will-they-won’t-they romantic plotline will, too.

Tarnish also reminded me of why I adore historical settings. With a setting this well researched, I felt like I fell right in step, alongside the characters. Katherine tells the story of real people with flawed but proud families who are trying hard to get ahead in their world. Sadly, this is a world filled with biases, assumptions and prejudices that made me cringe at times. I’m a firm believer that the best of stories make us think about our own world;Tarnish achieved that mark.

This summer when you get tired of beachy reads and want a story that will make you think while surprising you with its level of swoony romance, pick up Tarnish. Then promise me, you’ll come back here and tell me if you understood Thomas or Henry more, and if you’d follow your heart or your head in matters of the heart. ...more

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Jan 15, 2013 JeanBookNerd rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: reviews

Katherine Longshore’s Tarnish takes readers to a different view in the life of Anne Boleyn. The novel brings the interaction and relationship between Anne and poet Thomas Wyatt to the forefront. Even though their relationship remains to be under the scope whether they were actually romantically linked, this part of Anne’s life is the perfect topic for author and reader to fictionally explore. The story focuses on a wager between the two. Thomas believes he can help Anne with her tarnished reputa ...more

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Jan 02, 2013 Fallon Prinzivalli rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

I was thrilled when an ARC of "Tarnish" made it's way into my hands. After loving "Gilt," I couldn't wait to read the second novel—especially when I found out it followed Anne Boleyn's story. She's my favorite of Henry VIII's wives. As soon as I started "Tarnish," I was hooked. You may think you know the story of Anne Boleyn, but before she lost her head at the hands of her tyrannical husband, she was a girl who was determined to make a bright future for herself.

In the second book in Katherine ...more

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Jan 14, 2013 April rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, ya, for-review

I totally stan for Tudor related historical fiction — ESPECIALLY when it is YA based. Don’t make fun of me, but I totally ate books like The Other Boleyn Girl up. When Katherine Longshore made her debut with Gilt last year, she filled a much needed void in my reading life – that void of compelling, sort of romantic, young adult historical fiction. Actually, last year was kind of a banner year for YA hist fic. Anyways, after reading Gilt I pretty much decided I would be a fan of Katherine Longsho ...more

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Jun 19, 2013 Christina (A Reader of Fictions) rated it really liked it

Having been greatly impressed by Longshore’s debut novel, Gilt, I was eager to get my hands on the sequel, and thrilled when my friend April gifted me her ARC. I read it slowly over the course of weeks, snuck it in between my review commitments. While I do think Gilt held more appeal for me due to the less traveled subject matter, Longshore still brings something new to Tudor historical fiction with Tarnish.

Read the A Reader of Fictions. ...more

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Jun 23, 2013 Celeste_pewter rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Two-second recap: A fascinating, fictionalized but very in-depth look at Anne Boelyn.

Katherine Longshore is quickly becoming one of my favorite historical fiction writers, and Tarnish only proves what an excellent writer she is. Review to come.

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Jul 13, 2017 Sarah rated it liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction, summer-reading-list-2017

3.5 stars. This ended up better than expected, despite the beginning. I was so close to putting it down because of the writing and the characterization at the beginning, but I was too intrigued by the thought of a story that focused on Thomas Wyatt and Anne Boleyn, so I continued, and I'm glad I did. It was a pretty good read overall. I found Anne's characterization a little questionable; she spent like 97% of the book having 0 self esteem, and I know it's supposed to be about her coming into he ...more

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May 19, 2020 Sydni rated it liked it

I mean it's YA tudor fiction but it pulls it off! not my favourite george boleyn but then again my standards are extraordinarily high because he is, as the kids say, mine own boy ...more

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Jan 23, 2013 Christina (Confessions of a Book Addict) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arc, for-review, ya-historical-fiction

