Tarnish (Royal Circle #2) by Katherine Longshore
To be published by Viking Juvenile on June 18, 2013
Plot Summary of Tarnish by Katherine Longshore
Anne Boleyn is the odd girl out. Newly arrived to the court of King Henry VIII, everything about her seems wrong, from her clothes to her manners to her witty but sharp tongue.
So when the dashing poet Thomas Wyatt offers to coach her on how to shine at court—and to convince the whole court they’re lovers—she accepts.
Before long, Anne’s popularity has soared, and even the charismatic and irresistible king takes notice. More than popularity, Anne wants a voice—but she also wants love.
What began as a game becomes high stakes as Anne finds herself forced to make an impossible choice between her heart’s desire and the chance to make history.
Review of Tarnish by Katherine Longshore
Gilt, book one in the Royal Circle series, was about Catherine Howard, the queen consort of Henry VIII.
The Royal Circle series is now heads backwards in time to look at scheming, ill-fated Anne Boleyn. I think if you're British, you learn a little mnemonic to keep the fate of the wives who don't survive straight:
annulled, beheaded, died, annulled, beheaded, survived
I think that Anne was the first beheaded and Catherine Howard the second, but correct me if I'm wrong on my historical timeline!
In any case, Tarnish begins as Anne Boleyn returns from France and ends right as her relationship with the king is beginning. So this story focuses on a different time of their relationship than is usually portrayed.
It's a story of a misfit trying to find her place in the world, trying to overcome gossip about herself and her sister, to break free of her father's control and to steer her own destiny.
Anne is smart and outspoken, something she will have to learn to channel in the right ways at court.
It's a long book but an interesting one that looks at a period in Anne Boleyn's life that most other fictionalized accounts skim over.
You can also check out my Review of Brazen by Katherine Longshore, the final book in the series.
Yep-those were the two women beheaded (love that they were from the same family!) I'm really excited about this one as Anne has always been my favorite wife-she gave birth to Elizabeth and she's such a schemer.
ReplyDeleteLOL that both the books were about the poor beheadeds! I agree that Anne is a very interesting character!
DeleteI still haven't read Gilt but it's been sitting on my TBR for a while! I love historicals and Tudor England is among my favorite time periods. And you're right, Catherine came after Anne ;) I really need to start with this series or I'll get even further backlogged... thanks for reminding me of it!
ReplyDeleteMy WoW
Yes! You have time to read Gilt before June :)
DeleteI liked Gilt, but I didn't love it. Still, I'm curious to read Anne's story. I love that time period...it makes for great retellings. :) Thanks for sharing! Here's my WoW. Happy Wednesday! :D
ReplyDeleteI though it was a great blend of historical authenticity and readability. Can't wait for this one!
DeleteI really enjoyed Gilt as well...probably one of my favorite YA historical reads from last year. I had no idea that Longshore had another book coming out. Great pick!
ReplyDeleteI'm excited about it!
DeleteI seriously need to read Gilt soon! And this one is about my favorite person from The Tudors <3
ReplyDeleteMel@thedailyprophecy.
OMG -- you do!! I see that you have a Tudor historical on your WoW!
DeleteI haven't read Gilt, but I don't really know if these would be books for me. I have enjoyed quite a few historical novels lately, but I don't tend to pick them up. I love the cover though. Great pick!
ReplyDeleteThe model on the cover reminds me of someone, and I can't figure out who....
DeleteAnne and Catherine were first cousins both put in front of/offered to the King by their uncle the Duke of Norfolk. Anne is more infamous for the power and influence she held over Henry because of her he took on the Catholic church and brought about religious reform to England. Leading Henry to form the Church of England and making him and absolute soverign that answered to none save himself, since the time of the Magna Carta. However it would be the same power he would turn around use against both Anne and Catherine. I can't wait for this next installment also! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the run-down. Somehow I had forgotten that Anne and Catherine were related. Thanks and let's hope we get to read it soon!
DeleteDivorced, Beheaded, Died, Divorced, Beheaded, Survived.
ReplyDeleteAt least I think that's how it goes!
I'm not the biggest fan of historical fiction, but thisdoes sound good :)
I really want the elite by keira cass :)
Ha -- I went to a typical American high school, where we don't learn that stuff. Which is a shame.
DeleteI didn't like Gilt! I wanted to love it, but it just didn't work for me.
ReplyDeleteSorry you didn't love it!
DeleteI don't really do much historical, but this looks good (also the necklace on the cover... I MUST HAVE IT!)
ReplyDeleteHIstoricals have the best clothes and jewelry!
DeleteThe premise looks promising! I hope it's great too, wonderful pick
ReplyDeleteI bet I'd love these! Thanks for sharing. Here's mine! http://christyscozycorners.blogspot.com/2013/01/waiting-on-wednesday-siege-and-storm.html
ReplyDeleteThe first book was great!
DeleteOohh, that cover is gorgeous. Inhavent heard of this series before, I must investigate. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLove the cover!
DeleteHi Jen, just stopping by to check out your WOW post. Tarnish is an excellent choice. I love historical fiction, and the Boleyns have fascinated me since I saw the movie, The Other Boleyn Girl. Here's my WOW post and an interview that I did with the author (Elizabeth Reyes)of my WOW choice (Hector). I hope that you'll check both out and tell me what you think.
ReplyDeleteLindy@ A Bookish Escape
http://www.abookishescape.com
Thanks -- the blog looks great!!
DeleteThis looks great. Hope you get to read it soon!
ReplyDelete<3 Brandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog
Oh, I hadn't heard that K. Longshore had a new one coming out! I liked Gilt too. I have to admit I am liking the historical fiction YA that is coming out these days:)
ReplyDeleteI didn't know either until I saw it on Edelweiss. (See comment below)
DeleteI have not read Gilt! And I am so bummed your WOW streak was broken. :( Hopefully you'll still get to read this soon in another capacity.
ReplyDeleteI know -- to get dinged for Tarnish on the very day that it's my WoW -- that stung!!
DeleteBloodthirsty times. I'm totally fascinated by Tudor England.
ReplyDeleteOoh, this book sounds interesting!! Nice pick :) Thanks for stopping by my WOW!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read The Other Boleyn Girl, but I did watch the movie. A while ago I read this nonfiction book (http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10104.The_Six_Wives_of_Henry_VIII) about the Wives of Henry VIII. I really liked the way the author approached the topic--the style she used. It isn't YA--but I would definitely recommend it if you find yourself with questions about this time in history. :)
ReplyDeleteShanan
http://thebookaddictnet.blogspot.com