Fatal Throne: The Wives of Henry VIII Tell All

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 3, 2018

Review

An historical fiction account of the six wives of Henry VIII from their perspectives, each written by a well-known YA author (Candace Fleming, Stephanie Hemphill, Lisa Ann Sandell, Jennifer Donnelly, Linda Sue Park and Deborah Hopkinson, with M.T. Anderson writing as the King, as well as a short vignette at the end from the perspective of Elizabeth I). Evocative writing brings each of these historical figures to life and though they are portrayed very differently from one another, there are unifying themes of betrayal and grief throughout. As Henry's obsession with producing a male heir to the throne progresses throughout their stories, he grows increasingly self-pitying and unhinged and it's made clear how each of his wives, particular to their own circumstances and temperaments, endured and attempted to thwart his cruelty. Court gossip and political maneuvering intricately weave themselves throughout these deeply introspective first person narratives, and the inclusion of vengeful exchanges and the sexual details of what happens between the king and his wives will likely spur readers on. A fascinating and carefully imagined collection of backstories of a group of fabled women, this should appeal mightily to teens and young adults who are history buffs.

Overall Book Score: very good