The Lady of The Ravens should be subtitled ‘a diary of an upwardly mobile Lady in Waiting’ to the new Tudor monarch Henry VII. There is no plot to speak of and no Gothic undertone in spite of the title which is a disappointment. The book ambles along gently and only occasionally is there mild peril when the ravens are threatened by a bully at the Tower of London. The most impressive part of the book is the vivid description of the eponymous heroine giving birth to a breeched baby boy which puts her life in danger - but as with everything else it all works out with no life changing effect. Lady Guildford then ascends with her husband to the top table of Henry’s court and all is well with the world.

England in the late 15th century was a time of change, treachery and the founding of a dynasty. Henry wants to establish the Tudors, and he chooses Elizabeth of York to help him. Joan Vaux, who has little outwardly in common with the new queen, gains entree into her world, through her unusual upbringing. The two women become close and live through one of England's most turbulent times.

Joan finds much of her life revolves around the Tower of London and develops an affinity with the mystical ravens who live there. They are seen by some as symbols of the monarchy's strength, whilst many view them as pests and harbingers of death. Joan's life collides with the ravens at many key times, Important characters and points in her life are associated with them.

This story creates an intricate tapestry of life at the time, the darkness, disease, treachery and unruliness. Historical characters are blended seamlessly with fictional ones, giving the story historical authenticity, and history an intimate drama of day to day life and iconic events.

A rich, vibrant story told from a brave woman's point of view, who overcame her fears and obstacles of class and gender to lead a purposeful, rewarding life.

Affairs of state, family drama, the role of women and a touch of romance make this easy to read. This dramatic story lets you experience the beginning of the House of Tudors. and 15th Century English life.

I received a copy of this book from Harper Collins UK - Harper Fiction in return for an honest review.

Lady of the Ravens is the first in a trilogy of historical fiction. Henry Tudor has just taken the throne and hopes to unite the warring factions by marrying Elizabeth Woodville. Having studied Tudor history, I found this book to be incredibly detailed and fascinating. The Lady of the Ravens is based on the real-life Joan Vaux, who was part of the royal household, and became governess to the princesses. Joan is an incredible character. A scholar, a linguist and highly thought of by the Queen and King, she becomes the centre of this beautiful novel. She is fascinated by the ravens that nest at the Tower, and becomes their greatest advocate. They are said to protect the Tower and the Kingdom and she fights to ensure their survival. Joan is a mother, a wife, a lady-in-waiting, a champion for those in need, and a kind and compassionate woman. This first book ends with the marriage of Prince Arthur and Catherine of Aragon, and I most certainly look forward to reading the next book. History is brought to life with Hickson's wonderful writing that gives us an insight into life during this turbulent period of time.

Where there are Plantagenets, Yorks, and eventually the Tudors - there will be suspicion, death, murder so wicked and mystery. British history is one big boiling pot of intrigue. When it comes to writing historical fiction within the setting of said history it's important to get the balance between fact and fiction just right.

Hickson not only understands how to - she does it seamlessly as if she were inviting the reader to a front row seat. You have to understand the complexity of the system, structure, culture and people to be able to portray the ever-changing game of loyalty and thrones, which changed as easily as the direction of the wind.

Joan Vaux doesn't fear the Tower or the ravens others openly despise and try to eradicate. Instead she faces her duties and the complicated hierarchy of lineage, loyalty and royalty head on. Make no mistake though, she does it with her own safety and that of her family in mind. Although the expectation of bending the knee and accepting decisions made by others without her consent isn't something she swallows without complaint.

It's historical fiction - a mystery interwoven with myth and intrigue. I really loved the way Hickson wove the legend of the ravens of the Tower of London into this story - she pays tribute to the incredibly clever corvids the silent symbols of the Crown.

Joan Vaux played a pivotal role in history when Henry VIII started on his path of the many merry wives, although one could argue that her words fell on empty ears at the time because it didn't fit the agenda. Like many women in history who are relegated to stagehand positions in the retelling of history, her position gave her access and opportunity to influence. The author lets that aspect play out in this story, which may appear to be underwhelming, but is much more in keeping with the era, and her position in the household and lack of power.

