I really enjoyed this book! A great story line that kept me hooked and excellent main characters. I would highly recommend this book.

Fictionalised history...

Joan Vaux has known Elizabeth of York since childhood, so when Elizabeth becomes Queen to the first of the Tudors, Henry VII, it is natural for Joan to become one of her court servants. This is the story of Joan’s life – her rise through the ranks to become lady-in-waiting to the Queen and her husband’s equal rise to the top ranks of Henry’s circle. Living for periods of time in the Tower of London, Joan has developed a fascination for the ravens who make their home there and for the legend that says that should the ravens ever desert the Tower, its walls will crumble and the monarchy will fall. Over the years Joan will do her best to protect the ravens from those who see them as pests.

I’m no historian, especially of this period, but it seems to me as if Hickson sticks very closely to fact, both in terms of events and in the personalities of the Royals, insofar as their personalities are known at all at this distance. To me, this is not so much historical fiction as fictionalised history. By this I mean that it is a simple recounting of actual events as seen through the eyes of Joan, rather than a fictional story in its own right using the historical background as a setting.

In other words, there is no plot. The blurb speaks of Joan being “privy to the deepest and darkest secrets of her queen” but frankly Elizabeth doesn’t have any deep, dark secrets. “Like the ravens,” the blurb continues, “Joan must use her eyes and her senses, as conspiracy whispers through the dark corridors of the Tower.” Hmm! That rather makes it sounds as if Joan will be involved in the various events of the time, doesn’t it? But she’s not – she merely mentions them in passing as things that happen to other people. The book is well written for the most part and interesting for the credible detail it provides of the life of a lady of the court who sees and hears of the high events of the period without actively participating in or influencing them. Nothing wrong with that, but not quite what the blurb would lead one to expect. Personally I was perpetually disappointed that all the action was happening elsewhere – the rebellions, skirmishes, treaties, etc. However that’s a matter of personal preference – I’m always more interested in the political than the domestic sphere.

The book is full of anachronistic phrases, like “healthy bottom line”, “cooking the books”, “dress to impress”, and so on – so many of them that I came to think that Hickson had made the decision to do this deliberately rather than accidentally allowing one or two to slip through. I can see that that may be an attempt to make the characters seem more accessible to a modern audience, but for me it simply jarred. I don’t think historical fiction should necessarily be full of thous and thees and mayhaps and verilys, but I find the use of specifically modern phrases simply pulls me out of the period. And I was seriously disappointed at the too frequent glaring grammatical errors, especially since Hickson tells us that she had two editors! Hopefully someone will have picked these up and corrected them before the final version was printed.

Despite this lengthy list of niggles, I still found it quite an enjoyable read overall. It gives an interesting and convincing insight into the life of a lady of the court, juggling marriage and children with the duties of serving the Queen. Joan is lucky that the husband who is chosen for her is someone she comes to love and admire – not passionately, perhaps, but contentedly. All the important events of the time are touched on, such as Perkin Warbeck’s imposture of one of the missing, presumed dead, Princes in the Tower, and we are entertainingly introduced to the child who will later become Henry VIII. The book ends with the marriage of Katherine of Aragorn to the young Prince Arthur, and with a promise in the afterword that Hickson intends to continue Joan’s story in a future book. I’m not sure that I’ll stick with her for that, but that’s mainly because of my preference for novels that take me to the centre of events rather than leaving me on the domestic periphery. However, I think people who are interested in seeing how women of this rank lived at that time will find this an enjoyable and informative read.

NB This book was provided for review by the publisher, HarperCollins.

A look behind the scenes at what it was like to be a lady in waiting to the Tudors. Uncertainty around holding on to the throne, trying to balance family and personal life around the demands of the Royal family, and a charming little insight into the maligned ravens. No major surprises here, but a nice historical read

It's a good recommendation for a book when I finish it and immediately wander off to purchase another novel by the author; in this case, First of the Tudors. Lady of the Ravens takes a well known period of history and puts a somewhat different spin on it by focusing on a character who is largely outside of the politics and action of court. Set at a time of deep unrest in the country, Joan is excluded from many events by both her gender and her status and so the narrative is often far more personal than it is political and yet it is filled to the brim with historical detail.

Set in and around the Tower of London, this is an engaging and engrossing read that immerses you in the time. I appreciated just how immersive the personal lives of not just Joan but also the Court were; you get a close view of the tragedies and joys of the Tudor time and a reminder of just how dangerous life was. Not just for the young men on the battlefields but for women in childbirth and the fragility of childhood with diseases like measles and whooping cough that can be treated now but were potentially fatal then.

