Welcome to my review of a debut author’s new release: Anne & Henry is Dawn Ius’ retelling of the infamous story of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.  We all know that ended badly, but just how would a modern-day retelling of the story provide some new moments, or encourage the investigation of the actual couple?  Perfect for readers in grade 9 and above, please read on for my review.

Book Review:

Make no mistake about it, this is Anne’s Story: her trials with being the rebellious outsider, spurned and scorned by many who are uncomfortable with her clear thinking, devil-may-care approach to boys, life and her own single-minded determination.  She’s bold, brassy, motorcycle riding, sharp tongued and intelligent.  With one HUGE flaw.  She is intrigued by Henry.

Henry is exactly what one would expect from the ”golden boy” – raised without consequence, every whim granted on a silver platter, no true ramifications for anything and the attention span of a gnat.  Completely unlikable, utterly without redeeming features, the lauded charms of the original Henry (he was purported to be funny, charming, athletic, and intelligent) missing, he was the character you had to dislike.  Especially as he discards the new and shiny in favor of something different, simply because he never had to work to get anything.

Ius has a wonderful writing style, she keeps readers engaged even with the horrible ‘hero’, because you need to know what is next. If I had one complaint, the accuracy with which she correlates the real couple to this fictional one forced some moments that would have been better felt and integrated had they come to the couple naturally.  Using source material as inspiration is a wonderful tool, and Ius did that well, with only a few hiccups.  A wonderfully promising debut offering that promises more great work in the future.

Title: Anne & Henry
Author: Dawn Ius, Dawn Ius
Genre: Contemporary Teen Fiction
Published by: Simon Pulse
ISBN: 1481439413
Published on: 1 September 2015
Format:eARC
Source: Publisher Via Edelweiss
Pages: 304
Rated:
Get Your Copy: Amazon ♦ iTunes ♦ Kobo ♦ Downpour ♦ Book Depository
See this Title on Goodreads

In this wonderfully creative retelling of the infamous—and torrid—love affair between Anne Boleyn and King Henry VIII, history collides with the present when a sizzling romance ignites in a modern-day high school.

Henry Tudor’s life has been mapped out since the day he was born: student body president, valedictorian, Harvard Law School, and a stunning political career just like his father’s. But ever since the death of his brother, the pressure for Henry to be perfect has doubled. And now he’s trapped: forbidden from pursuing a life as an artist or dating any girl who isn’t Tudor-approved.

Then Anne Boleyn crashes into his life.

Wild, brash, and outspoken, Anne is everything Henry isn’t allowed to be—or want. But soon Anne is all he can think about. His mother, his friends, and even his girlfriend warn him away, but his desire for Anne consumes him.

Henry is willing to do anything to be with her, but once they’re together, will their romance destroy them both?

Inspired by the true story of Anne Boleyn and King Henry VIII, Anne & Henry beautifully reimagines the intensity, love, and betrayal between one of the most infamous couples of all time.

A copy of this title was provided via Publisher Via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

 

 

About Dawn Ius

DAWN IUS is a short-story author, novelist, screenwriter, professional editor, and communications specialist. She is co-founder and senior editor of Vine Leaves Literary Journal, Assistant Managing Editor of the International Thriller Writers’ e-zine, The Big Thrill, and the author of ten educational graphic novels published by the Alberta Canola Producers Commission. Her first contemporary young adult novel, ANNE & HENRY, will be published Fall 2015 from Simon Pulse, and her yet unpublished novel HEARTLESS was recently optioned for development of a TV show by Verite Films.

Dawn also writes young adult thriller and paranormal fiction under the last name DALTON. Her short story, THREAD OF THE PAST was included in the SPIRITED anthology (Leap Books, 2012), and her novel, KILLER’S INSTINCT (Leap Books, 2013), co-written with Judith Graves, was nominated for the Silver Falchion award. As well, her short story DRUNK was published in an Alice-in-Wonderland-inspired anthology, FALLING FOR ALICE, April 2015, by Vine Leaves Press.

When she’s not slaying fictional monsters, she’s geeking out over fairy tales, Jack Bauer, Halloween, sports cars, and all things that go bump in the night. Dawn lives in Alberta, Canada, with her husband, Jeff, and their giant English Mastiff, Roarke.

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Tumblr