Anyone interested in this part of history must have wondered 'what if?' and it's a great idea for a novel. Alas, I felt that the character of Henry was untrue to the representations usually associated with him, and he seemed easily influenced by those closest to him, in particular Catherine.

It really didn't seem that much of anything happened once we got past the birth and survival of young Henry. By 50% it be and a chore to read and I only completed it because it was short enough to get through quickly. The final chapters of the book languish as heavily as Henry, who, recovering from a jousting accident, becomes an entirely passive voice and therefore not the vibrant, interesting take on history that I was hoping this would be. ( )