I rarely read historical books set further back than the World Wars, but I'm glad I took a chance on this. It shines a light on history in a way that is captivating and entertaining, whilst also highlighting the dangers and the tribulations. Managing to capture both the higher workings of the throne and the minutia of day to day life, this is a lovely, gentle read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my free review copy.

When the email about The Lady of Ravens first popped into my inbox I was delighted. Absolutely delighted. I love historical fiction and I barely read any last year. 2019 was the year of the thriller for me, but I’m hoping 2020 will be a little bit more varied.

Anyway. I love a good historical read and in particular I really enjoy books set around the Tudor period. The Tudor history is so rich, opulent, intriguing, interesting and a big bit murdery.

The Lady of the Ravens was set in the early years of Henry VII’s reign as seen through the eyes of Joan Vaux, who was a lady in waiting to Elizabeth of York – who then goes on to marry Henry and unite the Houses of Lancaster and York.

So, I was excited to get stuck in…

As of tonight, I haven’t finished the book. I’m not even close. I only got my copy today, so I’ve just managed to squeeze in a couple of chapters.

And so far it is good. Very good. And very readable. I will be returning to the 14th century as soon as I am done writing this blog post. And I am looking forward to it.

I get the sense from the beginning that Joanna Hickson has managed to strike the fine balance between fact and fiction. When I read historical fiction I primarily want to be entertained, but I also want to get a real sense of the time period, the historical figures and the daily lives of the characters. I want it all. And I have high hopes for the rest of The Lady of the Ravens. I will report back…


UPDATE - It was a great read, a full 5 star read! I couldn't put it down and I flew through the pages as I followed the lives of the characters - Highly recommended.

There is a plethora of books to choose from about the Tudor era at the moment, detailing the lives of those involved in the court of Henry VIII, so it was refreshing to stumble upon this novel which provides a different perspective; this time centred during the reign of King Henry VII.

"When Joan Vaux is sent to live in the shadow of the Tower of London, she must learn to navigate the treacherous waters of this new England under the Tudors. Like the ravens, Joan must use her eyes and her senses, if Henry and his new dynasty are to prosper and thrive."

The story of the beginning of the Tudor period is told through the eyes of Giovanna, known as Joan, who is lady-in-waiting to Henry's wife Elizabeth. Through her story, the reader is allowed glimpses into court life, whilst seeing her own relationships with her family develop.

Joan is an extremely likeable character and highly thought of by both Elizabeth and King Henry. Desperate for the new sovereign to prosper, Joan puts great faith in the adage that while the ravens protect the Tower of London, the monarchy will be safe.

The ravens provide a consistent thread throughout the novel; a constant reminder of the links between each of the principal characters while the relationship between Joan and Sim, a young boy who she takes into her care who shares her love of the birds, is a heartwarming element of the story.

Equally compelling is the developing bond between Joan and Richard Guildford, a man whom she at first holds in contempt, but who later becomes her husband due to the necessities of court expectations.

Hickson writes with an accessible style but one which is clearly well researched and based on historical fact. A fascinating read!

I enjoy historical fiction that weaves around facts and even more so when the story features a woman from history who had once been important but is now mostly forgotten. Joanna Hickson brings not only this tumultuous time in history to life but she makes Joan very relatable in this first story of the Queens of the Tower series.

Joan (baptised Giovanna) Vaux held key positions in the Tudor court - lady-in-waiting to Elizabeth of York, Lady Governess to Princesses Margaret and Mary and wife to Sir Richard Guildford. She is 21 when we meet her. Something flashes her back to when she was 8 which links in to the ravens. As the title suggests, ravens are important! I enjoyed these scenes and found the information fascinating. I think my favourite has to be Sim’s demonstration, probably because of how emotionally involved I was! Joan would be very impressed with how the ravens in the Tower are cared for now!

Amidst the turmoil of the Flemish pretender and the rebellions from Cornwall, Joan’s life and relationships at court unfold. I was so absorbed in every detail that it felt as if I was living this life. And it’s the little things that are fascinating too. I never knew that one of the occupations ever existed … Conflict comes from not only court intrigue but an unexpected source which kept me wondering how this would impact on the story. Society’s expectations we may worry about and fear today are also things that affected Joan. It was easy to identify with her as a lover, a mother, a friend and confidante and protector.

The Lady of the Ravens was a page turner for me. Highly recommended.

