Of Aragon
by Caroline Willcocks
Pub Date: Sep 03 2024

Kat Cooke, a young girl captivated by the allure of Henry VIII's magnificent Queen, Katherine of Aragon, embarks on a journey to unravel the mysteries of her own birth. As she navigates the intricate web of Tudor court politics, Kat witnesses both the splendor and deceit that define life within the Queen's inner circle.

Amidst the grandeur of the royal court, Kat discovers love but is confronted with the painful reality of having to choose where her loyalties lie.

Of Aragon offers readers an intimate glimpse into the Queen's private chambers, from the solemnity of the marriage bed to the anticipation of an heir's birth. Caroline Willcocks skillfully transports us to a bygone era where even royal women must contend fiercely for their lives and loves.

A passion of mine has been reading and learning about The Tudors, something I've done for decades. For this reason I no longer wish to read straight, dry historical biographies on this subject. However, I am open to reading quality historical fiction involving The Tudors- if the synopsis is intriguing. The Tudor Queens I am especially drawn to are the first and second wives of King Henry VIII: Katharine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn. Both were exceptional women and tragic figures. Both play prominently in this story, as well as the character of Kat- a foundling who through unfortunate circumstances wound up serving both Queen Katharine and Queen Anne at The Tudor court.

As the book begins, Kat in her youth lives with her twin brother Will in pleasant but modest conditions near The Thames river, her father a very busy cook working most of the time in another household. When "The Sweat" epidemic sweeps through London Kat finds herself adrift, but the mysterious woman who lives upstairs guides her to her destiny at The Tudor court. It was a very well-written and clever piece of historical fiction that held my interest.

Thank you to the publisher Atmosphere Press for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.

I enjoyed this book but just for fun as the story is just way too "out there". For the most part it follows Catherine of Aragon's story correctly (except for the main characters involvement) and I liked hearing Queen Catherine's side of it. However, I found it very hard to connect with the main character Kat. I know she was young - starting at the age of 8 and ending mid teens - but I just found her annoying and wishy washy. Also like others have reviewed, the language was modern for those times and there was repetition such as we didn't need to be reminded every other page that she recognized her father - who is really not her father - as her father. Overall it is fun and fast entertainment but that is all. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

As someone who has adored Tudor history since my teenage years, Of Aragon by Caroline Willcocks was a deeply personal and enthralling read. Katherine of Aragon has always been my favorite queen, and this novel offered a beautifully intimate glimpse into her world.

Kat's journey of self-discovery, love, and loyalty amidst the grandeur of the court was both compelling and relatable. Caroline Willcocks has a gift for bringing history to life, and Of Aragon is a testament to her skill. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves Tudor history, offering a rich, emotionally resonant narrative that stayed with me long after I turned the last page.

I usually read more sci fi, dystopian or post-apocalyptical stories, but once in a while I like to make a break and read other genres, and historical fiction is one of my guilty pleasures, this one takes place around one of my favourite historical characters Catherine of Aragon, our main character, Katherine, more know as Kat, is writing a letter to her future daughter telling her how things came to be and how she got to know Catherine and the mysterious connection that exist between the two, but if you want spoilers you wont find it in here, anyway is not that difficult to discover by yourself, the revelations in the book were more like confirmations than a twist and turn.

Is this book based in a true story?, not quite, some characters and situations are real, maybe they didn’t really take place how they did in this book, but that’s the funny aspect for me, of reading a historical fiction, some characters are grounded in reality and that keeps you coming for more and see what the author wanted to share with us. I did like this book, for me it was quite similar to The Constant Princess, but with a focus in a different character and life story.

I recommend this book for fans of historical fiction, the language is more modern, yes I can see people complaining about it, but for me, helped me understand better the story and I liked it anyway.

Thank you Netgalley and Atmosphere Press, for the free ARC and this is my honest opinion.

