Really Loved

Narration by Katherine Kellgren

YA Historical Fiction/ Fantasy

Soundtrack: Six by Six

Immediately charming and humorous with a warm narration and a fast-moving plot, My Lady Jane is an imaginative re-telling of the events surrounding King Edward VI’s death, Lady Jane Grey’s brief rise to the throne, and the end of Mary Tudor’s reign. Ya’ll, when I say I am obsessed with the Tudors, I am not exaggerating; I was Elizabeth I for Halloween in fifth grade (nerdy bookworm from the start).  I inhaled both Reign and The Tudors when the shows ran and have repeated the Six Peloton ride multiple times.   Somehow, I didn’t even realize the new Amazon Prime show was based on a book until booksmart posted her review. I must read a book before viewing the adaptation, so I immediately grabbed this from the library. I swear this is a review and not just me talking about myself if you continue below)

This novel is delightful. The narration by Kellgren is top-notch, with unique accents for each character that keep you wrapped up in the story. Told through three points of view (Lady Jane, Edward, and Jane’s husband Guilford), we follow our characters through the eventful summer of 1553. I loved the twist of making the Catholic vs Protestant persecutions into those who are Eðian, who can turn into animals, and those who cannot the Verities. There was the same tension and animosity without delving into religion. 

While I am very familiar with actual history, I was wrapped up in this version and rooting for the character’s happiness from the start. I love when an audiobook lets you escape and I was traipsing all over the English countryside with my new friends in my mind. The authors’ humor was effortless, and the changing POV made the chapters accessible to manage. While this is very YA and closed-door kissing only, you couldn’t help but root for the arranged marriage subplot to blossom into a real romance. The magic/ fantasy was easily understood and incorporated into the actual historical events. 

It is worth noting the show is decidedly not young adult and contains lots of adult themes!