Mary – Tudor Princess

I rarely read historical fiction because I prefer non-fiction.

However, Tony Riches is a master storyteller and I felt instantly pulled into Mary's world. I know a lot about this period so it was fun to immerse myself into this fictional retelling of Mary's story, with people and places recreated with such verve and skill. A must read for Tudor fans. 

I was drawn to this book because Mary is so often overshadowed by her older brother, King Henry VIII. The research is faultless, and the story well told. I enjoyed how Tony Riches went against convention and entertained the idea that perhaps the marriage between Arthur Tudor and Catherine of Aragon was actually consummated. His characters are fully rounded keep within the social boundaries of the time. The setting was one that I recognized and peopled with familiar historical figures yet it was still full of pleasant surprises. Tony Riches has written several books set just before and after this… show more.