Rival to the Queen

Normally, I enjoy Erickson's books which are usually well written and filled with historical tidbits. However, Rival to the Queen is a great disappointment and in fact, I think her worst offering to date.

The Tudors are fascinating and there is a plethora of information and multitude of books about the host of characters. Like many, I'm fascinated by this historical time period. Sadly, this book was a waste of time.

Lettice Knollys was the cousin of Elizabeth I. Lettice was the grand daughter of Anne Boleyn's sister Mary. As Elizabeth's youthfulness faded, Lettice retained her good looks and spirited personality.

Robert Dudley was the long-term love of Elizabeth. After waiting many years for Elizabeth, he grew weary and married show more Lettice.

Erickson's portrayal of Elizabeth, Robert and Lettice fell flat. None of the characters were portrayed with a depth of feeling or emotion. The writing seemed trite and trivial.

While I finished the book, it felt like a slow wade in muddy waters where feet get stuck in sloppy muck.

No Stars. Not Recommended. show less

This wasn't by any stretch of the imagination a great novel or even great writing; but it was enjoyable, light and fast reading.

The story follows the life of Leticia Knollys, cousin to Queen Elizabeth I, who had the nerve to secretly marry Robert Dudley (who at one time had ambitions to be King), Elizabeth's favorite sycophant & courtier.

The story follows Leticia, her sister Cecily (who seemed quite a nasty piece), her father (a very loyal councilor to the Queen and to Henry VIII & Edward before her), and other members of the family.

It was interesting to learn of their time in Germany during the reign of Mary Tudor, the persecution of the Anabaptists by the German Protestants, the strict control that the German Protestants exerted over show more their community members......

Unlike other works of historical fiction I have read, there were no afterwords citing historical facts and that did disappoint me.....

This is good for a light entertaining read. show less

As a fan of Carolly Erickson's other novels, I had to pick up her latest, Rival to the Queen. I was, however, concerned when I saw all of the negative reviews out there about it. I mean, I've never thought Erickson was an amazing author, but a decent one who could write entertaining books and had the potential to write great ones. Though I didn't run to the bookstore the day Rival hit shelves, it still made my "to read" pile, and when I saw it for a good price at my local used books store, I just had to pick it up.

Rival to the Queen follows the story of Letita Knollys, a cousin of Queen Elizabeth I and descendant of Mary Boleyn, and, most likely the illegitimate granddaughter of King Henry VIII. Though Lettie is somewhat of a rival to show more Elizabeth for the throne due to her royal blood, this novel focuses primarily on the rivalry between Lettie and Elizabeth for the heart of Robert "Robin" Dudley. Lettie, from a young age, observes the turbulent world she lives in, particularly due to the powerful religious movements throughout Europe. Though Lettie is a member of the lower gentry, she goes to court in the hopes of securing a wealthy husband. She finds Robbin Dudley, a favorite of Elizabeth and a highly eligible bachelor.

I really should have listened to the reviewers on this one. I hate to say this, but Rival to the Queen is the worst novel by Erickson I've ever read. Though I haven't read her entire library, I've read the majority of it, and I have to say that I've read better.

The characters are flat. The setting seem hazy. There's a serious lack of detail and the relationships between the characters seem forced and contrived.

What else is there to say? There are a few small reprieves in this book-the pacing is quick enough to keep readers interested and the novel is short enough to finish, but it's sad when you're dying to get to the end of less-than-300-page book. show less

I've not read a book centered on Lettice Knollys, Mary Boleyn's daughter, prior to this. Interesting viewpoint of the reign on Elizabeth I. Both women in love with the same man. Therein lies the rivalry. There are a couple of things that I don't think fit in the storyline, but overall, it was a good quick read and I enjoyed it.

My second read by this author and she is really turning me on to historical fiction. This book focuses on the reign of Queen Elizabeth, The Virgin Queen and her lifelong conflicts with her cousin Lettie.

My second read by this author and she is really turning me on to historical fiction. This book focuses on the reign of Queen Elizabeth, The Virgin Queen and her lifelong conflicts with her cousin Lettie.

Ugh. No. Just no. Beyond not liking any of the characters (Erickson clearly dislikes Elizabeth, and she didn’t do Lettice many favors), Essex really did rebel, he didn’t just come back from Ireland quickly. And Elizabeth never sent lettice to seize Amy Dudley’s bed hangings.