I do not think that there can ever be enough books about anything and I say that knowing that some of them are going to be about Pilates.The more knowledge the better seems like a solid rule of thumb, even though I have watched enough science fiction films to accept that humanity’s unchecked pursuit of learning will end with robots taking over the world.-Sarah Vowell

Friday, September 18, 2026

Henry Tudor Must Die by Jillian Laine

 


This alternative-history fantasy retells the story of Henry Tudor and his six wives.  Catherine of Aragon is living in exile without her daughter Mary and realizes she can fake her death when a nun who looks like her is very sick and dying.  The nun is buried with the pomp and circumstance of the former Queen she is imitating.  Lina, Catherine's childhood nickname, is now her name, and she starts working for the Helleborne Sisterhood, a large group of women run by Princess Marguerite of France.  This organization's goal is to provide equality for women in Europe. This means that women, in secret, are given an education, medical training, and work undercover in various countries as political spies who try to help the women of that country.

Lina is sent back to England from a Sisterhood hideaway to save Anne Boleyn, her enemy, who will quickly become her friend. Anne is a witch, and Lina gives her a bespelled ceremonial knife and spells she can use to keep from being beheaded.  On the chopping block, Anne casts a spell to make herself invisible and then cuts off her pinky finger to create a body double to die in her place.  Lina whisks her away to a hideout and waits for news from Princess Marguerite.  The princess has plans for the two to recruit witches for the cause.  They start with the great-great-grandniece of Joan of Arc, who helps them recruit hundreds more, saving many from being burned at the stake.  

None of this keeps Anne from her promise to kill Henry Tudor for the many evil things he has done.  Lina and Marguerite try to rein her in, but Anne knows that her time to enact revenge will come soon.  Meanwhile, Henry is on wife number five, Anne's cousin Katherine Howard.  Will the Sisterhood be able to save her from her fate?  This novel delves deep into the lives of the women and men of the 1500s and brings them into brilliant light, including the six wives, the Duke of Norfolk, Cromwell, and many others.  As these brave women try to right the wrongs against them, they will create strong bonds of friendship.   I found myself relating to these women and cheering them on.  While the ending is both sad and awesome, this is Laine's first adult novel, and she promises a sequel.  



Quotes

Just be happy when you can.  And when you can't, make your anger count.
Jillian Laine (Henry Tudor Must Die, p.130)

Gabriel had been beautiful in the way only a Parisian could be, with both strength and delicacy.
Jillian Laine (Henry Tudor Must Die, p. 149)

It was far easier for humans to devolve than to evolve.
Jillian Laine (Henry Tudor Must Die, p.211)

Perhaps this was how Anne felt--bottomless anger burning just hot enough to cover all her fear, for it was far easier to be angry than to be afraid.
Jillian Laine (Henry Tudor Must Die, p.214)








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