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Last Child
LAST CHILD is the sequel to Kings and Queens, Terry Tyler’s modern take on the story of Henry VIII and his six wives.
Harry Lanchester is gone, his legacy passed on to his children:
Thirteen year old JASPER, who views the directors of Lanchester Estates as Harry Potter characters, and finds out that teenage love affairs are no fairytale.
ISABELLA, the eldest daughter; lonely and looking for love, she returns from a holiday in Spain with more than just a suntan.
Impulsive, independent ERIN, the girl of Transport manager Rob Dudley’s dreams, whose priority is not a husband and family, but the continuation of her father’s work.
You will also meet the ambitious Jim Dudley, ex-nanny Hannah Cleveley, Rob’s long suffering wife Amy, and Raine Grey, whose nine days as PR manager for Lanchester Estates have a devastating effect on her life.
LAST CHILD takes the drama, passion and intrigue of Kings and Queens into the present day, with echoes from the past ~ and a glimpse or two into the future...
Harry Lanchester is gone, his legacy passed on to his children:
Thirteen year old JASPER, who views the directors of Lanchester Estates as Harry Potter characters, and finds out that teenage love affairs are no fairytale.
ISABELLA, the eldest daughter; lonely and looking for love, she returns from a holiday in Spain with more than just a suntan.
Impulsive, independent ERIN, the girl of Transport manager Rob Dudley’s dreams, whose priority is not a husband and family, but the continuation of her father’s work.
You will also meet the ambitious Jim Dudley, ex-nanny Hannah Cleveley, Rob’s long suffering wife Amy, and Raine Grey, whose nine days as PR manager for Lanchester Estates have a devastating effect on her life.
LAST CHILD takes the drama, passion and intrigue of Kings and Queens into the present day, with echoes from the past ~ and a glimpse or two into the future...
- GenresFiction
363 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 20, 2014
2 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Terry Tyler
34 books584 followersI am self-published with thirty books on Amazon. Most recently I've published the first two books in my Revenge series, Served Cold and So Shall Ye Reap. More to come!
Other recent releases include Safe Zone, a dystopian/post-apocalyptic thriller. It follows on from the SFV-1 series (Infected, Darkness and Reset), but is completely stand-alone, so can be read as a story within itself.
I love watching and reading anything to do with history, post apocalypse, dystopian scenarios, anthropology, mountaineering and polar exploration. Big Walking Dead fan.
Favourite writers: Gemma Lawrence, Kate Mary, Blake Crouch, Deborah Swift, Carol Hedges, Douglas Kennedy, John Boyne, Deborah Moggach, Judith Arnopp, Jon Krakauer, Phillipa Gregory, John Privilege, Zeb Haradon, Dylan Morgan, Kate Atkinson, Norah Lofts, Dorothy Parker, Bill Bryson, PJ O'Rourke, Ann Swinfen, Keith Blackmore, Frank Tayell.
Other recent releases include Safe Zone, a dystopian/post-apocalyptic thriller. It follows on from the SFV-1 series (Infected, Darkness and Reset), but is completely stand-alone, so can be read as a story within itself.
I love watching and reading anything to do with history, post apocalypse, dystopian scenarios, anthropology, mountaineering and polar exploration. Big Walking Dead fan.
Favourite writers: Gemma Lawrence, Kate Mary, Blake Crouch, Deborah Swift, Carol Hedges, Douglas Kennedy, John Boyne, Deborah Moggach, Judith Arnopp, Jon Krakauer, Phillipa Gregory, John Privilege, Zeb Haradon, Dylan Morgan, Kate Atkinson, Norah Lofts, Dorothy Parker, Bill Bryson, PJ O'Rourke, Ann Swinfen, Keith Blackmore, Frank Tayell.
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March 2, 2015
A fan of this author's books, I admit I awaited the sequel of the "King and Queens" very eagerly, snatching the 'Last Child' the moment it was out (probably on its first day). I was in the middle of another book, but I opened it for a moment, just to get a glimpse of what was ahead. Well, it was a mistake that I should have foreseen - this author's books are not the ones you can just put down and pick when it's comfortable to you. Oh no! Those books are a trap - you open it, you read it to the end, and then reread it, before you are free to go back to your normal life. And yes, this novel was no different. A few days later, and many many direful glances at the people around me who dared to interfere with my reading, I'm done with "Last Child" and... I'm ready for the next book!
What a ride it was!
The next generation of Lanchester family turned out to be as addictive as the first one in "Kings and Queens". As delightfully vital, diverse and alive, friendly or annoying, those various characters were so easy to connect to, so accessible to love or hate or laugh at. Not a person of family sagas, I grew attached to this particular family as though they were my neighbors or friends.
Not to mention the historical aspect, what a treat to the history buff such as myself.
Erin, the modern-day Elizabeth I, sparkling, vital, dedicated and sharp, but at the same time human, loyal, decent - a lovely person.
Isabella, the bloody-Mary I knew little about - neurotic,bitchy, vulnerable - this one was the perfect candidate one gets into a habit of 'love to hate'. Whatever she did, I was glad when the story got back to her, expecting worse every time, getting just what I expected but better.
Jim and Rob Dudley, like father like son - whatever they did historically (and I read the author's historical overview with great interest!) I'm going to love those two, no matter in what film, novel or context I'm going to run into those turbulent times in British history.
And I could go on and on, the list of the characters I grew to love is endless, and I wish I could spend more time with them all (even the silly Amy, Rob Dudley's empty-headed wife, even the annoying Isabella, not to mention my favorites, Dudleys, Rainy, Hannah...). This book was one of the reads one savor, try to read slowly, to make it last longer, but ending up devouring in a few sittings or faster.
I hope the author will treat us with more novels of history set in the modern times. I think the idea to do this is brilliant, but maybe its the execution of it. Well done!
What a ride it was!
The next generation of Lanchester family turned out to be as addictive as the first one in "Kings and Queens". As delightfully vital, diverse and alive, friendly or annoying, those various characters were so easy to connect to, so accessible to love or hate or laugh at. Not a person of family sagas, I grew attached to this particular family as though they were my neighbors or friends.
Not to mention the historical aspect, what a treat to the history buff such as myself.
Erin, the modern-day Elizabeth I, sparkling, vital, dedicated and sharp, but at the same time human, loyal, decent - a lovely person.
Isabella, the bloody-Mary I knew little about - neurotic,bitchy, vulnerable - this one was the perfect candidate one gets into a habit of 'love to hate'. Whatever she did, I was glad when the story got back to her, expecting worse every time, getting just what I expected but better.
Jim and Rob Dudley, like father like son - whatever they did historically (and I read the author's historical overview with great interest!) I'm going to love those two, no matter in what film, novel or context I'm going to run into those turbulent times in British history.
And I could go on and on, the list of the characters I grew to love is endless, and I wish I could spend more time with them all (even the silly Amy, Rob Dudley's empty-headed wife, even the annoying Isabella, not to mention my favorites, Dudleys, Rainy, Hannah...). This book was one of the reads one savor, try to read slowly, to make it last longer, but ending up devouring in a few sittings or faster.
I hope the author will treat us with more novels of history set in the modern times. I think the idea to do this is brilliant, but maybe its the execution of it. Well done!
September 8, 2017
Another great yarn from a talented storyteller... full review to come.
Last Child is the gripping sequel to the unique and highly entertaining Kings and Queens, which I thoroughly enjoyed and reviewed here. As Kings and Queens was a modern day take on the life of Henry VIII and his six wives, through a contemporary setting, Last Child evokes the lives of his children, the Tudor descendants: Edward VI (as Jasper), Mary I (as Isabella), and Elizabeth I (as Erin), written with a fictional take that brings these modern characters alive.
Last Child is divided into three parts, representing the “reigns” of Edward VI (in Jasper Junior), Mary (in Isabella) and Elizabeth (in Erin).
I loved reading about the lives and loves of this next generation of the Lanchester family as much as I did Henry VIII’s generation in Kings and Queens: hateful, lovable, irritating, sweet, laughable, the entire array of human qualities and faults renders the characters easy to relate to, and to empathise with. I couldn’t help but become attached to this family.
In Last Child, as in Kings and Queens, most readers will be well-acquainted with Tudor history –– those turbulent times in British history –– (although the author’s brief account of this historical period post-Henry VIII is a very interesting and useful accompaniment), but what makes this author’s books unique is the way she narrates the stories against a fictional, contemporary backdrop. She shows us that human nature, human behaviour, and history, are timeless.
As a history lover, and author of historical fiction, I love a gripping historical novel. I also enjoy good contemporary fiction, so Last Child ticked both of those boxes for me. It’s a book I wanted to read slowly, to savour, but one that I couldn’t help but gobble up in a few short sittings.
As for Kings and Queens, it’s not easy to label this book with a particular genre. Again, I think I’d call it parallel history.
Last Child is the gripping sequel to the unique and highly entertaining Kings and Queens, which I thoroughly enjoyed and reviewed here. As Kings and Queens was a modern day take on the life of Henry VIII and his six wives, through a contemporary setting, Last Child evokes the lives of his children, the Tudor descendants: Edward VI (as Jasper), Mary I (as Isabella), and Elizabeth I (as Erin), written with a fictional take that brings these modern characters alive.
Last Child is divided into three parts, representing the “reigns” of Edward VI (in Jasper Junior), Mary (in Isabella) and Elizabeth (in Erin).
I loved reading about the lives and loves of this next generation of the Lanchester family as much as I did Henry VIII’s generation in Kings and Queens: hateful, lovable, irritating, sweet, laughable, the entire array of human qualities and faults renders the characters easy to relate to, and to empathise with. I couldn’t help but become attached to this family.
