VIII - Softcover

H.M. Castor

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1848775008 ISBN 13: 9781848775008

Publisher: Templar, 2012

Destined for greatness - tormented by demons. VIII (Eight) is the untold story of Henry VIII, a gripping examination of why he turned from a charismatic teenager to the cruel tyrant he became in later life. Hal is a young, handsome and gifted warrior, who believes he has been divinely chosen to lead his people. But throughout his life, he is haunted by a ghostly apparition, and, once he rises to power, he turns to murder and rapacious cruelty.

Review:

This biographical and psychological portrayal of one of England's most notorious rulers is a meaty read for Tudor history fans and general audiences alike. Prince Hal is repeatedly reminded, especially by his father, that nothing grand is expected of him, because he is the "spare" son. This spurs him into believing that he is destined for greatness, believing in a prophecy that he is fated to rule England. When his brother, Arthur, suddenly dies, Hal clashes even more with his father; when he informs his father that he believes in compassionate and visible signs of leadership, he is mocked by the monarch. Upon his succession, Hal's obsession with regaining France and having an abundance of sons causes him to negate marriage after marriage, either through execution or dissolution. Even though Henry VIII's actions are depressingly familiar, Castor presents each event with surprisingly freshness. The author artfully depicts the descent of Hal's childhood idealism and gentle character into the better-known cruel and despotic nature of Henry VIII. Too often, historical fiction is overwrought with florid description and exposition, but Castor consistently and evenly balances description, dialogue, and action. Necessary information about England's pre-Tudor past is easily incorporated into the narrative. Characters, even secondary ones, are fully realized. A faithful depiction of dialogue is sacrificed for more modern speech, but it is never distracting or awkwardly out of place. This is a satisfying and engrossing portrayal of an incredible personality. (Jennifer Schultz Fauquier County Public Library)

'an impressive psychological thriller' (Children’s Buyers Guide)

'This is a new look at a much studied subject, and because it is written as a historical, psychological thriller it will bring Henry VIII to life for another generation' (Clare Poole The Bookseller)

"In her original and convincing account of Henry as a child, HMC makes an excellent fist of presenting a sensitive and intelligent boy who, as the spare not the heir, tries in vain to win his father Henry VII's interest and approval. This novel of turbulent times bristles with atmosphere and tension. This well-plotted atmospheric novel with its original psychological perspective from HMC (shades of JKRowling) we can no doubt expect more historical novels as stunning and engrossing as this one". (Books for Keeps)

'A well paced story which certainly holds the reader and shows what a horrific and brutal place was the Tudor court' (Carousel)

'compelling and completely absorbing ... a gripping often spookily scary insight into Henry VIII for teenage readers' (TbK mag)

'this is historical fiction at its best but played out from a different angle ... with a contemporary and original writing style. It's also beautifully and lavishly produced in a hardback format' (Lovereading4kids)

'Accessible, enjoyable and full of fascinating details, VIII is a page turner that encourages readers to eschew pre-conceptions and to look at this Tudor icon in a fresh light' (Linda Buckley-Archer Teenage Fiction pick ,The Guardian)

'I wish VIII by H M Castor had been published years ago ...the book deals with the psychology of a neglected adolescent who suddenly finds himself venerated and apparently chosen by God' (Merle Nygate Guardian readers Books of the Year, The Guardian)

'try not to miss H M Castor's VIII - told as if from the lips of Britain's much married monarch, history comes alive from first page to last' (Nicholas Tucker The Independent)

Book Description:

Destined for greatness. . . tormented by demons

• Publisher: Templar
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 1848775008
• ISBN 13: 9781848775008
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 400