<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213943110-of-aragon" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Of Aragon" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1716925132l/213943110._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213943110-of-aragon">Of Aragon</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/50002884.Caroline_Willcocks">Caroline Willcocks</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6733865080">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
A very solid 3.5-3.75!<br />I enjoy Tudor history and wasn't sure what to expect in this book, I do recommend it. <br />Author Caroline Willcocks has taken a much written topic, the life of Katherine of Aragon, King Henry the VIII 1st wife, and made it a fresher and yet intimate historical story through the eyes of Kat, a young "foundling" added to her court. It is through her eyes that this tale is told as she tries to solve who she is and where she belongs.<br />The details of court life, its political and dangerous intricacies, and historical context are presented in an engaging, pressure building manner.- you know what's coming and yet you are captured in the distinct way that the author unfolds history. <br />Katherine is portrayed in a sympathetic light, yet respected for living her convections and the utter love for her husband and daughter. Anne Boleyn is also represented in a multi-faceted manner, also living her convictions in a situation that has a profound impact to an entire nation. <br />I was surprised at how much it engaged me despite some modern dialogue and recommend it as a good read for those who enjoy historical fiction. It was a quick read and I would have liked to see Katherine's story not end so abruptly. <br />A deep appreciation to Atmosphere Press and NetGalley for the ARC, it was a privilege. All comments and opinions expressed are mine.

From the moment I started reading this book I felt I was there watching the story unfold. I really enjoyed reading this book and learning about Kat and her nativagating through her life in the royal court. I gave a great insight into the queens life with Henry and their marriage.

The use of "modern" terminology throughout the novel frequently pulled me out of the narrative, which was its major flaw. I read a lot of historical literature, particularly those set in the Tudor era. A lot of adjectives and phrases used to describe sexual activity were obviously not utilized at the time, and there were expressions like "world spun on its axis" that didn't feel like they belonged at the time.

A lovely historical novel about Tudor England centering around Catherine of Aragon, but the modernity and age of the main character threw me out a bit. The way it was written, as if from a letter to the main character's daughter, didn't really transpose as well as I'd have liked.
Still, if you love shows like Reign, The Tudors and more recently, My Lady Jane, you'll probably enjoy this!

A Tudor era story of a young girl at Queen Katherine's court, struggling to understand her identity. I enjoyed the story, although it's rather hard to believe, but hey that's wwhat fiction is all about. Well written with lots of period details.

Thank you NetGalley and Atmosphere Press for this eCopy to review

I thoroughly enjoyed Of Aragon, it was a well paced moving story that managed to contain much historical detail in an engaging way. We follow Kat as she becomes a maid to Queen Katherine of Aragon and follow her fall from grace and Anne's rise through Kat's eyes. Full of well developed characters Of Aragon really brought the Tudors alive

I enjoyed the finding out who Kat's parents were storyline, how true this is, is anyone's guess.

Of Aragon is a story of Queen Katherine and the English court during the reign of Henry VIII from the narrative point of Kat Cooke a foundling who came to the employment of the Queen as she was trying to find more about her own lineage. This story was told through a letter written by Kat Cooke to her daughter Alice.

I loved the show Reign and being transported to time like that, with the court politics, scandalous rumors, court drama, power play, glamorous clothes and high fashion was a treat for me. It’s more poignant being told from the point of view of a maid who loved the the Spanish Queen of England.

Who was with her every waking moment of her life and privy to her secrets and most intimate moments. Yes it’s an unreliable point of view but I loved it. It showed the core of a Queen when she isn’t burdened and burned by her crown, when she is expected to hide her intelligence to placate the egos of powerful men.

How she is expected to be strong and not prone to outbursts like the king or other dignitaries lest she be proved unfit for being a “woman”. It was heartbreaking watching her being cheated on, utterly disrespected at every turn and slowly cast aside because she wasn’t able to provide a male heir when she already had a daughter who was as fit to be an heir.

<I><b>If the throne was to pass to her daughter, there must be no talk of women’s emotionality or feebleness of spirit.</b></I>

Through the view of Kat Cooke the maid the Queen accepted into her court and cared for as a child you can feel her immense love for her Queen. Queen Katherine as gracious and kind as she was loved Kat Cooke so dearly it was never a question of her love to me. Kat Cooke saw her as a mother figure and was dazzled by her from the moment the Queen saved her as the journey to figure out her parentage keeps flaying with not hope insight.

I believe the way her lineage was revealed was executed well. Yes it was obvious, yes it was right under our nose but I was touched by it. But i forgot as much I loved being transported to the reign of kings of old England I forgot that was one of the places where misogyny was at its height. It’s ridiculous,utterly absurd.

Queen Katherine story was immensely distressing to me in this retelling. She suffered so much, suffered more injustice at the hand of a man who was supposed to love and protect her.

