Scan barcode
hhamlet's review against another edition
5.0
Between a 4.5 and a 5!
There are several reasons why you should read My Lady Jane--I could go on and on and list (at length) the multitude of reasons why I enjoyed this book so thoroughly, but I think it would be best if I narrowed it down to a few major points.
1. The references and implications. From The Princess Bride to Disney (hello, Tangled and The Lion King) to Shakespeare, My Lady Jane had some of my most favorite things in the entire world sprinkled throughout its pages.
2. It shouldn't have worked (the narrative, that is), but it did. At first glance, the concept of My Lady Jane might seem ridiculous...but on the contrary, I found it to be inventive, humorous, engaging, and adorably witty from start to finish.
3. The narrative style was reminiscent of The Princess Bride, also known as one of my favorite books from childhood ever.
4. The Princess Bride references were also humorous to me because they were mostly uttered by Gifford, who would have--for all intents and purposes--been the Cary Elwes of this novel. And considering Cary Elwes also played Lady Jane Grey's husband in a certain movie adaptation featuring Helena Bonham-Carter, I was pleased from start to finish.
I could go on and on about this book, I suppose, and how it completely took me by surprise, but I think it's really best if you just experience the novel in its entirety on your own.
There are several reasons why you should read My Lady Jane--I could go on and on and list (at length) the multitude of reasons why I enjoyed this book so thoroughly, but I think it would be best if I narrowed it down to a few major points.
1. The references and implications. From The Princess Bride to Disney (hello, Tangled and The Lion King) to Shakespeare, My Lady Jane had some of my most favorite things in the entire world sprinkled throughout its pages.
2. It shouldn't have worked (the narrative, that is), but it did. At first glance, the concept of My Lady Jane might seem ridiculous...but on the contrary, I found it to be inventive, humorous, engaging, and adorably witty from start to finish.
3. The narrative style was reminiscent of The Princess Bride, also known as one of my favorite books from childhood ever.
4. The Princess Bride references were also humorous to me because they were mostly uttered by Gifford, who would have--for all intents and purposes--been the Cary Elwes of this novel. And considering Cary Elwes also played Lady Jane Grey's husband in a certain movie adaptation featuring Helena Bonham-Carter, I was pleased from start to finish.
I could go on and on about this book, I suppose, and how it completely took me by surprise, but I think it's really best if you just experience the novel in its entirety on your own.
mkim1104's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
aliss2000's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
motley's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
thebibliophage43d5f's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
emerisms's review against another edition
4.0
My Lady Jane tells the story of King Edward Tudor and his cousin Jade Grey, who is forced onto marrying Lord Guildford and shortly, found herself to be a Queen after King Edward's passing. Only it's not exactly the story you hear about in the history books. Oh no. My Lady Jane is a retelling of said story, a more refreshing one, with a shapeshifter twist. The book is full of humor, romance, and adventure.
The book contains 3 POV's, each written by a different author. Did that work out? Hell yeah, it did! Everything is down a notch and there are times, our authors interrupt the story to speak to us about the upcoming events and changes in history. Yet those interruptions aren't at all annoying, and quite amusing to read. I truly enjoyed this book and i look forward to reading the following Lady Janies.
The book contains 3 POV's, each written by a different author. Did that work out? Hell yeah, it did! Everything is down a notch and there are times, our authors interrupt the story to speak to us about the upcoming events and changes in history. Yet those interruptions aren't at all annoying, and quite amusing to read. I truly enjoyed this book and i look forward to reading the following Lady Janies.
alisarae's review against another edition
5.0
Raise your hand if you are in the mood for a giggly ridiculous rom-com à la Princess Bride.
*Looks out and counts hands*
Wonderful! because do I have the book for you!
This a very silly highly revisionist historical fiction about Lady Jane Grey. She's basically Tudor England's Hermione Granger, who gets handed an arranged marriage for political manipulation, and well, Tudor England was very rough on its political elite. Also, in this version of the story, the Protestants can turn into animals and the Catholics are, uhm, opposed to their existence.
The other thing that had me very excited was the inclusion of Helmsley in the story!!! Nowadays it is a little-known (even by Brits) and very under-appreciated town. But when I went to the UK a few years ago, visiting Helmsley was the highlight of my trip. I could go on for ages about all the wonderful things to do there (hmu if you want deets), and I liked that it is finally getting some well-deserved attention.
Opt for the audio if you can. The audio narrator is really great. She does all kinds of accents and voices, and really adds to the general hilarity.
*Looks out and counts hands*
Wonderful! because do I have the book for you!
This a very silly highly revisionist historical fiction about Lady Jane Grey. She's basically Tudor England's Hermione Granger, who gets handed an arranged marriage for political manipulation, and well, Tudor England was very rough on its political elite. Also, in this version of the story, the Protestants can turn into animals and the Catholics are, uhm, opposed to their existence.
The other thing that had me very excited was the inclusion of Helmsley in the story!!! Nowadays it is a little-known (even by Brits) and very under-appreciated town. But when I went to the UK a few years ago, visiting Helmsley was the highlight of my trip. I could go on for ages about all the wonderful things to do there (hmu if you want deets), and I liked that it is finally getting some well-deserved attention.
Opt for the audio if you can. The audio narrator is really great. She does all kinds of accents and voices, and really adds to the general hilarity.