Reviews

My Lady Jane by Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand, Jodi Meadows

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oldcrow1111's review against another edition

4.0

4.5 stars. A delightful romp, this book reminded me a bit of Monty Python, and a bit of the TV Show Reign. However, it’s unique brand of humor and alternate angle on history made it something all its own. I realized how few humorous books I read; but, I enjoyed this immensely and will continue with the series. The only downside was one particular scene, in the last quarter of the book, that seemed to work against the feminist approach for which the rest of the novel spoke.

gracebirdly's review against another edition

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4.0

I loved this book! It was hilarious, the story was interesting and I was slightly informed (I mean it is kind of historical fiction) and yes (she sighed begrudgingly) I loved the romance as well. All in all, a fun read and definitely something I would recommend! 4.5 stars

fallingrocket's review

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adventurous funny lighthearted

3.0

dayamarie's review against another edition

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3.0

I tried reading the book and couldn’t get past the first couple of chapters. This time I listened to the book and made it through. About half way through I started to enjoy it and found myself laughing out loud. In the end it was a fun, albeit strange, book.

beaniedorman's review against another edition

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5.0

I absolutely loved this book! I went into it a little hesitantly, because I don't normally enjoy books with this level of humor. I tend to read books that are more serious--more action, more politics, with themes that weigh a little heavier on the mind and soul. But My Lady Jane proved to be a welcome break from the more serious genres, a breath of fresh air that make me laugh and appreciate a different kind of YA that I usually experience.

I enjoy character driven novels. While My Lady Jane (loosely) "follows" historical events, it is still very focused on the main characters and their personal journeys. Character development happens slowly, which makes it feel all the more real (and the witty "narrator" portions of the book keep it light-hearted even through the most serious of moments). I quickly became entangled with the stories of bookish Jane, poetic Gifford, and boy-king Edward. The characters were so fully imagined that it was no time at all before I was fully absorbed into their story.

Along with character-driven books, I also read quite a large selection of books that involve some form of magic, and I can be quite picky about that as well. If it is forced, or too convenient, or seems to be false in any other way, I will generally be very annoyed by its very existence by the end of the book. But that was not the case here. The magical element that should seem so very out of place in the nearly Elizabethen age is blended seamlessly in with the castles and English countryside.

For a book that is so focused on comedy, I never expected to find so much to hold on to and enjoy. There are even important themes discussed here, like sexism, discrimination, marriage, and identity, to name a few. Really, I'm finding it hard to put into words how much I loved reading this book. So do not be put off by its promise of humor (though there is plenty). This is still a book that can leave you with something solid at its end. I will be eagerly watching for any signs of a new collaboration from these authors, and when the day comes, I will not hesitate to read anything they create.