What do you think?
Rate this book
Thorns in a Realm of Roses: The Henry Queens
England, 1541. King Henry receives an anonymous letter suggesting that his fifth wife, the young Katherine Howard, whom he had called a rose without a thorn, may have led an unchaste life before they married. In the rose gardens of Hampton Court Palace, Henry feels the illusion of youth and virility slip away; he faces an uncertain future. Must he dispatch yet another wife? Old, overweight and increasingly infirm, could he find love and marry again to further secure the Tudor line? Written with literary invention, Thorns in a Realm of Roses spans the final years in Henry’s reign. Peeling back the layers of life at Court, it examines the hearts and minds of Henry, his often misbegotten queens, neglected daughter Mary and his many loyal, though wary, advisors as they all struggle to survive in a world embroiled in political and religious upheaval ruled by a petulant King.
376 pages, Paperback
Published April 26, 2019
2 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 6, 2019
SOME THINGS JUST CANNOT BE EXCUSED
DNF at 42%
I have a master's degree in history. I care a lot about historical accuracy in historical fiction novel. I expect the authors of these books to do the same. That was apparently not the case here.
Henry Bolingbroke did displace Richard II and become king. However, he wasn't Henry V. He was Henry IV. Henry V was his son and Henry VI his grandson. This is just such a glaring error, that I could not get over it. This was just, to me, unforgivable. Even though it didn't impact the storyline, I still couldn't overcome it. It ruined this book for me. Others, who don't know that this is wrong, might not feel the same as me, and that completely up to them. I just cannot read a historical novel that would get something so big so wrong.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
FOLLOW MY BLOG FOR MORE BOOK GOODNESS
DNF at 42%
"Look what happened to Henry Bolingbroke of Lancaster when he murdered Richard II in 1399 and became Henry V. His reign and life ended quickly. His son Henry VI fared worse. He lost what his father gained, that being France, and soon after lost his throne, dying insane."
I have a master's degree in history. I care a lot about historical accuracy in historical fiction novel. I expect the authors of these books to do the same. That was apparently not the case here.
Henry Bolingbroke did displace Richard II and become king. However, he wasn't Henry V. He was Henry IV. Henry V was his son and Henry VI his grandson. This is just such a glaring error, that I could not get over it. This was just, to me, unforgivable. Even though it didn't impact the storyline, I still couldn't overcome it. It ruined this book for me. Others, who don't know that this is wrong, might not feel the same as me, and that completely up to them. I just cannot read a historical novel that would get something so big so wrong.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
FOLLOW MY BLOG FOR MORE BOOK GOODNESS
June 4, 2019
DNF @60%.
Historical fiction novels about Henry VIII and his many wives always catch my eye, and I typically enjoy them. When I came across this book on Netgalley, I was excited about it and couldn't wait to get started.
Unfortunately, this book left me feeling frustrated and horribly disappointed. Any excitement I initially felt about reading this book dwindled away, and it took me an entire week to hit the 60% mark. I set it aside and read a different book, attempting to convince myself that I would return to Thorns and finish it after I was done with Wunderland. I ended up reading five more books, instead.
I've finally admitted to myself that I have zero desire to read anymore of this book, and DNF'd it at 60% with a sigh of relief.
What made me dislike this book so much I refused to finish it?
Horrible dialogue.
Most of the dialogue between characters is stilted, pointless, and frustrating to read. More often than not, it's unclear who is saying something, because no indication is giving of who is speaking, making it very difficult to follow along without becoming confused.
Example 1:
Example 2:
The passages above come from a tedious conversation in chapter two that goes on for fifteen pages. I probably should have stopped reading there, but I was convinced the story would improve.
Non-linear storytelling and shifting perspectives.
Listen, I don't mind when storylines take place in both the past and the present. Flashback sequences (or chapters) are an effective way of telling a story and maintaining a certain level of suspense at the same time. I also don't mind stories with more than one character's perspective. I greatly appreciate each of the aforementioned things when they are well executed. In my opinion, that was not the case with this book.