In Last Child, as in Kings and Queens, most readers will be well-acquainted with Tudor history –– those turbulent times in British history –– (although the author’s brief account of this historical period post-Henry VIII is a very interesting and useful accompaniment), but what makes this author’s books unique is the way she narrates the stories against a fictional, contemporary backdrop. She shows us that human nature, human behaviour, and history, are timeless.
As a history lover, and author of historical fiction, I love a gripping historical novel. I also enjoy good contemporary fiction, so Last Child ticked both of those boxes for me. It’s a book I wanted to read slowly, to savour, but one that I couldn’t help but gobble up in a few short sittings.
As for Kings and Queens, it’s not easy to label this book with a particular genre. Again, I think I’d call it parallel history.
March 12, 2015
Last Child is the much anticipated sequel to Kings and Queens. It's a modern day take of the loves and lives of The Tudor descendants of Henry VIII. Kings and Queens introduced us to Harry Lanchester, property developer and his six wives again in a mirrored modern day setting. With Last Child we read about similar mirrored lives of his children. Jasper - Edward VI, Isabella - Mary I and Erin - Elizabeth I written with a fictional take which brings these modern characters alive.
It's a stand alone book but you would get so much more from it if you first read Kings and Queens because many of the characters return in this wonderful tribute. There is an introduction to set the scene and a link to helpful historical notes if it's a period of history you are unfamiliar with. The book is written in three parts like the reign of the three characters from history and the chapters within are told from the points of view of many of the wonderful colourful players in the story.
With (King) Harry dead, twelve year old Jasper is son and heir to the Lanchester estates, Uncle Ned Seymour is appointed to run the company until Jasper is of age. Jasper and Erin are living in the care of their stepmother Kate who recently married Jasper's Uncle Aiden. Within the business there are fighting factions, Jim Dudley is assisting Ned but doesn't get on well with him. Erin and Isabella are divided in whom they support while Jaz, as he likes to be called is really just an out of control teenager raging against life and hormones.
Having lost both his parents Jaz finds it really hard at times to express himself and ex-nanny Hannah Cleveley suggests he uses a Dictaphone as a type of therapy. As a reader it's a lovely way to reach inside the mind of a teenage boy and shows the pressures he feels life puts on him and how he copes.
When disaster strikes, the door to managing Lanchester estates is opened for Isabella to take over, we have a brief interlude when the storyline turns to the life and events which surround Raine Grey who in history was Lady Jane Grey who reigned for just nine days. I wanted to dislike Raine when we first met her but she became one of my favourite characters by the end.
During Isabella's time as manager of Lanchester estates, she rules with an iron-fist and an unpopular one too. Desperate to find someone to share her life and to pour her love into she has a holiday romance with Philip Castillo who she meets in Spain. Everyone can see it's a disastrous choice except Isabella who becomes so intense that it drives her to madness.
Waiting in the wings is Erin, a chestnut haired beauty who has worked hard and is valued by all those around her. A strong supporter of her family and friends, she's not been left untarnished by the tragic events that surround her life. Seeing so many of those she loves die and aware of the disastrous trail of marriage break-downs that she has witnessed, she vows never to marry despite the constant companionship and on/off relationship she has with Rob Dudley.
I knew the end of the book was near but I wanted to shout NO when I reached the last line, I wanted more. When a book leaves you emotional and begging for more it's definitely a sign of a brilliant read. Worth everyone of it's five stars and more.
It's a stand alone book but you would get so much more from it if you first read Kings and Queens because many of the characters return in this wonderful tribute. There is an introduction to set the scene and a link to helpful historical notes if it's a period of history you are unfamiliar with. The book is written in three parts like the reign of the three characters from history and the chapters within are told from the points of view of many of the wonderful colourful players in the story.
With (King) Harry dead, twelve year old Jasper is son and heir to the Lanchester estates, Uncle Ned Seymour is appointed to run the company until Jasper is of age. Jasper and Erin are living in the care of their stepmother Kate who recently married Jasper's Uncle Aiden. Within the business there are fighting factions, Jim Dudley is assisting Ned but doesn't get on well with him. Erin and Isabella are divided in whom they support while Jaz, as he likes to be called is really just an out of control teenager raging against life and hormones.
Having lost both his parents Jaz finds it really hard at times to express himself and ex-nanny Hannah Cleveley suggests he uses a Dictaphone as a type of therapy. As a reader it's a lovely way to reach inside the mind of a teenage boy and shows the pressures he feels life puts on him and how he copes.
When disaster strikes, the door to managing Lanchester estates is opened for Isabella to take over, we have a brief interlude when the storyline turns to the life and events which surround Raine Grey who in history was Lady Jane Grey who reigned for just nine days. I wanted to dislike Raine when we first met her but she became one of my favourite characters by the end.
During Isabella's time as manager of Lanchester estates, she rules with an iron-fist and an unpopular one too. Desperate to find someone to share her life and to pour her love into she has a holiday romance with Philip Castillo who she meets in Spain. Everyone can see it's a disastrous choice except Isabella who becomes so intense that it drives her to madness.
Waiting in the wings is Erin, a chestnut haired beauty who has worked hard and is valued by all those around her. A strong supporter of her family and friends, she's not been left untarnished by the tragic events that surround her life. Seeing so many of those she loves die and aware of the disastrous trail of marriage break-downs that she has witnessed, she vows never to marry despite the constant companionship and on/off relationship she has with Rob Dudley.
I knew the end of the book was near but I wanted to shout NO when I reached the last line, I wanted more. When a book leaves you emotional and begging for more it's definitely a sign of a brilliant read. Worth everyone of it's five stars and more.
March 16, 2015
Following on from the impressive Kings and Queens, The Last Child tracks the fortunes of Harry Lanchester’s children, Isabella, Erin and Jasper. The narrative flows smoothly, with chapters from several of the main characters’ perspectives, each moving the story along seamlessly. Again, Terry Tyler very cleverly parallels each fascinating character with their Tudor equivalent, in a modern day setting and with her own unique interpretation.
Ex nanny, Hannah Cleveley opens the story the year after Harry’s fatal heart attack. Lanchester Estates is being managed by Ned Seymour, young Jasper’s uncle, until he comes of age, with assistance from Jim Dudley. There’s no love lost between the two men and Isabella and Erin support opposing camps which doesn’t make for easy business relations especially when Isabella finds out that Erin has sold some shares to Jim Dudley.
Jasper, at thirteen, is more interested in getting up to mischief with his friends, and other people who should know better. Grounded for drinking, Jaz (he won’t answer to Jasper any more) records his thoughts on a dictaphone at Hannah’s suggestion. Reading his take on his life is amusing and sad at the same time.
Tensions are running high at Lanchester Estates as Isabella heads the company after another family tragedy, and starts to implement her less than popular strategies. Disliked at work and lonely in her private life Isabella makes a relationship choice that is ultimately her undoing.
And Erin, beautiful and dedicated to the continuation of her father’s company, rectifies the consequences of Isabella’s reign at Lanchester Estates. In love with Rob Dudley, their on, off and on again relationship runs throughout the story, but determined never to marry, not having had any experience of happy ever afters to make her reconsider.
It’s impossible not to be drawn in by these very realistic and distinct personalities. I love the writing style very much, the humour and the easy, eloquent expression. The complex relationships and complicated family dynamics, the love, loss, and the promise of new life, along with the devastation of dementia and the complexities of mental illness are all written extremely well.
I also love Jim Dudley and Raine Grey’s romance and I’m so glad their characters weren’t too closely represented by their historical counterparts, they are two of my favourites and their relationship is very moving and quite tragic. This is so compelling and after the ending I hope there will be more to come!
Ex nanny, Hannah Cleveley opens the story the year after Harry’s fatal heart attack. Lanchester Estates is being managed by Ned Seymour, young Jasper’s uncle, until he comes of age, with assistance from Jim Dudley. There’s no love lost between the two men and Isabella and Erin support opposing camps which doesn’t make for easy business relations especially when Isabella finds out that Erin has sold some shares to Jim Dudley.
Jasper, at thirteen, is more interested in getting up to mischief with his friends, and other people who should know better. Grounded for drinking, Jaz (he won’t answer to Jasper any more) records his thoughts on a dictaphone at Hannah’s suggestion. Reading his take on his life is amusing and sad at the same time.
Tensions are running high at Lanchester Estates as Isabella heads the company after another family tragedy, and starts to implement her less than popular strategies. Disliked at work and lonely in her private life Isabella makes a relationship choice that is ultimately her undoing.
And Erin, beautiful and dedicated to the continuation of her father’s company, rectifies the consequences of Isabella’s reign at Lanchester Estates. In love with Rob Dudley, their on, off and on again relationship runs throughout the story, but determined never to marry, not having had any experience of happy ever afters to make her reconsider.
It’s impossible not to be drawn in by these very realistic and distinct personalities. I love the writing style very much, the humour and the easy, eloquent expression. The complex relationships and complicated family dynamics, the love, loss, and the promise of new life, along with the devastation of dementia and the complexities of mental illness are all written extremely well.
I also love Jim Dudley and Raine Grey’s romance and I’m so glad their characters weren’t too closely represented by their historical counterparts, they are two of my favourites and their relationship is very moving and quite tragic. This is so compelling and after the ending I hope there will be more to come!
June 15, 2015
I give Last Child by Terry Tyler 4 out of 5 stars.
Although I’m giving Last Child the same rating as its prequel, Kings and Queens, I think I enjoyed this installment a little bit more.
I thoroughly enjoyed the various points of view. While Kings and Queens felt a bit like a collection of short stories with Will Brandon’s narration bridging them, Last Child felt more fluid as it shifted from character to character. Additionally, where Kings and Queens stuck with history (as much as a modern reimagining can), Last Child had these departures that made the story that much more compelling.
