After her mother dies, young Katheryn is passed between relatives as her feckless father gambles his way through life. Ending up in the house of her rich step-grandmother, Katheryn is educated in the way of well-bred Tudor women - she can dance and sew but reading and writing are harder. The Duchess houses several young ladies and their chaperone is lax so Katheryn also learns to flirt and go further with young men but when her family connections and good looks enable her to attend the court of Henry VIII, her past may be a problem.

This is the fifth in Weir's exemplary fictionalisation of the lives of Henry VIII's infamous six wives. Here the focus is on the young Katheryn Howard, a girl who was too naive when young and who found herself married to old and ailing man who genuinely loved her. As Weir is such a great historian, her books read more like biographies with fiction traits, the research is impeccable and I like the way that Weir explains her decisions about plotlines in terms of what was relevant to experiences of Katheryn as opposed to historical fact that her lead character may not be aware of. I'll be sad when we run out of wives!

This is a very difficult book to review, if only because it is such a difficult book to even approach. The story of Katheryn Howard is nothing short of a tragedy - an abused child who was abused right into a brutal death when she was barely twenty one, by the oldest possible estimate of her age.
All six wives come with certain levels of controversy and revisionism attached, but Katheryn's narrative is rarely challenged. And I was surprised to see the same coming from Weir, who has made such bold narrative decisions in all of her past Wives novels.
The Katheryn here is as stupid and easily manipulated as in any recent adaptation, if at times more sympathetic if only because Weir manages to get across the impossibility of her situation. The first third or so of the novel relates her youthful exploits. I was unsurprised that Weir chose to make her as old as historically possible, since the thought of having to read about an eleven year old being molested makes my stomach turn. But Katheryn still seems to be unable to shake the silly party-girl narrative. Even as we read about a nearly thirty-year-old Manox pestering a fourteen-year-old girl for sex, she is giggling over it and talking about how exciting it is and how handsome and naughty-
She might have been aged up, but I won't lie, it still made me a bit sick.
And this repeats ad infinitum. With Dereham, who has literally no redeeming qualities at any point in the narrative and who simply left me spitting mad, and then with Henry, who is given the tender-lover treatment, strangely enough, and finally with Culpepper, who also fails to have much of any redeeming qualities. I think this is one of the great challenges of writing about Katheryn Howard; the men in her life were so central to it. And at the time, she probably did love them. One of the things I really enjoyed about this book and didn't expect to, was the relationship with Henry, who appears almost shy, and the slow growth of her love for him felt convincing. But all her other relationships come from exactly nowhere other than a place of her saying that he is extremely good looking, and then watching as he does and says things that are shockingly awful and abusive, and all the while she continues to narrate how wonderful it is to be in love. While it is entirely probable that Katheryn was stuck in a cycle of abuse and mistook many of the signs for love, it doesn't translate well or easily onto the page.
And on the subject of translating - I adored the early inclusion of random passages from her final confessions. Especially the little old lady who was very clever at making silk flowers, a motif that appears a couple of times and feels like a very pretty, poignant detail of one of the few things that we can point to with some certainty as being true from accounts of her early life. But there is also a lot of information. Especially in the first few chapters. Many of the characters serve as little more than talking heads to explain the complex social and political expectations and relationships of the time. It does improve, and after a while turns into a great way of dropping small facts about court life - like not finishing all your food, since the spares were given to the poor - but initially is quite off-putting.
This was the novel about Katheryn Howard that everyone is familiar with, and I have to confess - that was exactly why I was disappointed. It's still a great read, and I walked away feeling like I'd learned a thing or two (or three), but with Weir's previous work I was really expecting more from Katheryn.

I’ve read most of the Six Tudor Queens series and this latest book is as good as ever. Katheryn is portrayed as a naive young girl ending up in the royal court following plotting and scheming by her power hungry relatives. Her lack of judgement eventually leads to her downfall - but reading how this ultimately happens is totally absorbing. If you like soap operas, period dramas, political thrillers then read these books they’re brilliant.

