69 books
—
167 voters
Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.
Start by marking “Tarnish (Royal Circle, #2)” as Want to Read:
Tarnish
(Royal Circle #2)
by
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
Get A Copy
Hardcover, 448 pages
Published
June 18th 2013
by Viking Books for Young Readers
(first published May 9th 2013)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Reader Q&A
To ask other readers questions about
Tarnish,
please sign up.
Be the first to ask a question about Tarnish
Community Reviews
Showing 1-30

Start your review of Tarnish (Royal Circle, #2)

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

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 ...more
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 ...more

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
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

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
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

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
...more

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

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
...more

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
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

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

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
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

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:
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 w ...more
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 w ...more

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

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
In the second book in Katherine ...more

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

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
Read the A Reader of Fictions. ...more

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

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

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
...more

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
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

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

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

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

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
"'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

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

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 ...more
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 ...more

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 ...more
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 ...more

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

Oct 09, 2013
Laurel Bradshaw
marked it as to-read
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
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
topics | posts | views | last activity | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sinopsis en Español // Synopsis in Spanish | 1 | 1 | Mar 01, 2015 08:37AM |
Other books in the series
Royal Circle
(3 books)
News & Interviews
Need another excuse to treat yourself to a new book this week? We've got you covered with the buzziest new releases of the day.
To create our...
14 likes · 2 comments
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“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
More quotes…
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.”