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Tales From the Tudor Court #1
My Lady Viper
When Anne Boleyn falls to the executioner’s ax on a cold spring morning in 1536, Anne Seymour knows her family faces peril. As alliances shift and conspiracies multiply, the Seymours plot to establish their place in the treacherous court of King Henry VIII, where a courtier’s fate is decided by the whims of a hot-tempered and fickle monarch.
Lady Anne’s own sister-in-law, Jane Seymour, soon takes Anne Boleyn’s place as queen. But if Jane cannot give King Henry a son, history portends that she, too, will be executed or set aside—and her family with her. In desperation, Lady Anne throws herself into the intoxicating intrigue of the Tudor court, determined to ensure the success of the new queen’s marriage and the elevation of the Seymour family to a more powerful position. Soon her machinations earn her a reputation as a viper in a den of rabbits. In a game of betrayal and favor, will her family’s rise be worth the loss of her soul?
Lady Anne’s own sister-in-law, Jane Seymour, soon takes Anne Boleyn’s place as queen. But if Jane cannot give King Henry a son, history portends that she, too, will be executed or set aside—and her family with her. In desperation, Lady Anne throws herself into the intoxicating intrigue of the Tudor court, determined to ensure the success of the new queen’s marriage and the elevation of the Seymour family to a more powerful position. Soon her machinations earn her a reputation as a viper in a den of rabbits. In a game of betrayal and favor, will her family’s rise be worth the loss of her soul?
456 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
270 people are currently reading
1897 people want to read
About the author
E. Knight
4 books80 followersPlease visit Eliza Knight's main Goodreads page here: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Eliza Knight is an award winning, USA Today and international bestselling author. Her love of history began as a young girl when she traipsed the halls of Versailles and ran through the fields in Southern France. She can still remember standing before the great golden palace, and imagining what life must have been like. Growing up in the Washington, D.C. area, her weekends were filled with visits to museums, and historical reenactments. Join Eliza (sometimes as E.) on riveting historical journeys that cross landscapes around the world.
While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she tries to keep up with her three not-so-little children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain with her own knight in shining armor, three princesses, two very naughty Newfies, and a turtle named Fish.
Look for THE MAYFAIR BOOKSHOP a dual-narrative story about Nancy Mitford—one of 1930s London’s hottest socialites, authors, and a member of the scandalous Mitford Sisters—and a modern American book curator desperate for change, connected through time by a little London bookshop available now. Coming in 2023, AMERICAN STAR: a Novel of Adele Astaire.
For more information about book club visits, downloadable reader guides, upcoming author events, book news, newsletter sign-up and more, visit her website: www.elizaknight.com
If you love history and want to dive in for some fun, visit Eliza's popular, award-winning blog:
http://historyundressed.com
To connect on social media, visit/follow Eliza at the following:
Twitter: @elizaknight
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elizaknightfi...
Instagram: @ElizaKnightFiction (less)
Eliza Knight is an award winning, USA Today and international bestselling author. Her love of history began as a young girl when she traipsed the halls of Versailles and ran through the fields in Southern France. She can still remember standing before the great golden palace, and imagining what life must have been like. Growing up in the Washington, D.C. area, her weekends were filled with visits to museums, and historical reenactments. Join Eliza (sometimes as E.) on riveting historical journeys that cross landscapes around the world.
While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she tries to keep up with her three not-so-little children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain with her own knight in shining armor, three princesses, two very naughty Newfies, and a turtle named Fish.
Look for THE MAYFAIR BOOKSHOP a dual-narrative story about Nancy Mitford—one of 1930s London’s hottest socialites, authors, and a member of the scandalous Mitford Sisters—and a modern American book curator desperate for change, connected through time by a little London bookshop available now. Coming in 2023, AMERICAN STAR: a Novel of Adele Astaire.
For more information about book club visits, downloadable reader guides, upcoming author events, book news, newsletter sign-up and more, visit her website: www.elizaknight.com
If you love history and want to dive in for some fun, visit Eliza's popular, award-winning blog:
http://historyundressed.com
To connect on social media, visit/follow Eliza at the following:
Twitter: @elizaknight
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elizaknightfi...
Instagram: @ElizaKnightFiction (less)
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September 7, 2016I've been wanting to try one of this author's historical romances for a long time, so I jumped at the chance to check out her first historical fiction offering, but I'm sorry to say that it didn't send me. I gave up after about 150 pages. There were some mechanical issues like too much telling of historical, political, and character info and "as you know, Bob" dialogue, but mainly I could not swallow the heroine's inconsistency; she continually pined over her love and devotion to her husband and her yearning to have her feelings returned, yet her head (and her body) was easily turned by the first courtier to give her "that look," and that courtier's ulterior motives were rather transparent. I just didn't want to read about her anymore, not with so many other books calling my name. But I'm seeing good reviews from other readers, so it may just be me.
May 5, 2014
Find this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....
Tudor fiction. The phrase alone makes me cringe. Wolf Hall, The Other Boleyn Girl, The Autobiography of Henry VIII, The Sixth Wife, Secrets of the Tudor Court, Queen's Gambit… there are enough titles on the market that I could go on all day.
With so many options, it’s hard to imagine an author bringing something new to the table. Are there really angles that haven’t been tried, schemes that haven’t been woven, or characters who haven’t been featured? I know it sounds improbable, but such a distinction does not make something in and of itself impossible which leads me to E. Knight’s My Lady Viper.
Overflowing with intrigue, conspiracy, and romance, this book had me hooked from the first chapter and that isn’t easy for a skeptic such as myself to admit. Henry’s court comes vibrantly to life under Knight’s pen, drawing the audience into a refreshing original web a danger and deceit.
Anne Seymour’s divided loyalties and multiple alliances really appealed to me. The complexity of her situation built tension I’m entirely unused to seeing in this subgenre and conveyed a tangibly authentic degree of turmoil within the narrative.
The nontraditional love triangle was equally alluring. Anne’s emotional connections to Edward and Anthony are not clear cut or easy define and though they are remarkably different, both are passionate affairs that leave the reader genuinely absorbed in Anne’s romantic liaisons.
A brilliant illustration of a capricious monarch and the nest of serpents that surrounded him, My Lady Viper is an absolute must. Intricately detailed, cleverly constructed and utterly irresistible.
Tudor fiction. The phrase alone makes me cringe. Wolf Hall, The Other Boleyn Girl, The Autobiography of Henry VIII, The Sixth Wife, Secrets of the Tudor Court, Queen's Gambit… there are enough titles on the market that I could go on all day.
With so many options, it’s hard to imagine an author bringing something new to the table. Are there really angles that haven’t been tried, schemes that haven’t been woven, or characters who haven’t been featured? I know it sounds improbable, but such a distinction does not make something in and of itself impossible which leads me to E. Knight’s My Lady Viper.
Overflowing with intrigue, conspiracy, and romance, this book had me hooked from the first chapter and that isn’t easy for a skeptic such as myself to admit. Henry’s court comes vibrantly to life under Knight’s pen, drawing the audience into a refreshing original web a danger and deceit.
Anne Seymour’s divided loyalties and multiple alliances really appealed to me. The complexity of her situation built tension I’m entirely unused to seeing in this subgenre and conveyed a tangibly authentic degree of turmoil within the narrative.
The nontraditional love triangle was equally alluring. Anne’s emotional connections to Edward and Anthony are not clear cut or easy define and though they are remarkably different, both are passionate affairs that leave the reader genuinely absorbed in Anne’s romantic liaisons.
