Elizabeth and the Prince of Spain

This is the third novel in a frightening and moving trilogy about the young Elizabeth Tudor. I could not put any of the books down until I had finished them. Elizabeth is enchanting, clever, in constant danger. Unless you are already an aficionado, I guarantee that these books will change your view of this fascinating woman. There are many other wonderfully drawn personalities in these novels, including the dying Henry VIII, Thomas Seymour and his brother the Protector, Catherine Parr, Elizabeth's two siblings, Lady Jane Grey, and, in this third book, the young Philip of Spain. Ms. Irwin is careful to provide enough background to make it all clear, and while the didacticism occasionally shows, it never gets tedious. Highly recommended, and a perfect introduction to further reading about this pivotal era of history.