Pauline Francis

Alternating chapters tell the story of Ned ( a fugitive Catholic boy) and Jane (the famous Lady Jane Grey who was Queen of England for 9 days)and tells of a fictional romance between them. This book has some sexual content ( nothing very graphic)and therefore is suitable for older students only. There is also a great deal of discussion about God and the merits and flaws of the Catholic Church and the Church of England because this is when the book is set; at the height of the hatred between show more the followers of King Henry VIII and Mary Queen of Scots. The end is harrowing as Ned elects to be the one who beheads Jane, ensuring her a swift death - Yikes! show less

This is a wonderful little book! It's about Lady Jane Grey (the Nine Day Queen of England).The author tells the story wonderfully, sticking to history while also adding in just enough fiction to make it belivable! Lady Jane Grey has always interested me, so this book held particular charm for me. A good read!

This was a bit dark for me. I know it's based on Lady Jane Grey (and we all know what happened to HER!), but I thought there might be a little room for some light-heartedness. I also think that Ned wasn't a very interesting character, but maybe that's just me - I'm not a romantic.

This was certainly not the best book I've read about young Elizabeth's early years as she struggles in the shadows of her mother's execution, but it was okay.