I'm not a huge fan of historical fiction, but I enjoyed this book a lot. I loved the lyrical writing and felt immersed in the characters and the story line. Would definitely recommend to give it a go, especially if you don't really like historical fiction but want to give it a go!

The author gives a great account into the lives of Joan and her family during Tudor times.
We first meet Joan when she is young and in service at court.
We follow Joan as she progresses and has an arranged marriage to Richard Guildford.
Since she was a child, Joan has known of the story regarding the ravens at the Tower of London and she takes it upon herself to protect them.

I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.

I had never read any of this author's books but was attracted to the historical period covered by the story as well as the beautiful cover. I grew up reading Jean Plaidy historical novels from a very young age and Joanna Hickson is definitely an author I shall be looking for in the future.

I’ve read a few of the author’s book before so expected to enjoy this. I was not disappointed. This is well written and very entertaining. This is a well-researched and engrossing read. This book builds on the legend that as long as the ravens are in the Tower of London the country will be safe which I found fascinating. Hickson brings a range of historical characters to life. I have a bit of a fascination with the Tudor’s, thanks in part to Hilary Mantel so this was a treat for me. This is a book to read and savour slowly and I got completely lost in it.

This book was a brilliant read and one that is perfect to escape for a few hours and loose yourself.
A great read.

Choosing the ravens as a focus for this book provided Hickson with an interesting anchor that served to provide a more personal account of this period of history. This hook is especially important for me as, although an extremely keen reader of historical fiction, I tend to become lost when there are too many historical facts churned out.
Hickson's use of description provides colour and that necessary element of reality that not all historical novelists manage to conjure up.
Although I still personally find this first person narrative approach less enjoyable I do appreciate that it enables Hickson's main character' to convey her feelings and emotions to the reader.
This reminded me very much of Jean Plaidy novels and, as with those, I would very much recommend 'The Lady of the Ravens'.

Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Lady of the Ravens by Joanna Hickson
I love reading anything related to the Tudor period and I enjoyed the fact that this novel was based at the very beginning of the Tudor Dynasty. The main character is Joan, the Lady of the Ravens, who becomes part of the household of Elizabeth of York. Upon her marriage to Richard Guildford she is placed in the position of being able to protect the ravens at the Tower with whom she has such an affinity. She also has a powerful belief in the tale that the kingdom will prevail whilst the ravens remain at the Tower.
Later on Joan’s son becomes a friend to Prince Harry, later to become King Henry. As she is placed at the heart of the court she is able to give an insight into such spectacular events as the marriage of Prince Arthur and Katherine of Aragon.
The book is well written and has a great deal of interesting historical detail. It is a very enjoyable read and one which I would thoroughly recommend. It has certainly made me want to read more from this author. Many thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

A powerful and evocative study of a turbulent age.

This is a well-researched, interesting story set against the background of the early Tudor period. Henry VII has attained the throne, but will he keep it? His wish to unite the warring factions of York and Lancaster after the Wars of the Roses is clear from his marriage to Elizabeth of York, thus merging both factions into a new dynasty, the Tudors, but Henry rules over a deeply divided country, one riven by unrest and attempts to seize the crown.

Joan Vaux, the narrator of the story, is the lady in waiting to the Queen, and her life is defined by the court and politics of the day. Joan lives in the Tower of London where she becomes fascinated by the ravens and the legend that surrounds them – while there are ravens in the Tower, the Tower and the country will stand, if they leave both will fall. Thus the feared and vilified birds become a symbol not only of the Tower but of England itself. Joan vows to sustain the ravens and change the popular image of them as “devilish creatures” and “harbingers of evil.”

In terms of historical background and description, this is a powerful and evocative story. Rich in detail, the atmosphere of this unsettled period is vividly brought to life. Both politics and mores are accurately drawn and we see the human consequences of both of these.

The writing style is clear and easy to read. I particularly enjoyed the author’s insight into what seems to us now cruel, inhumane customs – such as the treatment of women – married off for political or financial gain when still children, the casual separation of new-born babies from their mothers, and the vicious poverty, highlighted by the pomp, pageantry and riches, that surround it.

Life within the early Tudor court is drawn with in-depth knowledge and understanding. The symbolic role of the ravens is also powerfully and effectively written.

What did not work so well for me was the writing of the characters themselves? They seemed to be viewed at arm's length, making them oddly removed from their own story, bystanders rather than participants. Like Tudor portraits, they were for me stiff and unreal, serving a narrative function rather than revealing a life I could empathise with. I was always interested but never involved. A pity. This for me was the one flaw that prevented me from whole-heartedly praising the book.

