Heather’s Bookshelf: The Tudor Prophecy
Author: Julie Strong
Released: 01/25/25
Genre: Historical Fiction
“Anxiety seized Hester. Mother Bates was known as a wise woman. Would she be able to tell by looking at her what had happened? Hester felt as if her forehead was branded with the word “adulteress,” but that wasn’t the right word. It was not adultery, but what exactly was it? She stared at the profusion of foxgloves along the path. Whatever it was, it did not matter, since very soon she would be dead.”
“The Tudor Prophecy” is set in 1541 England with Henry VIII on the throne. Hester Vaughn and her cousin, Lady Alice Grantmire are living on their estate with Alice’s parents and Hester’s brother, Dickie.
Dickie has episodes that makes him have “fits” and challenges his mental capabilities, also making him weak. The estate and support of their families are needed for all of their sakes, including allowing the girls to grow and learn. Unfortunately, the king has decreed a change in religion and has demanded all to acquiesce to his changes. When Alice’s parents refuse, they are evicted, hunted, and forced from their home.
Hester attempts to appeal to King Henry VIII, too naive to understand her position until it’s too late. The visit turns dangerous, resulting in a violation, and Hester forever changed. She’s summoned to her father’s estate in Wales while her cousin, Dickie, and the rest of their family who still lives escapes to a cottage outside of town. Lady Alice and her mother use their knowledge about herbal remedies to make their way- until their accused of being witches.
Hester finds her own problems, when she arrive in Wales. Her father’s on her death bed, her uncle’s obsessed with a religion with deadly consequences, and her cousin’s a power-hungry psychopath.
Will Hester or Alice find safety and security or will they succumb to Henry’s tyranny?
Trigger Warning: violence, sexual assault, murder
Overall, I enjoyed this story. Told through two POVs, Hester and Alice have two different and unique voices. Each has significant trauma, motivations to find belonging, and desire to love. But their experiences are very different and bouncing between each POV pushes the story forward. Both Alice and Hester are likable and relatable. There was a lack of chapter breaks or titles which sometimes made it challenging to figure out what POV was being voiced until a page or two into the section. Several ancillary characters also stand out. Gareth is dedicated, loving, and talented. Dickie is a lovely soul who loves more than most. Elizabeth, Henry’s daughter, makes her entrance late in the book, but she dominates the pages in her entitled and broken way. The pacing of this story is a bit on the slower side and there’s so much terrible that happens in the first half that it’s a bit draining. However, investment in the characters surpasses the rest. For those who read my other reviews, you’ll know my biggest pet peeve is a cliffhanger. And while this one has some resolution for some of the characters, it’s certainly not a fulfilling ending and leaves open a main storyline for what I am assuming is a sequel.
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
OVERALL REVIEW:
A historical fiction surrounding Henry VIII’s tyranny. Trauma abounds for two young women trying to find their way at a time in history that’s stacked against them.
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