Joan Guildford was one of the lady-in-waitings in Queen Elizabeth's court during King Henry VII's reign, and helped her friend the Queen throughout numerous challenges including her marriage, the births and deaths of children and a lot of political upheaval in between - including the emergence of a boy claiming to be Elizabeth's brother Richard - and heir to the throne.

This was a nice historical fiction which I enjoyed reading. I knew nothing about Joan Guildford, and I liked her voice (though at times she was a little bit of a Plain Jane), and the events she encountered. I know a good bit about this time in history through other fiction and non-fiction books I've read, so I wasn't completely excited in different parts of this book and I felt some exciting things were generally happening off page due to Joan obviously not being involved in action due to her gender, and also sometimes being away from court as well and at home with her children.

One of the interesting parts of this book was Joan's life living in the Tower of London due to her husband's position and it was just cool to hear about what that was like. While I feel Joan's obsession with the ravens was never really explained, and sometimes the way she would always bring back everything to the ravens could be tedious, I still liked learning about the bird's history and connection to the Tower of London.

Some storylines felt a bit flat for me - such as the weird antagonistic relationship between Joan and Henry Wyatt. The fact it went on so long, and things only happened between them two or three times in the span of over 10 years, it felt like a storyline that didn't really need to be included.

I did enjoy this writing, and would read more of Joanna's books. I would love another book about Joan's later life as we only got a bit here, and I think her time with Princess Mary in France, and during King Henry's reign would be very interesting to read about.

A fascinating tale of Tudor times told by a very strong female character. I Loved the way the characters went well together and this book has renewed my interest in reading more Tudor based books, sometimes with other books in this era I got a little confused with so many characters sharing the same Christian name, this book was very clear about who you were reading about.
This was my first Joanna Hickson book but it will not be my last.
Thank you netgalley.

This was not my usual genre of choice to read mainly as I'm not very knowledgeable about history. What drew my attention to this book was the ravens at the Tower of London, which I've always had a fascination with.
The story was very well written and informative. Although a work of fiction, it is very much based on fact (I looked up the main character on the internet lol).
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it's unique and extremely interesting take on the early days of the Tudor reign in England. It has certainly made me want to learn more about this particular time.

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins for a copy of this book in return for a honest review.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3141643553

This is an amazing read for historical fiction fans. I loved reading about Joan and her ravens. It was written in a captivating way. I was immersed in the time period and the story completely. Great plot building and character development. Sublime research, and it shows.
I highly recommend it.

Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy.

I have read a lot of Plantagenet/Tudor fiction and non-fiction but I didn't know anything about Joan Vaux. I found the story quite interesting and the book was obviously well researched. I did find it a bit slow at times especially all the talk of ravens. I'm aware of the book's title but really did feel many part were unnecessary and only there to actually justify the title.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Joan is working hard and destined to work for the future queen of England when she encounters the ravens at the tower of London. Soon she is fascinated by them and keen to keep them safe. Along the way she is drawn into the world of the King and Queen as his attempts to keep the throne.

Normally I'm a crime/ thriller reader but I do enjoy a good historical story now and then. This was an interesting steady read. Its not an overly dramatic story but it kept my interest throughout. The plot is steady and develops well. Joan is a really interesting lead and instantly likeable. I liked that her husband was a nice man and not some evil person she was forced to marry but a decent man who respected her. I loved reading about Henry and Elizabeth. Plus the ravens and their role at the tower.

The story centres around Joan Vaux and her relationship with the Queen. She is also known as the Lady of the Ravens. I am not a fan of historical novels but this book is brilliant, it builds around Henry VII and therefore we are introduced to the young Henry VIII and his siblings. Fascinating, brilliantly written would so recommend.

The Lady of the Ravens is the latest book from the wonderful historical fiction author Joanna Hickson. When she was a young girl Joan Vaux was told the story that if the Ravens leave the Tower of London then the Kingdom will fall. Little did she know how significant the Tower will be come in her life, and the ravens that guard it. Lady of the Ravens is the story of Joan Vaux and her relationship and friendship with Elizabeth of York from when she marries Henry VII in 1485 and unites the houses of York and Lancaster under the Tudor name. Two very different women, but a friendship founded in trust and loyalty that lasts through a very turbulent time in English history.

