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

My Lady Jane (Lady Janies, #1)

by Cynthia Hand, Jodi Meadows, and Brodi Ashton

Edward is the King of England. He's also dying, which is inconvenient, as he's only sixteen and he'd rather be planning his first kiss than who will inherit his crown. Jane, Edward's cousin, is far more interested in books than romance. Unfortunately, Edward has arranged to marry her off to Gifford secure the line of succession. And Gifford is, well, a horse. That is, he an Eðian (eth-y-un, for the uninitiated) who becomes a chestnut steed every morning, but wakes as a man at dusk, with a mouthful of hay. Very undignified. The plot thickens as the three are drawn into a dangerous conspiracy, and have to engage in some conspiring of their own. But can they pull off their plan before it's off with their heads?

Reviewed by Joséphine on

5 of 5 stars

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Actual rating: 4.5 stars

Initial thoughts: I’m hard pressed to think of any YA books I’ve read over the past couple of years that are nearly as hilarious as My Lady Jane; and I dare say this is the funniest (alternative) historical novel I’ve ever read. Seriously, ever! The audiobook narrator made it even more entertaining as she knew exactly how to deliver the punchlines, which made me grin to myself as I listened. The “magical” twist on the historical Protestant-Catholic conflict led to some ludicrous situations, what with the shapeshifting, that really drove the humour home. I wish there had been more of an explanation for it though, and not just the mere reference to Jane reading as much as she could to learn all there was to know.

In any case, I really liked this book, so I was sad to discover that the books in this series are basically standalone novels. The “sequel” revolves around a different Jane. I expect it’ll be no less creative but I still would’ve liked to hear more of Jane Grey, Gifford, Henry and Gracie.

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  • Started reading
  • 18 November, 2018: Finished reading
  • 18 November, 2018: Reviewed