Review: Tarnish by Katherine Longshore

Tarnish by Katherine Longshore

Published: June 18th, 2013

Publisher: Viking

Pages: 448

Anne Boleyn is the odd girl out. Newly arrived to the court of King Henry VIII, everything about her seems wrong, from her clothes to her manners to her witty but sharp tongue. So when the dashing poet Thomas Wyatt offers to coach her on how to shine at court—and to convince the whole court they’re lovers—she accepts. Before long, Anne’s popularity has soared, and even the charismatic and irresistible king takes notice. More than popularity, Anne wants a voice—but she also wants love. What began as a game becomes high stakes as Anne finds herself forced to make an impossible choice between her heart’s desire and the chance to make history.

Review: 

Tarnish was simply amazing. The best historical fiction novels are the ones that trick you into wondering, maybe that person won't die a horrible death after all! Tarnish was about Anne Boleyn's life pre-Henry VIII, which was a refreshing and welcome way of telling her story. 

The idea of power in this book was intriguing. I loved how Anne didn't actively seek power, as one might expect going in blind. Anne's pure motivation is to be known. To be remembered for being who she was. For her words. As a woman, and an untitled one, her job is cut out for her. Tarnish examined Anne's struggles and how women were treated during this time period. It did it in such an honest manner, I just want to shove this book at my friends and scream 'READ IT!'

Even though the book takes on some heavy topics, it still had a blossoming love story. The love story was not the main plot, which I preferred rather than having it overshadow everything else. I can't say that I've ever read another book with Anne and Thomas Wyatt being the focus, rather than Anne and Henry VIII. Thomas was such a charming and slimy fellow, and he helped Anne discover who she was. Their love story obviously does not end well, but Tarnish will immortalize their (however fictional) love.

All in all, this book was amazing. Katherine Longshore is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I can't wait until she writes more!

Review: Gilt by Katherine Longshore

Gilt by Katherine Longshore
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Published: May 15th, 2012
Pages: 398
My Source: ARC

My review:

This book throws the reader into the marvelous court life of Catherine Howard and her friends. Catherine is one of the infamous Henry VIII's wives, and this book captures her short life through the eyes of her best friend, Kitty Tynley.

I really, really loved this book. I'm a fan of reading this era of historical-fic, and this book was a total guilty pleasure. But it wasn't fluffy, at all. It was a deep and rather dark book, that exposed you, the reader, to the lies, deception, and scheming that went on in Henry VIII's court. It also had some sexual scenes. I figured out that it was Viking Juvenile only when I looked on the Goodreads page. It honestly strikes me as a borderline YA-adult book with its dark and provocative nature.

All the characters in the book were twisted and extremely interesting. Except Cat, she was just  awful. I'm not even going to lie, the fifth star is knocked off mostly because of her attitude. But, she is one of the most vital parts of this story. And for her insanity--I thank it. It was definitely fun to read about. Her dysfunctional relationship with Kitty, and all of her 'friends' added so much depth to each of them.

Although really, Cat & Kitty? I spent the first chapter thinking they were the same person.

I recommend this to fans of historical-fiction. Especially those who are fascinated by Henry VIII (as I am.) Fans of The Luxe would especially like this book, anyone who likes to read about big dresses and even bigger lies.

4/5 lightbulbs