The first third of the book focuses on events leading to Katherine Howard's execution, making me think the focus was solely on this particular queen of Henry's. The title itself is a reminder that Henry supposedly called her his "rose without a thorn"... so it was quite jarring when his other wives were brought into the spotlight.
I may be in the minority, but I think the story would have been much better if it were told in linear fashion. Starting with Wife #5, having to go both forward and backward from there AND switching perspectives from one character to another felt a bit chaotic to me.
Historically inaccurate.
The author couldn't keep his Henrys straight, apparently. Henry Bolingbroke is referred to as "Henry V", but he was actually Henry IV. His son was Henry V, whose son would become Henry VI.
When I read the paragraph in the book about the previous King Henrys, it felt off, somehow, but I couldn't figure out why at the time. Kudos to reviewer Maja - BibliophiliaDK ✨ whose review on Goodreads made me realize why it felt wrong. Thank you for solving the mystery!
Final Thoughts
I'm glad I gave this book a chance, because getting inside Henry's head and seeing how he may have felt about his wives was a fantastic idea. It failed to captivate my imagination, sadly, and I ultimately gave up on it. That being the case, I do not recommend this book based on my lack of satisfaction with it.
I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of Top Hat Books via Netgalley.
Historical fiction novels about Henry VIII and his many wives always catch my eye, and I typically enjoy them. When I came across this book on Netgalley, I was excited about it and couldn't wait to get started.
Unfortunately, this book left me feeling frustrated and horribly disappointed. Any excitement I initially felt about reading this book dwindled away, and it took me an entire week to hit the 60% mark. I set it aside and read a different book, attempting to convince myself that I would return to Thorns and finish it after I was done with Wunderland. I ended up reading five more books, instead.
I've finally admitted to myself that I have zero desire to read anymore of this book, and DNF'd it at 60% with a sigh of relief.
What made me dislike this book so much I refused to finish it?
Horrible dialogue.
Most of the dialogue between characters is stilted, pointless, and frustrating to read. More often than not, it's unclear who is saying something, because no indication is giving of who is speaking, making it very difficult to follow along without becoming confused.
Example 1:
‘So, tell me Lady Hall…may I call you Mary?’
‘That is my Christian name, sir.’
‘Marry, I shall call you Mary.’
‘Merry, if you like.’
‘You have wit, Mary. I like that in a woman.’
‘Do you, sir? Most men prefer us witless, I thought.’
‘I assure you only witless men prefer witless women.’
‘You are saying then that Master Hall, my husband, is witless.’
Cranmer smiled. He poured himself some wine and sipped.
‘I assure you, I make no such insinuation about your husband.’
‘Oh, but it is true, sir.’
Example 2:
You don’t mind if I record notes?’
‘As long as you record accordingly.’
‘I shall write only in accordance to what you say.’
‘Then I am in full accord of your recording.’
The passages above come from a tedious conversation in chapter two that goes on for fifteen pages. I probably should have stopped reading there, but I was convinced the story would improve.
Non-linear storytelling and shifting perspectives.
Listen, I don't mind when storylines take place in both the past and the present. Flashback sequences (or chapters) are an effective way of telling a story and maintaining a certain level of suspense at the same time. I also don't mind stories with more than one character's perspective. I greatly appreciate each of the aforementioned things when they are well executed. In my opinion, that was not the case with this book.
The first third of the book focuses on events leading to Katherine Howard's execution, making me think the focus was solely on this particular queen of Henry's. The title itself is a reminder that Henry supposedly called her his "rose without a thorn"... so it was quite jarring when his other wives were brought into the spotlight.
I may be in the minority, but I think the story would have been much better if it were told in linear fashion. Starting with Wife #5, having to go both forward and backward from there AND switching perspectives from one character to another felt a bit chaotic to me.