Everyone knows Anne Boleyn's fate, but not many know what her life was like before she was to become queen and marry Henry VIII. Anne was a newcomer to court and since she has spent many years at the French court, she has adapted many of their ways, which makes her a bit of an outcast. Her childhood friend and notorious womanizer, Thomas Wyatt, has offered to help her make an impression at court and essentially be accepted. Anne not only wants to be recognized at court, but she also doesn't want Everyone knows Anne Boleyn's fate, but not many know what her life was like before she was to become queen and marry Henry VIII. Anne was a newcomer to court and since she has spent many years at the French court, she has adapted many of their ways, which makes her a bit of an outcast. Her childhood friend and notorious womanizer, Thomas Wyatt, has offered to help her make an impression at court and essentially be accepted. Anne not only wants to be recognized at court, but she also doesn't want to be controlled by a man, including her father. She wants to have a voice and a say, which is unheard of for a woman during her time. Things with Wyatt take an unexpected turn and on top of that, she eventually captures the king's attention. Katherine Longshore's Tarnish is a captivating look at Anne Boleyn's life at court that will keep historical fiction fans flipping the pages despite the fact that we know her unfortunate fate.

Longshore's version of Anne Boleyn is everything I could want and more in Tarnish. She is just how I imagined her and Longshore did an outstanding job bringing her to life. She felt well developed in Tarnish and not just some chess piece in her father's warped game that blindly accepts things and mutters yes or no. She's smart, witty, and feisty. I've read many historical novels that deal with Anne Boleyn and I've got to say that this is my favorite portrayal; plus, Tarnish examines a part of Anne's life that most authors overlook. I enjoyed getting a glimpse into what her life was like at court before the king noticed her and how she dealt with the various pressures from her crazy family.

Thomas Wyatt, the well-known poet, attempts to "coach" her regarding how to be popular at court. Since he is a charmer, I kind of expected Anne to fall into his trap, but as Tarnish progresses, Wyatt took me by surprise. There's definitely more to Wyatt than just an eloquent philanderer. The romance in Tarnish is done very well and there's much depth to it as it focuses on the big choices Anne has to make in life, which essentially deal with matters of the heart. Should she follow her heart? Should she listen to her father? Can she be more than just someone's mistress?

I also like how Tarnish doesn't deal with the marriage of Anne to Henry VIII. That has been played out by many an author and thankfully, Tarnish just focuses on Anne at court before things get serious with the king. Ultimately, I feel that is why Tarnish is like a breath of fresh air in the world of Tudor literature.

My only issue with Tarnish is the length. It is rather a long read and when it comes to teens, I'd only recommend it to serious historical fiction fans and/or fans of Tudor history. But hardcore history fans, like myself, won't mind the 400+ pages.

Once again Longshore has a hit a home run. I always think that I am over books about the Tudor court, but then she writes a brilliant version that keeps things captivating and fresh. I can't wait to see what Longshore comes up with next.
...more

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Nov 07, 2012 Talia Vance rated it it was amazing

I loved this story of family, love and self discovery. Anne no longer feels at home in England, and she refuses to conform to the rigid social conventions of the English court. But when Thomas Wyatt offers to help make her the belle of the ball, Anne plays along, falls in love, and catches the eye of the king.

Tarnish is by no means a tragedy, but the ghost of Anne's demise casts a shadow over this story of young Anne. There were times I wanted to scream at her to run far, far away from the king ...more

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Oct 17, 2014 Amruta rated it it was ok

Shelves: november-2014, historical-fiction, 2014-s

I thought this book was okay because at times I felt that it was boring. The story was moving slow but the characters made me continue to read. I have an interest of learning about England's most ambitious family,the Tudors,but out of all the people in that family, I like Anne Boleyn the best. I feel that she is the most clever of all of Henry's wives. This book portrayed her personality well, but if I could change something about this book, I would make the story move faster and stick more onto ...more

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Dec 29, 2012 Lauren rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

If kids knew how interesting the royal courts were, full of "beddable men" and "bitchy women", I suspect they'd payer closer attention in history class! The second book in Longshore's "Royal Circle" series is just as sensual, detailed, and fascinating as the first - I couldn't put it down! "Tarnish" is a sophisticated YA novel that should easily appeal to adults whether they are YA fans, history buffs, or none of the above! ...more

