'Mary I' is the next offering in the Tudor Rose series and yet again, Weir has delivered a compelling, fascinating historical read. I thought Weir's depiction of Mary I was interesting and as Weir states at the end, differs to the view of recent historians. However, I thought it to be a true and fair portrayal and definitely offers food for thought. For me, Weir's notes at the end really added to this book and helped to explain why certain events and people have been portrayed in a certain way. At times, I found this a difficult read and I was frustrated with Mary and her actions but Weir does manage to garner some sympathy for Mary as well and I think this has something for everyone.
Weir captures the people around Mary very well and I enjoyed following Mary's thoughts on the people and events happening around her. This is another exquisite read from Weir which I would highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for an advance copy.

The story is told effortlessly, with no large chunks of historical knowledge injected, as one would anticipate from this author, and it is a nice story. I truly appreciated it, as well as the fact that the story was conveyed so effortlessly, considering the extensive study that went into it. The novel was fantastic. The author is an excellent writer. This is a must-read for anyone interested in Tudor history! This tells the story of Mary (the infamous Bloody Mary) from childhood to death. I enjoyed reading it as if she were telling us her story in her own words, and it gave me a wonderful sense of who she was and all of her hardships. You can see how her parents' actions influenced her life, as well as her strong religious views, which created the lady she became. This is a compelling historical account that doesn't leave any information out. I was truly transported back in time while reading this book, and I feel much more knowledgeable about Mary as a result. A thoroughly researched book.

This is a must read for all Tudor interested history fans! This tells Mary's story (the infamous Bloody Mary) from childhood to her death. I loved reading it as if it is her telling us her story in her own words and gives me a really good sense of who she was and all the trials of her life. You can see how her parents actions really influenced her life and her devout religious beliefs that shaped the woman that she became. This is a powerful historical account that doesn't miss out or skimp on details. I really was transported back in time reading this book and I feel so much more knowledgeable on Mary after reading it. A well researched book.

This was my first Weir book and I really enjoyed it! It was well researched and written and I found myself wizzing through this book, unable to put it down. Such a fantastic storyteller.

I am a massive fan of Alison Weir’s historical fiction, it is meticulously researched in a way most of her contemporaries are not. This one didn’t disappoint, despite Mary being a less sympathetic character than the majority of Henry 8th’s wives. Weir really gave this polarising character a voice, one that wasn’t always a sympathetic character. It was easy to read and very entertaining, even though at times I wanted to give her a good shake.

I really hope Alison Weir continues to write these books. I presume the next one will be one on Elizabeth, though with such a long reign I wonder whether one book will do her justice. I would also love a book about Mary Queen of Scots, her life has always fascinated me and is full of drama. Also Margaret Lennox, the Scottish Princess - who has been a bit character in a few of Weirs books. Either way, I hope these books continue, I have bought every one in hardback.

Whilst I have long been a huge fan of Alison Weirs research and history books I didn’t enjoy her Six Queens fiction series so I approached this without much enthusiasm. I’m thrilled though to say I was utterly wrong. I loved this story, the author brilliantly brings Mary to life and takes us on a rollercoaster journey with her - though her parents divorce to the terrible revenge she takes on Cramner. I started out loving Mary and ended up hating her whilst still feeling sympathy for her…….which is testament to the authors skill. The story is fast paced, detailed and very emotional. I loved this.

Incredibly detailed historical research, such as one would expect from this author, but the tale is told easily, with no great chunks of historical information inserted, and it is a good story. I really enjoyed it and the fact that the tale was so effortlessly told, despite the research that wenr into it,. The novel was brilliant. The author is a fantastic writer. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for giving me a copy of the book.