This book is set during one of my favourite periods of English and European history, a time of uncertainty in England with a new King and a new ruling house, the Tudors, when the queen Elizabeth of York was more popular than her husband and always the threat of Yorkist rebellions. Joan Vaux is a character I have come across before, but later on in her life in Henry VIII reign, so I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about her early years. Joan, brought up in the household of Lady Margaret Beaufort, mother to Henry VII, and this is how she becomes companion to Elizabeth of York before her marriage and her Lady in Waiting after. Very different in their appearance, one dark one fair, and in their position in life, but Joan is intelligent, speaks four languages, is well read all of which make her an ideal companion to the queen. I loved reading about her early life, how her attitudes changed, how she progressed and rose in position to Elizabeth, found love, and her determination to care for and protect the ravens at the tower. She sees their intelligence where others see them as stupid birds, she sees the beauty in them, where others see them as ugly and understands their importance where others see them as vermin.

Whilst this is set during Henry VII reign, this book is more about the woman in that time. As well as Joan and Elizabeth, Lady Margaret Beaufort and Dowager Queen Elizabeth, Elizabeth of Yorks mother, a formidal pair, both play important parts in their story; there is no doubt that Henry VII was surrounded by strong and intelligent women. I really loved the historical detail in this book, the contrast of life in the royal palaces against the life teaming on the streets of London, with its dirt, smells and crowded streets. Many people associate the Tower of London with death and imprisonment but here we see how it was used as a treasury, a place of protection for the Royal Family and as a home to Joan Vaux. I have always been intrigued by the character of Perkin Warbeck, said to be Richard Duke of York, one of the Princes allegedly killed in the Tower by Richard III, so was excited when he made an appearance; he was a real threat to Henry VII with many wanting to believe he was who he said he was, so the son of Edward IV who could take the throne from Henry and restore the house of York, a popular idea to many.

The Lady of the Ravens is a magnificent and sumptuous read, with an intriguing main character in Joan Vaux. Joanna Hickson writes with skill and detail about this period and the myriad of events that make this such a fascinating period of history to write about. In her author biography Joanna Hickson says she spends a lot of time in the fifteenth century, and I felt I was there with her. Another rich, colourful and spectacular novel from Joanna Hickson, and I’m excited that this is the first in a new series.

A cinematic and mesmerising tale of how the ravens came to be appreciated and respected at the Tower of London. It ends rather abruptly but that may be because I read it as an ARC and I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series.

Joan Vaux is at the very centre of the new Tudor monarchy. A close friend of the queen, Elizabeth of York, at a time when the monarchy is nervous and conspirators are working to undo and overturn the King. This is an incredibly well researched book, with many of the characters based on real people, which really brings the story to life. Details which were particularly hard hitting were those on childbirth and the mortality rate for young women. Really eye-opening! I found that I really cared about Joan and her family, and followed their story avidly. A great historical read!

Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review. The book came out on the 9th January.

I wanted to read this book as I am a huge fan of historical fiction and the Tudor period. It did not disappoint. It focuses around Joan Vaux, lady in waiting to Elizabeth of York (later Queen of England as wife of Henry VII). I knew nothing about Joan Vaux so i was intrigued by her story.

It follows Joan through her time as a lady in waiting, to Lady of the Manor, through Elizabeth’s marriage and many children. They had a bond, and it is clear that that bond didn’t diminish when Joan got married herself.

I really liked this book, not only is it written in a voice that I liked but the mix of historical accuracy, along with Joan’s love for the Tower ravens made it an endearing story. There wasn’t a time when I felt that it didn’t fit with the time period.

The only thing I found strange was how well spoken the children were in some stages. I can’t picture four year olds speaking in full English, but maybe being noble, it was different at the time.

This book was right up my street and I loved it. I can’t wait to read more books by Joanna as she clearly researches her books well and doesn’t make the story too over the top.

4.5 stars!

