Synopsis
Edward (long live the king) is the King of England. He's also dying, which is inconvenient, as he's only sixteen and he's much rather be planning for his first kiss than considering who will inherit his crown . . .
Jane (reads too many books) is Edward's cousin, and far more interested in books than romance. Unfortunately for Jane, Edward has arranged to marry her off to secure the line of succession. And there's something a little odd about her intended . . .
Gifford (call him G) is a horse. That is, he's an Edian (eth-y-un, for the uninitiated). Every day at dawn he becomes a noble chestnut steed, but then he wakes at dusk with a mouthful of hay. It's all very undignified.
The plot thickens as Edward, Jane, and G are drawn into a dangerous conspiracy. With the fate of the kingdom at stake, our heroes will have to engage in some conspiring of their own. But can they pull off their plan before it's off with their heads?
Edward (long live the king) is the King of England. He's also dying, which is inconvenient, as he's only sixteen and he's much rather be planning for his first kiss than considering who will inherit his crown . . .
Jane (reads too many books) is Edward's cousin, and far more interested in books than romance. Unfortunately for Jane, Edward has arranged to marry her off to secure the line of succession. And there's something a little odd about her intended . . .
Gifford (call him G) is a horse. That is, he's an Edian (eth-y-un, for the uninitiated). Every day at dawn he becomes a noble chestnut steed, but then he wakes at dusk with a mouthful of hay. It's all very undignified.
The plot thickens as Edward, Jane, and G are drawn into a dangerous conspiracy. With the fate of the kingdom at stake, our heroes will have to engage in some conspiring of their own. But can they pull off their plan before it's off with their heads?
Jane (reads too many books) is Edward's cousin, and far more interested in books than romance. Unfortunately for Jane, Edward has arranged to marry her off to secure the line of succession. And there's something a little odd about her intended . . .
Gifford (call him G) is a horse. That is, he's an Edian (eth-y-un, for the uninitiated). Every day at dawn he becomes a noble chestnut steed, but then he wakes at dusk with a mouthful of hay. It's all very undignified.
The plot thickens as Edward, Jane, and G are drawn into a dangerous conspiracy. With the fate of the kingdom at stake, our heroes will have to engage in some conspiring of their own. But can they pull off their plan before it's off with their heads?
Loved
- Oh. My. Goodness. I just have to say that I originally was not interested in this book because it seemed too off-the-wall and cheesy. But I am SO glad I gave it a chance because I just absolutely adored this story and just about died at how funny it was.
- The narration. You know you're going to enjoy this story when the dedication at the beginning is for "everyone who knows there was enough room for Leonardo DiCaprio on thiat door." RIGHT?! That's when I knew I was in for a treat. The narration of this story is by three authors who've deemed themselves "the Lady Janies." Their narration is absolutely hilarious and extremely self-aware. They talk to the reader as they narrate and their deadpan observations and comments about the story had me in stitches. I'm convinced they could narrate the most heartbreaking story out there and still have me laughing.
- The humor. I truly don't think I've ever laughed out loud as much as I did while reading this story. Not only is the narration full of hilarious dry humor and witty observations, the characters and circumstances themselves are so bizarre that you can't help but die laughing. There are so many scenes that are ridiculously outlandish, but the narrators totally sell it by being self-aware at the absurdity of the circumstances.
- The references! There are some easter eggs in here of references from other books and movies. I just about melted when one of the characters quoted Ever After! That is my number one favorite movie, and seeing it in this story was just magic.
- The characters. I fell completely head-over-heels for Jane, Edward, G, and Gracie. Each of these characters is so endearing with their quirky personalities and unfortunate situations. I loved how the authors made an obscure name carved into the Tower of London- Lady Jane Grey- and brought her to life as a smart, witty, kind and courageous bookworm. The same can be said for Edward- a name we know in a line of kings became a relatable, well-meaning, but awkward teenager who has no idea what he's doing on the throne. And then add G in the mix- a nobleman who has the predicament of turning into a horse during the day. These characters are so vibrant and you can't help falling in love with them and rooting for them from the first page.
- The history (or changing of it). The Lady Janies are not to be held back by such a small insignificant thing as history. As my mom says, "Never let the truth get in the way of a good story." I love that these ladies take Lady Jane Grey's tragic story (being forced to become queen and then getting beheaded after nine days) and turn it into a wild romantic adventure. It was still fun to learn a little of her history and know that she was a real historical figure. I think Lady Jane Grey is smiling at her alternate ending if she's aware of it.
- The magic. Sometimes mixing magic and history doesn't work- but the Lady Janies pulled it off spectacularly. I thought it was brilliant to have Edians (people who turn into animals) and anti-Edians instead of Catholics and Protestants. The history is actually fairly accurate, but how much more fun to read about people who spontaneously turn into animals instead of a religious battle ;)
- The romance. Jane and G's romance is just the icing on the cake of such as fantastic, wacky story. I absolutely loved how they reconciled their differences and loved each other despite their very quirky personalities (and abilities to turn into animals). Their love story was hilarious and unconventional, but utterly sweet and satisfying.
Didn't Love
- I wouldn't change a single word of this story- it was absolute perfection and I will reread it over and over again whenever I need a laugh and a wild adventure :)
Content
- Language:
- I'm 99% sure there is no swearing- the only word that might have been used is "damn."
- Sexual content:
- One character wants everyone to believe he is spending nights with women, but really he is at poetry readings.
- Two characters are married without really knowing each other, and they both fret over what will happen when they have to consecrate their marriage.
- A married couple sees each other without clothing as they change from animal to human.
- A few kisses, nothing intense at all.
- Violence:
- A character is poisoned slowly over the course of a few months so the throne can be taken. He is beaten and chained and has to escape before he is killed.
- Lots of pursuits and fights with knives and swords, some minor injuries.
- Lots of talk of beheading and killing Edians.
- I'm 99% sure there is no swearing- the only word that might have been used is "damn."
- One character wants everyone to believe he is spending nights with women, but really he is at poetry readings.
- Two characters are married without really knowing each other, and they both fret over what will happen when they have to consecrate their marriage.
- A married couple sees each other without clothing as they change from animal to human.
- A few kisses, nothing intense at all.
- A character is poisoned slowly over the course of a few months so the throne can be taken. He is beaten and chained and has to escape before he is killed.
- Lots of pursuits and fights with knives and swords, some minor injuries.
- Lots of talk of beheading and killing Edians.
Comments
Post a Comment