VIII by H M Castor
With so much Tudor fiction written for adults, I don’t often read novels aimed at young adults but when I read about H.M Castor’s debut novel for teens, VIII, I was immediately intrigued.
Why not Henry VIII? Why just VIII? The title caught my attention but the opening line captured my imagination – I was hooked after 11 words.
The name Henry VIII immediately conjures up images of an overweight, beady- eyed tyrant who had two of his six wives executed but the Hal we meet in the opening pages of VIII is a child born into the turbulent and uncertain early years of the Tudor dynasty.
An extraordinary child, Hal is intelligent, remarkably talented and a born warrior, all that a father could hope for in an heir – but Henry is not the heir – he is only the spare and so his mere existence poses a threat to his older brother and incites the displeasure of his father.
Normally accustomed to seeing Henry through the eyes of his wives or courtiers, it was incredibly refreshing to be living events through him.
At several points during the novel I felt the need to stop and tell someone that Castor had done it – she had managed to climb into Henry’s head, into his psyche and offer an explanation for why he did the things he did.
There were even moments when I empathised with Henry, something I have never done before.
VIII is an enthralling, psychological thriller, a Tudor roller coaster ride with some laugh out loud moments and others truly terrifying; scenes that continue to haunt me even now.
The language is modern and accessible yet Castor manages to bring the Tudor court authentically to life. We travel with Hal from childhood to deathbed, experiencing the highs and lows of his life and battling his demons by his side.
Impeccably researched, lyrical and descriptive VIII is sure to engage even the most reluctant teen readers and spark a new wave of interest in this fascinating period of history.
And, I don’t want to giveaway too much away but what an ending! The perfect conclusion to a truly gripping tale.
Highly recommended!
This review has convinced me to go get the book! I actually prefer juvenile fiction to regular adult fiction most days – it seems as if young adult writers are more concerned with developing the characters in their books. Maybe it has something to do with giving teenagers a character whom they can watch grow or destroy themselves as a sort of life or moral lesson? I’m not certain, but I like the genre!
“…There were even moments when I empathised with Henry, something I have never done before….VIII is an enthralling, psychological thriller, a Tudor roller coaster ride with some laugh out loud moments and others truly terrifying; scenes that continue to haunt me even now….. VIII is sure to engage even the most reluctant teen readers and spark a new wave of interest in this fascinating period of history.”
NOW I’m even more interested!
great review! x
Oh this sounds GREAT! I am going to check this out!
You make me want to read it right this minute! But I’ll have to get it first! Thanks for this great review.
You make me want to read this book very soon. I have always been fascinated by King Henry VIII and have read a great deal about him. This book looks like it offers a new slant on a familiar story. It sounds well worth a read. Many Thanks for a great review.
You are most welcome Carol!
OMG, I want to read this book, of course I am going to buy it…:)
is this book only available for kindle? i see one on amazon but its title is henry viii and not just viii by Harriet Castor. is this the same book, bc im anxious to read it 🙂 thanks!
http://www.amazon.com/Henry-VIII-Ruthless-Action-ebook/dp/B004YPRCLC/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1321825367&sr=1-2#_
I read this book in 2 days, it sucked me in. Well written, easy to read, and well researched with the addition of good fiction. I have always been interested in the psychology of Henry, and this was a great introduction. I would imagine that this book could entice many youngsters into the fascinating world of the Tudors. Can’t wait for the next one on Elizabeth and Mary.