Very Like a Queen by Martin Lake

Very Like a Queen by Martin Lake

Sequel to A Love Most Dangerous

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing (January 2016)

402 pages, eBook (provided by publisher for review)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Content Note: Includes Swearing, Violence and Sexual Situations

This is the story of Alice Petherton, a fictional mistress of King Henry VIII, and follows her life as she comes in and out of the King’s favor with his ever changing moods. I started this book unknowing that it was a sequel, but fortunately it is very easily read as a standalone. Having read and enjoyed both Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies (Hilary Mantel), it was easy to move straight into this story, because there were so many familiar characters and it was so well researched that despite the main character being fictional, it felt like a continuation of Mantel’s stories. Gripping story, with wonderfully complex characters depicted in a vibrant setting. It was a nice mix of history and fiction. Great read, and I’m very interested to read the first volume, A Love Most Dangerous!