Reviewer: Amy Lignor
Title: The Irish Princess
Author: Karen Harper
Publisher: NAL
ISBN-13: 978-0-451-23282-3
Release Date: February 2011
Genre/Sub-genre: Historical Fiction
Year/Setting: 1530-40's/Ireland & England
Overall Rating: 4.0
Sexual Content Rating: Subtle/Sensual
Language (Profanity/Slang) Content Rating: None/Mild
Violent Content Rating: None/Minimal
Karen's Website/Blog: www.karenharperauthor.com
Dear Readers:
Elizabeth Fitzgerald is called Gera by her friends and family, and she is a part of the first family of Ireland, with royal ties on each side of the ancestral pool. When we begin our story Gera's father, the Earl of Kildare, is a bit frightened. He has been called to King Henry VIII's court and ends up offering a haunting goodbye to each one of his children. The Earl is truly loved by his people, and the whole family has lived a carefree, happy existence, but the Tudor tyrant that rules over England is about to take away all Elizabeth Fitzgerald has ever loved.
When the news comes that her beloved father was taken to the dreaded Tower and beheaded, her brother Thomas pronounces the King a heretic and throws down his sword, ready to take out the English once and for all. When said English arrive at the castle doors, Thomas flees, the children are uprooted, and Gera and her lady must sneak away from the only home they've ever known to embark on a dark and frightening journey that will change Gera's life, and bring her face to face with a loyal English Lord who she should despise.
The reader is drawn through the famous happenings of history as they follow Gera to the home of Jane Grey's mother and father where she is told that her whole family is attainted - accused of treason - and the men are being rounded up one by one on the orders of King Henry as he struggles to rid the land of the Irish and find for himself the Book of Kildare which has the names and information that will bring Ireland to its knees.
Gera, with vengeance burning in her heart, ends up in London where she watches her brother and her uncles head through the streets to their deaths. She takes it upon herself to do everything within her power to make friends with the most prominent people in King Henry's Court in order to bring her other brother out of exile to rule Ireland once more.
From the side of Catherine Howard, Henry's newest wife, who Gera spies having a tryst behind the King's back, to the home of Princess Mary who she will one day stand up for in order to save herself and her beloved, Gera experiences every person who rose to fame in Tudor history. As womanhood comes upon her, Gera will marry a man to get the ear of the King while being hopelessly in love with her Lord who she desperately wants to see again. And the girl who has struggled to stay alive and find a way to destroy a King walks through a secret passage to serve Henry VIII the justice he so richly deserves.
This is a fantastic "new" look at one of the most popular times in history. Gera reminds the reader of Scarlett O'Hara; as, Scarlett was with Tara, The Irish Princess is with her beloved homeland. As she stands up and fights with her every breath to save her world, the reader finds themselves routing for the woman who refused to let her family and their dreams disappear. An excellent novel that was researched exceedingly well; this author has put together a story filled with passion, loyalty, revenge, and a look at what it takes for enemies to fall in love. Enjoy!
Until next time,
Amy
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