Joan Vaux is tasked with preparing Elizabeth of York for her marriage to Henry Tudor, a wedding that will create a new dynasty. For Joan and her mother it is a relief to return to favour after the long war and the death of their father/husband. However Joan, as a gentlewoman, cannot progress in the Queen's service unless she is married to knight and so Henry presents her with a choice of two suitors, one a widower with six children, the other a man Joan dislikes. As Joan's marriage grows more comfortable, Joan finds herself indispensable to the Queen through turmoil and insurrection. Meanwhile Joan's love for the ravens of the Tower remain constant.
An interesting setting for this book, the early years of Henry Tudor's reign, makes it stand out from the morass of Tudor romances. However it is a novel with a very romantic viewpoint, there is little dirt and poverty here. I did like the description of the tensions in the country around the Lambert Simnel and Perkin Warbeck plots but ultimately it is a very pleasant and undemanding historical novel.

What a fascinating story this turned out to be and such a refreshing change to enter the newly established Tudor court just as Henry VII takes as his bride the enigmatic Princess Elizabeth of York. Joan Vaux, handmaid to the new Queen Elizabeth, is our narrator through much of the novel and is as fascinating a character as her royal mistress. With Joan’s unique brand of lively wit and common sense she takes us right into the very heart of the Tudor court and into a new and exciting time in English history.

There is no doubt that Joan is a fascinating narrator, and as her life intertwines with that of the new King and Queen, so her own horizons and opportunities begin to expand and change, and her life, and fortune, take a very different path to the one she could ever have imagined for herself. I loved how the author combined Joan's story, incidentally a real life character, not just with the royal court but also with that of the ravens at the Tower of London. Joan’s special connection to these intelligent birds adds an interesting dimension to the story and is one that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.

The Lady of the Ravens is a beautifully written look at Tudor life with all of the intriguing intricacies of life at court, and yet, it is also a fascinating glimpse into the lives of real historical characters, particularly those of the women who shaped our history at such an important time. I’ve now read several of this author’s books and I’m always impressed by her ability to bring history alive in a very readable way. The Lady of the Ravens is intricately researched and beautifully presented and is a real gem of a novel and a perfect treat if you love Tudor history

I wasn't sure what this novel was trying to say about Elizabeth of York and Joan Vaux. It moves quite slowly and Joan always seems to be at the edge of events as an observer rather than an integral part of them, I eventually stopped reading before the end.

While I enjoyed the detail of day to day life in the early Tudor court, and the interesting facts Hickson weaves in, however, sadly, there were no new insights or ideas about the characters that are not covered already by Phillipa Gregory or Hilary Mantel, not to mention that albeit Joan Vaux clearly being a fascinating figure, this depiction of her life is a little underwhelming. To top the lot, although following chronological history, the storytelling feels a little aimless and lacking in structure.

*Thank you to Netgalley and  Harper Collins UK for the E-ARC all opinions are my own.*

I hadn't read a historical fiction book in so long! This book is about the start of the Tudor dynasty and Henry VII becoming king. It follows a lady in waiting,Joan and her life in the court.

I enjoyed this book and was hooked instantly. This book is split into 4 parts and I read the first part,which is around 130 pages, in one sitting! I really liked the court intrigue and what was happening around the kingdom. 

I found the pacing to be a bit slow for me. A lot was happening but sometimes it felt like everything was going too slow. I found the parts where she is not in court to be too long and I wanted to rush past that to get to the interesting part. This book isn't specifically about a certain event that would happen,rather, it focuses on the English Kingdom and King Henry and everything he did to keep the throne. It's not a story where there's a big plot. It has many little things happening in it. I think I would have liked it more if there was an overarching plot but it was still very much enjoyable seeing day to day life. I also liked the idea behind the ravens and I understand why it has this title.

In terms of characters, I really liked Joan. She was not afraid to speak her mind and stand up for herself. I also liked the King and Queen,they really cared for their subjects. I thought I would like  Sir Henry Wyatt but he ended up being horrible.

This book doesn't have much romance but I didn't like who she ended up with at first but by the end,I was glad she chose who she did.I didn't like her reasoning but her instincts were right in the end.

All in all,I liked this book and it has definitely made me want to read more historical fiction and has reminded me why I love them so much. 

I would recommend this book if you like character driven books spanning many years.

3/5