Hannah was my favorite character from Kings and Queens, so I was overjoyed to see her in the role of narrator for this book. I thought Raine, Isabella, and Amy were fantastic characters, but I adored Erin – a woman after my own heart right there, not to mention she was a refreshing change from the “woman scorned” characters that preceded her.
I thought the story got off to a bit of a slow start with Jasper, though I thought he was compelling enough, if a little mature for his age. But once I got into it, there was no slowing down. I was eager to walk with the women of Lanchester Estates and watch their stories unfold.
I seriously hope these books become a television series!
Although I’m giving Last Child the same rating as its prequel, Kings and Queens, I think I enjoyed this installment a little bit more.
I thoroughly enjoyed the various points of view. While Kings and Queens felt a bit like a collection of short stories with Will Brandon’s narration bridging them, Last Child felt more fluid as it shifted from character to character. Additionally, where Kings and Queens stuck with history (as much as a modern reimagining can), Last Child had these departures that made the story that much more compelling.
Hannah was my favorite character from Kings and Queens, so I was overjoyed to see her in the role of narrator for this book. I thought Raine, Isabella, and Amy were fantastic characters, but I adored Erin – a woman after my own heart right there, not to mention she was a refreshing change from the “woman scorned” characters that preceded her.
I thought the story got off to a bit of a slow start with Jasper, though I thought he was compelling enough, if a little mature for his age. But once I got into it, there was no slowing down. I was eager to walk with the women of Lanchester Estates and watch their stories unfold.
I seriously hope these books become a television series!
March 10, 2015
This is a stomping family saga with a nod to the historical past of England which I really enjoyed. Terry Tyler has done her research very well in bringing a modern twist to the story we were all told about Henry VIII and his descendants.
I loved the way each character had a particular voice, particularly the teenage Jasper. When I read his diary I could imagine him very clearly as a teenager with all the hormones and wishes of adulthood. He was so ready to leave the confines of his Pretend Parents behind and spread his wings as his father's successor in Lancaster Estates and yet, at the same time, he was just a typical teenager wanting to find his first girlfriend and hang out with his friends.
I liked the way Terry dealt with the complex relationships and their many ups and downs in this sequel to Kings and Queens. The characters emotions were spot on with their personalities which she has flawlessly created and it kept me reading it in one sitting until the end. A brilliant sequel and her best book to date in my opinion.
I loved the way each character had a particular voice, particularly the teenage Jasper. When I read his diary I could imagine him very clearly as a teenager with all the hormones and wishes of adulthood. He was so ready to leave the confines of his Pretend Parents behind and spread his wings as his father's successor in Lancaster Estates and yet, at the same time, he was just a typical teenager wanting to find his first girlfriend and hang out with his friends.
I liked the way Terry dealt with the complex relationships and their many ups and downs in this sequel to Kings and Queens. The characters emotions were spot on with their personalities which she has flawlessly created and it kept me reading it in one sitting until the end. A brilliant sequel and her best book to date in my opinion.
April 11, 2015
The book provides a greater insight into life after Harry Lanchester's death.
With Last Child, Terry Tyler has created an excellent sequel to Kings and Queens. Harry Lanchester's death has not only affected his very different offspring; the lives of his friends and employees have changed as well. Last Child is a and gripping read with all too real characters. Terry Tyler carefully lets her characters evolve - a true art. I was drawn into the story right away, feeling like a close observer. This sequel confirmed my opinion on some characters; in some cases I gladly revised my opinion. Jaz, Isabella, Erin and their closest contacts are masterly portrayed. All other characters are equally real with all their virtues and/or flaws. Last Child is a great read for family saga and drama fans, readers who like parallels to history.
This is definitely not my usual genre. Despite that, I consider this - as well as Kings and Queens - as books to read again.
Recommended!
With Last Child, Terry Tyler has created an excellent sequel to Kings and Queens. Harry Lanchester's death has not only affected his very different offspring; the lives of his friends and employees have changed as well. Last Child is a and gripping read with all too real characters. Terry Tyler carefully lets her characters evolve - a true art. I was drawn into the story right away, feeling like a close observer. This sequel confirmed my opinion on some characters; in some cases I gladly revised my opinion. Jaz, Isabella, Erin and their closest contacts are masterly portrayed. All other characters are equally real with all their virtues and/or flaws. Last Child is a great read for family saga and drama fans, readers who like parallels to history.
This is definitely not my usual genre. Despite that, I consider this - as well as Kings and Queens - as books to read again.
Recommended!
May 7, 2015
I’m a great fan of Terry Tyler’s books and I bought this one the moment it was available. Sadly I couldn’t read it immediately, as I had so many other commitments, but it was well worth the wait.
The next generation of the Lanchester family is just as fascinating as the previous one.
Like all Ms Tyler’s novels, this one is cleverly constructed with superb characterization, perfect pacing and flawless English. A real joy to read.
And a surprise at the end. Well, it was a surprise to me.
What more could you ask
The next generation of the Lanchester family is just as fascinating as the previous one.
Like all Ms Tyler’s novels, this one is cleverly constructed with superb characterization, perfect pacing and flawless English. A real joy to read.
And a surprise at the end. Well, it was a surprise to me.
What more could you ask
March 10, 2015
Terry Tyler gave serious consideration to the Tudors’ historical makeover in her stunning novel, Kings And Queens. As I said in my review of that earlier book, what turned an interesting concept into a tour de force was that each woman told her personal story in her own unique voice. It was captivating and absolutely mesmerizing to not only see each character’s internal reasoning, but also to get a voyeur’s view of each woman through the eyes of the others.
The only problem? I wanted to know… no, I needed to know what came next. Sure, I could read the history books. But it wasn’t the same as getting in the heads of these women and seeing how their hopes and dreams and failures played out. And then getting to see that all over again through different eyes.
But great news! Terry Tyler has just released LAST CHILD. Not only can I get my “and then what?” fix, but she continues to find the unique character and voice for the next generation, the three surviving children of Harry Lanchester/ Henry VIII:
* Young Jasper/King Edward VI, Harry’s designated heir, is teetering between childhood and proud acceptance of his future:
* Eldest daughter Isabella/Queen Mary I tells us:
* Younger daughter Erin/Queen Elizabeth I is a girl whose strength—and tragedy—is to see more clearly than any other character what her role and future must be:
In addition, LAST CHILD gives us the fascinating supporting cast of characters who orbit the Lanchester/Tudor family. I particularly liked Raine/Lady Jane Grey, whose drive to rise above her council-flat background only brings her triumph crashing down after her nine-day ‘reign’ (I can’t be the only one who likes that pun!):
Even more remarkably, while following the sweep of history, Terry Tyler isn’t a slave to the changes that would come from modernizing. So along with the fun of recognizing characters and historical events, there is the surprise and delight of seeing them interpreted in modern terms.
I wouldn’t hesitate to give LAST CHILD five stars out of five. Quite simply, Terry Tyler has done it again. I thought that Kings and Queens would be difficult to top. But what I realized was that she didn’t need to top it. LAST CHILD is, instead, the brilliantly-executed, perfectly plotted, proper end to the story. I should probably tell you that you don’t really have to read Kings and Queens first. But that would mean you miss out on half the fun and a lot of inside jokes. So do yourself a favor—get a good bottle of wine, some quality me-time, and these two amazing reads. You deserve it.
*I received this book for free from the publisher or author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*
The only problem? I wanted to know… no, I needed to know what came next. Sure, I could read the history books. But it wasn’t the same as getting in the heads of these women and seeing how their hopes and dreams and failures played out. And then getting to see that all over again through different eyes.
But great news! Terry Tyler has just released LAST CHILD. Not only can I get my “and then what?” fix, but she continues to find the unique character and voice for the next generation, the three surviving children of Harry Lanchester/ Henry VIII:
* Young Jasper/King Edward VI, Harry’s designated heir, is teetering between childhood and proud acceptance of his future:
When Izzy talks about J. Dud ‘running amok’ I get a picture in my mind of him haring round the boardroom with a tomahawk, I don’t know why. I think it’s the ‘k’ in ‘amok’.
* Eldest daughter Isabella/Queen Mary I tells us:
People say, oh, Isabella never got over her parents getting divorced, it’s time she let the past go and moved on, but they haven’t got a clue what I went through, or they’d know it couldn’t do anything but colour the rest of my life.
* Younger daughter Erin/Queen Elizabeth I is a girl whose strength—and tragedy—is to see more clearly than any other character what her role and future must be:
“Do you know why I shall never do the husband bit?” she said, pointing her cigarette a bit too close to my face. “It’s because it ends women’s lives. Look at the evidence. My mother, my beautiful, intelligent, much sought after mother— she falls in love with my father, he screws around and rejects her, she ODs on charlie alone in her flat. Jaz’s mum would probably be alive and kicking if she hadn’t married my dad, as would Keira Howard. Izzy— I need say no more. Even if you don’t end up dead or in a nuthouse, getting married totally f***ing erodes your confidence and breaks your heart. Ask Kate, or Izzy’s mum. Or your mum. Or your wife, come to think of it. Nah, you’re better off alone, just having lovers. The trouble comes when you start believing in true love.”
In addition, LAST CHILD gives us the fascinating supporting cast of characters who orbit the Lanchester/Tudor family. I particularly liked Raine/Lady Jane Grey, whose drive to rise above her council-flat background only brings her triumph crashing down after her nine-day ‘reign’ (I can’t be the only one who likes that pun!):
Most of all, I wanted people to see me as someone they’d like to emulate, not as part of some pop psychology-loving, lazy, dog-on-a-string, pink dreadlocked, weirdo hippy underclass, to be laughed and pointed at.