Historically inaccurate.
The author couldn't keep his Henrys straight, apparently. Henry Bolingbroke is referred to as "Henry V", but he was actually Henry IV. His son was Henry V, whose son would become Henry VI.
When I read the paragraph in the book about the previous King Henrys, it felt off, somehow, but I couldn't figure out why at the time. Kudos to reviewer Maja - BibliophiliaDK ✨ whose review on Goodreads made me realize why it felt wrong. Thank you for solving the mystery!
Final Thoughts
I'm glad I gave this book a chance, because getting inside Henry's head and seeing how he may have felt about his wives was a fantastic idea. It failed to captivate my imagination, sadly, and I ultimately gave up on it. That being the case, I do not recommend this book based on my lack of satisfaction with it.
I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of Top Hat Books via Netgalley.
April 22, 2019
Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres, especially when it comes to the Tudors. So pleased to have received a copy of this book, which i very much enjoyed reading. I seldom write what a book is about as i prefer one to read it for themselves, but i do recommend.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review.
March 4, 2019
This book finds you in the treacherous court of King Henry VIII, in his last days. It focuses mostly on his last two wives, Katherine Howard and Catherine(Kathryn) Parr. The author gives the reader excellent background on the previous four wives, so you're not at a loss as to how His Majesty came to have six wives. Two lost their heads. Most people, when you mention Henry VIII, think he had all six wives heads chopped off.
I enjoyed this author's perspective of King Henry VIII. I've been a huge fan of His Majesty and his Court since 10th grade, many years ago! I read every book I can find about him. This is thanks to a wonderful English teacher, who introduced me to him and his wives and his fascinating life. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Fiction and His Majesty, The King, Henry VIII.
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. Thank you,Netgalley!
Thank you also goes to John Hunt Publishing and Top Hat Books!
All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this author's perspective of King Henry VIII. I've been a huge fan of His Majesty and his Court since 10th grade, many years ago! I read every book I can find about him. This is thanks to a wonderful English teacher, who introduced me to him and his wives and his fascinating life. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Fiction and His Majesty, The King, Henry VIII.
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. Thank you,Netgalley!
Thank you also goes to John Hunt Publishing and Top Hat Books!
All opinions are my own.
March 7, 2019
Received an ARC from John Hunt Publishing Ltd. through NetGalley. My full review will be coming within the next two weeks. I cannot wait to start it!
Update: 3/7/19
Thorns in a Realm of Roses focuses mainly on Henry VIII and his current wife, Katherine Howard, then onto his final wife, Catherine Parr. I love anything Tudor. I read everything about the Tudors that I can get my hands on. I see the subject, and I know I MUST read whatever is there. When I received an ARC for this book, I was so excited that I could not stop thinking about it until I was able to get home and open my kindle. The opening pages were well written and smooth as Henry VIII reflected on his wives, comparing them to the roses he was touching, smelling, observing. However, it did not take long after that before the book began to sour for me I know the author was trying to be witty, but the constant back and forth and endless dialogue was tedious at best, and groan worthy at other times.
I believe this book would have been better suited for a play than a novel. The dialogue was seemingly never ending, without the typical novel feel to it. It simply did not have the right... let's say, flow to it that a novel needs. I started feeling myself not wanting to read one word farther, but making myself do it anyways out of gratitude of receiving an ARC. The characters also felt rather flat to me. I found myself sighing and knowing this could be a great book. It has promise! Hopefully the dialogue is trimmed or toned down before the final copy comes out. Overall, this author deserves kudos for all the research done to make it as historically accurate as possible.
I'm rating this book 3 stars for the great research the author did, even if this book is not right for me. Perhaps this book would be better suited for those who are not as familiar with the Tudors.
