My Lady Jane

My Lady Jane is a collaborative novel by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows.

Edward is the King of England.  He's also dying, which is inconvenient, as he's only sixteen and he'd much rather be planning for his first kiss than considering who will inherit his crown...

Jane is Edward's cousin, and far more interested in books than in 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 is an Eðians (eth-y-un for the uninitiated). Every day at dawn he becomes a noble chestnut steed- but then he wakes 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?

The Breakdown:
1. These authors take one of histories most fascinating stories, to me, and turn it on its head and make their own. The power struggle for the throne of England, plus divided among different factions in England are played out in this book.  The authors just change the factions from Catholic and Protestant to the Verity (humans who stay human) and the Eðians (humans become animals with magic). This book is definitely more a whimsical romantic comedy that tragedy of the true story of Lady Jane.

2. The book's chapters are split from Edward, Jane and Gifford's perspectives so the authors do nicely showing each of their struggles and feelings about the situation they have been thrust into. I liked that each characters' chapter was very unique to them, and their voice so distinct.

3. Probably the thing that I liked that best about this book, was that is was extremely witty.  The characters were entertaining, and their dialogue so well done.  Then there is the excellence of the prologue, midlogue, and the author asides. I loved the author speaking directly to the reader, and multiple times they have me in tears from laughing.  Oh, and keep an eye out to references from some of my favorite movies, like Monty Python and the Holy Grail, etc.

4. If you are looking for a historically accurate account of Lady Jane Grey, this is not the book for you.  If you like a whimsical romance with a conspiracy thrown in, and some historical truths, this is a great read. Oh, and then there is the awesomeness of people turning into animals. (Just an FYI, if you want a little more accurate account of Lady Jane Grey, check of the movie with Cary Elwes and Helena Bonham Carter, Lady Jane.)

To Read or Not to Read:
Read