Kristina: The Girl King, Sweden, 1638

Again, one of the better books of the series for me. I think because I didn't know anything about her or a lot of Swedish culture. This was a good book, informational, but still fun. I'm happy I got to learn about this incredible woman. I would recommend this book, but it is obviously for younger readers. 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Interesting story of Kristina, daughter of King Gustav II Adolph of Sweden, who was raised more as a boy than as a girl (and liked it that way, at least according to the story). It was a fascinating glimpse of a time and place about which I know very little - though I must admit, as soon as I realized who her father was I was thinking about her in Eric Flint's 163x universe. It's written as her diary, describing each day; we get to see quite a bit of what she does, and what she thinks about her situation. Two things that puzzled me - the author, in her afterword, claims that Kristina is the second-most talked about ruling woman (after Cleopatra) - I've never heard of her before, and would put Elizabeth I and Eleanor of Aquitaine show more considerably higher. And in the sketch of Kristina's life that follows the diary, it turns out that she abdicates very shortly after assuming the throne, and leaves Sweden to her cousin (who she likes, but considers not as good as she is at...just about everything). I wonder if the woman depicted in the diary isn't true to life, or what happened to change her mind so quickly (maybe just the continuing pressure to marry?). A mildly interesting book; I always enjoy learning about a new period of history. show less

A girl destined to be king? King Gustav II Adolf of Sweden always wanted a boy, however, when his daughter Kristina was born, he declared her his heir and raised her in the same fashion as a prince would be. Kristina’s keeps a diary that documents her unique lifestyle around the age of twelve in which she studies foreign languages, weaponry, and horseback riding. When her father dies she does not become the Queen of Sweden, but the King. The author tells the story through Kristina’s multiple diary entries, which reflect her personal thoughts. Though a work of fiction, the book provides additional bibliographical information about Kristina, her family, and country. Compared to other historical figures in the Royal Diaries series, show more Kristina is not as well known, which may not attract as many readers. An early young adult book of historical fiction that readers ages 9-14 will enjoy once they get into it. Recommended. show less

This diary follows Kristina, whose father has died without a son and therefore named Kristina as the future king of Sweden. Kristina solely wants her freedom and feels trapped and stifled by her family and the pressures of her title. This is a great novel for girls to read because it shows that for years women have been questioning their roles in society and challenging them. Kristina always tries to do what is best for her family without compromising what she needs for herself. It also shows the different kind of lives that girls had to live in this time perios, Kristina is only twelve but she is already receiving pressure from her family and council to find someone to marry even though Kristina doesn’t even want to get married. show more Recommended for ages 9+. show less

Before Kristina was born, her parents, King Gustav II Adolf of Sweden and his wife Maria Eleonora, had tried for years to have a child that survived. While her mother was pregnant with her, astrologers predicted Kristina would be a boy. Kristina's mother wept with disappointment upon discovering that her newborn infant was female, but her father declared his daughter would be as good as any boy. And when no more children were born to her parents and her father died when Kristina was just six, she inherited the throne of Sweden. Now eleven years old and waiting for the day when she will be old enough to rule on her own, Kristina begins a diary on Midsummer Day, 1638. She describes her education, which is that of a boy, as well as show more holidays and festivals and her difficult relationship with her mother.

I highly recommend this book to all fans of The Royal Diaries series. It brings to life the story of Kristina, a lesser-known royal whose life was fascinating. I also loved the unique setting. I truly enjoyed learning about a place and time I knew nothing about. show less

Fictional journal of Kristina, heir to the Swedish throne as she is raised to fill masculine shoes.

I absolutely love the entire Royal Diaries series. They are all incredibly brilliant. MY favorite are Jahanara, Eleanor and Lady of Ch'iao Kuo. They're a great way to learn history.