The Taming of the Queen - (Plantagenet and Tudor Novels) by Philippa Gregory (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

By the #1 New York Times bestselling author, a novel of passion and power set against the deadly backdrop of Tudor history, this riveting new tale explores the fate of Kateryn Parr--King Henry VIII's sixth and final wife--in a richly imagined work of historical fiction.

Kateryn Parr, a thirty-year-old widow in a secret affair with a new lover, has no choice when a man old enough to be her father who has buried four wives--King Henry VIII--commands her to marry him.

Kateryn has no doubt about the danger she faces: the previous queen lasted sixteen months, the one before barely half a year. But Henry adores his new bride and Kateryn's trust in him grows as she unites the royal family, creates a radical study circle at the heart of the court, and rules the kingdom as Regent.

But is this enough to keep her safe? A leader of religious reform and the first woman to publish in English, Kateryn stands out as an independent woman with a mind of her own. But she cannot save the Protestants, under threat for their faith, and Henry's dangerous gaze turns on her. The traditional churchmen and rivals for power accuse her of heresy--the punishment is death by fire and the king's name is on the warrant...

From the acclaimed author who brought readers The Other Boleyn Girl, The White Queen, and The Spanish Princess, this is a searing and intimate portrait of a woman who fought for love, learning, and survival at the court of a medieval killer.

Review Quotes

Praise for The King's Curse:

"Infuses vitality into an oft-forgotten player in the aftermath of the War of the Roses--Margaret Poole, heiress to the defeated Plantagenet clan."--Closer


Praise for The White Princess:

"Bring on the blood, sex and tears! . . . You name it, it's all here."--USA Today


Praise for Philippa Gregory:

"The queen of royal fiction."--USA Today

Praise for The Taming of the Queen:

"A fascinating history lesson, disguised as a novel, about a wily woman who survives lethal Tudor plots and outlasts a deadly king."-- "People ("Book of the Week")"

"The White Princess features one of the more intriguing theories about the possible fate of the princes."--The Washington Post

"[A] gripping and detailed chronicle, with plenty of court intrigue and politics to spice up the action . . . . Highly recommended." --Library Journal (starred review)

"Absorbing. . . Gregory's portrait of the complex, aging king and his sensual, scholarly bride will satisfy Tudor enthusiasts."-- "Publishers Weekly"

"An illuminating portrait. . . Gregory moves confidently through a tangle of intrigue, revenge, and tyranny toward a shocking betrayal."--Publishers Weekly

"Full of vivid details and fraught with the constant tension of a court run by a madman, this novel will appeal most to historical fiction readers and those who enjoyed Wolf Hall. . . . Gregory beautifully builds the suspense."--Library Journal (starred review)

"Gregory does her usual excellent job of ratcheting up the intrigue and suspense as another intelligent and strong-willed heroine fights for her life and her legacy."--Booklist

"Gregory manages to keep us in suspense as to what will befall her characters....Under [her] spell, we keep hoping history won't repeat itself."--Kirkus Reviews

"Gregory manages to make history lively, fascinating and real, even as she puts her own twist on what readers believe they know. The impeccable research shows in every page, while her wonderfully realistic dialogue and remarkable characters come to life. Gregory is a historian with heart and wit who makes history accessible."-- "RT Book Review (top pick)"

"Gregory puts readers at the scene with visceral details."-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"Loyalties are torn, paranoia festers and you can almost hear the bray of royal trumpets as the period springs to life. It's a bloody irresistible read."--People

"Margaret's story is shocking, deeply moving and offers an alternative view on a much-told tale. Gregory is on form here; her depiction of Henry VIII's transformation from indulged golden boy to sinister tyrant is perfectly pitched and seems more horrific still when we are made intimate witnesses to the devastation of Margaret's family. . . . I defy anyone to remain dry-eyed as the story reaches its tragic denouement."--The Sunday Express (UK)

"Nobody does dynastic history like Gregory."--Booklist

"Our obsession with Henry and the Tudors continues unabated."-- "USA Today"

"This is the book for your mom, your sister, your colleague who sends you awesome links from Jezebel and The Toast. Get this one."--NPR, Weekend Edition Sunday

"This novel beautifully exemplifies [Kateryn Parr's] accomplishments while portraying an honest and emotional woman learning to survive in a dangerous royal court."-- "Historical Novels Review"

"This rich tapestry brings to vivid life the court of Henry and Elizabeth. Meticulously drawn characters with a seamless blending of historical fact and fiction combine in a page-turning epic of a story. Tudor-fiction fans can never get enough, and they will snap this one up."--Library Journal (starred review)

"This wives' tale takes on a new life under Gregory's whimsical pen."-- "New York Post"

"Who's ever heard of Kateryn Parr? Henry VIII's sixth wife was smart, independent--and managed to outlive him. In historical-fiction-queen Gregory's latest, she's unforgettable."--People Magazine

About the Author

Philippa Gregory is the author of many New York Times bestselling novels, including The Other Boleyn Girl, and is a recognized authority on women's history. Many of her works have been adapted for the screen including The Other Boleyn Girl. She graduated from the University of Sussex and received a PhD from the University of Edinburgh, where she is a Regent. She holds honorary degrees from Teesside University and the University of Sussex. She is a fellow of the Universities of Sussex and Cardiff and was awarded the 2016 Harrogate Festival Award for Contribution to Historical Fiction. She is an honorary research fellow at Birkbeck, University of London. She founded Gardens for the Gambia, a charity to dig wells in poor rural schools in The Gambia, and has provided nearly 200 wells. She welcomes visitors to her website PhilippaGregory.com.