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Feb 25, 2016 Brittany rated it really liked it

I enjoyed this book.... I wanted Anna to end up with a curtain someone but that wouldn't have been Anna Boleyns story. And Thomas Wyatt..."And wild for to hold, though I seem tame" omg be still my heart. I just loved everything about that man<3 Good historical read and I'll probably be looking into more of Katherine Lonhshores stories:) ...more

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Jan 18, 2013 Sarvenaz Tash rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Katherine Longshore brings the Tudor court to visceral life with her lush and beautiful prose and her vibrant characters. It was so fun to read about the infamous Anne Boleyn as a young misfit girl trying to be heard.

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Nov 16, 2012 Kelly | xoxo, Kelly Nina rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-fiction, all-the-stars, england, tudors

Absolute amazing portrayal of Anne Boleyn. Just beautiful. More of a review to come :)

"'You're strong.
You're so sure.
You know what you want,
and you're not afraid to make it happen.
You don't let anyone walk on you
or take anything from you.'"
--Katherine Longshore, Tarnish

Um. So, yeah. To quote Carrie from Sex and the City I have to point out to you all that "I have an addiction, sir." That addiction? Historical fiction. FOR REAL. I feel as if historical fiction were crack I would ...more

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May 09, 2018 Laura rated it it was amazing

I didn’t really know what to expect when I started reading this because most of Anne’s story is told after she ensnared the infamous King and not before. But it was a welcome change to the tragic story that lay ahead for Anne Boleyn. Retracing the second queen’s footsteps in anticipation of interacting and essentially falling in love with King Henry VIII set apart this novel from the rest.

Longshore’s writing was beautifully crafted and added a layer to her story building. The writing kept me re ...more

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May 14, 2013 Donna rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: ya, historical-fiction, read-in-2013, coming-of-age

I received a copy of this audio for review from Penguin Audio through Audiobook Jukebox

Tarnish by Katherine Longshore was very nicely narrated by Leslie Bellair. Her voice was expressive and well paced although not overly animated allowing the reader to enjoy a very laid back narration of this historical story.

I have read just about every book about Anne Boleyn that I can find, she is such a dynamic historical figure with such a tragic story. Tarnish is unique in that some possibilities were I received a copy of this audio for review from Penguin Audio through Audiobook Jukebox

Tarnish by Katherine Longshore was very nicely narrated by Leslie Bellair. Her voice was expressive and well paced although not overly animated allowing the reader to enjoy a very laid back narration of this historical story.

I have read just about every book about Anne Boleyn that I can find, she is such a dynamic historical figure with such a tragic story. Tarnish is unique in that some possibilities were explored that I had never considered or read in any other portrayal of her life. Reading this made me recall Susan Bordo's novel "The Creation of Anne Boleyn: A New Look at England's Most Notorious Queen" where she talks about how each generation interprets Anne in a way that fits with that time period. In this case, Anne is depicted in a manner that will appeal to young adults while still remaining very close to what is established history. Longshore's Anne Boleyn was much softer and more approachable than the haughty queen with the biting wit that she's been painted by many other fictional portrayals.

I enjoyed that Tarnish explored the possible relationship between Anne Boleyn and Thomas Wyatt. This is so well done and entirely historically plausible. Several times throughout the story, I felt a little jolt of sadness at some seemingly offhand comment by Anne or Thomas that sounds so innocuous unless you know how this story plays out.

Tarnish begins shortly after Anne's return from France and ends right as her relationship with the king is beginning. I enjoyed imagining Anne as an insecure girl thrown into a hostile court with dreams of being more than a woman of that time period can usually expect. In Anne's strained relationship with her brother and father, Tarnish puts into perspective the way women were viewed in 1500's England.

Overall, this is a wonderful read that I would highly recommend for fans of historical fiction. This is a great introduction to Anne Boleyn for anyone who only knows her as the tragic queen of Henry VIII. And for those who are very familiar with Anne's story, this is a fascinating fresh perspective. ...more

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Jan 31, 2014 Emily rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, ya, favourites, gorgeous-cover-have-to-read-now, original-writers-ftw

Tarnish was just such an emotionally-charged novel. There are moments where you laugh, and there are those where you raid your box of Kleenex, and there are those where you just don’t know how to feel anymore!

