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ninetreats's review
3.0
Interesting retelling of the a portion of the life of Mary, Queen of Scots. The plot bogged down a bit in the middle and didn't hold my interest. But worth reading if you have any interest in this period of Scottish history.
librarianmel's review
4.0
I enjoyed this book, even though it made me feel reaaaaally old. I remember reading Jane Yolen books when I was still in school, and now I'm an old lady.
I enjoy historical fiction about the Tudor era, so Mary Queen of Scots factors in there, but not as a main character.
This book is told in one POV, that of a young traveling performer, who joins Mary's court when she was still queen of France.
I enjoy historical fiction about the Tudor era, so Mary Queen of Scots factors in there, but not as a main character.
This book is told in one POV, that of a young traveling performer, who joins Mary's court when she was still queen of France.
holtfan's review
3.0
Though slightly unrealistic when it comes to actual facts, the book is entertaining and a worthy read, especially if you prefer fiction.
ashwise360's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kikiandarrowsfishshelf's review against another edition
2.0
So for a YA book about Mary Queen of Scots, I suppose this is good. However, there is one huge problem.
Here's the problem. In movie trailer format.
Watch Nicola escape her evil uncle!
Thrill to Nicola's escape from her evil governess!
Discover Nicola's amazing ability to foresee the future!
Gasp as Nicola saves the Queen who should list to her fool!
Soundtrack availbe now, including the hit song, "The Perfect Mary Sue".
In other words, it would be a much better story if Nicola didn't seem to have 20/20 hindsight.
Here's the problem. In movie trailer format.
Watch Nicola escape her evil uncle!
Thrill to Nicola's escape from her evil governess!
Discover Nicola's amazing ability to foresee the future!
Gasp as Nicola saves the Queen who should list to her fool!
Soundtrack availbe now, including the hit song, "The Perfect Mary Sue".
In other words, it would be a much better story if Nicola didn't seem to have 20/20 hindsight.
evamadera1's review
2.0
This took way too long to read. Even though it was the longest book that I have read while my students are also reading, this took much longer because I simply did not feel motivated to read. The story of Mary, Queen of Scots has been told so. many. times and from all different angles. Yolen added nothing new to the story. Instead, she fell into familiar tropes of painting Mary as completely innocent, just naive in love. (Most writers of historical fiction in this genre paint Mary as either irredeemable or innocent. It drives me nuts because no human is ever.)
I do not recommend this book at all. Most middle schoolers likely would not enjoy this book either.
I do not recommend this book at all. Most middle schoolers likely would not enjoy this book either.
evalynex's review
4.0
I wasn't expecting to like this book as much as I did, but Jane Yolen is one of my trusted authors and I decided to try this anyway. I loved it. It was a pleasant surprise and an enjoyable read start to finish.
kigerdavison's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I read this book in middle school and LOVED it! I thought it was informative, gripping, and immersive. I loved the relationships and strong female characters. I also appreciated that the writing and tone of the story made me feel like I was there at that time period, with the characters. I would highly recommend this book!
readingthroughthelists's review against another edition
3.0
A solid three stars.
Like Carolyn Meyer's Young Royals series, a great deal of historical information is packed into each chapter, though not from the perspective of Mary herself but rather through the eyes of her Italian fool, Nicola. It's an interesting enough viewpoint, but since so much time is covered so quickly, there's little chance to really bond with the characters, and they end up feeling much more 'cardboard cut-out' than they would have if the book had focused on a shorter period of time, or been told from a 3rd person POV.
Like Carolyn Meyer's Young Royals series, a great deal of historical information is packed into each chapter, though not from the perspective of Mary herself but rather through the eyes of her Italian fool, Nicola. It's an interesting enough viewpoint, but since so much time is covered so quickly, there's little chance to really bond with the characters, and they end up feeling much more 'cardboard cut-out' than they would have if the book had focused on a shorter period of time, or been told from a 3rd person POV.