Tudor Chronicles: The Queen of the Dying lightAuthor: Terry Deary
Publication Details: Orion Children's; London 1999 - 2006 Rating: 4 out of 5 The Queen of the Dying Light tells of the terrifying Tudor times through the story of the Marsden family, an old land owning family situated on the Northern border of England near Weymouth. |
Will Marsden and Meg Longly go to the aid of local herbalist Widow Atkins to rescue her from the clutches of Puritan Cartwright and his cronies, only to find themselves on charges of witchcraft as well. Will and Meg then make the long journey to London to seek a pardon from the dying Queen Elizabeth I.
The Queen of the Dying Light is a historically accurate, yet fictional story of the uncertain time in England's history as it awaited the inevitable death of the last Tudor of England, Elizabeth I. Deary uses the first person narration of Will Marsden and gives the reader more backstory of England's monarchial rule predating the main narrative with additional stories woven throughout. One such story is told by Will's grandmother, who was a lady in waiting to Elizabeth's mother Anne Boleyn, as well as stories told by Will's grandfather and father. Deary's writing style uses vivid description and particularly excels in descriptions of light and dark and unpleasant smells. After reading this novel, you'll never be able to think of Queen Elizabeth I without thinking of cracking painted face and rotten breath - disgusting!
The Queen of the Dying Light is a historically accurate, yet fictional story of the uncertain time in England's history as it awaited the inevitable death of the last Tudor of England, Elizabeth I. Deary uses the first person narration of Will Marsden and gives the reader more backstory of England's monarchial rule predating the main narrative with additional stories woven throughout. One such story is told by Will's grandmother, who was a lady in waiting to Elizabeth's mother Anne Boleyn, as well as stories told by Will's grandfather and father. Deary's writing style uses vivid description and particularly excels in descriptions of light and dark and unpleasant smells. After reading this novel, you'll never be able to think of Queen Elizabeth I without thinking of cracking painted face and rotten breath - disgusting!