I love the way Anne Boleyn, this intriguing character in the Tudor dynasty was brought across into a different light here instead of being the stereotyped cold, calculative, ambitious being. She’s vulnerable, insecure, and she’s hated, despised or ignored. She’s thrown into the cold realm o Tarnish was just such an emotionally-charged novel. There are moments where you laugh, and there are those where you raid your box of Kleenex, and there are those where you just don’t know how to feel anymore!

I love the way Anne Boleyn, this intriguing character in the Tudor dynasty was brought across into a different light here instead of being the stereotyped cold, calculative, ambitious being. She’s vulnerable, insecure, and she’s hated, despised or ignored. She’s thrown into the cold realm of politicians and conspiracies where she has to find a place in order to survive, whether she likes it or not.

Enter Thomas Wyatt, the charming, alluring, dashing poet (who I most simply ADORE), where he attempts to help make Anne, the girl who he sees so much beauty and character, have her place in court.

I adored this interpretation Katherine Longshore (did I mention I am a HUGE fan of her works?) took of Anne Boleyn. It was refreshing and intriguing. I fell in love with the budding romance and the chemistry between Thomas and Anne, the witty banter between the two, how Thomas interpreted things around him in poetry. The conspiracies and happenings of court fascinated me and the story in general just sparkled and shined, letting loose my imagination.

What I disliked however, was Anne’s infatuation with King Henry. It was bound to happen as we know in History, but the way she behaved around him really irked me!! I mean, come on, what about Thomas?? But maybe that’s just the idealistic romantic I am… BLEH.

And I guess this idealistic romantic of me was also really sad with the ending as it did not have the one I wanted ;( But as History knows it, it was bound to happen anyway.

All in all, this is another of Katherine Longshore’s works that was totally WIN. I know some readers may not love Historical novels as much as I do, because they may find it dry and uninteresting, but if that’s you, perhaps you could give any one of Katherine Longshore’s works a shot! With intriguing plots full of secrecy and conspiracy, dynamic characters with colorful chemistry, a swoon-worthy romance worth rooting for, Katherine Longshore has done it again! ...more

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Jun 20, 2013 Kristina rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc-egalley-for-review

I am obsessed with anything that has to do with the Tudors, especially when Anne Boleyn is involved. Usually when you are reading fiction about Anne and Henry it's starts at the beginning of the end-a little bit before Henry switches religions and divorces Catherine of Aragon and begins his relationship with Anne. Tarnish starts many years before that and features a young Anne when she arrives back in England. I loved reading about a young and insecure Anne and watching her transform into the co ...more

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Oct 09, 2013 Laurel Bradshaw marked it as to-read

Shelves: historical-fiction, england, tudors, teen-fiction

Setting: England, London, Greenwich Palace, Richmond Palace, Bridewell Palace, Hever Castle, Windsor Castle

Time: 1523-1525

Main characters: Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Thomas Wyatt - poet

First paragraph: "A deep breath is all it takes to enter a room.
Or to scream.
Or both.
I stand against a wall, five strides from the great oak door of the queen's apartments. The guard watches me sideways, pretending he's not. Pretending he's focused on the stairwell. The pretense fails to deceive me."

Favorite lines: ...more

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About Katherine Longshore

Katherine Longshore

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Royal Circle (3 books)

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Quotes from Tarnish

“I will no longer be judged by the standards of others. I will judge myself. I will not live by someone else's rules. I will make my own.” — 3 likes

“Thomas closes the gap between us and kisses me. Hard. This is not wet and sloppy like his playful kisses. Or dry and desperate like Percy's. Or teasing like the king's.

No. This kiss is eloquent and alive and speaks direcetly to my soul. My heart ruptures, and the spliters freeze and tumble all around us with the musical sound of broken glass.” — 2 likes

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