Recently adapted into a popular Prime Video television series, the New York Times bestselling book “My Lady Jane” has attracted millions of eyes to its shining luster of wonder, romance, and self-discovery. But the show only describes a fraction of the beautiful story that transpires when you delve into its ink-stained pages. Despite the plethora of magical creatures, approaching war, and attempted assassinations, the real magic begins with each turn of the page; transporting the reader into a whole new world.
If you’re a massive history junkie with a fixation on historical accuracy, this book is not for you. Yet for others, it could be the most thrilling 491 pages ever read.
The story takes place in the middle of sixteenth-century England. The co-authors, Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows, twist the truth of the timeline in such a compelling way.
History’s tragic story of Lady Jane Grey was, well, a tragedy. Just at sixteen years old, Jane was crowned Queen of England after her beloved cousin, King Edward, died. On the throne for only nine days, she was executed by Edward’s sister, Mary (who would later be known as “Bloody Mary”).
The book, of course, doesn’t take this dark ending. Instead, the authors focus on what would have happened if Jane Grey was never beheaded, adding elements of magic and fantasy to the original morid history.
Right off the first couple of lines, the reader is introduced to an incredibly rare type of narration: second-person. Most of the time, this point of view is difficult to enjoy and only good when it is done well. “My Lady Jane” does it well.
The narration makes it feel like the authors are talking directly to the reader. It also allows for an excess of incredible humor. The reader not only gets to understand the characters in the books but also gets to connect with the funny tone of the authors (I laughed more times reading this book than watching the movie “Grown Ups”, which says a lot).
The first chapter introduces the main character, Jane Grey. She is an empowered woman who speaks her mind. She is characterized as intelligent, headstrong, considerate, and brave. It’s not hard to fall in love with her.
She is thrown under the bus by her hidebound mother when she is told of her engagement to Gillford Dudley, a man she has never met but is expected to marry in a week. Jane, expectedly, is outraged by this since she hates the idea of becoming a man’s “property”.
Later, Jane finds out that her marriage is a big plot to get her future children on the throne, forged by Gillford’s father, the main advisor to King Edward. At the same time, King Edward is mysteriously being poisoned (shocker). The book does a great job at leaving the reader on the edge of their seats, constantly wondering who is actually behind the poisoning of Edward.
Additionally, there is not only one but three points of view. The chapters oscillate between the perspectives of Jane, Edward, and Gillford. This allows the reader to follow three journeys that bring the whole plot together.
This is not always true, but in the case of this book, more is better. The three perspectives allow for stronger bonds to be made between the characters and the reader.
One may wonder how someone could twist this story into having magic, but the authors do a wonderful job at crafting this fantastical layer. As mentioned, the book is written based on a time when England was divided. However, the authors take this in a new direction.
The country is split into Ethians, people who can transform into animals, and Verities, those who can’t. Both sides have a certain level of animosity, prejudice, and hate toward each other.
Within Gillford’s first chapter, the reader finds out that he is actually a horse. Yes, a horse. Specifically, an Ethian who can transform into a horse. Yet, Gillford cannot control when he changes. Because of this, he transforms with the sun’s cycle. During the day, he gallops in the fields, and at night, he is once again human.
This plotline is even more interesting as Jane, who is supposed to marry him, finds out of his particular predicament after she says “I do”. Even though it is made to believe that Jane is a Verity, she harbors a curiosity about everything relating to Ethians. She finds them fascinating. Her husband on the other hand, not so much.
Jane and Gillford get off on the wrong foot; both dislike each other despite their undeniable chemistry. However, as the story progresses, the two characters get closer to each other and begin to develop a strong bond.
The beautiful romance journey between Jane and Gillford is quite a slow burn but unravels in the most satisfying way. In fact, Gilldford’s love for Jane is what helps him finally control his animal form.
Edward, too, has a love interest which makes his character development even more rewarding. Hand, Ashton, and Meadows do a great job of portraying the King’s innocence about the world. At only sixteen, Edward takes a laissez-faire approach to ruling. He doesn’t bother with the welfare of his people, a flaw he recognizes by the conclusion of the story.
Each of the three main characters are written exceptionally well. They all have personalized obstacles that make them grow from the beginning to the end. Sometimes in books, an author makes their protagonists one-dimensional. However, in this novel, every character has flaws as well as strengths.
The book concludes with a massive battle against Mary, who violently takes the throne after Edward’s supposed “death”. The victor of this battle won’t be spoiled but can be found out at your nearest Barnes and Noble.
Overall, “My Lady Jane” did not disappoint. It tackles major themes like prejudice and injustice with softer tones of love and sacrifice. It is easy for the younger generation to relate to the characters as most of them are teenagers too. The book, being Y.A. (young adult), caters to this younger generation while at the same time holding a level of maturity.
The history-changing exhilaration continues in the book’s sequel, “My Plain Jane”, following a different well-known “Jane” (Jane Eyre).