Tuesday, July 29, 2014

HFVBT: Barbara Kyle's The Queen's Exiles - Review


My thoughts
I didn't realize that this was book six in the Thornleigh saga, but quickly noticed that it was obvious these characters had interacted previously. However, not reading the previous books did not encumber my reading of this one at all. In fact, the author has a true talent for writing a series book to seem a stand alone novel.

I really enjoyed reading about the whole Elizabeth Tudor, Philip of Spain conflict from an outside perspective. Watching the story untold from eyes other than those of royalty made for a refreshing take on the story. Fenella is a terrific character. I love reading about strong women from that era because there really weren't many of them due to the way women were treated and forced to behave back then. It's one thing to be the queen and act independently - who is going to question you (at least, to your face)? But to be a common woman and so full of spark and independence...well, let's just say that Fenella didn't always have it very easy.

I now must go back to the other books in the series and see how the story began. Barbara Kyle has a true talent for writing the historical novel. Her books will always have a place on my shelves.

About the book
Publication Date: May 27, 2014
Kensington Publishing
Formats: Ebook, Paperback

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Europe is in turmoil. A vengeful faction of exiled English Catholics is plotting to overthrow Queen Elizabeth and install her cousin Mary, Queen of Scots on the throne. And in the Netherlands the streets are red with the blood of those who dare to oppose the brutal Spanish occupation. But amid the unrest, one resourceful young woman has made a lucrative enterprise. Scottish-born Fenella Doorn salvages crippled vessels. It is on one of these ships that she meets wealthy Baron Adam Thornleigh. Secretly drawn to him, Fenella can’t refuse when Adam enlists her to join him in war-torn Brussels to help find his traitorous wife, Frances—and the children she’s taken from him. But Adam and Fenella will put their lives in peril as they attempt to rescue his young ones, defend the Crown, and restore a peace that few can remember. With eloquent and enthralling finesse, Barbara Kyle illuminates one of history’s grimmest chapters. The Queen’s Exiles breathes new life into an extraordinary age when love and freedom could only be won with unmitigated courage.

READ THE FIRST CHAPTER.

Praise for The Queen’s Exiles
“Riveting Tudor drama in the bestselling vein of Philippa Gregory” – USA Today

“A bold and original take on the Tudors that dares to be different. Enjoy the adventure!” – Susanna Kearsley, New York Times bestselling author

“This moving adventure pulses with Shakespearean passions: love and heartbreak, risk and valour, and loyalties challenged in a savage time. Fenella Doorn, savvy and brave, is an unforgettable heroine.” – Antoni Cimolino, Artistic Director of the Stratford Festival

“Brilliant. A page-turner of love and loyalty in treacherous Tudor times. A truly unforgettable adventure.” – Deborah Swift, author of A Divided Inheritance

“A vivid and compelling novel by an author at the very top of her craft.” – Diane Haeger, author of I, Jane

Praise for Barbara Kyle’s Books

“Kyle knows what historical fiction readers crave.” – RT Book Reviews on Blood Between Queens

“A complex and fast-paced plot mixing history with vibrant characters” – Publishers Weekly on The King’s Daughter

“An all-action thriller, bringing to life the passion and perils of the Tudor period.” – Lancashire Evening Post on The King’s Daughter

“Riveting…adventurous…superb!” – The Historical Novels Review on The Queen’s Gamble

“An exciting tale of the intrigue and political manoeuvring in the Tudor court.” – Booklist on The Queen’s Captive

“Boldly strides into Philippa Gregory territory…sweeping, gritty and realistic.” – The Historical Novels Review on The Queen’s Lady



About the Author
Barbara Kyle is the author of the acclaimed, internationally-published Thornleigh Saga novels which follow a middle-class English family’s rise through three tumultuous Tudor reigns:

The Queen’s Exiles
Blood Between Queens
The Queen’s Gamble
The Queen’s Captive
The King’s Daughter
The Queen’s Lady

Barbara was a speaker in 2013 at the world-renowned Stratford Festival with her talk Elizabeth and Mary, Rival Queens and is known for her dynamic workshops for many writers’ organizations and conferences. Before becoming an author Barbara enjoyed a twenty-year acting career in television, film, and stage productions in Canada and the U.S.

For more information visit www.barbarakyle.com. You can also connect with Barbara at Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.


Visit other blogs on the tour--Tour Schedule
Twitter Hashtag:  #QueensExilesTour

A copy of this book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for providing it.

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2 comments:

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  1. Great Review. Is this novel a standalone or do you have to read the other five novels before you read The Queen's Exile?

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  2. That sounds so interesting! I've been testing out the historical fiction waters and have enjoyed the ones I've picked up recently. That's great she made it work so nicely as a standalone even though it really wasn't. Takes some talent to do that!

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