Genre: Historical fiction

Publisher: Preseli Press

Pub date: 1 February 2018

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

When we think of the Tudors most of us think of Henry and Elizabeth. Mary Tudor was the youngest surviving daughter of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York and favourite sister to Henry VIII.

This is the first instalment in the Brandon trilogy.

As a young girl she was betrothed to Charles who later became the Holy Roman Emperor. However, this was cancelled and instead a young Mary found herself becoming married to 52 year old Louis XII of France, a pawn in the game of marriage to ensure peace between England and France.

Before she left for France, Mary made her brother promise if she survived Louis she could choose her next husband.

And here we have Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, my favourite individual from the Tudor era, I love learning more about him. Together they faced the wrath of Henry VIII for marrying without consent but they found an ally in Thomas Wolsey.

This book follows Mary through her journey to France, her second marriage and return to England up to her death. Mary died 25 June 1533 at her home in Westhorpe. She had been a Tudor Princess and Queen of France.

I adore the story of Mary and Charles so this was a pleasure to read with the exception of a few tears. Tony Riches successfully brings the court to life with descriptions of decor and clothing I can picture the gowns and the banquets.

I enjoy historical fiction but enjoy it more so when based on true history so I loved this book and cannot wait to get started on the next instalment, Brandon – Tudor Knight.

You can get your copy here:

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