The Boleyn Deceit

September 2, 2013
The second part of a trilogy that began with The Boleyn King, this entertaining work of alternative history offers plenty to savor for both fans of historical romance and those whose passion is political intrigue. The premise: rather than leaving Henry VIII without a male heir, thereby permitting Elizabeth to ascend the throne, Anne Boleyn actually bore Henry a son, named William, who, at the novel’s opening, has recently become king. William has also been promised in marriage to the much younger princess of France, a move calculated to appease England’s Catholics. Secretly, however, William hopes to marry Minuette, Elizabeth’s confidante who has been raised alongside the Boleyn children. Romantic complications—Minuette’s heart belongs to William’s closest friend, Dominic—arise alongside political scandal, as Minuette researches the cause of the bloody events that closed the previous title in the series and William struggles to retain control of the throne, despite those who would challenge the authority of the young but self-assured Protestant king. Perfect for fans of Philippa Gregory and Allison Weir, Andersen’s novel admirably takes artistic license with history while remaining true to many aspects of real-world history. The romance plot builds gradually, while the political one comes to a more rapid (and, for those who have not read the first volume, perhaps confusing) head—but both seem to foreshadow a mesmerizing conclusion to the trilogy.

October 1, 2013
What might have happened if Anne Boleyn had indeed borne a son to King Henry VIII? Just 18 years old, William has ascended to the throne, taking the title Henry IX. Publically, he faces the threat of war, as well as the challenge of placating Protestant-Catholic tensions, prompting him to keep his older half sister Mary under house arrest. Privately, he is torn between a betrothal to the young princess of France, an alliance that might ease religious tensions at home, and his love for Minuette, a young woman taken in as a royal ward but without political capital. Elaborately threaded with historical details--including astrological charts by John Dee, intrigues orchestrated within his own court, and political maneuvers betwixt England, France and Spain--the second in Andersen's (The Boleyn King, 2013) Boleyn family saga will appeal to fans of historical fiction. Yet, the romances suffer from implausible dialogue and flat characterization. Tempted by the very married Robert Dudley, as well as the hints of power suggested by John Dee's private astrological reading, Elizabeth is reduced to a woman blinded by her own tightly tamped-down emotions. Speaking like 21st-century high school students, William and Dominic vie for Minuette's affections. Exuberant William pursues Minuette despite his advisers' cautions. Serious Dominic serves as William's closest adviser, the only man who will speak the unvarnished truth to an unpredictable sovereign. He and Minuette despair of betraying their best friend yet cannot deny their true love, stealing kisses and spare moments behind William's back. Meanwhile, Minuette plays amateur sleuth, dangerously toying with ambitious men as she tries to discover who murdered Alyce de Clare. Tensions rise as the love triangle becomes increasingly untenable and evidence points toward a traitor in the court. Although the romance rings hollow, this is an intriguing re-imagining of Tudor England and the treacheries of court life.

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Starred review from October 15, 2013
Picking up immediately after where trilogy opener The Boleyn King (2013) left off, this speculative foray into Tudor England resumes Andersen's plausible reimagining of an England ruled by young King Henry IX, aka William, son of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. Bolstered by the unshakable loyalties of his sister; his confidante, Dominic; and his childhood friend, Minuette, William faces further entangling intrigues as he juggles an impending, politically motivated betrothal to a 10-year-old Catholic French princess, betrayals and possibly even treason by some at court, and the reckless depth of feelings he has for Minuette. Dominic and Minuette continue their love affair, resolutely hiding it from everyone, but especially from William, whose reaction would likely be a monstrous personal hurt or even a kingly decrying. Elizabeth struggles with the realization that she can never marry for love and also with the possibility that she might grace the throne herself as queen. Minuette draws danger closer to her as she insists on investigating a death from the series opener that haunts her still, despite escalating warnings to back off. Dominic battles with his loyalty to his king and his attraction to the one woman the king wants. Detailed and quick paced, this will have series fans devouring it and emerging eager for the final book. An excellent recommendation for Phillipa Gregory fans.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2013

Andersen recently launched a Tudor trilogy with The Boleyn King, which imagines that Anne Boleyn gave birth to a lusty baby boy who would become king of England. Here, Henry IX has passed through his regency period and now faces war with other European powers. Excitement is building among fans of historicals.

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