The Queen's Fool

Hannah Green just wants to wear pants, Goddammit.

Oh, Ms. Gregory, I have finally fallen in love with one of your characters. Though Katherine of Aragon has a special place in my heart, Hannah Green stole the entire organ and ran for her gender-confused life. 

Henry VII's reign is finally over, he's dead and worm food. His heir? His only son Edward, who dies of an unfortunate sickness. Haha, Henry. Haha. Before his death, two of his trusted allies locate Hannah Green by chance in her father's bookstore. Disguised as a boy, Hannah has a secret talent that allows her to see into the future, among other things. Hannah and her father are immigrants from Spain, fleeing from the Inquisition to protect their Jewish heritage. Robert Dudley believes that Hannah has holy visions and informs Edward of her talents. She becomes a fool, A HOLY FOOL, to amuse the king. Next in line for the throne is the daughter of Henry and Katherine (yay!), Mary. Mary inherits Hannah as a fool and they form a bond between them. 

But this bond is threatened by Mary's half sister, Elizabeth. Hannah finds herself caught between the two in a vicious catfight for the throne. Throw in some forbidden love for Robert Dudely, a betrothed that's constantly disappointed, and a woman who just wants to wear pants, dammit. What does that get you? An awesome book.

Hannah Green has some balls. Though I can't reveal all the twists and turns that take place, she does make me insanely happy. Why? Because she stands up to the men. Sure, it takes her a while to grow into her own. But when she does, she's amazing. She's strong, independent, and stubborn.

I left some lack-luster reviews for the previous books. My frustration with the time period was too great. I hated the lack of intelligence in the former queens. They lacked real personality, and ended up being the same vain, selfish person in a different body. While Hannah is not perfect in every way, she challenges male authority and even challenges the queen on a few occasions. 

I'm hopin' and prayin' that the last two books give me something to rave about.