Alison Weir has my bookish heart, especially after this book. I knew very little about Katheryn Howard's life before reading this, and watching her tragic life unfold through the wonderful narrative did tug on my heartstrings many times. It's clear to the reader how she is used by the men around her, whether that be her family or her lovers, and how this eventually leads to her downfall. She was so young and was victim to a society that didn't accept women who had control of their own bodies and sexualities, I can't help but think that she would have been a lot happier in today's world. This is definitely really strong prose and a narrative I flew through, and is essential reading for anyone interested in the era!

A stunning book by one of my favourite historical novelists. This book made me see Katheryn almost in a new light. Not quite the calculating vixen she or the sweet manipulated child she has often been made out to be, but rather a victim of circumstance and those little white lies that always seem to catch us up. I loved it so much I re-read all the other books in the series as soon as I finished this one.

Well, is Katheryn the youngest Queen to be beheaded ... yes me thinks. Wow she is a bit free with the mannies, isn't she? This is the story of a young girl who makes a contractual marriage by herself with a gentleman but also 2 other affairs and not tell King Henry VIII before his fifth marriage. You cannot do that so this is the story of Kathryn's upbringing and eventual arrival at the court of Queen Anna of Kleves who is made pretty (even more so) to catch the eye of King Henry VIII as he's in the process of divorcing Queen Anna.

I did know of Kathryn was beheaded but I didn't know all the details. I am beginning to look on this series of King Henry VIII's wives as a reference collection as it is really hard to find where the fiction is added. It seems in this book a few very minor characters are included so because of that is that why this book is another fiction in the series?

Beautifully written once again

I have read all the books in Alison Weir's Six Tudor Queens series and I found this book just as enjoyable as the rest. I have always found Katheryn Howard the most fascinating of Henry VIII's wives and I think Alison Weir has created a believable character who, given little parental guidance, made some very poor choices.

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

I voluntarily read this ARC for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

I LOVE Alison Weir and make a point of reading her books so was thrilled to be able to read this ARC
I love Tudor history and this did not disappoint

Loved it - couldn't put down
Love the characters, it is written in a style that draws you in

Must now read the others in this series

I've always had a fascination with the life of King Henry IV and his six brides, so I enjoy the opportunity to read a new take on the life of young Katherine Howard, the fifth of his wives. 'Six Tudor Queens: Katheryn Howard, The Tainted Queen' is the fifth is a series of six books by Alison Weir on the unfortunate women married to the eponymous king.
Having completed an extensive amount of reasearch into her subjects, Weir's book is a fictional account of what could have happened, mixed with the factual information and is told through the eyes of Katheryn Howard, along with a person and in the past tense.
I was frequently stuck by the naivety of Katheryn throughout the novel, wondering how she did not seem to learn from the experiences of those around/before her. However, she was so young at the time of her marraige and despite receiving an 'education' in the arts of music and language, she was woefully uninformed in the ways of court and expectations of her male counterparts.
It is this lack of knowledge that will untimately lead to her download, as Katheryn comes little more than a pawn in the cruel powerplay of her family and her previous behaviour comec back to haunt her.
The ending of the novel is no surprise, but the manner in which Katheryn has been treated seems so cruel when we read of how she has been manipulated and betrayed by her family.
I enjoyed how the story was written with the tale being told from several perspectives and giving the reading an insight into just how naive the young queen may have been in her 'teenage years'.
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this book from #Ballantine books through #Netgalley in return for an honest review.

This is the first book I've managed to read in this series and, although it was enjoyable enough, it wasn't quite what I was expecting. I did enjoy the parts about Kathryn's childhood, and thought they added to my overall understanding of the person she later became... But maybe historical fiction of this type just isn't for me.

I was absolutely gripped by this book, couldn't put it down! I love Tudor history and any historical fiction in this period is likely to grip me. Great characters and a wonderful reimagining of Katheryn Howard. I've been loving this series.