<I><b> I may be a strange woman, daughter, but it has never seemed to me to be right that a man can pleasure himself with any number of women, while us women are meant to be pure and chaste.</b></I>

My heart entirely went out to her. Her story was inspiring and captivating. I was in awe of her intelligence and strength. She was fierce and courageous in the face of all her plight. I believe the author took a delicate care to write this story and I thoroughly enjoyed her writing. No can say Queen Katherine of Aragon did not love the King of England, Henry VIII.
And I was pleased to see that Kat Cooke got the happily ever after as she deserved.

<b> “Kat, I have many rosaries from my mother. Confirmation, birthdays, saints’ days. What is important is that she loved me, and this rosary will carry my love for you. Now, let me give it to you.”</b>


it comes out on the 3rd of September 2024.

Thank you Netgalley, the author and the publisher for kindly sending me this ARC.

Solidly entertaining historical fiction about Katherine of Aragon. But was the reveal supposed to be that obvious or am I too far down the Henry VIII wives rabbit hole? Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for making this a “Read Now” title!

Thanks so much for letting me review it it was a great book I've always liked the story inside of a story thing and making her a princess I didn't get to be your princess that's amazing so well written

Love to read history literature. Of Aragon is such an extreme loving, amazing story. Caroline Willcocks really knew how to put the characters together and create this incredible story.

This was a fun story set in the time of King Henry VIII. Most stories in this time focus on all of the wives Henry had. Instead, we focus more on the life of his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, through the eyes of a young girl. As Kat grows up we see behind the scenes as the Boleyns enter the game. A fun read for anyone who likes this era!

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC. This book was so good. I did not expect the plot twist, I thought I knew how it was going to end. I was way, way off. I truly enjoyed this. ANY Tudor fan should read this book immediately.

"Of Aragon" by Caroline Willcocks is an enthralling historical fiction that breathes new life into the well-trodden story of King Henry VIII and Queen Catherine. The author brilliantly reimagines this iconic period, adding depth with a cast of original characters that are both richly developed and captivating. The narrative, written as a letter from a mother to her daughter, offers a unique and intimate perspective on their family history. The story masterfully blends historical facts with imaginative twists, making it a fresh and engaging read. The author’s attention to detail in portraying the period’s ambiance is commendable, even though occasional modern word choices might slightly jar the immersion. However, this minor quirk is overshadowed by the book’s compelling plot and vivid characterizations. The drama and intrigue, reminiscent of a well-crafted soap opera, add an exciting layer to the historical backdrop, making the story accessible and enjoyable. Unlike many books on this subject, "Of Aragon" stands out with its unique narrative style and emotional depth. This book is a gem for fans of historical fiction, providing a new perspective on a familiar tale. It’s a must-read that I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone looking for a fresh take on the Tudor era.

I appreciate the opportunity to read this book as an ARC through NetGalley. The author had a creative idea and I enjoyed the delivery of the story through a letter to the main character’s daughter. I also appreciated telling a story that was Tudor-adjacent rather than trying to retell the stories of the six wives of Henry VIII.

The biggest drawback of this book was the fact that I was constantly taken out of the story with the use of “modern” language. I read a lot of historical fiction, especially Tudor-era fiction. There were phrases like, “world spun on its axis” that didn’t feel as if they fit the time, as well a number of terms/ phrases used when describing sexual activity that were definitely not used at the time. There was too much of it for me to be fully immersed in the world/ story.

The characters also spoke beyond their maturity at the beginning of the book. The main character and her brother were 8 years old. The way they spoke and their “ideas” were not in line with their ages. For example, Kat asks, “Is the midwife experienced?” Definitely not the question of an 8 year old.

There were also many times when redundant language was used (“she was a widow whose husband had died”) and the characters would contradict themselves. Within a few pages, Kat mentioned not seeing Will much but a few paragraphs later, she said she saw him “fairly often.”

I also felt as if the author tipped her hand way too often and early when it came to the big “twist” at the end. This caused the story to drag.

While I don't typically read Historical Fiction, I will always put that predjudice aside for a book about the Tudor Dynasty. I am thrilled I picked up Caroline Willcocks' "Of Aragon" as it was a delight to read. The story was fast faced and thoroughly enjoyable, offering a new and fresh perspective to a centuries old story that has been told many times. I loved the take, whether entirely realistic or not, and hope Caroline ventures into telling the stories of the other Tudor Queens in future books.
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