A brilliant illustration of a capricious monarch and the nest of serpents that surrounded him, My Lady Viper is an absolute must. Intricately detailed, cleverly constructed and utterly irresistible.
May 23, 2014
Though much has been made of lives, wives, deaths, and courts held by the various Tudor Queens; the life and times of young Queen Jane (Seymour) has gone largely unsung.
Until now...
My Lady Viper gives readers that much yearned for glimpse inside the Seymour reign.
Told in the voice of Lady Anne Seymour, the story we find here is far from that of staid civility, and forthright purity, as reported by history.
While that might have been true for the tragic Queen Jane, it was far from the case with those of her court.
Lady Anne, manages in a time where women were to be but bedded and wedded; to be spy, diplomat, courtesan, and historian.
She is a woman who "walks softly and carries a large and very calculating mind." As is true with every great man or woman, there are chinks in her amour. (Her rape at the hands of a high ranking nobleman at court, a less than civil relationship with social climbing parents, and an illicit affair with Sir Anthony Brown.) Lady Anne proves herself to be worth her weight in gold as an asset to her husband, and a true survivor in the game of thrones.
The story told here is done so in an intimate tone that calls the reader in, and begs to be read. It is as though one becomes Lady Anne for a time, and is granted the joys, pain, failure, and triumph that is her experience.
While this is a story of the Tudor Court, the king and his wife take a welcome second to the scheming title jockeys and all manner of ill doings which surround them for much of the tale.
Thankfully, authoress Knight does not fill her work with contless names and titles. She instead focuses on only the characters essential to her plot. All transitions and plot changes are smooth and easy to follow, even if the reader is called away from the story for a time. The settings while descriptively vibrant, do not in any way overpower character interaction or dialogue.
In short...this book is made up of all the things that a good story make.
My Lady Viper is a sweeping tale of one woman's journey through the gauntlet that was the Tudor Court.
Until now...
My Lady Viper gives readers that much yearned for glimpse inside the Seymour reign.
Told in the voice of Lady Anne Seymour, the story we find here is far from that of staid civility, and forthright purity, as reported by history.
While that might have been true for the tragic Queen Jane, it was far from the case with those of her court.
Lady Anne, manages in a time where women were to be but bedded and wedded; to be spy, diplomat, courtesan, and historian.
She is a woman who "walks softly and carries a large and very calculating mind." As is true with every great man or woman, there are chinks in her amour. (Her rape at the hands of a high ranking nobleman at court, a less than civil relationship with social climbing parents, and an illicit affair with Sir Anthony Brown.) Lady Anne proves herself to be worth her weight in gold as an asset to her husband, and a true survivor in the game of thrones.
The story told here is done so in an intimate tone that calls the reader in, and begs to be read. It is as though one becomes Lady Anne for a time, and is granted the joys, pain, failure, and triumph that is her experience.
While this is a story of the Tudor Court, the king and his wife take a welcome second to the scheming title jockeys and all manner of ill doings which surround them for much of the tale.
Thankfully, authoress Knight does not fill her work with contless names and titles. She instead focuses on only the characters essential to her plot. All transitions and plot changes are smooth and easy to follow, even if the reader is called away from the story for a time. The settings while descriptively vibrant, do not in any way overpower character interaction or dialogue.
In short...this book is made up of all the things that a good story make.
My Lady Viper is a sweeping tale of one woman's journey through the gauntlet that was the Tudor Court.
September 10, 2018
Probably just a little better than 3.5 stars but I like to round up to give credit to the artists who work so hard on the stories that we devour.
In the author’s note (always appreciated in a historical fiction - leastwise by myself) she does outline her reasoning behind certain manipulations of history and she takes on a character who was very prominent in the Tudor court and yet, as she was a woman, we have very little information about.
I thought, overall, the story was good, the main characters well defined and fleshed out BUT SPEAKING OF FLESH? We hear far too much of our main characters nipples and her “careening” desire. It was distracting and a bit nauseating. Am I being priggish? Perhaps. In doing a bit more digging into the author, post read, I find she also has penned some “erotic fiction” and so perhaps it’s simply her writing style. I’m glad I didn’t know that before hand as I might have missed a book that, as it turns out, I did like (and those parts above were easily skipped through as they did nothing to add to the story).
In the author’s note (always appreciated in a historical fiction - leastwise by myself) she does outline her reasoning behind certain manipulations of history and she takes on a character who was very prominent in the Tudor court and yet, as she was a woman, we have very little information about.
I thought, overall, the story was good, the main characters well defined and fleshed out BUT SPEAKING OF FLESH? We hear far too much of our main characters nipples and her “careening” desire. It was distracting and a bit nauseating. Am I being priggish? Perhaps. In doing a bit more digging into the author, post read, I find she also has penned some “erotic fiction” and so perhaps it’s simply her writing style. I’m glad I didn’t know that before hand as I might have missed a book that, as it turns out, I did like (and those parts above were easily skipped through as they did nothing to add to the story).
July 22, 2015
I was really excited to pick up a book about Anne Stanhope Seymour, the notoriously manipulative wife of Edward Seymour. The Seymour family often gets lost in the shuffle of Tudor history, especially compared to the Howards. I tend to think that this is because the queen they produced, Jane Seymour, isn't as flashy or tragic as the Howard queens, Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard. Hardcore Boleyn fans just hate the Seymours (which is a shame, because Henry VIII is the one truly at fault) and cast them as prudish bores. Really, they were quite an interesting bunch of political power players, and none more savvy--at least during Henry's reign--as Edward Seymour and his wife Anne.
"My Lady Viper" certainly takes on an interesting topic: Henry VIII's reign from the execution of Anne Boleyn to his death from Anne Stanhope's perspective. Understandably, Knight tries to humanize Anne, who's reputation is not the best, and Edward, who's rep is even worse. The writing is engaging--obviously my attention was held, and I read the book rather quickly.
The strengths of the book are in Anne and Edward's scenes together, particularly when Anne gets her shit together and realizes that she and her husband are a great team. That's what I wanted out of the book. While "The Tudors" portrayed Anne as an adulterous party girl whose uptight hubby bored her, the Seymours actually had a pretty happy marriage for the times. As everyone else seemed to hate them, I get the sense that they had an "us against the world" mindset that was typical of the Seymour family. They knew they worked well together and valued and loved one another.
Those moments--and the moments when Anne actually acted like a master manipulator--were great. I also give Knight her props for trying to balance a human Henry VIII with his monstrous side, and the scenes with Jane Seymour were genuinely interesting. This is probably the first portrayal of Jane Seymour that hasn't annoyed the hell out of me. Sure, she's still innocent and naive, but that's not her dominant trait. You get the sense from this Jane that she knows her head could be on the chopping block next, and she's trying to survive.
Unfortunately, several unnecessary plotlines drag the storyline down. I know why Knight did this. I know we're sure about little of Anne Stanhope's life, and I get that for some reason Knight thought that would bore her readers. But it wouldn't have! It really wouldn't have. So she added in two horrible storylines.
The first starts early, and it really set off alarm bells for me. It's this completely unneeded, overblown rape-as-backstory thing that explains why the Seymours married--no, Edward's not the rapist thank God--and gives us our principle villain throughout the book. I hate rape as as backstory, and you get the sense that part of the reasoning behind this was that it explained Anne's "cold" nature. WTF??? Knight, you have to know better. That's a cardinal sin of fiction right there. So basically, throughout the book we have this leering sexual predator threatening Anne and her loved ones. And it somehow takes Edward Seymour, one of the most powerful men in the realm, years and years to make sure he gets his comeuppance. None of it made sense, and I couldn't help but think it was put in there to counterbalance Anne's portrayal in "The Tudors" (among other reasons).
That was bad enough, but I tried to ignore it and move on. Then Knight writes in this cringeworthy romance storyline between Anne and a certain nobleman. Not only does that destroy what makes Anne so appealing as a historical figure--the Lady Macbeth Edward Seymour's wheeling and dealing Macbeth--but it's not even an appealing romance! Anne is constantly, and rather annoyingly, going "I shouldn't! But I should! But my husband cheats on me and though I understand that this is ok by Tudor standards and he'd definitely have me put aside if I cheated on him, I still want to cheat on my husband!". This just made Anne seem less like a "lady viper" and more like a complete dumbass. Then we have multiple lovely scenes where her suitor basically sexually assaults Anne and continues to pursue her after she's said no. Oh, and he tries to blackmail her into screwing him. But they love each other!
This whole time, Edward is actually a pretty decent husband by the standards of the day. His position at court ensures Anne's position at court. He progressively warms up throughout the book and they apparently have a pretty hot sex life. As Anne whines about her tragic life and her love, you just want to throttle her. Like, girl--you could be Anne Boleyn. (Also, there's this whole subplot wherein Anne feels really bad about the Seymour role in Anne Boleyn's downfall, and despises Lady Rochford, Anne's sister-in-law who was instrumental in bringing her down. It stinks of Knight's awareness that every Tudor fan today loves Anne Boleyn, and feels like an attempt to make Anne Stanhope more sympathetic. I adore Anne Boleyn, but I know that not everyone was sympathetic to her back in the day. Most weren't, and I would have appreciated it if Knight had portrayed Anne Stanhope's feelings in a likely more accurate fashion.)
The novel just suffered from inconsistencies in Anne's character. She has all of two or three scenes with her firstborn, but is so devastated by his death that she becomes cold to everyone around her, including her second baby. (Whose entire existence is basically one giant soap opera thread.)
This could have been a really smart story that we'd yet to see in Tudor fiction. There's so much that you could have done with Edward and Anne. The few scenes where they actually *did* act like vipers were great. But they were few and far between, and didn't make up for the trainwreck that was the rest of the book.
"My Lady Viper" certainly takes on an interesting topic: Henry VIII's reign from the execution of Anne Boleyn to his death from Anne Stanhope's perspective. Understandably, Knight tries to humanize Anne, who's reputation is not the best, and Edward, who's rep is even worse. The writing is engaging--obviously my attention was held, and I read the book rather quickly.
The strengths of the book are in Anne and Edward's scenes together, particularly when Anne gets her shit together and realizes that she and her husband are a great team. That's what I wanted out of the book. While "The Tudors" portrayed Anne as an adulterous party girl whose uptight hubby bored her, the Seymours actually had a pretty happy marriage for the times. As everyone else seemed to hate them, I get the sense that they had an "us against the world" mindset that was typical of the Seymour family. They knew they worked well together and valued and loved one another.
Those moments--and the moments when Anne actually acted like a master manipulator--were great. I also give Knight her props for trying to balance a human Henry VIII with his monstrous side, and the scenes with Jane Seymour were genuinely interesting. This is probably the first portrayal of Jane Seymour that hasn't annoyed the hell out of me. Sure, she's still innocent and naive, but that's not her dominant trait. You get the sense from this Jane that she knows her head could be on the chopping block next, and she's trying to survive.
Unfortunately, several unnecessary plotlines drag the storyline down. I know why Knight did this. I know we're sure about little of Anne Stanhope's life, and I get that for some reason Knight thought that would bore her readers. But it wouldn't have! It really wouldn't have. So she added in two horrible storylines.
The first starts early, and it really set off alarm bells for me. It's this completely unneeded, overblown rape-as-backstory thing that explains why the Seymours married--no, Edward's not the rapist thank God--and gives us our principle villain throughout the book. I hate rape as as backstory, and you get the sense that part of the reasoning behind this was that it explained Anne's "cold" nature. WTF??? Knight, you have to know better. That's a cardinal sin of fiction right there. So basically, throughout the book we have this leering sexual predator threatening Anne and her loved ones. And it somehow takes Edward Seymour, one of the most powerful men in the realm, years and years to make sure he gets his comeuppance. None of it made sense, and I couldn't help but think it was put in there to counterbalance Anne's portrayal in "The Tudors" (among other reasons).
That was bad enough, but I tried to ignore it and move on. Then Knight writes in this cringeworthy romance storyline between Anne and a certain nobleman. Not only does that destroy what makes Anne so appealing as a historical figure--the Lady Macbeth Edward Seymour's wheeling and dealing Macbeth--but it's not even an appealing romance! Anne is constantly, and rather annoyingly, going "I shouldn't! But I should! But my husband cheats on me and though I understand that this is ok by Tudor standards and he'd definitely have me put aside if I cheated on him, I still want to cheat on my husband!". This just made Anne seem less like a "lady viper" and more like a complete dumbass. Then we have multiple lovely scenes where her suitor basically sexually assaults Anne and continues to pursue her after she's said no. Oh, and he tries to blackmail her into screwing him. But they love each other!
This whole time, Edward is actually a pretty decent husband by the standards of the day. His position at court ensures Anne's position at court. He progressively warms up throughout the book and they apparently have a pretty hot sex life. As Anne whines about her tragic life and her love, you just want to throttle her. Like, girl--you could be Anne Boleyn. (Also, there's this whole subplot wherein Anne feels really bad about the Seymour role in Anne Boleyn's downfall, and despises Lady Rochford, Anne's sister-in-law who was instrumental in bringing her down. It stinks of Knight's awareness that every Tudor fan today loves Anne Boleyn, and feels like an attempt to make Anne Stanhope more sympathetic. I adore Anne Boleyn, but I know that not everyone was sympathetic to her back in the day. Most weren't, and I would have appreciated it if Knight had portrayed Anne Stanhope's feelings in a likely more accurate fashion.)
The novel just suffered from inconsistencies in Anne's character. She has all of two or three scenes with her firstborn, but is so devastated by his death that she becomes cold to everyone around her, including her second baby. (Whose entire existence is basically one giant soap opera thread.)
This could have been a really smart story that we'd yet to see in Tudor fiction. There's so much that you could have done with Edward and Anne. The few scenes where they actually *did* act like vipers were great. But they were few and far between, and didn't make up for the trainwreck that was the rest of the book.
July 8, 2016
I started this book with the hope I would be able to give it at least three stars, but after only a few pages I knew it would probably be two. Now it's just one.
There might be mild spoilers in this review, but most of it is historical stuff that sort of happened.
Sadly the books starts out mediocre and gets worse with time.
The main character is all over the place. She's the prime example of telling and not showing. According to the other characters she's beautiful (even when she grows older - one must have characters remark on that because of reasons), she's scheming and cunning and stone cold... meanwhile she actually just gets lucky? People just tell her things or respect her because she has a reputation from the beginning. We never learn where it even came from? People just suck up to her for no reason. Or the reason is that they're in love with her.
Speaking of: On one page she loves her husband, on the next she would say that they just respect each other without much love. Then there is Anthony, who is just as terrible as she is as a character, whom she falls in love with on the spot for some reason and wants to sleep with so badly for ages, then she tells him and herself that she actually does not love him, but her husband. Their love can not be! There is no love at all! Oh, she loves him afterall! What could have been! But her husband won't allow it! But she loves her husband! Anthony even sexually assaults her, but somehow because he has passion and is in love with her (for some reason), it's totes okay and . She hasn't seen or mentioned him in years and suddenly she misses him terribly and he's her one true love...
It was just exhausting to the max!
Not to even mention her 'scheming'. Flat out telling Henry VIII that she should totally marry Catherine Parr is no scheming. Accusing people of treason with the help of paying other people for information off screen is no scheming. Having powerful people as friends is no scheming.
She's everywhere. She put Jane Seymour in front of the king. She's Queen Jane's best friend. She's the king's confidante. She's somehow a mother figure for the king's son (which is just mentioned out of the blue, but never shown). She's the saving angel for Anne of Cleves.
The author herself says in the afterword that Anne Stanhope had an interesting life, but to make it even more interesting (which is up for discussion), she made up nearly every important thing in the book: and of course at least half of the 'scheming'.
For those who are interested in how the six wives are treated in this book:
Catherine of Aragon: Not mentioned much, but spoken of with respect.
Anne Boleyn: Difficult case. There is some respect there, but also contempt. The main character thinks she was strong, but also a terrible person and probably innocent of the crimes she was accusend of.
Jane Seymour: Maybe too nice, but an actual character for a change and for once not portrayed as dumb or unimportant.
Anne of Cleves: Portrayed as a nice woman. It's mentioned that Henry finds her ugly but I don't think it said that she really was.
Catherine Howard: Probably got it the worst (as usual). She's portayed as a childish harlot - till the moment the main character suddenly feels bad for her, cause she's so young. After doing nothing to stop her.
Catherine Parr: Surprisingly got it the second worst? Main character hates her, she hates main character (her nickname for Anne is "Hell" - so creative).
Henry VIII himself seemed nice enough at first, but after Jane's death he got more cruel and then fell completely into the tyrant category after Catherine Howard, so at least no making him less teribble than he was here.
Jane Parker is of course once again an evil, gossiping woman whom the main character hates and looks down on.
Edward Seymour was, for being an adulterer, somehow one of, if not THE most sympathetic person in this story. Did not expect that. He and Jane Seymour were basically the only things I enjoyed in this story as far as enjoyment went.
Plot, what plot? It was basically just saying: "We must make the Seymours great!" and "scheming" their way from event to event.
I'm actually pretty sad I didn't like this book, because Jane Seymour has a prominent role in it. There are not many books like that out there. Maybe she's a bit too much of an angel, but beggars can't be choosers. I swear, if the upcoming book about her by Alison Weir sucks, I will seriously cry.
There might be mild spoilers in this review, but most of it is historical stuff that sort of happened.
Sadly the books starts out mediocre and gets worse with time.
The main character is all over the place. She's the prime example of telling and not showing. According to the other characters she's beautiful (even when she grows older - one must have characters remark on that because of reasons), she's scheming and cunning and stone cold... meanwhile she actually just gets lucky? People just tell her things or respect her because she has a reputation from the beginning. We never learn where it even came from? People just suck up to her for no reason. Or the reason is that they're in love with her.
Speaking of: On one page she loves her husband, on the next she would say that they just respect each other without much love. Then there is Anthony, who is just as terrible as she is as a character, whom she falls in love with on the spot for some reason and wants to sleep with so badly for ages, then she tells him and herself that she actually does not love him, but her husband. Their love can not be! There is no love at all! Oh, she loves him afterall! What could have been! But her husband won't allow it! But she loves her husband! Anthony even sexually assaults her, but somehow because he has passion and is in love with her (for some reason), it's totes okay and . She hasn't seen or mentioned him in years and suddenly she misses him terribly and he's her one true love...
It was just exhausting to the max!
Not to even mention her 'scheming'. Flat out telling Henry VIII that she should totally marry Catherine Parr is no scheming. Accusing people of treason with the help of paying other people for information off screen is no scheming. Having powerful people as friends is no scheming.
She's everywhere. She put Jane Seymour in front of the king. She's Queen Jane's best friend. She's the king's confidante. She's somehow a mother figure for the king's son (which is just mentioned out of the blue, but never shown). She's the saving angel for Anne of Cleves.
The author herself says in the afterword that Anne Stanhope had an interesting life, but to make it even more interesting (which is up for discussion), she made up nearly every important thing in the book: and of course at least half of the 'scheming'.
For those who are interested in how the six wives are treated in this book:
Catherine of Aragon: Not mentioned much, but spoken of with respect.
Anne Boleyn: Difficult case. There is some respect there, but also contempt. The main character thinks she was strong, but also a terrible person and probably innocent of the crimes she was accusend of.
Jane Seymour: Maybe too nice, but an actual character for a change and for once not portrayed as dumb or unimportant.
Anne of Cleves: Portrayed as a nice woman. It's mentioned that Henry finds her ugly but I don't think it said that she really was.
Catherine Howard: Probably got it the worst (as usual). She's portayed as a childish harlot - till the moment the main character suddenly feels bad for her, cause she's so young. After doing nothing to stop her.
Catherine Parr: Surprisingly got it the second worst? Main character hates her, she hates main character (her nickname for Anne is "Hell" - so creative).
Henry VIII himself seemed nice enough at first, but after Jane's death he got more cruel and then fell completely into the tyrant category after Catherine Howard, so at least no making him less teribble than he was here.
Jane Parker is of course once again an evil, gossiping woman whom the main character hates and looks down on.
Edward Seymour was, for being an adulterer, somehow one of, if not THE most sympathetic person in this story. Did not expect that. He and Jane Seymour were basically the only things I enjoyed in this story as far as enjoyment went.
Plot, what plot? It was basically just saying: "We must make the Seymours great!" and "scheming" their way from event to event.
I'm actually pretty sad I didn't like this book, because Jane Seymour has a prominent role in it. There are not many books like that out there. Maybe she's a bit too much of an angel, but beggars can't be choosers. I swear, if the upcoming book about her by Alison Weir sucks, I will seriously cry.
May 7, 2020
Rated this 4 stars. Treachery and intrigue during the reign of Henry VIII. Told through the eyes of Anne Seymour the wife of Edward Seymour who is the brother of Jane Seymour, Henry's 3rd wife. Not great literature but I really enjoyed this take on the Tudors. A fast read.
May 19, 2014
"My Lady Viper" is the story of Anne Seymour, who becomes a lady in waiting to Jane Seymour, who is, of course, one of Henry VIII's queens. This is the first traditional historical fiction offering from E. Knight, who also writes romances under the name Eliza Knight. It was neat to see the author make a jump to traditional historical fiction and after reading this book, I can say that the jump was worth it.
Now Tudor fiction can be tricky and it's a tricky subject for me. I was going guns a'blazin for Tudor fiction a couple years ago but fell out of it when it seemed like so many Tudor historical fiction books were the same. I was a little hesitant to read this book because of that but the author makes it worth it. This is a very different take on what could be a well tread subject. I feel like Jane Seymour is one of Henry VIII's lesser known queens so I liked seeing her and getting to know her through this book. Because Anne is so close to Jane, we get to see a really intimate picture of Jane that I really enjoyed. Anne is a really interesting character in her own right. There is a good infusion of romance in this book so that Knight's previous fans will not feel so at sea.
The writing of the book is pretty good and the pacing moves nicely. This book has a lot of drama and intrigue that keeps it moving at a good clip. E. Knight breathes new life and new scandal into the Tudors. This is an engrossing historical fiction tale that readers will love!
Now Tudor fiction can be tricky and it's a tricky subject for me. I was going guns a'blazin for Tudor fiction a couple years ago but fell out of it when it seemed like so many Tudor historical fiction books were the same. I was a little hesitant to read this book because of that but the author makes it worth it. This is a very different take on what could be a well tread subject. I feel like Jane Seymour is one of Henry VIII's lesser known queens so I liked seeing her and getting to know her through this book. Because Anne is so close to Jane, we get to see a really intimate picture of Jane that I really enjoyed. Anne is a really interesting character in her own right. There is a good infusion of romance in this book so that Knight's previous fans will not feel so at sea.
The writing of the book is pretty good and the pacing moves nicely. This book has a lot of drama and intrigue that keeps it moving at a good clip. E. Knight breathes new life and new scandal into the Tudors. This is an engrossing historical fiction tale that readers will love!
August 13, 2015
If a book has anything to do with Tudor history, I will read it. I generally like to read books centering around Anne Boleyn, and as a result I have become part of "Team Howard" rather than "Team Seymour" (forgive me for the phrasing there). That being said, it was very different for me to read a book that focused on the Seymour family, and did so in a positive way. I thought I would hate the book because of this, but I ended up thoroughly enjoying it. It was fun to see some characters in a new light, as well as being introduced to some historical figures that I was unaware of.
I thought that the book was fairly well written. There were some moments in the dialogue when characters would switch from "Old English" to "New English", so the language felt a little inconsistent.
The ending felt a bit rushed. It was basically a lot of dialogue giving a quick rundown of all that had happened within the past few years. It was almost as if E. Knight realized that the deadline was in a few hours, and there was one more chapter to write.
Despite its flaws, I thought that this book told an interesting and relatively unknown story in an enjoyable way. The book moved quickly, and was able to keep me interested throughout the story.
[I won this book through a Goodreads Giveaway. This is my first "First Reads" review.]
I thought that the book was fairly well written. There were some moments in the dialogue when characters would switch from "Old English" to "New English", so the language felt a little inconsistent.
The ending felt a bit rushed. It was basically a lot of dialogue giving a quick rundown of all that had happened within the past few years. It was almost as if E. Knight realized that the deadline was in a few hours, and there was one more chapter to write.
Despite its flaws, I thought that this book told an interesting and relatively unknown story in an enjoyable way. The book moved quickly, and was able to keep me interested throughout the story.
[I won this book through a Goodreads Giveaway. This is my first "First Reads" review.]
July 23, 2016
This was my first book by this author and I enjoyed it as I can never get enough of Tudor books. I enjoyed reading about the Seymour family and another Anne in Tudor history. The author did a very good job in my opinion with the development of the characters and they just see to jump off the page at you. I think she also did very good with the setting so she made feel as if you were right there in Henry's court. Another thing I enjoyed was the telling of yet another love triangle from the Tudor court. Anne was known as a vicious woman and after reading her story here you will understand why while at the same time getting you to understand her side. Anne was a very strong woman to survive being at court. I will be looking forward to book two in this series. I recommend this book to fans of historical fiction.
April 14, 2014
A fabulously scandalous new series set in the Tudor Court, highly recommended!
June 21, 2021
I find the Tudor period fascinating and I do understand I need to suspend some disbelief when I'm reading fiction, but something about this novel just didn't work for me. Anne Stanhope, wife of Edward Seymour and sister-in-law to Henry VIII's third wife Jane Seymour, is the subject of this book. While she is a fascinating woman who doesn't have nearly enough written about her, this novel takes a few more liberties than I would expect and it's hard to imagine it as a realistic portrayal of the Tudor court. For example, Anne's affair with Anthony Browne and Anne having his child seemed far-fetched, particularly in an period when queens were being executed for adultery. Still, I'm certain Tudor fans would devour this book nonetheless and I appreciate the focus on a lesser-known figure of this well-known era.
July 25, 2018
Very interesting rendition of King Henry’s court. Like reading history - but it’s more ‘alive’ as Eliza Knight puts us there! Highly recommend. Looking forward to the next book in series.
February 26, 2017
Political machinations, intrigue, treachery - all make for good historical fiction set in the court of Henry VIII just after the execution of Anne Boleyn.
This story is told from the perspective of Anne Seymour - sister-in-law of Jane, who would become Henry's third wife. We follow Anne as she navigates the corridors of power that will first see Jane on the throne and then the Seymour clan cling to power as the relatives of Henry's only son and heir.
Anne was - at one point - the most powerful woman not only at court but in the kingdom (as husband was Lord Protector for the child Edward VI). Whilst a well-told tale, I found myself at odds with the vacillating character of Anne Seymour (forever struggling between her love for her husband and her lover).
The author freely admits to taking some liberties, but these are done well and only one steeped in Tudor history would be at pains to spot the discrepancies.
This story is told from the perspective of Anne Seymour - sister-in-law of Jane, who would become Henry's third wife. We follow Anne as she navigates the corridors of power that will first see Jane on the throne and then the Seymour clan cling to power as the relatives of Henry's only son and heir.
Anne was - at one point - the most powerful woman not only at court but in the kingdom (as husband was Lord Protector for the child Edward VI). Whilst a well-told tale, I found myself at odds with the vacillating character of Anne Seymour (forever struggling between her love for her husband and her lover).
The author freely admits to taking some liberties, but these are done well and only one steeped in Tudor history would be at pains to spot the discrepancies.
June 8, 2015
While still in school I developed a deep, life-long interest in Tudor history, which later led me to delve deeper into other ages in ancient English history, but the Tudors have remained one of my favorites. There’s been so much written about them and their court, some good, some bad and so bad that should never have been put to paper but yet authors continue to turn out novels that readers devour. While I’ve not read everything I can say that I am familiar with most of the history of those considered important during this period.
Until I read this novel, I had a very low opinion of Anne Seymour; most authors have portrayed as a first class witch, who along with her husband Edward would do anything to advance their status and after Jane gave birth to Edward they became even worse. The only other person I can say from this period who had a worse reputation was Jane Rochford but after this novel I find myself with a bit more sympathy toward Anne.
While sexual misconduct was prevalent in Tudor court, it’s hard to believe that a mother would condone the rape of her daughter in the hope that the culprit would later be forced to marry his victim. While Edward did an honorable thing that many men in that era would not have I found the author’s portrayal as a savior to Anne as a little much. True he gave her his name and protection, but it wasn’t just out of kindness and decency. Anne was beautiful, but more importantly she was intelligent. He saw these traits and he knew that by rescuing her that she would be a loyal ally and wife. After his first wife he needed a woman that he could trust to be faithful and he knew that Anne would never forget that he was the one who offered her his protection after Surrey raped her. While he may have cared for Anne, I doubt that he loved her and I think that if he had then history would have found her to be a much nicer person.
The author brings the Tudor court to live in this historical dram; readers will find themselves immersed into life of the court as they follow the story. The writing is smooth and the characters are well drawn. While this is fiction I find myself believing that if it had not been for Anne, Edward would not have risen and maintained the titles that he gained from his sister’s marriage to the king and the subsequent birth of their son. I still feel that Jane was the only queen that had any luck other than the last one and that only happened because Henry died before he could kill her. Jane married Henry, gave him a son and died before he could become dissatisfied if another son was not forthcoming or before he broke her as he did his first wife. Any family that would put their young women in Henry’s site as potential queens are to be as despised and Anne’s mother and step-father are for what they allowed to happen.
4.25/5 STARS **Receiving a digital ARC from the publisher and/or author via NetGalley did not influence my rating or review of this book; all opinions are my own.
Until I read this novel, I had a very low opinion of Anne Seymour; most authors have portrayed as a first class witch, who along with her husband Edward would do anything to advance their status and after Jane gave birth to Edward they became even worse. The only other person I can say from this period who had a worse reputation was Jane Rochford but after this novel I find myself with a bit more sympathy toward Anne.
While sexual misconduct was prevalent in Tudor court, it’s hard to believe that a mother would condone the rape of her daughter in the hope that the culprit would later be forced to marry his victim. While Edward did an honorable thing that many men in that era would not have I found the author’s portrayal as a savior to Anne as a little much. True he gave her his name and protection, but it wasn’t just out of kindness and decency. Anne was beautiful, but more importantly she was intelligent. He saw these traits and he knew that by rescuing her that she would be a loyal ally and wife. After his first wife he needed a woman that he could trust to be faithful and he knew that Anne would never forget that he was the one who offered her his protection after Surrey raped her. While he may have cared for Anne, I doubt that he loved her and I think that if he had then history would have found her to be a much nicer person.
The author brings the Tudor court to live in this historical dram; readers will find themselves immersed into life of the court as they follow the story. The writing is smooth and the characters are well drawn. While this is fiction I find myself believing that if it had not been for Anne, Edward would not have risen and maintained the titles that he gained from his sister’s marriage to the king and the subsequent birth of their son. I still feel that Jane was the only queen that had any luck other than the last one and that only happened because Henry died before he could kill her. Jane married Henry, gave him a son and died before he could become dissatisfied if another son was not forthcoming or before he broke her as he did his first wife. Any family that would put their young women in Henry’s site as potential queens are to be as despised and Anne’s mother and step-father are for what they allowed to happen.
4.25/5 STARS **Receiving a digital ARC from the publisher and/or author via NetGalley did not influence my rating or review of this book; all opinions are my own.
September 7, 2014
My Lady Viper is a biographical novel of Queen Jane Seymour's, the third wife of Henry VIII, sister-in-law, Anne Seymour. Anne Seymour was known to be disliked around court, and was described as a viper. This novel gives us an in-depth psyche of Anne’s actions as she rises to become the Duchess of Somerset, and also, for a brief time, the most powerful woman in the world. She is not mostly seen as a viper, but as a strong-willed woman, who helps her family.
The story is set during King Henry’s reign and shortly before his marriage to Jane Seymour. It begins with a touching description of the execution of Anne Boleyn that Anne Seymour witnesses. After the execution, Anne and her husband, Edward Seymour, who is the brother of the soon-to-be new queen, are happily celebrating their future prospects because they are linked to the king. They are determined to be a duke and a duchess. However, while Anne is happy with her hopes for the future, she also is filled with remorse for Anne Boleyn. She feels that she is responsible for Anne Boleyn’s death because at the right time, she pushed Jane Seymour into King Henry VIII’s path. She has a feeling that if Jane does not bear a son, then she and the Seymours will fall from grace. Anne is determined to make sure that Jane’s marriage is a success, but to do that she knows that she will be disliked around court.
Anne is a conflicted character. Sometimes, it is hard to like her. She does ruthless actions like plotting a person’s downfall for her and her family’s own selfish gain. However, immediately afterward, she feels guilt. Underneath her formidable exterior, Anne is an emotionally-damaged woman. She wants nothing but to gain the love of her husband, Edward, who has saved her from a traumatic experience. Because of this, she is very loyal to her husband and will do anything for him. She is very strong-willed and she makes her own decisions. Edward looks to her as a confidante and together they work as a team. It is clear that she is a woman of power.
Overall, this book is about family, love, friendship, triumph, and survival. This book is filled with drama, romance, suspense, and political court intrigue. It is a quest for one woman’s ambition and power. My Lady Viper reads like a soap-opera, so it is a fast-paced read. The setting and the characters are well-developed. The story is beautifully written, and I like how it portrays the Tudor court, which is reminiscent of a Shakespearean play. I recommend this to fans of the Tudor period, historical fiction lovers, Philippa Gregory, C.W. Gortner, and Laurien Gardner.
(Note: This book was given to me as part of a blog tour in exchange for an honest review.)
The story is set during King Henry’s reign and shortly before his marriage to Jane Seymour. It begins with a touching description of the execution of Anne Boleyn that Anne Seymour witnesses. After the execution, Anne and her husband, Edward Seymour, who is the brother of the soon-to-be new queen, are happily celebrating their future prospects because they are linked to the king. They are determined to be a duke and a duchess. However, while Anne is happy with her hopes for the future, she also is filled with remorse for Anne Boleyn. She feels that she is responsible for Anne Boleyn’s death because at the right time, she pushed Jane Seymour into King Henry VIII’s path. She has a feeling that if Jane does not bear a son, then she and the Seymours will fall from grace. Anne is determined to make sure that Jane’s marriage is a success, but to do that she knows that she will be disliked around court.
Anne is a conflicted character. Sometimes, it is hard to like her. She does ruthless actions like plotting a person’s downfall for her and her family’s own selfish gain. However, immediately afterward, she feels guilt. Underneath her formidable exterior, Anne is an emotionally-damaged woman. She wants nothing but to gain the love of her husband, Edward, who has saved her from a traumatic experience. Because of this, she is very loyal to her husband and will do anything for him. She is very strong-willed and she makes her own decisions. Edward looks to her as a confidante and together they work as a team. It is clear that she is a woman of power.
Overall, this book is about family, love, friendship, triumph, and survival. This book is filled with drama, romance, suspense, and political court intrigue. It is a quest for one woman’s ambition and power. My Lady Viper reads like a soap-opera, so it is a fast-paced read. The setting and the characters are well-developed. The story is beautifully written, and I like how it portrays the Tudor court, which is reminiscent of a Shakespearean play. I recommend this to fans of the Tudor period, historical fiction lovers, Philippa Gregory, C.W. Gortner, and Laurien Gardner.
(Note: This book was given to me as part of a blog tour in exchange for an honest review.)
June 1, 2014
I've said this before and I'm not the only one. The Tudors are becoming a bit over saturated in books and other mediums. In order for this illustrious historical dynasty to stay fresh, and don't get me wrong here...I love the Tudors, I really do, but as I was saying, in order for them to appeal to us in a fresh way, the stories need to be told in a fresh way. And one way of doing this is to bring to the forefront the background characters. That is exactly what this author has done. By telling the story of Anne Seymour, a background figure of the Tudor world who was actually at the center of the intrigue, she has livened up the Tudors again.
Anne Seymour is an enigmatic character. I mean the title of the book is My Lady Viper and it's a suitable name for her at times, but at other times that name could never describe her. I tend to believe that the times were so precarious, especially during Henry Tudor's reign, that women had to be ruthless in order to not be swallowed whole by the intrigue. Another realization hit me as I was reading this book. Ladies in waiting were actually very powerful. Let me explain. Anne Seymour succeeds in drawing King Henry's attentions away from Anne Boleyn (though his desire was already waning because of her inability to bear him a son) by parading various ladies in front of him. One could say, and it's implied in this book, that she was a major player in the downfall of Anne Boleyn. Anne Seymour was instrumental in bringing Jane Seymour to Henry's attention and we all know how that turned out.
Anne ends up being involved in the intrigue at the Tudor court all the way up to Henry VIII's death. Of course, it makes sense that the Seymour's would remain in good graces with their nephew as the shining prince. However, towards the end, the constant plotting seems to have really taken its toll on Anne. And that's what I meant when I said Anne was enigmatic. She plots and schemes and yet felt real guilt at the downfall of most of the subjects of her diabolical plans. I think that she had an extreme case of loyalty to her husband's family because of something that happened to her earlier on. Trauma can do terrible things to a person's psyche. In the end, I didn't see Anne as a viper. She was just a conflicted person who did what she had to to survive in the times she was living. I have to say that the author has written one of the most interesting characters I've experienced in a historical novel.
My Lady Viper is the first historical novel for this author, who is a prolific writer of historical and erotic romance. I'm very impressed and I highly recommend it. I'm looking forward to the next book in her Tudor Court Tales, Prisoner of the Queen.
Anne Seymour is an enigmatic character. I mean the title of the book is My Lady Viper and it's a suitable name for her at times, but at other times that name could never describe her. I tend to believe that the times were so precarious, especially during Henry Tudor's reign, that women had to be ruthless in order to not be swallowed whole by the intrigue. Another realization hit me as I was reading this book. Ladies in waiting were actually very powerful. Let me explain. Anne Seymour succeeds in drawing King Henry's attentions away from Anne Boleyn (though his desire was already waning because of her inability to bear him a son) by parading various ladies in front of him. One could say, and it's implied in this book, that she was a major player in the downfall of Anne Boleyn. Anne Seymour was instrumental in bringing Jane Seymour to Henry's attention and we all know how that turned out.
Anne ends up being involved in the intrigue at the Tudor court all the way up to Henry VIII's death. Of course, it makes sense that the Seymour's would remain in good graces with their nephew as the shining prince. However, towards the end, the constant plotting seems to have really taken its toll on Anne. And that's what I meant when I said Anne was enigmatic. She plots and schemes and yet felt real guilt at the downfall of most of the subjects of her diabolical plans. I think that she had an extreme case of loyalty to her husband's family because of something that happened to her earlier on. Trauma can do terrible things to a person's psyche. In the end, I didn't see Anne as a viper. She was just a conflicted person who did what she had to to survive in the times she was living. I have to say that the author has written one of the most interesting characters I've experienced in a historical novel.
My Lady Viper is the first historical novel for this author, who is a prolific writer of historical and erotic romance. I'm very impressed and I highly recommend it. I'm looking forward to the next book in her Tudor Court Tales, Prisoner of the Queen.
October 22, 2014
My Lady Viper is E. Knight’s latest novel and it is fantastic! I’ve read a couple of the author’s historical/erotic romances earlier this year but this is her first historical novel and it is impressive. My Lady Viper takes place during the Tudor era and instead of being about the same old characters (which I still love) it brings to the forefront a lesser talked about character and that is Anne Seymour. This novel is enthralling from beginning to end and brings alive a Tudor court full of intrigue, politics, parties, plenty of drama, and even a little romance.
Anne Seymour is sister-in-law and lady in waiting to Jane Seymour who was one of Henry VIII’s wives. Anne is determined that Jane nor her husband Edward’s family or herself for that matter will fall to the same fate as Anne Boleyn and she will go to any lengths to make it so. Anne also knows how important it is that Jane give the Henry a son or they will all fall right along with Queen Jane. Anne makes alliances at every turn and is most definitely a woman to be reckoned with. In turn this earns her the reputation of being devious, manipulative, and a viper of a woman. Yet taking into account the times I think a woman had to do anything in her power to keep herself and her family safe and especially in King Henry’s court. One wrong word, look, or move could cause a family who is at the height of power to fall to the very bottom of the pit. Nobody was ever safe and Anne knew this.
I really enjoyed this book and loved learning about Anne Seymour who I knew nothing about before. Also enjoyable was reading more about Jane Seymour. So many novels focus on the other wives but there doesn't seem to be many about Jane. She seemed to me to be too sweet to survive for long in a court full of treachery. I liked Anne though and yes she was a viper but her goal was always to protect her family and their position at court or even more so to elevate it and even while manipulating everything around her she felt bad for being the cause of ruin for some. I found her to be a very interesting woman and one whose life I became fully embroiled in while reading this book.
For lovers of Tudor fiction My Lady Viper is fresh, exciting, and oh so captivating! This is one I highly recommend!
http://www.peekingbetweenthepages.com...
Anne Seymour is sister-in-law and lady in waiting to Jane Seymour who was one of Henry VIII’s wives. Anne is determined that Jane nor her husband Edward’s family or herself for that matter will fall to the same fate as Anne Boleyn and she will go to any lengths to make it so. Anne also knows how important it is that Jane give the Henry a son or they will all fall right along with Queen Jane. Anne makes alliances at every turn and is most definitely a woman to be reckoned with. In turn this earns her the reputation of being devious, manipulative, and a viper of a woman. Yet taking into account the times I think a woman had to do anything in her power to keep herself and her family safe and especially in King Henry’s court. One wrong word, look, or move could cause a family who is at the height of power to fall to the very bottom of the pit. Nobody was ever safe and Anne knew this.
I really enjoyed this book and loved learning about Anne Seymour who I knew nothing about before. Also enjoyable was reading more about Jane Seymour. So many novels focus on the other wives but there doesn't seem to be many about Jane. She seemed to me to be too sweet to survive for long in a court full of treachery. I liked Anne though and yes she was a viper but her goal was always to protect her family and their position at court or even more so to elevate it and even while manipulating everything around her she felt bad for being the cause of ruin for some. I found her to be a very interesting woman and one whose life I became fully embroiled in while reading this book.
For lovers of Tudor fiction My Lady Viper is fresh, exciting, and oh so captivating! This is one I highly recommend!
http://www.peekingbetweenthepages.com...
May 21, 2014
Anne Seymour, nee Stanhope, was the second wife to Edward Seymour. Edward was the eldest brother to Jane Seymour, who was wife to King Henry VIII after Anne Boleyn. This is another Tudor historical fiction novel and starts off with the beheading of Anne Boleyn and takes the reader through the later part of King Henry VIII's reign and his subsequent marriages. Jane Seymour dies of childbed fever after the birth of Prince Edward, later King Edward. Edward and Anne have very powerful positions in the court because of their relationship to Queen Jane. Anne is one of those characters that is not usually in the forefront of Tudor novels but that does not make her any less compelling. She has been portrayed in history as an 'intolerable woman', very prideful and snobbish. After the birth of Prince Edward, Edward Seymour and Anne are elevated in the peerage to Viscount Beauchamp and Anne became Duchess of Somerset. So needless to say with their elevation came with a lot of responsibilities and there was always some sort of court intrigue going on and favors being requested.
I have always been a fan or the Tudor era and in particular Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth I. I do enjoy reading about other characters too and I found Anne Beauchamp to be a very interesting lady. E.Knight softened up her personality but still portraying her as a formidable woman who loves her husband Edward, but can also be easily tempted. I loved her character as I find strong women appealing. I was also able to learn more about the Seymour family. Is this a book that is factual?? I don't care much but I did read the authors note at the end and appreciated her explanation as to why certain things were changed and others embellished. I actually finished this book in two days which will tell you it is a great book!! I loved it and I am sure any fan of Tudor fiction will also want to read this one.
I have always been a fan or the Tudor era and in particular Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth I. I do enjoy reading about other characters too and I found Anne Beauchamp to be a very interesting lady. E.Knight softened up her personality but still portraying her as a formidable woman who loves her husband Edward, but can also be easily tempted. I loved her character as I find strong women appealing. I was also able to learn more about the Seymour family. Is this a book that is factual?? I don't care much but I did read the authors note at the end and appreciated her explanation as to why certain things were changed and others embellished. I actually finished this book in two days which will tell you it is a great book!! I loved it and I am sure any fan of Tudor fiction will also want to read this one.
May 27, 2015
I received a free copy of this book from Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Oh my word. I think this is one of the best historical fiction books I've ever read. I was hooked all the way through the book, and I can't help but compare her writing style to Philippa Gregory (my favourite historical fiction author).
I adore the Tudor period. I've researched it, and even had a mini-obsession with it in the past. There are so many parts of this book I recognised from my research! Needless to say, E. Knight has done brilliant research into the period, I even love the historical quotes she's so elegantly fitted into the storyline. I love it when a historical fiction novel has a strong base in fact, and this one has to be at the top of the list.
The writing in this novel is beautiful, elegant, and just plain charming. It was a pleasure to read. Knight's writing flows beautifully and effortlessly off the pages. The description in this book is very good, she includes just the right amount. Knight subtly paints the perfect picture with her words, yet the reader isn't bogged down with too much description. It's very balanced in that respect which makes it the perfect historical fiction book for me.
The pace is also brilliant. You're never left wondering how much of the book is left to go through boredom. It's intense and gripping throughout the whole book. In fact, it was rather hard to put it down!
Although any Tudor fan knows the history of the queens, My Lady Viper really does bring a fresh perspective. It re-tells the story in such a way that you can't help but fall in love with the period all over again.
Five stars, it was an absolute pleasure to read.
For more of my reviews, please visit my blog at: http://www.anovelstart.com
Oh my word. I think this is one of the best historical fiction books I've ever read. I was hooked all the way through the book, and I can't help but compare her writing style to Philippa Gregory (my favourite historical fiction author).
I adore the Tudor period. I've researched it, and even had a mini-obsession with it in the past. There are so many parts of this book I recognised from my research! Needless to say, E. Knight has done brilliant research into the period, I even love the historical quotes she's so elegantly fitted into the storyline. I love it when a historical fiction novel has a strong base in fact, and this one has to be at the top of the list.
The writing in this novel is beautiful, elegant, and just plain charming. It was a pleasure to read. Knight's writing flows beautifully and effortlessly off the pages. The description in this book is very good, she includes just the right amount. Knight subtly paints the perfect picture with her words, yet the reader isn't bogged down with too much description. It's very balanced in that respect which makes it the perfect historical fiction book for me.
The pace is also brilliant. You're never left wondering how much of the book is left to go through boredom. It's intense and gripping throughout the whole book. In fact, it was rather hard to put it down!
Although any Tudor fan knows the history of the queens, My Lady Viper really does bring a fresh perspective. It re-tells the story in such a way that you can't help but fall in love with the period all over again.
Five stars, it was an absolute pleasure to read.
For more of my reviews, please visit my blog at: http://www.anovelstart.com
June 6, 2014
This is a beautiful look at the Henrican court, seen through the eyes of one of its most maligned (and perhaps misunderstood) women, Lady Anne Seymour (Stanhope). The wife of Edward Seymour, she is a conniving, clever woman when it comes to maneuvering through the scandals and conflicts at court. Known by many as a "viper" or a "vicious" woman, she certainly isn't revered for her charms or compassion, but maybe that's what makes her such an interesting figure. Knight does a great job of portraying a woman who knows her own mind and plays her cards right. It's refreshing to read a novel that celebrates a woman's internal struggles with her romantic feelings (instead of blindly jumping into bed with handsome men!), and who prizes true relationships and friendships within such a tumultuous court. I really loved reading about Anne's life, and I hope those who pick up this novel will see more to her character than the often written-off, hateful reputation she seems to have among Tudor enthusiasts. I highly encourage you to give this great novel a try!
October 15, 2014
Absolutely loved this book. For all Tudor lovers who think they've read everything possible about every court personality...here's one for you. Anne Stanhope Seymour, Duchess of Somerset, interacted with all Henry VIII's queens, as well as the King himself, and anyone who was anyone during his heyday. She was a power to be reckoned, almost universally hated, yet this book gives her a human side and a backstory. Sooo glad this book ended on a high note, right after her ascension from Countess to Duchess. I will be reading more from this author.
March 29, 2015
An enjoyable romp through the Tudor court seen through the eyes of Anne Seymour (Stanhope) , Lady Hertford, at times it felt like Fifty Shades of Grey meets The Tudors. It raced along at a good pace, however I felt it was rushed towards the end to get key historical events . That said I did enjoy this novel for what it was. Well written despite a couple of small errors, the mention of Potatoes and cups of tea in porcelain cups had me eye rolling at one point, either poorly researched or and oversight. For that reason I give it 4*
September 29, 2015
Historical fiction is my favorite, especially when it involves the Tudors! This book was definitely historical fiction with a romance twist, and the author did her research of the time period. I enjoyed having the story told from someone in the court of Henry VIII. It was well-written and easy to read. I am looking forward to reading Prisoner of the Queen next!
I won this book from GoodReads First Reads. All the opinions expressed herein are my own.
I won this book from GoodReads First Reads. All the opinions expressed herein are my own.
December 3, 2018
Should have been 5 star
I enjoyed most parts of this tale except for the needless foul language and descriptive sexual scenes. These do not make a better storyline in my opinion. I liked the different slant given to the characters, very thought provoking.
I enjoyed most parts of this tale except for the needless foul language and descriptive sexual scenes. These do not make a better storyline in my opinion. I liked the different slant given to the characters, very thought provoking.
September 17, 2014
Review published at AudioGals.
July 13, 2018
Anne Stanhope Seymour has a reputation as a cold, calculating woman in the Tudor world, so a fictional account of her life should be a good, juicy read. That was my hope, anyway, as I started this book. Turns out the story was nothing more than the Tudor court turned into one big high school. The characters were one dimensional and gave us no reason to care about them. Anne, herself, spent much of the time whining about the men in her life: the one who wronged her, the one who loved her, and her husband. All that was missing was her popping her gum and twirling her hair around her finger before going out to cheerleading practice! Every time a gentleman of the court threw a lady against a wall, all I could see was it happening against the lockers. What a disappointment!
August 2, 2018
Good read marred by mistakes
This was a good read that kept me interested. It seems very well researched and it was the first book where I have been able to keep track of all the Marys, Elizabeths and Annes as well as Edwards , Thomases and Henrys with all their titles. I can forgive the Americanisms in among the courtly prose... 'Ornery', 'passed' for passed away, 'ass' for arse etc. What did annoy me were the things mentioned that weren't yet invented or introduced in the England of the 1530s.... mahogany tables; tea and biscuits, potatoes, ticking clocks, chocolate coated oranges. They weren't key to the story, so why put them in?
This was a good read that kept me interested. It seems very well researched and it was the first book where I have been able to keep track of all the Marys, Elizabeths and Annes as well as Edwards , Thomases and Henrys with all their titles. I can forgive the Americanisms in among the courtly prose... 'Ornery', 'passed' for passed away, 'ass' for arse etc. What did annoy me were the things mentioned that weren't yet invented or introduced in the England of the 1530s.... mahogany tables; tea and biscuits, potatoes, ticking clocks, chocolate coated oranges. They weren't key to the story, so why put them in?
May 2, 2018
An interesting imaging of the life of Lady Anne Seymour, married to Edward Seymour who is brother to Queen Jane, the 3rd of Henry VIII's wives. While interesting, it's less historically accurate, and I sometimes found myself get annoyed with the overabundance of heaving bosoms and Anne's lust for Sir Anthony Browne, which made it more of a historical romance novel. If that's your cup of tea, you will really like this book. If you like more historical reality in your historical fiction, this doesn't do that quite as well.
January 7, 2024
I love a historical novel but I could not finish this. It is pretty much a bodice-ripper and if you like that sort of thing then this may be for you, but it was not for me! A serious historical figure treated very lightly, Anne Seymour is presented as vacillating, emotionally-driven and out of control. "Rape as backstory" is a dodgy narrative idea at the best of times, and this was very much not the best of times - this theme was overdone, and it's not even a valid conjecture based on established historical fact. Thumbs down.
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