I love the Tudor history and I was interested in this series from the beginning. This book was no different than others in terms of excellent execution. I love Weir's writing and her approach. Her research is exquisite. I'd highly recommend to people who are interested in the period.

I have read all of this series so far and absolutely love the Tudor period in history. However this was the first time that I had no sympathy for one of Henry's Queens. Yes I understand that she was only young when she was forced by her family to entice the King into marriage in order to further their careers but truly could she have been that stupid when her own kin had already been killed by the King for basically the same thing. This was either complete naivety on Katheryn's part of the way her character has been written. However this aside I did really enjoy this book and wait in anticipation for the final installment.

I really enjoyed this book so much. It has a really great plot, superb main characters and I read it in one sitting. I would highly recommend this book.

Six Tudor Queens: Katheryn Howard, The Tainted Queen, Alison Weir

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Historical Fiction,

I've been enjoying this series, I adore historical fiction that has its roots in reality, and I love reading about the Tudor period. Henry V111 for me was an incredibly intelligent man, but prone to self delusion, and of course that was propped up by everyone surrounding him telling him what he wanted to hear, either in the search for more power or because they feared him. He wielded immense power, and those serving him could be wealthy, landed, titled one day and lose all the next on a whim of his, a suspicion, a supposed insult, or just because he wanted to raise up someone else. He really was an arrogant, self obsessed man, and for me his supposed religious devotion is marred by the fact he wanted his own way always, and was prepared to change everything to that end.
Still, I guess when one has been indulged since childhood, and always surrounded by fawning courtiers, its easy to believe in their blandishments and reassurances that he is always right.

I've always felt sorry for Kitty Howard, she was so young, such a fleeting life. Alison explains how she comes by her age assessment, I'd always thought Katheryn was 16 when she married Henry, Alison says 19 and her reasoning on that age seems more accurate than what I'd always understood. In any event given Henry was old enough to not only be her father but possibly her grandfather, its a huge age gap.
I liked that we got to know Katheryn first as a child, and the circumstances of her upbringing made me understand her actions later much better. There were times when she seemed incredibly naive, almost making excuses for her own behaviour, and then seeming to believe them. I'm thinking here of her flirtations with the music teacher and then with Francis Dereham. She was only doing what many others in her position were doing though. Sadly it proved later to have repercussions far beyond what she could have envisaged, but then who would imagine she would one day wed the King?
I felt for her when her family first pushed her into that, and undoubtedly she was pushed, by them as were Anne Boleyn, and Jane Seymour. Katheryn was reassured that her previous conduct didn't matter, in a “least said” manner, and encouraged to keep quiet about it. Its that power hungry issue once more where the top families always vied to be closest to the king. She was eager too though for the ultimate position of queen, entranced by the idea of power and wealth.
All along she's been easily led, first into flirtations and now with the idea of Queen, and all the pretties it will bring. Katheryn is clearly very swayed by material things, we see that from early days, and even though the age gap was huge she seems to have loved Henry in her own way, despite her actions indicating otherwise. It was as if she had to be adored by everyone, needed to feel loved, adored and though Henry was clearly infatuated she still couldn't resist the flirtations of others. The first romance she has, the music master, she claims to be in love with, then he gets quickly dropped for Francis Dereham, then of course its Henry who she's in love with but she still can't resist Thomas Culpepper's affections. She's a strange mix of emotions, always seeking that bit more love I felt. Its as if she's in love with the idea of love more than the reality.

What a sad waste of a young life, pushed around once again as were others before her, for the glory of the family name, and the elders in the families lust for power.
Its a sad story, but never the less one I enjoyed reading, once more taking me back in time. It's strange, I hated, hated History as a subject at school, but put a personal slant on it, show the day to day life, clothes, food etc and it becomes alive for me, and I love reading it.

Stars: Five. A sad story, but typical of the time, where women had little say in their lives, and Family position was all that counted.

Arc via Netgalley and publishers

I'm a big fan of Alison Weir and this is the first of the Tudor queen books I've read.