Even more remarkably, while following the sweep of history, Terry Tyler isn’t a slave to the changes that would come from modernizing. So along with the fun of recognizing characters and historical events, there is the surprise and delight of seeing them interpreted in modern terms.
I wouldn’t hesitate to give LAST CHILD five stars out of five. Quite simply, Terry Tyler has done it again. I thought that Kings and Queens would be difficult to top. But what I realized was that she didn’t need to top it. LAST CHILD is, instead, the brilliantly-executed, perfectly plotted, proper end to the story. I should probably tell you that you don’t really have to read Kings and Queens first. But that would mean you miss out on half the fun and a lot of inside jokes. So do yourself a favor—get a good bottle of wine, some quality me-time, and these two amazing reads. You deserve it.
*I received this book for free from the publisher or author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*
March 25, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed ‘Kings and Queens’ so was really looking forward to the sequel and ‘Last Child’ does not disappoint.
Harry Lanchester is dead, leaving behind three very different children - young Jasper, who just wants to be a teenager and, although the youngest, the heir to the Lanchester business; bitter, unhappy Isabella, still reeling from her father’s deception and abandonment of her mother; and Erin, beautiful, strong and somewhat spoilt. These three carry with them the traits of their respective mothers, and the lasting legacy of the tragedies, upheavals and dramas so well-portrayed in ‘Kings and Queens’.
Add to the mix rivalry between those taking care of the business until Jasper comes of age - Ned Seymour and Jim Dudley - and you have a wonderful, modern take on the politics, intrigues and battles for power that dominated the English court after the death of Henry VIII.
Lanchester Estates is split down the middle - Ned Seymour is supported by Isabella, while Dudley is favoured by Erin, so much so that she sells him some of her shares in the company. Jasper is trying to cope with the difficulties of growing up, aware of the responsibility that awaits him, but more interested in girls and drinking. Former nanny Hannah, still very much a part of the family, tries to help, offering some stability to the fractured family, but then tragedy strikes and Isabella takes over the company.
Unpopular and unhappy, Isabella thinks she’s turned a corner when she meets Phillip Castillo. But Phillip isn’t all he seems. I couldn’t decide if I hated Isabella or felt terribly sorry for her - she acts selfishly and horribly, but deep down she’s so sad, and the writing conveys this so well; people behave as they do for a reason, and Isabella is a complex character whose flaws are well-explained.
Erin, meanwhile, is involved in an on-off relationship with Robert Dudley, which causes its own tragedies and unhappiness. Out of all the characters, I felt that Erin was the one who developed the most, who really ‘grew up’ as the story unfolded. Although she was far from perfect and still had her flaws, she became less the selfish, spoilt teenager and more the accomplished, capable intelligent woman that Lanchester Estates needed to keep the company going.
It’s great fun to link all these characters to their historical counterparts, and Terry Tyler does a great job of showing those links without making them obtrusive or restricting the characters or the story. Raine, for example, while ‘standing in’ for tragic Lady Jane Grey has a very different, albeit potentially heart-breaking, fate to the original.
The characters draw you in, and the writing is clever, entertaining, at times funny and always compelling. Each has his or her own story and their motivations are clear and believable. It’s one of those books that leaves you disappointed at the end - not because of the story but because you want to carry on, to see what happens next to the Lanchesters and, when you reach that last page, you’re left feeling slightly bereft. There aren’t many books that make me feel like that, so ‘Last Child’ definitely deserves five stars.
Harry Lanchester is dead, leaving behind three very different children - young Jasper, who just wants to be a teenager and, although the youngest, the heir to the Lanchester business; bitter, unhappy Isabella, still reeling from her father’s deception and abandonment of her mother; and Erin, beautiful, strong and somewhat spoilt. These three carry with them the traits of their respective mothers, and the lasting legacy of the tragedies, upheavals and dramas so well-portrayed in ‘Kings and Queens’.
Add to the mix rivalry between those taking care of the business until Jasper comes of age - Ned Seymour and Jim Dudley - and you have a wonderful, modern take on the politics, intrigues and battles for power that dominated the English court after the death of Henry VIII.
Lanchester Estates is split down the middle - Ned Seymour is supported by Isabella, while Dudley is favoured by Erin, so much so that she sells him some of her shares in the company. Jasper is trying to cope with the difficulties of growing up, aware of the responsibility that awaits him, but more interested in girls and drinking. Former nanny Hannah, still very much a part of the family, tries to help, offering some stability to the fractured family, but then tragedy strikes and Isabella takes over the company.
Unpopular and unhappy, Isabella thinks she’s turned a corner when she meets Phillip Castillo. But Phillip isn’t all he seems. I couldn’t decide if I hated Isabella or felt terribly sorry for her - she acts selfishly and horribly, but deep down she’s so sad, and the writing conveys this so well; people behave as they do for a reason, and Isabella is a complex character whose flaws are well-explained.
Erin, meanwhile, is involved in an on-off relationship with Robert Dudley, which causes its own tragedies and unhappiness. Out of all the characters, I felt that Erin was the one who developed the most, who really ‘grew up’ as the story unfolded. Although she was far from perfect and still had her flaws, she became less the selfish, spoilt teenager and more the accomplished, capable intelligent woman that Lanchester Estates needed to keep the company going.
It’s great fun to link all these characters to their historical counterparts, and Terry Tyler does a great job of showing those links without making them obtrusive or restricting the characters or the story. Raine, for example, while ‘standing in’ for tragic Lady Jane Grey has a very different, albeit potentially heart-breaking, fate to the original.
The characters draw you in, and the writing is clever, entertaining, at times funny and always compelling. Each has his or her own story and their motivations are clear and believable. It’s one of those books that leaves you disappointed at the end - not because of the story but because you want to carry on, to see what happens next to the Lanchesters and, when you reach that last page, you’re left feeling slightly bereft. There aren’t many books that make me feel like that, so ‘Last Child’ definitely deserves five stars.
March 13, 2015
I have to admit that having read Kings and Queens I was immediately drawn to read the sequel. This is the great thing about reading a book after the next one has already been written. I have on many occasions waited for the next book in a series to be sorely disappointed.
This was not the case here, and I have I say I actually enjoyed Last Child even more than reading Kings and Queens.
There are a few reasons for this. Historically, Henry VIII has always been an interesting historical characters because of his many wives. Personally, I found History boring at school and never connected. What did I care that someone had so many? Seems like a bit of an idiot to me! So, when you read historical fiction written in a contemporary setting it brings everything to life. It makes you think, "Wow! Now I get it!" This is what Kings and Queens did - it made the illogical make sense.
But, in Last Child you see the consequences of someone so promiscuous and irrational via his offspring. The good and the bad. From the pampered male heir who wants to get everything his way (to dire consequences), to the deranged unwanted daughter who feels neglected and abandoned because her father rejected her via her mother, to the younger more exuberant child who had oodles of character and does not care what is expected of her, she just gets on with it.
The way in which we get to eavesdrop on their thoughts and actions again explains historical facts in a way that allows for compassion. I mean, seriously, I would never had thought a man who has an affair with a woman half his age would be rational. Yet, in this story it sound plausible (not for me personally, but I got how it happened).
So many details and actions that have so much relevance to society today. Again, it is like watching a TV soap - everyday events are embellished with tragic consequences.
However, in the end Terry has left us with some inner peace. Everything does not always go to plan, but you can make the most of a bad situation. She has also left an opening for another book - I practically screamed at the book at the end! More twists to come I think...
Anyway, if you have not read this author's books before you really should. She has a way of drawing you in, of getting you involved, of sympathising with characters you thought you hate, and feeling annoyed at characters you thought would be great. I love that. I want to be sent on a roller coaster ride when I read a book and this was definitely up, down, sideways and over!
One thing I will say is that the Lanchester family actually made me think of the Kennedy's not the British Monarchs. I guess it's really sad when a family seems to be so jinxed. Even the best of people have no guarantees in life. I guess we all have to live life to the maximum and make every day count, regardless of what the social niceties dictate.
*~I got this book in exchange for an honest review via Rosie's Book Review Team*~
This was not the case here, and I have I say I actually enjoyed Last Child even more than reading Kings and Queens.
There are a few reasons for this. Historically, Henry VIII has always been an interesting historical characters because of his many wives. Personally, I found History boring at school and never connected. What did I care that someone had so many? Seems like a bit of an idiot to me! So, when you read historical fiction written in a contemporary setting it brings everything to life. It makes you think, "Wow! Now I get it!" This is what Kings and Queens did - it made the illogical make sense.
But, in Last Child you see the consequences of someone so promiscuous and irrational via his offspring. The good and the bad. From the pampered male heir who wants to get everything his way (to dire consequences), to the deranged unwanted daughter who feels neglected and abandoned because her father rejected her via her mother, to the younger more exuberant child who had oodles of character and does not care what is expected of her, she just gets on with it.
The way in which we get to eavesdrop on their thoughts and actions again explains historical facts in a way that allows for compassion. I mean, seriously, I would never had thought a man who has an affair with a woman half his age would be rational. Yet, in this story it sound plausible (not for me personally, but I got how it happened).
So many details and actions that have so much relevance to society today. Again, it is like watching a TV soap - everyday events are embellished with tragic consequences.
However, in the end Terry has left us with some inner peace. Everything does not always go to plan, but you can make the most of a bad situation. She has also left an opening for another book - I practically screamed at the book at the end! More twists to come I think...
