Review: Disappointed
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 02 20, 2012
I have several nonfiction and fiction books on English history with a special interest in Henry VIII, so I was delighted to see this book come across as a free offering for the Kindle.Unfortunately, I was horrified to see several sloppy errors early in the book - "Margaret Beufort," "Edward the Forth," and "King Louise."  I almost stopped reading at that point.The errors continued throughout the book - "was lead to the block" (led); "she remained demur" (demure); "in my sons defense" (son's); "baited breath" (bated); "weld power" (wield).  At one point, Henry mentions "a fact that frustrated me as much as it endeared me to her."  (It should have been "endeared her to me.")  "The Spaniards live different than us."I found Henry's increasing passivity to be out of character.  By the time a certain lady came into his life, Henry was well used to doing as he pleased and getting what he wanted, and I couldn't quite bring myself to believe that Harry's existence would have changed that.  An argument could be made that this aspect of his personality was solidified by that relationship and its events, which is not present within this story, but his characterization and actions just never quite rang true to me.I don't have a problem with the fictionalization of history - I enjoyed "The Other Boleyn Girl," for example, quite a bit.  The "voice" just never really "sounded" like Henry to me and I was actually rather surprised when I realized it was intended to be in his voice.  By contrast, though, I did find Catherine's characterization to be believable and consistent, but it wasn't enough to redeem the book in my eyes.I don't think I would pick up any of this author's other books even if they are offered as free books for the Kindle.