Update: 3/7/19
Thorns in a Realm of Roses focuses mainly on Henry VIII and his current wife, Katherine Howard, then onto his final wife, Catherine Parr. I love anything Tudor. I read everything about the Tudors that I can get my hands on. I see the subject, and I know I MUST read whatever is there. When I received an ARC for this book, I was so excited that I could not stop thinking about it until I was able to get home and open my kindle. The opening pages were well written and smooth as Henry VIII reflected on his wives, comparing them to the roses he was touching, smelling, observing. However, it did not take long after that before the book began to sour for me I know the author was trying to be witty, but the constant back and forth and endless dialogue was tedious at best, and groan worthy at other times.
I believe this book would have been better suited for a play than a novel. The dialogue was seemingly never ending, without the typical novel feel to it. It simply did not have the right... let's say, flow to it that a novel needs. I started feeling myself not wanting to read one word farther, but making myself do it anyways out of gratitude of receiving an ARC. The characters also felt rather flat to me. I found myself sighing and knowing this could be a great book. It has promise! Hopefully the dialogue is trimmed or toned down before the final copy comes out. Overall, this author deserves kudos for all the research done to make it as historically accurate as possible.
I'm rating this book 3 stars for the great research the author did, even if this book is not right for me. Perhaps this book would be better suited for those who are not as familiar with the Tudors.
April 13, 2019
For the full review please follow the link to my blog: https://ladybookdragon.com/2019/04/13...
I was very excited to receive this book as my first book from NetGalley. I was also really happy to have been granted this book as I love historical fiction and the Tudor period is one of my favourites in history.
Sadly though I was severely disappointed. To be honest the second chapter almost made me give up. The dialogues in this book are exhausting, they are long winded and pointless waffle. Also you struggle at times to follow who is talking as it is all very confusing. I only pushed on because I wanted to give the book a chance because it was my first NetGalley read and because I enjoy anything to do with Henry VIII.
The other issue I had with this book was how it flitted around from one point in time to another and gave no real clue about how much time had passed. It made it very hard to follow and disrupted the flow of reading for me.
All in all I did not really enjoy this book, I found it hard to follow and in places poorly written. I also sadly could not forgive the historical inaccuracies within the book.
I was very excited to receive this book as my first book from NetGalley. I was also really happy to have been granted this book as I love historical fiction and the Tudor period is one of my favourites in history.
Sadly though I was severely disappointed. To be honest the second chapter almost made me give up. The dialogues in this book are exhausting, they are long winded and pointless waffle. Also you struggle at times to follow who is talking as it is all very confusing. I only pushed on because I wanted to give the book a chance because it was my first NetGalley read and because I enjoy anything to do with Henry VIII.
The other issue I had with this book was how it flitted around from one point in time to another and gave no real clue about how much time had passed. It made it very hard to follow and disrupted the flow of reading for me.
All in all I did not really enjoy this book, I found it hard to follow and in places poorly written. I also sadly could not forgive the historical inaccuracies within the book.
February 28, 2019
In Thorns in A Realm of Roses by Thomas Crockett, you will find a focus on Henry VIII and the latter end of his marriage to Katherine Howard and Catherine Parr.
The novel itself includes narratives mainly including:the king, his queens, and Archbishop Thomas Cramner.
Their relationships, their thought processes that theoretically make up the reasons for their famous actions are written out in banter/witty dialogue vs a traditional novel itself.
While the banter was creative, at times it seems to drag on unnecessarily and the overall scheme seemed somewhat disjointed at times. Maybe perhaps the book could be converted to script for theater?
A good read overall, however personally knowing a fair amount about this particular Tudor period, make the book a bit more dull for me then it might be for others that know a little less about this specific time period.
3.5/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in return for my honest review.
The novel itself includes narratives mainly including:the king, his queens, and Archbishop Thomas Cramner.
Their relationships, their thought processes that theoretically make up the reasons for their famous actions are written out in banter/witty dialogue vs a traditional novel itself.
While the banter was creative, at times it seems to drag on unnecessarily and the overall scheme seemed somewhat disjointed at times. Maybe perhaps the book could be converted to script for theater?
