A dramatic novel of passion, politics and betrayal from the author of The Other Boleyn Girl, in which Mary, Queen of Scots, fights to regain her kingdom whilst under the guard of Queen Elizabeth's trusted accomplice, Bess of Hardwick Mary is Queen of Scotland but she has been forced to flee her land and take refuge in an England that is ruled by her cousin Elizabeth. But England, precarious in its Protestant state, set against the mighty powers of Spain, France and Rome, doesn't need a charismatic Catholic figurehead at large. So Elizabeth's chief advisor, Cecil, devises a plan in which Mary will live under guard with his trusted accomplice: Bess of Hardwick. Bess is a self-made woman, a shrewd survivor. She is newly married to her fourth and most distinguished husband, the Earl of Shrewsbury. But what marriage can withstand the charms of Mary? Or the threat of rebellion that she always carries? Mary must wait in her privileged imprisonment for the return to Scotland and her infant son; but waiting is not the same as doing nothing!With her characteristic combination of superb storytelling and authentic historical background, Philippa Gregory brings to life this period of great change in her final novel in the Tudor series.
Why is it a surprise? Well, because last time I heard, the UK release had been pushed back to around August, so that it was closer to the original US release date which I believe is September.
I have to say that having now seen the UK cover up close, it still does absolutely nothing for me! The US cover is kind of generic looking but preferable to the very drab UK cover.
Which do you prefer?
I prefer the UK one although I think it could be a little lighter!
ReplyDeleteThe darkness of it is exactly why I don't like it!
ReplyDeleteI like the style of her U.S. publications. They look sort of...tattered, but still elegant. P.S. Why did she name this one "The Other Queen"?! That is a TERRIBLE title.
ReplyDeleteHi, I like the US one better. The UK one is, uh, kinda dark.
ReplyDeleteIt is very dark. Someone mentioned that maybe it would be lighter in real life but having seen it, I don't think it is all that much darker - it's a pretty boring cover in my opinion!
ReplyDeleteI think I actually prefer the UK title. It implies that there are dark and unhappy things in the life of Mary Tudor. Historically speaking that's true.
ReplyDeleteThe US version, on the other hand, implies that the story of Mary Tudor is filled with nature, beauty, and redemption.
This is a woman who had a tough childhood, saw not only her mother cast out but the religion she so vehemently practiced under threat all so that her father could ... well, we all know.
I'll go with the UK.
Kelly
I must say I was very surprised when I saw her book in the latest Target catalogue, and rushed onto Amazon to read all the reviews, only to find... there were none, because it wasn't released yet =/ Why is it being published here so early?? I find that so weird. Australia usually suffers when it comes to this sort of thing.
ReplyDeleteAs for the covers... ugh. Hate them both. You're right, the US one is so generic, but the UK one is so dark, and I hate that woman. Ick. I do like the pretty background design though.
When does it come out in the United States?
ReplyDeleteI believe it is due out in the US in around September.
ReplyDeleteI hate the UK cover as well and no the US one is not great but if I had to choose... It really annoys me when they change the covers so much, it should have been similar to the previous releases.
ReplyDeleteDon't quote me on this, but I believe that the significant change could be due to the change of publisher that happened before this book was released.
ReplyDelete