Anyway, if you have not read this author's books before you really should. She has a way of drawing you in, of getting you involved, of sympathising with characters you thought you hate, and feeling annoyed at characters you thought would be great. I love that. I want to be sent on a roller coaster ride when I read a book and this was definitely up, down, sideways and over!
One thing I will say is that the Lanchester family actually made me think of the Kennedy's not the British Monarchs. I guess it's really sad when a family seems to be so jinxed. Even the best of people have no guarantees in life. I guess we all have to live life to the maximum and make every day count, regardless of what the social niceties dictate.
*~I got this book in exchange for an honest review via Rosie's Book Review Team*~
January 9, 2016
If possible, I think I enjoyed this book even more than Kings and Queens, the first book in Tyler's re-working of the lives of the Tudors. Taking the story and characters who made English history, she transports them to the modern world and allows her readers to see and also understand their stories from another angle. After reading Kings and Queens, I was keen to read the sequel, and was not disappointed.
The story centres on the next generation of the family, following the death of Harry/Henry VIII. Told from the different perspectives of Harry's three children, but with input from others, The Last Child is truly a triumph.
Tyler really gets under the skin of her characters, from Izzy/Mary I and her dramatic rise and fall in power, to the immature, but incredibly likeable Jaz/Edward. I particularly enjoyed Tyler's portrayal of Erin/Elizabeth, who despite being the eponymous heroine of the story, is very much kept on the sidelines until near the end of the book, just as the real Elizabeth was in her path to the throne of England. For a long time, we see Elizabeth only through the eyes of others, making her an enigma, not only to the reader, but also to the other characters. This is clever of Tyler since it mirrors very much the feelings many would have had for the young princess in her path to the throne. I found Erin/Elizabeth to be a complex and rounded character, sure and independent in herself, and yet tortured by her past, and the people she had loved and lost in life. When Erin finally comes into her own power, she bursts into the story, and the long build-up to her own voice being heard is absolutely worth the wait.
I won't spoil the end for anyone, but suffice it to say that I loved the way Tyler plays slightly with the end of the tale, and perhaps if Elizabeth had truly lived in our age rather than hers, then the ending Tyler rewards her with would not have been inconceivable or impossible.
I really enjoyed this book and recommend it wholeheartedly. I am also looking forward to Tyler's newest release tackling the colourful House of York. Tyler's writing style is easy, fluid and captivating, but for me, it is her way of seeming to see straight into the soul of these characters from history which really makes these books shine. Tyler seems to just "get" the impulses which drive her characters. As an avid reader of history since I was a child, and the Tudor period in particular, I love how she picks up people who for many are just names next to dates on dusty paper, and transports them to the modern era, filling them with life and vitality. It is a real talent showing a deep and sympathetic appraisal of the inner workings of her characters, and a love for the history she bases her stories very cleverly upon. Great twists and great writing. But my enduring love of this book will always be the character of Erin; as flawed and yet as brilliant as her historical counterpart Elizabeth Tudor.
Five well deserved stars.
The story centres on the next generation of the family, following the death of Harry/Henry VIII. Told from the different perspectives of Harry's three children, but with input from others, The Last Child is truly a triumph.
Tyler really gets under the skin of her characters, from Izzy/Mary I and her dramatic rise and fall in power, to the immature, but incredibly likeable Jaz/Edward. I particularly enjoyed Tyler's portrayal of Erin/Elizabeth, who despite being the eponymous heroine of the story, is very much kept on the sidelines until near the end of the book, just as the real Elizabeth was in her path to the throne of England. For a long time, we see Elizabeth only through the eyes of others, making her an enigma, not only to the reader, but also to the other characters. This is clever of Tyler since it mirrors very much the feelings many would have had for the young princess in her path to the throne. I found Erin/Elizabeth to be a complex and rounded character, sure and independent in herself, and yet tortured by her past, and the people she had loved and lost in life. When Erin finally comes into her own power, she bursts into the story, and the long build-up to her own voice being heard is absolutely worth the wait.
I won't spoil the end for anyone, but suffice it to say that I loved the way Tyler plays slightly with the end of the tale, and perhaps if Elizabeth had truly lived in our age rather than hers, then the ending Tyler rewards her with would not have been inconceivable or impossible.
I really enjoyed this book and recommend it wholeheartedly. I am also looking forward to Tyler's newest release tackling the colourful House of York. Tyler's writing style is easy, fluid and captivating, but for me, it is her way of seeming to see straight into the soul of these characters from history which really makes these books shine. Tyler seems to just "get" the impulses which drive her characters. As an avid reader of history since I was a child, and the Tudor period in particular, I love how she picks up people who for many are just names next to dates on dusty paper, and transports them to the modern era, filling them with life and vitality. It is a real talent showing a deep and sympathetic appraisal of the inner workings of her characters, and a love for the history she bases her stories very cleverly upon. Great twists and great writing. But my enduring love of this book will always be the character of Erin; as flawed and yet as brilliant as her historical counterpart Elizabeth Tudor.
Five well deserved stars.
March 10, 2015
After the tremendous success of Terry Tyler’s, “Kings and Queens,” set in recent times but based on the Tudor court of Henry VIII, its follow up, “Last Child,” was a treat I was looking forward to. And it doesn’t disappoint.
At the beginning of the novel we find orphaned Isabella, Erin and Jasper, the modern representations of Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth and Edward VI living in Lanchester Hall with their stepmother Kate and her new young husband Aiden Seymour. Soon 16 year old Erin’s flirtatious relationship with 32 year old Aiden gets out of hand and Kate leaves. Luckily ex- nanny Hannah Cleveley is on hand to provide some security and stability for the mixed-up half-brother and sisters.
The story is told in the words of several key characters giving the reader a variety of perspectives and making you care about their lives. Hannah is a loving observer of the family who steps in whenever there is a crisis, “mentally loosening” her stays!
Jaz is a typical teenage boy who despite losing his parents so young has the potential to lead the family company successfully once he has grown up. In the meantime he’s rather naughty and delightfully describes his family in terms of Harry Potter characters. He is so vibrant that when disaster strikes it is still a shock.
Isabella is, as expected, a crazy mixed up young lady, full of resentment and jealousy. As she aptly comments, “My life is more Greek tragedy than Hugh Grant film.” Her relationship with Philip Castillo is doomed from the start and it is hardly surprising that employees in the company call her “the Mad Axe woman.”
Erin can charm the birds from the trees. People warm to her and men find her very attractive. Her on/off relationship with Robert Dudley is a major part of the plot and he is also a charismatic and likeable character. They are good friends but there is also, “an explosive chemistry,” between them. She is astute in business and determined not to give up the reins by burying herself in marriage.
Alongside these events there are many other sub plots. We see the self-destruction of psychosis and schizophrenia and the slow deterioration of the mind caused by Alzheimer’s. But the overall theme of the book is love, much of it unrequited, and its consequences. Perhaps the most touching story is that of Raine Grey and Jim Dudley which departs from the Tudor events into a warm but sad relationship.
The final part of the book is doom-laden. You feel as if everything is going to go wrong but will it? But there is a wonderful epilogue promising exciting events in the future. Terry’s excellent plotting and witty turn of phrase make Lost Child a delight to read and I feel as if I know all the characters almost as well as my own family.
At the beginning of the novel we find orphaned Isabella, Erin and Jasper, the modern representations of Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth and Edward VI living in Lanchester Hall with their stepmother Kate and her new young husband Aiden Seymour. Soon 16 year old Erin’s flirtatious relationship with 32 year old Aiden gets out of hand and Kate leaves. Luckily ex- nanny Hannah Cleveley is on hand to provide some security and stability for the mixed-up half-brother and sisters.
The story is told in the words of several key characters giving the reader a variety of perspectives and making you care about their lives. Hannah is a loving observer of the family who steps in whenever there is a crisis, “mentally loosening” her stays!
Jaz is a typical teenage boy who despite losing his parents so young has the potential to lead the family company successfully once he has grown up. In the meantime he’s rather naughty and delightfully describes his family in terms of Harry Potter characters. He is so vibrant that when disaster strikes it is still a shock.
Isabella is, as expected, a crazy mixed up young lady, full of resentment and jealousy. As she aptly comments, “My life is more Greek tragedy than Hugh Grant film.” Her relationship with Philip Castillo is doomed from the start and it is hardly surprising that employees in the company call her “the Mad Axe woman.”
Erin can charm the birds from the trees. People warm to her and men find her very attractive. Her on/off relationship with Robert Dudley is a major part of the plot and he is also a charismatic and likeable character. They are good friends but there is also, “an explosive chemistry,” between them. She is astute in business and determined not to give up the reins by burying herself in marriage.
Alongside these events there are many other sub plots. We see the self-destruction of psychosis and schizophrenia and the slow deterioration of the mind caused by Alzheimer’s. But the overall theme of the book is love, much of it unrequited, and its consequences. Perhaps the most touching story is that of Raine Grey and Jim Dudley which departs from the Tudor events into a warm but sad relationship.
The final part of the book is doom-laden. You feel as if everything is going to go wrong but will it? But there is a wonderful epilogue promising exciting events in the future. Terry’s excellent plotting and witty turn of phrase make Lost Child a delight to read and I feel as if I know all the characters almost as well as my own family.
March 5, 2015
Last Child is the sequel to Tyler’s brilliant Kings and Queens. It follows on after the death of property mogul Harry Lanchester and is full of scandal, tragedy, power, lust, greed, heartache…basically imagine if Dallas were well written!
It is written in the same style as Kings and Queens, with narratives from various key characters, and this is very cleverly done. It doesn’t consist of everyone just randomly throwing in their tuppence worth, and it isn’t repetitive at all – it’s more like each narrator hands the baton to the next in order to continue with the story.