A good read overall, however personally knowing a fair amount about this particular Tudor period, make the book a bit more dull for me then it might be for others that know a little less about this specific time period.
3.5/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in return for my honest review.
November 20, 2020
I will say while I'm not a history or Tudor buff, I do love the Tudors. I was excited to read this because of that. I was a bit disappointed. The dialogue was a bit awkward, which made me struggle in some parts. There also seems to be some confusion historically speaking, and I'm not sure if that was me misunderstanding what the author was saying, or the author mixing things up (I mean, there are quite a few Henrys in a row). Otherwise the storyline was enjoyable, but I would've rated higher if it wasn't for those stumbling blocks.
April 29, 2020
The historical inaccuracies of this novel was just absolutely sickening to me. I am a history major and my view of historical fiction that doesn't stick close to fact makes the book a moot point
April 25, 2019
If only every novel I read could be this engrossing! THORNS IN A REALM OF ROSES: THE HENRY QUEENS is a brilliant work of historical narrative fiction elucidating that famed tyrant-king Henry VIII of England, and the poor ladies summoned to be his multiple consecutive wives. A fine work of character delineation as well as revelation of history, the novel kept me beyond enthralled throughout, as I kept turning the pages without really realizing so, as I was so enrapt with the story line and characters.
I especially admire the way in which the author balances the viewpoints of multiple characters and also how he managed to delineate the character and personality of Henry throughout his life, from his ascension at age seventeen, to his literally "larger than life" middle age (tall, grossly obese, a constant daily consumer of rich, fatty foods in astonishing quantities, in poor health, unable to properly joust, ride, or tour his country). THORNS IN A REALM OF ROSES is a truly remarkable narrative, both as history and as fiction, and is definitely one to re-read.
I especially admire the way in which the author balances the viewpoints of multiple characters and also how he managed to delineate the character and personality of Henry throughout his life, from his ascension at age seventeen, to his literally "larger than life" middle age (tall, grossly obese, a constant daily consumer of rich, fatty foods in astonishing quantities, in poor health, unable to properly joust, ride, or tour his country). THORNS IN A REALM OF ROSES is a truly remarkable narrative, both as history and as fiction, and is definitely one to re-read.
Read
April 2, 2019I liked the story and the book itself. I thought it was sometimes hard to follow with dialogue switching with no warning as to who the next speaker was, an example would be when Henry is speaking to his father. That being said I liked all the flashbacks and thought they really added to the story. I think it was obvious there was a more pro reformation stance.
April 22, 2019
I love Tudor historical fiction so was pleased to get a chance to read this.
This story focuses on the latter part of Henry VIII's life. Chronologically it covers his marriages to Katherine Howard and Katherine Parr. Through flashbacks, recollections and conversations the earlier part of the King's reign and the story of his four previous marriages is told.
Clearly a lot of research has gone into the writing of this books, and the theological debates might be hard going for readers who are not already familiar with the period. The structure of the dialogue can be a bit co fusing and the story drags in places.
If you like abodixe ripper then this probably isn't the book for you as it is more Hillary Mantel than Phillippa Gregory. Katherine Parr really stood out for me and I really enjoyed the imaginings of her interior monologues.
Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy in return for an honest review.
This story focuses on the latter part of Henry VIII's life. Chronologically it covers his marriages to Katherine Howard and Katherine Parr. Through flashbacks, recollections and conversations the earlier part of the King's reign and the story of his four previous marriages is told.
Clearly a lot of research has gone into the writing of this books, and the theological debates might be hard going for readers who are not already familiar with the period. The structure of the dialogue can be a bit co fusing and the story drags in places.
If you like abodixe ripper then this probably isn't the book for you as it is more Hillary Mantel than Phillippa Gregory. Katherine Parr really stood out for me and I really enjoyed the imaginings of her interior monologues.
Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy in return for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews