Being a fan of Tudor history, I was looking forward to reading another from Alison Weir’s Tudor Queen series. Each can be read as a standalone. The amount of detail that is provided will seamlessly transport you back to Tudor England and on this occasion, into the life of Henry’s youngest wife.

Acknowledgement must be given to Alsion and the amount of research undertaken - it is an absolute credit to her that she produces such an easy to follow reenactment with the amount of cross checking of historical detail that she must have gone to. Her Author’s Note is once again, a tale within itself that I find just as interesting to read as the novel itself. Such a detailed account of her research, notes and interpretations that it opens up new and refreshing windows on this much written about Tudor period.

The youngest and reportedly silliest of Henry’s wives, Katheryn is just 19 when she becomes his fifth wife and beheaded by the age of 21. What I did appreciate about this book was the time dedicated to her life before becoming queen and how childhood events may have impacted upon her character. Following a similar style as previous books in the series, this one has more of a focus on Katheryn’s ‘indiscretions’ and many readers are divided over this stronger focus. Despite all of this, I feel Alison does a good job of making Katheryn likeable despite her flaws and you wonder how things might have been different.

Therefore, if you’re a Tudor fan, you will be intrigued by this interpretation into the life of this lesser known ‘scandalous’ queen. However, there is plenty here to entice any lover of historical fiction.





This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

A naive girl, thrust forward by her ambitious family. A pretty girl, who has captured the heart of the King. Katheryn sings, she dances, she delights in the pleasures of being queen. The King tells the world she is his rose without a thorn.

But this young woman has a past of which Henry knows nothing. It comes back increasingly to haunt her, even as she courts danger yet again. For those who gather roses must beware of the thorns.

I loved this book, This is one of my favourite time periods and I have always been fascinated by King Henry the eighth and his six wives.
I have read many books on this subject, but have never read one that was solely about Katherine Howard.
From other books and from history itself we are always led to believe that Katherine was a bit of a harlot and gave herself to any one.
This book portrayed Katherine in a totally different light and I gained a new insight into her as a person. She was just a young girl that was seduced by love and lust, and fell in love to easily.
Thank you to Net Galley for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.

Thankyou to NetGalley, Hachette Australia, Headline and the author, Alison Weir, for the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy of Six Tudor Queens: Katheryn Howard in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
I was over the moon to receive a copy of this book. Alison Weir certainly makes my favourite period of history come alive. I have read the previous novels in the Six Tudor Queens series and have enjoyed every one immensely. This fifth offering was certainly no exception.
As always, the storyline was well thought out and written with characters that were well drawn and captivating. The scenery was exquisite and highly descriptive. I could certainly imagine being transported down the Thames by barge or on progress with the household when traveling from one home to the next.
I found this book to be extremely difficult to put down, so I didn't. Hahaha. I read it in one sitting.
Most definitely worth a read for fans of the author/ genre. It can be read as a stand alone novel but, do yourself a favour, read them all.