Although it is not completely accurate, it will get students interested enough to do more research on the subject. It draws the reader into the character's world, instead of just stating what is going on. The best part of the story is that it is written as a first person point of view. The most negative features that are shown are the jealousy and competitiveness that grows through the novel, however, in the end she is more human and caring once again. Meyer doesn't ask the reader to like the character, but Anne is portrayed in a better light than movies and television shows. Anne is portrayed more lovingly and slightly less ambitious and power hungry. This definitely gives a different view of Anne Boleyn than other books, but I believe it is because it is written for young adults. She is able to give life to each historical event, including the final days before Anne's death. It takes an excellent writer to be able to weave fact and fiction together seamlessly, and Meyer does that. I believe that most people know the story of Anne Boleyn, and this gave a more in depth version of it. It's a good introduction and it's so short that Tudor fans really can't lose by adding this to their TBR.Īs for the Young Royals series, this isn't a terrible addition, but it is by no means the best (check out The Bad Queen about Marie Antoinette for my personal favorite).I decided that I wanted to read all of the Young Royals books and began with this one. Anne talks a lot about wanting to be queen and she does sound determined, but there isn't a whole lot of meat to this tale and Carolyn Meyer really doesn't dig into the politics of the time. This account is short, (not so) sweet, and to the point. But even a first person narrative (albeit a distant, cool, and not particularly exciting first person narrative) could not make me come around to Team Anne. Plus, I couldn't help but admire her drive to set the bar high and make it happen. I can't help but feel a sense of smug righteousness whenever it comes time for Anne to lose her head in whatever story I'm reading or watching (including this one).Ĭarolyn Meyer wrote Anne in a way where even my hard heart softened for her enough to feel a smidgen of pity. I loathe Anne (even if she does spell it with an e). I'll declare my allegiance here and now, I am 100% Team Katherine. Tiny Reviews: Warrior & All Our Yesterdays.

Tiny Reviews: Goose Girl & Keeping the Castle.Mini Review: The Winter Palace by Eva Stachniak.Mini Review: Doomed Queen Anne by Carolyn Meyer.

The bad queen by carolyn meyer