Katheryn Howard is probably the queen I knew least about prior to reading this book.. Weir paints. a fascinating picture of this young girl whose early years are beset with tragedy and sadness..

Katheryn finds her place but seems to be used by those around her.....her youthful naivety betraying her somewhat.

I really enjoyed learning more about this Tudor queen and I'll be seeking the others in the series.

The language takes a little getting used to, but I was soon enthralled by it all.

I really struggled with the language of this book which is both simplistic and awash with every romantic cliche ever (over)used:

'Suddenly, she wanted him. It did not matter who he was; she did not think she had ever seen such beauty in a man or felt such desire';
"Let me feel the secret parts of your body!" he begged, his kisses hot and urgent. "No," Katheryn protested. "We might get carried away";
'Before she knew it, they were rolling together, fully dressed, on the bed, mad for each other. "Be mine!" he urged.'
Even, "How beautiful you look when you're angry" makes a showing.

If this kind of writing bothers you, beware.
I was looking forward to this episode in the series as Katherine remains a controversial figure, but the writing g got between me and the story. Sorry.

Katheryn Howard: The Tainted Queen is the fifth entry in Alison Weir's Six Tudor Queens.

In 1528, a seven-year-old Katheryn is set adrift when her mother dies. Her father, Edmund, is an aristocratic ne'er-do-well. Motherless, Katheryn travels with her elder half-sister, Isabel, to a maternal aunt where she finds both security and happiness. Sadly, death strikes once more. Returned to her father's care, Isabel is soon married, and Edmund appointed to a position in Calais. Once again, Katheryn is placed in the care of another: her step-grandmother, the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk.

Under her grandmother's roof, Katheryn grows into a vivacious, charming and passionate teenager. It is her temperament that lures her into the hedonistic world of the maidens' chamber - setting a chain of events that will, ultimately, become a claustrophobic presence and destroy her.

Alison Weir paints an intriguing portrait of Henry VIII's fifth queen. Here, Katheryn is no abused child any more than she is a juvenile delinquent. Instead, we see an engaging and vibrant protagonist who has a passionate temperament and craving for love.

I enjoyed Katheryn's relationship with Isabel. There is a tragic poignancy there, especially to the opening and closing scenes in the book. Weir's depiction of Lady Rochford's motivations is also intriguing. The relationship between Henry and Katheryn is even touching - a credit to Weir's penmanship.

My one quibble is the period of Katheryn and Dereham's relationship. Dereham is extremely unlikable. It seemed somewhat overdone; especially their more intimate relationship. However, in her notes, Alison Weir does explain why she develops such a narrative.

Without a doubt, this is my favourite of the series. I highly recommend it, and I am grateful to Headline/NetGalley for the earc.

At just nineteen, Katheryn Howard is quick to trust and fall in love. She comes to court. She sings, she dances. She captures the heart of the King. Henry declares she is his rose without a thorn. But Katheryn has a past of which he knows nothing. It comes back increasingly to haunt her. For those who share her secrets are waiting in the shadows, whispering words of love and blackmail.

This is probably the instalment I was looking forward to the most in the Six Tudor Queens series. I could not wait to see how Weir would portray Katheryn Howard and was keen to immerse myself in her world. I was not to be disappointed!

'Katheryn Howard' is a sumptuous, sweeping tale of a life cut short. Weir perfectly captures the emotion behind the history. We know what happens to Katheryn but I was still gripped by this, desperate for the ending to be anything but the truth. This is a haunting, emotive read and one perfect for all history lovers.

Katheryn Howard is truly brought to life throughout this. Weir portrays her as a naïve, young girl, thrust into the spotlight by those who supposedly look out for her. It is easy for readers to feel sympathy. As the book progresses, more naivety shines through, at times her behaviour and thoughts are shocking but they show how much Katheryn was used by those around her.

'Katheryn Howard' might just be my favourite instalment. I loved the characterisation, the atmosphere and once again, immersing myself in the Tudor world. Historical perfection.

Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for an advance copy.