The Counterfeit Princess

by Jane Resh Thomas

`Iris is only 15 when her parents are suddenly and violently hauled away from their country estate by her father’s enemy, the Duke of Northumberland. Forced to flee the only home she has ever known, Iris is hidden by her father’s friends and allies, who soon have the sad task of informing her that her parents are dead.
Despondent, and wanting revenge, Iris agrees to be trained as a spy by the duke’s foes, and then work undercover as a lowly kitchen maid.

A meeting with the young princess Elizabeth changes Iris’s life completely. Because of their resemblance to each other, Elizabeth invites Iris to join her court, where she mingles with lords and ladies and bravely consents to pose as Elizabeth in a desperate ploy to save the princess’s life.

This vivid historical novel from the author of Behind the The Life of Queen Elizabeth I plunges readers into the treacherous world of the English court. An unusual coming-of-age tale featuring a strong, active heroine, The Counterfeit Princess will appeal to princess fans everywhere.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Fiction

208 pages, Hardcover

First published September 12, 2005

About the author

Jane Resh Thomas has written more than a dozen fiction and nonfiction books for young readers, including the highly praised Behind the Mask for Clarion. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Reviews

[Jennifer Sommer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel fictionalizes the period before Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth I in the 16th century. Her half-brother, King Edward, has been ill and dies young. His successor is unnamed and could be either Elizabeth's older half-sister, Mary Tudor, or herself. But sinister plans are in the works by the Duke of Northumberland who would like to murder them both and muscle his way into power by marrying his son to the young Jane Grey who is next in line to the royal crown of England. Iris is 15 and the Lady of Bentham whose parents were taken away and murdered by Northumberland for supporting Princess Elizabeth. She is whisked away by Elizabeth supporters to train as a spy and become a decoy, since Iris and Elizabeth both have the same red hair. She works temporarily as an egg girl until she is called upon to go to London and possibly save Elizabeth's life in the process. She is loyal and serves her princess well, but like Elizabeth, Iris is stubborn and strong-willed. She wants to return to her home and be with the people she knows, even if she can no longer be the Lady of the Estate, but Elizabeth would have it different. Girls in grades 6-9 will enjoy this, especially ones with an interest in royalty. For additional background information about the bloodlines in England at that time and for information about Elizabeth I's entire reign as Queen of England, read Behind the Mask: the Life of Queen Elizabeth I, also by Jane Resh Thomas. It also explains in greater detail than the novel possibly can about the politics and religion that governed the actions at that time.

[Shekinah Dobony · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay, though a bit less modest than I expected.

[Liberty Sain · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this one, and had borrowed it at a library. It's got a good story behind the mess, and the love scenes😯 kinda gross, but good at the same time.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Counterfeit Princess is set during the time of conflict after Henry XIII dies and before Mary becomes queen. Despite being historical fiction, dates and other historical facts are supports for the story, not the focus. The plot could just as well be set in a fantasy kingdom. The story itself is well written and keeps moving, so the history is painlessly absorbed. Additionally, it is refreshing to read a YA novel that barely hints at romance. This story is about understanding oneself, seeing life from different perspectives, loyalty, action, and intrigue.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have just read "The Counterfeit Princess" by Jan Resh Thomas. this book is about a girl who was a daughter of an earl and countess, who were beheaded for no good reason. thirsting for revenge she shows up as a servant in the kitchen and as a secret messenger for the princess. because of a powerful ruler- Northumberland- there are spies everywhere, and the princess's life is at stake. Iris-the girl- goes as the princess traveling so that the spies don't have the princess found and beheadead. Follow Iris's journey through the 1500's, strongheadedness, and a slightly crazy princess. Are YOU up for an adventure?!

[Suzanne Warr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I freely admit that I may be biased, because I love studying this time period, but I'm giving this book one of my rare five stars! I was super impressed with the author's handling of the time period, and her portrayal of the young Queen Elizabeth was spot on. Any tween/teen who reads this book will be in a much better position to understand this critical time in European history, and will more readily swallow it while enjoying the adventure and character growth of the fictional heroine, Iris.
Full spotlight plus the cat's two cents on my blog. Happy reading!

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

My granddaughter MaKenzie read this book so I did too. Interesting story surrounding the reign of Edward, then Mary then Elizabeth for the English crown. So much intrigue!!! The only part I liked was at the very end the fictional girl in the story, Iris, finally gives up her pride and just wants to go home to be with the people from her parent's estate. Not as the owner/ruler of it but just to be with the people that she loves. It's only after that that life goes her way. Just a good reminder to not let pride rule our lives.

[Bailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

The historical setting of this book was very interesting, and I enjoyed the clever mix of fact and fiction that made up the tale. The reason that I only gave this book three stars, however, was because it is written for a much younger audience (probably about 6 - 8 grade) than the books that I am accustomed to; and so while the historical setting was interesting, I was a bit bored by the story. For kids in that age group, however, I think that this would be a fun, favorite tale to read.

[Greta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how the author took the historical events of Edward VI, Mary, Elizabeth, Lady Jane Gray, and the attempt by the Earl of Northumberland to place his son on the throne of England, while telling her story of Iris, in the Counterfeit Princess. I felt she portrayed a very realistic backdrop as to how things really were during that period of history. Well written and riveting.

[Sukriti · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was interesting because it showed how dangerous it was to be in the royal family during that time period. I thought it was kind of boring to because besides Queen Mary and Princess Elizabeth, Iris did not have any personal problems besides losing parents and Lucy Thorpe. But overall I think that this book was very interesting and gives a view about how life was in those days.

[Laurie]

Iris, a young noblewoman, is called upon to assist Princess Elizabeth during the tumult when Edward is dying and Mary is ascending to the throne.

If it had a more appealing cover, I would add it to the library. How horrible of me! But historical fiction is generally a hard sell here.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hallie picked this book out for me - seriously. It was alright, not as good as I had hoped when I looked at it after Hallie pulled it off the shelf and said, "one a book for ya, Mommy?" It was ok though. It obviously wasn't terribly inspiring, as I have nothing to say about it.

[Wendy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this was pretty slow and repetitious; overall I think I preferred Carolyn Meyer's books, though I'm not sure an actual Young Reader would.

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book to learn a little bit about Elizabethan history. It's interesting in itself, but wrapped up in history. An easy read.

[Brucie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good historical fiction about events happening before Elizabeth I became Queen of England. Many sensory details about what it was like then.

[Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read this for work, didn't think it was very strong.

[emyrose8 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent book. A little too graphic for middle school children, in my opinion.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read of some basic British history for young people.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF'd at 30-40%. I think this would have worked better as a fantasy, not as a dry historical fiction.

[Keziah · Rating 5 out of 5]

a fantastic book and i really recommend it to everyone