I’m the first to admit how surprising it is that a ‘thriller-addict’ like me enjoyed this book as much as I did. There are none of the twists and surprises that I usually crave – I mean, come on, we essentially know what happens to everyone don’t we?! And yet I was hooked! Because yes, ok, we know this one married that one, and this one had it away with that one, and these ones croaked it, etcetera, etcetera. But the pleasure is in Tyler’s interpretations, and the brilliance of bringing the issues of the 16th century into the present day – so that all of those terribly boring people you learned about at school suddenly become fascinating, exciting, and dare I say it, extremely likeable.
And this brings me to what I believe is Tyler’s greatest skill – character development. This is an author who just knows people! This is something I have found in every Tyler book I have read before, and this one is certainly no different. Each character has been afforded a depth of personality that is often difficult to find in novels with so many lead players. Readers will very quickly decide who they love and who they vehemently dislike, and everyone will find somebody that they can relate to – if not for their situation then for their thought processes. It is very clear that a lot of thought went into each character, based on the history of their real-life counterparts and what sort of people they might have been based on their actions. And you cant help but admire an author who can do all that, and put them all in a great story too!
It takes a special kind of author to take real figures from the 16th century, make them authentically current, and make a work of fiction that is so credible it could be a biography, so detailed you could be reading a history text, and yet so entertaining that you lose yourself in the escapism of the drama!
Oh and there’s a brief appearance by a character called Storm in there, so… y’know, excellent!
Many thanks to the author for providing this book for review
It is written in the same style as Kings and Queens, with narratives from various key characters, and this is very cleverly done. It doesn’t consist of everyone just randomly throwing in their tuppence worth, and it isn’t repetitive at all – it’s more like each narrator hands the baton to the next in order to continue with the story.
I’m the first to admit how surprising it is that a ‘thriller-addict’ like me enjoyed this book as much as I did. There are none of the twists and surprises that I usually crave – I mean, come on, we essentially know what happens to everyone don’t we?! And yet I was hooked! Because yes, ok, we know this one married that one, and this one had it away with that one, and these ones croaked it, etcetera, etcetera. But the pleasure is in Tyler’s interpretations, and the brilliance of bringing the issues of the 16th century into the present day – so that all of those terribly boring people you learned about at school suddenly become fascinating, exciting, and dare I say it, extremely likeable.
And this brings me to what I believe is Tyler’s greatest skill – character development. This is an author who just knows people! This is something I have found in every Tyler book I have read before, and this one is certainly no different. Each character has been afforded a depth of personality that is often difficult to find in novels with so many lead players. Readers will very quickly decide who they love and who they vehemently dislike, and everyone will find somebody that they can relate to – if not for their situation then for their thought processes. It is very clear that a lot of thought went into each character, based on the history of their real-life counterparts and what sort of people they might have been based on their actions. And you cant help but admire an author who can do all that, and put them all in a great story too!
It takes a special kind of author to take real figures from the 16th century, make them authentically current, and make a work of fiction that is so credible it could be a biography, so detailed you could be reading a history text, and yet so entertaining that you lose yourself in the escapism of the drama!
Oh and there’s a brief appearance by a character called Storm in there, so… y’know, excellent!
Many thanks to the author for providing this book for review
August 9, 2015
Like I’ve said before about Terry Tyler’s books, they’re not the kind of books I normally read: not exactly chick lit, not exactly romances, not exactly conventional sagas, but often a combination of all three—in fact a genre that is uniquely her own. A genre I find I like very much indeed.
The strength of her writing is in the characters she creates and thus their consequent situations, messes and delights that inevitably result from the interaction between all kinds of people, whether the sparks fly for friendship, romance, lust, hatred or a combination of all of these.
Last Child is the sequel to Kings and Queens. I actually love that period of history, so was excited at this concept of taking real history and adapting it to modern-day circumstances. Kings and Queens covered (and paralleled) the period when King Henry V111 (personified as property magnate Harry Lanchester) ruled his kingdom (property empire) until his death, leaving loose ends and even looser children to inherit, some of which were more suited to their destiny than others.
Last Child is just as good as Kings and Queens, covering the difficult Tudor years of Edward’s minority (the ghastly son of Harry, Jasper) through to the terrible protestant-hating Mary Tudor (the horrible Isabella) and finally our favourite Elizabeth 1 (the sexy and lovable Erin).
Firstly it’s a very readable book, packed with lively dialogue and interesting happenings—Ms Tyler’s books never flag or lag, secondly it covers a wide gamut of emotions. I found myself liking the Ann of Cleves equivalent character: Hannah Cleverly is the overweight eminently lovable children’s ex nanny. I also found myself hating the loathsome Isabella and her toy boy (King Philip of Spain) and hoping she was riding for a fall (I won’t say if she does, as it might spoil the book).
It’s a very absorbing book: like all good books you have to know what happens.
All in all it’s an excellent sequel for Kings and Queens but it’s just as good if you read it as a standalone: the setting is explained, so you can read these two books out of order if you want to.
One thing is for sure. If you read one, you’ll have to read the other, whichever of them you read first.
The strength of her writing is in the characters she creates and thus their consequent situations, messes and delights that inevitably result from the interaction between all kinds of people, whether the sparks fly for friendship, romance, lust, hatred or a combination of all of these.
Last Child is the sequel to Kings and Queens. I actually love that period of history, so was excited at this concept of taking real history and adapting it to modern-day circumstances. Kings and Queens covered (and paralleled) the period when King Henry V111 (personified as property magnate Harry Lanchester) ruled his kingdom (property empire) until his death, leaving loose ends and even looser children to inherit, some of which were more suited to their destiny than others.
Last Child is just as good as Kings and Queens, covering the difficult Tudor years of Edward’s minority (the ghastly son of Harry, Jasper) through to the terrible protestant-hating Mary Tudor (the horrible Isabella) and finally our favourite Elizabeth 1 (the sexy and lovable Erin).
Firstly it’s a very readable book, packed with lively dialogue and interesting happenings—Ms Tyler’s books never flag or lag, secondly it covers a wide gamut of emotions. I found myself liking the Ann of Cleves equivalent character: Hannah Cleverly is the overweight eminently lovable children’s ex nanny. I also found myself hating the loathsome Isabella and her toy boy (King Philip of Spain) and hoping she was riding for a fall (I won’t say if she does, as it might spoil the book).
It’s a very absorbing book: like all good books you have to know what happens.
All in all it’s an excellent sequel for Kings and Queens but it’s just as good if you read it as a standalone: the setting is explained, so you can read these two books out of order if you want to.
One thing is for sure. If you read one, you’ll have to read the other, whichever of them you read first.
March 21, 2015
Having right royally entertained us with her updated version of the life of Henry VIII in Kings and Queens, Terry Tyler now treats us to this equally satisfying sequel.
After Harry Lanchester’s death, his children - young Jasper, lonely Isabella, and beautiful, headstrong Erin - each take their turn at running his precious company, Lanchester Estates. Surrounded by advisors and hangers-on, mixing their professional and personal lives to the hilt, how successfully do they continue their father’s legacy?
This is a great, sprawling story in and of itself, but probably more fun if read after the first book in the series. It’s also more intriguing and far deeper when you familiarize yourself with the history, which the author very helpfully provides a link to in the introduction.
Terry Tyler knows what makes people tick. The immediacy she gives to the various first-person narratives draws you in, and makes you really feel for these characters. You understand their weaknesses, worries and mistakes. Both Jasper and Isabella are naïve, but in such different ways. The youthful verve of Jasper’s diary entries contrast with the tone of Isabella’s narrative, and both make you root for each of them.
I was particularly smitten by the story of Raine Grey. Her unusual childhood has driven her to be a successful businesswoman. Her disastrous nine days as PR manager of Lanchester Estates and her unwise choice in love are dramatic and totally believable.
The similarities between parents and their children are explored from many angles. There are many examples throughout the book, and I think the most interesting is Jim and Robert Dudley. They are men who you might feel critical of, but understand none the less.
One scene, about two thirds of the way through, made me cry and will remain with me for a long time.
The excellent ending raises the possibility of a further book in the series, which I’d gobble up in a trice. Partly because I want to know what happens next and partly because I’d love to find out how this imaginative author would present an updated version of the Spanish Armada.
After Harry Lanchester’s death, his children - young Jasper, lonely Isabella, and beautiful, headstrong Erin - each take their turn at running his precious company, Lanchester Estates. Surrounded by advisors and hangers-on, mixing their professional and personal lives to the hilt, how successfully do they continue their father’s legacy?
This is a great, sprawling story in and of itself, but probably more fun if read after the first book in the series. It’s also more intriguing and far deeper when you familiarize yourself with the history, which the author very helpfully provides a link to in the introduction.
Terry Tyler knows what makes people tick. The immediacy she gives to the various first-person narratives draws you in, and makes you really feel for these characters. You understand their weaknesses, worries and mistakes. Both Jasper and Isabella are naïve, but in such different ways. The youthful verve of Jasper’s diary entries contrast with the tone of Isabella’s narrative, and both make you root for each of them.
I was particularly smitten by the story of Raine Grey. Her unusual childhood has driven her to be a successful businesswoman. Her disastrous nine days as PR manager of Lanchester Estates and her unwise choice in love are dramatic and totally believable.
The similarities between parents and their children are explored from many angles. There are many examples throughout the book, and I think the most interesting is Jim and Robert Dudley. They are men who you might feel critical of, but understand none the less.
One scene, about two thirds of the way through, made me cry and will remain with me for a long time.
The excellent ending raises the possibility of a further book in the series, which I’d gobble up in a trice. Partly because I want to know what happens next and partly because I’d love to find out how this imaginative author would present an updated version of the Spanish Armada.
March 6, 2015
I loved ‘Kings and Queens’ and have been looking forward to ‘Last Child’, the sequel, coming out, and eagerly bought it the minute it landed on Amazon.
Although this could be read as a standalone I would hugely recommend reading ‘Kings and Queens’ first not only because it is a joy to read but you will also understand the background to the legacy of Harry Lanchester, his heirs, on who this book is based much better. There is however a comprehensive introduction at the beginning of ‘Last Child’ which brings you up to speed and gives you all you need to know about the setting for this story.
This book is hugely entertaining and has made me laugh, cry and everything in between those extremes. Hannah, the nanny and one of my favourite characters from ‘Kings and Queens’ takes a big lead role in narrating much of this story but others also take their turn and the different points of view are very well handled.
There is so much to say about so many fabulous characters both the good ones as well as the bad but without giving anything away about who, what, when and why I also loved many of the relationships in this sequel. Many that I perhaps shouldn’t have done but did, Jim Dudley who grew on me, Raine Grey - utterly heartbreaking... Robert Dudley firm but with the patience of a saint and Erin who I enjoyed watching develop from doing something truly horrible as a teenager into...well...I’ll leave you to find that out.
The characters Tyler creates are as real, sumptuous and lavish as the Lanchester Estates Headquarters and she gets all the voices spot on from Jaz as a teenager to those more mature in years as well as touching on mental illness and dementia.
I don’t have much time to read at the moment but I put aside time to savour this one and finished it in tears. However with the way this ended and with some delicious little teasers of what’s to come (Letty, as just one example!) I am daring to hold out a glimmer of hope that there may just be another book in this terrific series and if there is I shall be first in line for a copy.
Although this could be read as a standalone I would hugely recommend reading ‘Kings and Queens’ first not only because it is a joy to read but you will also understand the background to the legacy of Harry Lanchester, his heirs, on who this book is based much better. There is however a comprehensive introduction at the beginning of ‘Last Child’ which brings you up to speed and gives you all you need to know about the setting for this story.
This book is hugely entertaining and has made me laugh, cry and everything in between those extremes. Hannah, the nanny and one of my favourite characters from ‘Kings and Queens’ takes a big lead role in narrating much of this story but others also take their turn and the different points of view are very well handled.
There is so much to say about so many fabulous characters both the good ones as well as the bad but without giving anything away about who, what, when and why I also loved many of the relationships in this sequel. Many that I perhaps shouldn’t have done but did, Jim Dudley who grew on me, Raine Grey - utterly heartbreaking... Robert Dudley firm but with the patience of a saint and Erin who I enjoyed watching develop from doing something truly horrible as a teenager into...well...I’ll leave you to find that out.
The characters Tyler creates are as real, sumptuous and lavish as the Lanchester Estates Headquarters and she gets all the voices spot on from Jaz as a teenager to those more mature in years as well as touching on mental illness and dementia.
I don’t have much time to read at the moment but I put aside time to savour this one and finished it in tears. However with the way this ended and with some delicious little teasers of what’s to come (Letty, as just one example!) I am daring to hold out a glimmer of hope that there may just be another book in this terrific series and if there is I shall be first in line for a copy.
August 25, 2015
Tudor lovers will love this sequel to Terry Tyler’s popular Kings and Queens, the saga about construction magnate Harry Lanchester [Henry VIII] and his six wives. Now, Harry is dead. The King is dead, long live the king. In this case, his only son.
This book follows the tale of the three orphans and, like their Tudor namesakes – Isabella/Mary, Jaz/Edward and Erin/Elizabeth – they make a history of the 21st century kind. Adultery, boardroom betrayal, sibling arguments, sexual chemistry, this book is full of it. Business here takes the place of royalty, creating quite apt parallels as the themes transfer across the centuries: truth, compromise, pragmatism and bravery.
It helps to have read Kings and Queens before you start this, but not essential. The first narrator is Hannah, who was nanny in the first book to the three young Lanchester children, and is now back on the scene to pick up the pieces. Jaz, Harry’s heir, is 13, his father’s friends surround him as he prepares to take the helm of the family construction when he is 16. But Jaz, like his father, is a rebel and things do not go to plan. If you know your Tudor history, you can guess what happens next. And this is where Terry Tyler is so clever, she sticks to the broad historical brushstrokes but is inventive in the modern-day scenarios she creates for Harry’s three children.
I loved this pair of books, particularly the very last section ‘Ten Minutes Before’. So Tudor!
Read more of my book reviews at my blog http://www.sandradanby.com/book-revie...
This book follows the tale of the three orphans and, like their Tudor namesakes – Isabella/Mary, Jaz/Edward and Erin/Elizabeth – they make a history of the 21st century kind. Adultery, boardroom betrayal, sibling arguments, sexual chemistry, this book is full of it. Business here takes the place of royalty, creating quite apt parallels as the themes transfer across the centuries: truth, compromise, pragmatism and bravery.
It helps to have read Kings and Queens before you start this, but not essential. The first narrator is Hannah, who was nanny in the first book to the three young Lanchester children, and is now back on the scene to pick up the pieces. Jaz, Harry’s heir, is 13, his father’s friends surround him as he prepares to take the helm of the family construction when he is 16. But Jaz, like his father, is a rebel and things do not go to plan. If you know your Tudor history, you can guess what happens next. And this is where Terry Tyler is so clever, she sticks to the broad historical brushstrokes but is inventive in the modern-day scenarios she creates for Harry’s three children.
I loved this pair of books, particularly the very last section ‘Ten Minutes Before’. So Tudor!
Read more of my book reviews at my blog http://www.sandradanby.com/book-revie...
July 13, 2015
In Last Child, from the very beginning, I had forgotten about The Tudors. Totally. So much so that I tweeted Terry in shock about one character ... later that night I thought 'what are you doing? Of course you KNEW what was going to happen if not exactly how it would happen.' So even if you have no interest in history and The Tudors in particular, don't let that put you off! You also don't have to read Kings and Queens to enjoy Last Child.
Beginning in March 2008 with a narration from Hannah (bringing us up to date) I've been so involved with everyone connected to Lanchester Estates. Once again I've loved the different narrations; Kate, Raine, Jaz (dictaphone), Isabella, Erin, Robert and Amy (journal) give the story depth, keeping it very much alive. It's a fabulous pace too.
Characters that were important in Kings and Queens leave the story, with Isabella and Erin taking the lead and right from the beginning you know there is going to be much bitterness within Lanchester Estates with Erin breaking the family rule and selling 5% of her shares outside of the family. So many tangled lives and emotions and I felt for each and every one. Terry peels back those layers to the raw emotions underneath.
I didn't want Last Child to end. Didn't want to say goodbye to these characters who had become very real to me. You really should read both novels!
I would like to thank the author for providing a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
Beginning in March 2008 with a narration from Hannah (bringing us up to date) I've been so involved with everyone connected to Lanchester Estates. Once again I've loved the different narrations; Kate, Raine, Jaz (dictaphone), Isabella, Erin, Robert and Amy (journal) give the story depth, keeping it very much alive. It's a fabulous pace too.
Characters that were important in Kings and Queens leave the story, with Isabella and Erin taking the lead and right from the beginning you know there is going to be much bitterness within Lanchester Estates with Erin breaking the family rule and selling 5% of her shares outside of the family. So many tangled lives and emotions and I felt for each and every one. Terry peels back those layers to the raw emotions underneath.
I didn't want Last Child to end. Didn't want to say goodbye to these characters who had become very real to me. You really should read both novels!
I would like to thank the author for providing a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2015
I don't know where to start in praising this novel. I enjoyed Kings and Queens so much that I had high expectations, but Last Child exceeded them. The novel continues the modern-day reworking of the story of the Tudors with the events following the death of Harry Lanchester (Henry VIII). Like, Kings and Queens, it is told from multiple points of view and there are some wonderful characters. Each one of these characters is memorable. Jasper (Edward VI) is a spoilt, over-privileged teenage but it's impossible not to be charmed by him. Terry Tyler even manages to evoke empathy for the flawed Isabella (Mary), whose lack of understanding of human nature leads her to make unpopular decisions when she runs the company, earning her the nickname, the Axe-woman, the sort of touch that makes these novels such a joy to read. Isabella's desperation and decline is painful to read, but is written with exquisite sensitivity. And as for Erin, she is every bit as wonderful and unforgettable as you'd expect the modern counterpart of Elizabeth I to be. But the other players in this fascinating period of history are also brilliantly evoked. Raine Grey (Lady Jane Grey) is very cleverly dealt with, and the Dudley men are an absolute joy. I even found myself becoming emotional about Amy, Robert's pathetic wife.
When this novel ended, I felt bereft, I didn't want it to end. I can't recommend it highly enough.
When this novel ended, I felt bereft, I didn't want it to end. I can't recommend it highly enough.
March 27, 2015
I loved Kings and Queens, and had been eagerly awaiting the sequel. I was not disappointed!
Last Child continues the modern day take on the Tudor Court, picking up the plot after the death of Harry Lanchester (Henry VIII). The story is told in the first person from a number of different viewpoints, and Terry does a superb job in handling all the different characters, giving each of them a compelling and authentic voice. I particularly liked the outpourings of the teenage Jaz (Edward VI), into his Dictaphone and was gutted when he died, although of course it was inevitable… Erin (Elizabeth I) was another of my favourites, with her gutsy hard-headed attitude to life. What a worthy successor to the crown!
Once again, Terry must have spent much time on research, and several times I went scurrying to look up the Tudor counterparts online, even though I’ve never been that into history.
Also, as with Kings and Queens, Terry really nailed the dysfunctional relationships common in family businesses, an area in which I have much expertise.
