Henry VIII is on the throne, and a mysterious book is wreaking havoc in Europe and the Church. Two women, Rose and Anne, and their guardian angels are steeped in the midst of this momentous unrest...In the Shadow of Lions by author Ginger Garrett.

While perhaps anyone familiar with today's historical fiction can tell who the woman on the book cover is with one glance, and this first novel in the Chronicles of the Scribe series is called "A novel of Anne Boleyn," I wouldn't call it that. Although she is a key player in this story, Anne isn't exactly set up as the key player.

This tale with bold supernatural elements casts Anne in a rather different light than is usual for her in popular culture. But even with her devoutness in this account, she isn't a perfect saint who knows it all, and this isn't a sweet novel. Though sensual at times, it isn't romantic. It's gruesome and tragic, a depiction of a hellish period in Christendom.

I'll admit I nearly gave up on this book after the first third of it, as I felt it spent too long speaking in riddles, and the choppy development made it hard for me to get a good grip on and to feel for the characters, who are each in some kind of agony. For all their belief in a Prince of Peace, no one is at peace here.

Still, novels that are so marinated in historical flavor are hard for me to turn down, and I do enjoy this author's deft, sharp, ironic style, even when it's haunting. Sometimes I do need something on the darker side, and while it isn't pretty, much of this novel's relevance is in its illustration of how ugly and base "the faith" can become in the hands of self-serving people.

So much religion. So much "holiness." So much judgment. So much profession of Christ accompanied by little to no real love.

Have we or have we not learned from history? ( )

I almost gave up on this book while reading the first few chapters, but I'm glad I didn't. While I confused at times, I wanted to see how it ended. Of course I knew Anne Boleyn was beheaded, but I didn't know why other than she didn't produce a male heir. I didn't get into the modern story at all and sometimes wasn't into Rose's. I'm not sure if I'll read more of this author's books, but I am interested in more about the Reformation. I thought the author's notes on the story and the discussion questions were good. ( )

This book is unusual in the way it is set up. We start in the modern times and then the point of view switches back and forth between modern and Anne Boleyn's time. Anne's character is often flat and confused about all the things happening around her, so she's definitely not portrayed like she is in other books. It's an okay read, but multiple points of views are a bit confusing, especially when they hardly seem to connect. ( )

I remember now that some of her writing is not the greatest but I like the story and find that it is a good reminder to be thankful fire the freedom of religion we enjoy in this country. ( )

I gave up. Couldn't figure out what was supposed to be happening. ( )