It’s no secret that I am a bit obsessed with the Tudors, so I was VERY excited to read this book – and it delivered!

The book covers the period from when Anne Boleyn first met Henry VIII, to when Elizabeth I becomes queen. It’s possibly one of the most tumultuous and exciting times in British history, and Tallis does an excellent job of exploring the effect that would have on the girl who would become one of the most memorable and influential British monarchs.

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Using extensive primary sources, we get a glimpse into the every day life of the young Elizabeth I, whether it’s her childhood routine, or her servants as a teenager. Tallis also draws on other historians’ work, especially in the areas of Elizabeth’s life where there is some speculation as to exactly what happened. I also thought she dealt with some of the more difficult topics – specifically Elizabeth’s encounter with Thomas Seymour – both sensitively and with a good balance of modern and contemporary values.

As much as this is a book about Elizabeth I, Tallis does an excellent job of laying out the full historical context. For example, Elizabeth’s relationships with each of her step-mothers was very different, and Tallis lays all of the changes and politics behind each one really clearly.

It is a thorough and well-researched non-fiction book, but it still reads almost like a thriller. It was such a page turner, I would get absorbed into it for hours at a time and the writing never once felt overly dense or difficult. While a lot of the historical context given was not new to me, it still felt fresh and enjoyable to read.

This is an excellent addition to anyone’s Tudor shelf, for both the Tudor buff and the Tudor novice.

I received a free copy for an honest review.