All in all, a riveting well-crafted story and worth every one of the 5 stars I’ve given. Well done Terry!
Last Child continues the modern day take on the Tudor Court, picking up the plot after the death of Harry Lanchester (Henry VIII). The story is told in the first person from a number of different viewpoints, and Terry does a superb job in handling all the different characters, giving each of them a compelling and authentic voice. I particularly liked the outpourings of the teenage Jaz (Edward VI), into his Dictaphone and was gutted when he died, although of course it was inevitable… Erin (Elizabeth I) was another of my favourites, with her gutsy hard-headed attitude to life. What a worthy successor to the crown!
Once again, Terry must have spent much time on research, and several times I went scurrying to look up the Tudor counterparts online, even though I’ve never been that into history.
Also, as with Kings and Queens, Terry really nailed the dysfunctional relationships common in family businesses, an area in which I have much expertise.
All in all, a riveting well-crafted story and worth every one of the 5 stars I’ve given. Well done Terry!
September 26, 2015
I really enjoyed the first one,Kings and Queens, but this one is superb. What Terry Tyler does really well is to get the reader into the characters' heads, and by providing us with contrasting personalities this never becomes too much. I enjoyed experiencing being the dull wife Amy, the neurotic, unbalanced Isabella and the teenage monster Jaz. And I loved them all. On the surface the characters might seem unlikeable, but I defy you not to understand their point of view, and this is what Tyler does so well, eliciting reader empathy. The machinations for control of Lanchester estates ring true too - complete with the freeloaders, the over-ambitious, and the people who just want a quiet life. Tudor fans will find the links to history give an added level of interest to what is already an excellent book.
June 15, 2015
A very interesting and absorbing sequel to Kings and Queens, which follows the modern-day version of the lives of the children of Henry VIII – or Harry Lanchester. It veers much more from the historical parallels of the first book, especially, and in a major way, with regard to the Virgin Queen, but that is probably for the good, because real parallels can’t really transfer from Tudor England to the affairs of a 21st century property development company. (But it is amusing when parallels are drawn; the radical Protestant reformation under Edward VI becomes a move into the luxury hotel market.) Mostly, though, the book concentrates of developing the complexities and catastrophes of the modern-day characters introduced in Kings and Queens, and manages to create sympathy for all of them.
October 10, 2015
I couldn't put this book down and kept snatching quick reads every time I had to do something else. The device of using historical personalities and events as the framework for the novel works really well once again. The author has used the Tudor history really effectively but makes adjustments where necessary to avoid the contemporary plot becoming strained and contrived. I loved the way the relationships between various characters were explored and evolved. The author has used her trademark reality style to make her characters come alive and zing. The writing is clever, original and compelling and the whole two-book saga is a totally enjoyable read. Highly recommended and I'm looking forward to the next one!
March 18, 2015
Great sequel to Kings and Queens. Jaz’s diary kicked off the action for me and the rest of the large cast of characters brought plenty of surprises and twists--just when I thought I knew everything. Terry Tyler does REAL love so well, there’s nothing melodramatic about her storytelling. It’s simply heartbreaking and joyful and true, like life. Although this one can stand alone, the extra bits, if you know the Tudor story and Kings & Queens, just add to the adventure.
January 1, 2017
“Last Child” is Terry Tyler’s follow-up to “Kings and Queens”, her clever retelling of the lives of the Tudors reset in modern times.
Her new novel’s titular character is Erin Lancaster, daughter of the late King Harry, a real estate titan. The novel traces her rise to the top of the company her father leaves behind after his early death, which happened at the end of the book’s predecessor.
Tyler takes us through a tale that mirrors the fate of the sixteenth century rulers of Britain: Edward IV (Jasper, or Jaz), who became the monarch while just a child; his half-sister Mary I (Isabella), who inherited the crown upon Edward’s untimely early death; and finally, Elizabeth I (Erin), England’s brilliant Virgin Queen, who sat upon the throne after Mary’s passing.
The novel is told from the perspective of both the family members whom Fate both blessed and abandoned, and, alternately, by those who observe the action firsthand.
“Last Child” breathes new life into history. It’s an imaginative, behind-the-scenes glimpse at a family not unlike many others. But their loss, love, disharmony, hatred and betrayals occur on a far grander scale than the average.
Tyler imagines these familiar characters as actors on the present-day stage with modern clothes and attitudes. Elizabeth I stood a woman among men five hundred years before gender equality had been considered. How would such a woman move in today’s world? While Erin, like Elizabeth, remains impervious to the siren song of love, Isabella reflects the still prevalent attitude of women today who believe they are incomplete without a man.
While it’s true that some things never change, Tyler’s innovative novel shows us, however, that a fresh perspective can be a true revelation. One that will keep the reader turning the pages to find out how an old, familiar story could possibly end.
Her new novel’s titular character is Erin Lancaster, daughter of the late King Harry, a real estate titan. The novel traces her rise to the top of the company her father leaves behind after his early death, which happened at the end of the book’s predecessor.
Tyler takes us through a tale that mirrors the fate of the sixteenth century rulers of Britain: Edward IV (Jasper, or Jaz), who became the monarch while just a child; his half-sister Mary I (Isabella), who inherited the crown upon Edward’s untimely early death; and finally, Elizabeth I (Erin), England’s brilliant Virgin Queen, who sat upon the throne after Mary’s passing.
The novel is told from the perspective of both the family members whom Fate both blessed and abandoned, and, alternately, by those who observe the action firsthand.
“Last Child” breathes new life into history. It’s an imaginative, behind-the-scenes glimpse at a family not unlike many others. But their loss, love, disharmony, hatred and betrayals occur on a far grander scale than the average.
Tyler imagines these familiar characters as actors on the present-day stage with modern clothes and attitudes. Elizabeth I stood a woman among men five hundred years before gender equality had been considered. How would such a woman move in today’s world? While Erin, like Elizabeth, remains impervious to the siren song of love, Isabella reflects the still prevalent attitude of women today who believe they are incomplete without a man.
While it’s true that some things never change, Tyler’s innovative novel shows us, however, that a fresh perspective can be a true revelation. One that will keep the reader turning the pages to find out how an old, familiar story could possibly end.
December 17, 2015
Probably the book of the year for me, inspirational writing & a wonderful story, i have read it twice this year!
April 3, 2024
A brilliant, modern retelling of Henry VIII's children, a sequel to Kings and Queens. I enjoyed the first book, and this one is equally as good if not even better. Once again the characters are incredibly well-developed, and although it's easy to recognize their historical counterparts, they each have their own modern twist. Ms Tyler is an excellent storyteller and keeps readers on their toes. Her way of getting rid of characters is ingenious, especially since we have done away with beheading. She really gets into the characters' heads. The story is written from multiple points of view, but the reader always knows whose head you are in. This is a ripping good tale that I highly recommend. It's not necessary to read Kings and Queens first, but I would suggest you do.
February 1, 2021
Another great read by this author, a full 5 star's. Adored the ending 😀
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October 1, 2017Last Child is the gripping sequel to the unique and highly entertaining Kings and Queens, which I thoroughly enjoyed and reviewed here. As Kings and Queens was a modern day take on the life of Henry VIII and his six wives, through a contemporary setting, Last Child evokes the lives of his children, the Tudor descendants: Edward VI (as Jasper), Mary I (as Isabella), and Elizabeth I (as Erin), written with a fictional take that brings these modern characters alive.
Last Child is divided into three parts, representing the “reigns” of Edward VI (in Jasper Junior), Mary (in Isabella) and Elizabeth (in Erin).
I loved reading about the lives and loves of this next generation of the Lanchester family as much as I did Henry VIII’s generation in Kings and Queens: hateful, lovable, irritating, sweet, laughable, the entire array of human qualities and faults renders the characters easy to relate to, and to empathise with. I couldn’t help but become attached to this family.
In Last Child, as in Kings and Queens, most readers will be well-acquainted with Tudor history –– those turbulent times in British history –– (although the author’s brief account of this historical period post-Henry VIII is a very interesting and useful accompaniment), but what makes this author’s books unique is the way she narrates the stories against a fictional, contemporary backdrop. She shows us that human nature, human behaviour, and history, are timeless.
As a history lover, and author of historical fiction, I love a gripping historical novel. I also enjoy good contemporary fiction, so Last Child ticked both of those boxes for me. It’s a book I wanted to read slowly, to savour, but one that I couldn’t help but gobble up in a few short sittings.
As for Kings and Queens, it’s not easy to label this book with a particular genre. Again, I think I’d call it parallel history.
Last Child is divided into three parts, representing the “reigns” of Edward VI (in Jasper Junior), Mary (in Isabella) and Elizabeth (in Erin).
I loved reading about the lives and loves of this next generation of the Lanchester family as much as I did Henry VIII’s generation in Kings and Queens: hateful, lovable, irritating, sweet, laughable, the entire array of human qualities and faults renders the characters easy to relate to, and to empathise with. I couldn’t help but become attached to this family.
In Last Child, as in Kings and Queens, most readers will be well-acquainted with Tudor history –– those turbulent times in British history –– (although the author’s brief account of this historical period post-Henry VIII is a very interesting and useful accompaniment), but what makes this author’s books unique is the way she narrates the stories against a fictional, contemporary backdrop. She shows us that human nature, human behaviour, and history, are timeless.
As a history lover, and author of historical fiction, I love a gripping historical novel. I also enjoy good contemporary fiction, so Last Child ticked both of those boxes for me. It’s a book I wanted to read slowly, to savour, but one that I couldn’t help but gobble up in a few short sittings.
As for Kings and Queens, it’s not easy to label this book with a particular genre. Again, I think I’d call it parallel history.
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