However, this is only one opinion, and these things are highly subjective. Others may feel differently.

Charlotte Gower

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Set during the reign of Henry VII at the introduction of the Tudor Dynasty, this followed the story of Joan Vaux herself a victim of the turmoils of court during the reign of the polar opposite kings in Edward and Richard.

The death of the two boys in the Tower still lingers in the memories of the court as a new era approaches. Lady Margaret's son Henry has returned and assumed his rightful position on the throne, he is to merge the two houses with his marriage to Elizabeth of the house of York with Lancaster. Joan was kindly under Lady Margaret's patronage for a time during the upheaval and her mother was her lady in waiting for a time, now Joan finds herself honored with a position in the future queens court.

Joan finds herself living in the shadow of the Tower of London and she not only has to navigate the politics of court, a jealous younger sister of the queen and the expectations of a women at court. She finds herself drawn to the dark and yet beautiful conspiracy of Ravens that reside within the Tower's walls. She uses her eyes and her instincts not only to traverse this at times tempestuous position but also to ensure that, thanks to the old beliefs the Ravens remain protected and present within the grounds as for this fair country to prosper they must truly thrive.

Joanna Hickson is a new author to me and I have to say I found her writing style to be easy to read, leading the reader in a fluid and beautiful writing style that makes you want to just carry on reading.

As this was a little known part of the Tudor history I am uncertain to how much fact can be attributed to this historical fiction title however, despite enjoying it there was nothing to make it stand out and more than other writers in this particular genre of history. I also do believe that the direction of this book leaves it open to further intrigue in the books to come, it will definitely be interesting to see the continuation of Joan's story and to see how her son continues to thrive (or not) with his friendship with Prince Henry.

I gave this book 4* and would like to thank both NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book.

This book is a solid historical read, good characterisation, and well researched.
The setting is mainly in the Tower of London, and has an Ineresting insight Into the way women were treated and felt during this turbulent time. Touches on the fate of the princes in the tower and the various uprisings
going on at the time.
Well worth spending time with.

The Lady of the Ravens is a fictionalized account of the life of Joan Vaux, lady-in-waiting to Elizabeth, wife of Henry VII. Through Joan's privileged access, the reader gets a glimpse in to the marriage of the King and Queen and life at Court.

Opening shortly after the Battle of Bosworth and early in the reign of Henry VII, it's apt that the collective term for a gathering of ravens is a 'conspiracy' for it's a time of unrest, shifting allegiances, the threat of revolt and pretenders to the throne. It's no wonder that Joan should set such store by the welfare of the ravens who make the Tower of the London their home given the legend that their presence ensures the nation's security. Joan is also drawn to the ravens for their cleverness and the beauty of their sleek plumage. With her dark hair and olive skin that sets her apart from other ladies of the Court, she feels an affinity with them as "fellow misfits".

The book will appeal to readers who like their historical fiction well populated with historical fact. I confess that, whilst appreciating the depth of research, I found the first half of the book somewhat slow with some rather too obvious information dumps. I was also a little distracted by the occasional use of modern phrases such as 'dress to impress', 'super-intelligent', 'top-security secrets' and 'kept under wraps'. However, once the action moves to Kent and Joan's life is centre stage, I found myself falling under the book's spell and eager to find out what lay in store for Joan and those close to her.

The book ends at the point of Prince Arthur's marriage to Katharine of Aragon and before significant events in Joan's own life, including her part in what would come to be referred to as Henry VIII's "great matter", leaving open the prospect of a follow-up book.

The Lady of the Ravens is a well-crafted historical novel set in an interesting period in England's history. I received an advance review copy courtesy of Harper Collins via NetGalley.

A complex story which the author has very clearly researched in extreme detail. The pace is sometimes a little slow but then so were the events described. Relationships are sometimes difficult to follow if ones own recall of the era are sketchy (as are mine) so this is more acriticism of the reader (me) rather than the author. The linear plot makes for an easy to follow narrative and the atmosphere is well crafted to the point where our ficticious character melds perfectly into the millieu in such a way as to be totally believable. Good fun and a cert for followers of this well drawn form of writing.

Praise Joanna Hickson and great historical novel that had me intrigued from the beginning. Told from a Lady In waiting to Elizabeth of Yorks perspective. Joanna guides you through the times with her descriptive narrative. Historical figures are bought to life wonderfully. A must read for any Tudor Fiction Fan.