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jasmyn9's review against another edition
4.0
Alison Weir seamlessly merges two tales of English royal turmoil and runs them side by side, even though they happened many years apart, in a way that shows you just how history seems to repeat itself. These were also some of the darker times in English history, as the youngest and most vulnerable – notably the boy princes Edward and Richard that were locked away never to be seen again.
As for historical accuracy – I can honestly say I don’t know much about the real-life story of these individuals other than the couple paragraphs I read in history class.
The writing and characters really come to life, and I felt so mad about how the adults treated the younger generation – using them as pawns and political game pieces. It was common then, I know, but Alison Weir really showed me how it might have felt to be used that way. To fall in love and dream of being happy only to know that your life really isn’t your own.
The conflict surrounding the royalty of England is what draws me to the era. And there was definitely conflict here. But there were also softer moments where I really had a chance to enjoy life with the characters before things went crazy again.
I highly recommend Alison Weir’s books – they are always a pleasure to read.
*I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book*
As for historical accuracy – I can honestly say I don’t know much about the real-life story of these individuals other than the couple paragraphs I read in history class.
The writing and characters really come to life, and I felt so mad about how the adults treated the younger generation – using them as pawns and political game pieces. It was common then, I know, but Alison Weir really showed me how it might have felt to be used that way. To fall in love and dream of being happy only to know that your life really isn’t your own.
The conflict surrounding the royalty of England is what draws me to the era. And there was definitely conflict here. But there were also softer moments where I really had a chance to enjoy life with the characters before things went crazy again.
I highly recommend Alison Weir’s books – they are always a pleasure to read.
*I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book*
maddyb001's review against another edition
2.0
This book needed to focus. Both of the storylines were weakened by the random alternation because they didn't really connect well.
magdon's review against another edition
2.0
Seemed like a lot of build up and possibility for a very standard payoff. Although I did find the idea of Richard III's daughter interesting since I didn't know of her.
mainstreetkate's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Being related to the crown sounds like a dream. The parties, the fancy clothing…the intrigue, and bonus, you don’t have the pressure of ruling the country. But sadly, this could be the most dangerous position to be in. Alison Weir gives us a fantastic retelling in A Dangerous Inheritance where we see 4 children in our history who were too close to the crown to be comfortable. Their status was a threat to the reigning monarchs and as a result they were imprisoned in the Tower, never to be heard from again. Sharing the same room throughout a century, we get a highlight of the birth of the Tudor Dynasty and the lives of the children who suffered so others could keep their power. Weir delivers a well-studied piece of history, filling in the gaps with her education and background in European History. I loved seeing the viewpoints of these historical figures, who were in their teen years attempting to fight for their lives.
drowninginhistory's review against another edition
4.0
A new favorite in Wars of the Roses historical fiction! There were some things I didn’t like and plenty of events felt glossed over but at its heart, it was just so enjoyable. There’s something to be said for reading a book set in a period you know so well and yet still being compelled to find out what happens next.
persikan_05's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
bristoni74's review against another edition
2.0
Whilst not in the same category as Sharon Penman who is a brilliant writer of fictional medieval Britian I do enjoy Alison Weir as both a non-fiction and historical fiction author. I thought she provided a balanced view of Richard III. The dual story line of Katherine and Kate didn't always work but I enjoyed reading about their lives even though tragic :(
novellenovels's review against another edition
challenging
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
olafindisguise's review against another edition
1.0
I have to admit I got bored somewhere around page 261 and started skimming through it.
What was the point of switching back and forth to each Katherine's story every other page? There wasn't much of a connection between their stories! It was frustrating af: You read a couple pages on Katherine Grey, you're beginning to get into the storyline, then suddenly Katherine Plantagenet's narrative begins and you just have to adapt to the sudden change of characters and plotline. Oh and good luck trying to remember which character belonged to which storyline! Total mess!
Also it didn't help that both of the main girls had the personality of a sandal shoe! There was no character development either. I weep for the time and money I spent on it.
What was the point of switching back and forth to each Katherine's story every other page? There wasn't much of a connection between their stories! It was frustrating af: You read a couple pages on Katherine Grey, you're beginning to get into the storyline, then suddenly Katherine Plantagenet's narrative begins and you just have to adapt to the sudden change of characters and plotline. Oh and good luck trying to remember which character belonged to which storyline! Total mess!
Also it didn't help that both of the main girls had the personality of a sandal shoe! There was no character development either. I weep for the time and money I spent on it.