By H. M. Castor (author)
Ebook Digital. Available Immediately. Country restrictions apply. £16.32
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This is the story of Henry VIII from handsome young prince to cruel king. How did this talented skilful warrior turn into a villainous monster? This is historical fiction at its best but played out from a different angle with the tension of a psychological thriller and the eeriness of a ghost story with a contemporary and original writing style. It's also beautifully and lavishly produced in a hardback format.
VIII is the story of Hal: a young, handsome, gifted warrior, who belives he has been chosen to lead his people. But he is plagued by the ghosts of his family's violent past and, once he rises to power, he turns to murder and rapacious cruelty. He is Henry VIII.' . . . a story which grips from beginning to end'Celia Rees, author of Witch Child
“Great stuff. I loved reading books like this when I was younger. A modern take on historical fiction. Exciting, fascinating and surprisingly scary.” Charlie Higson, author of Young Bond and The Enemy
“Castor tells this story in the person of Henry VIII – audacious, yes, but she succeeds brilliantly, portraying the troubled soul of Henry from youth to old age.” The Bookseller
“H. M. Castor brings the dark and dangerous world of the Tudors to bloody life. In a story which grips from beginning to end, Castor casts the familiar figure of Henry VIII in a fascinating new light. In H. M. Castor, teenage fiction has found its Philippa Gregory or C.J. Sansom.” Celia Rees, author of Witch Child and The Fool’s Girl
H. M. Castor has been obsessed with the Tudors since primary school. She studied Tudor History at Cambridge University, and despite spending time after that doing a variety of jobs – including teaching English in Prague and working as a Benesh Movement Notator for the Royal Ballet – the Tudors have never lost their hold on her. In particular she has been fascinated by the story of Henry VIII.
“I’ve read a great deal about his life,” she says, “but still a huge question has remained: just how does this extraordinary boy become one of the most villainous kings in British history? He is vastly talented, has astonishing warrior skills, and is said to be a model of virtue. So what turns him into a monster? In writing VIII I’ve set out to answer that question.”
H. M. Castor lives in Bristol with her husband and two daughters.
You can also read contributions from H M Castor on The History Girls blog - click here.
Press below to hear the author talking about VIII.
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VIII is the story of Hal: a young, handsome, gifted warrior, who belives he has been chosen to lead his people. But he is plagued by the ghosts of his family's violent past and, once he rises to power, he turns to murder and rapacious cruelty.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed VIII and determined it is suitable for children aged 11-14 years old
VIII features in the following genres: Books of the Month, Recommendations, Historical Fiction, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Recommended Children's eBooks, Featured Books for 13+ readers, Featured Books for 11+ readers
Paperback, Ebook, Hardback. £16.32. Digital. Available Immediately. Country restrictions apply..
VIII was written by H. M. Castor and published by Penguin Random House Australia
£16.32. Digital. Available Immediately. Country restrictions apply..
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