Beneath the Crown: The Nine Days Queen

Awaiting execution for treason after she was Queen of England for just nine days, sixteen-year-old Lady Jane Grey looks back on her short life. She had some happiness as a child, but her parents were distant. A cousin of the Tudor ruling family, she spent some time at court as a young girl. Eventually, her parents had her married to a man she didn't love, or even like. Meanwhile, England is caught in turmoil, as the young Protestant king, Edward, dies. Jane's male relatives scheme to have her crowned Queen of England instead of Edward's Catholic half-sister Mary, although Jane wants no part of it. Powerless to determine her own destiny, she is forced to accept the crown of England and is caught up against her will in events that can only end in tragedy. This excellent historical novel brought to life the tragic story of Lady Jane Grey; as a big fan of historical fiction about young female royals, I found it particularly interesting. She was just a young girl who had no say in her own future and wrongly lost her life as a result of a plot she had no real part in. I highly recommend this novel to young adult readers who like to read historical fiction about royalty; I think it would particularly appeal to readers of the Young Royals and Royal Diaries series.

I read this book when I was 13, and I thought it was great! It really got me interested in Jane Grey, Henry VIII and his wives, as well as 16th century England in general. It led me to further research into the subjects and I'm still interested after six years! The book is well-written and really draws you into the story of Jane and her short-lived reign. It's quite accurate for a "juvenile fiction" book, which is appreciated. I believe that historical fiction is one of the best ways to learn about history and its legendary figures. Hopefully many teens will find it and be drawn into the period as I was. Now if only my history lectures would discuss it...

this is my absolute favourite book ever! I've read it three times and I am still glued to It's pages. I think it is so fabulous because of the accuracy. I am presently doing a project on Lady Jane and I am presently surprised at the amount of reserching and correctness that the book holds. It is definitly worth a read, the author does a magnificent job.

I have never read a better book! This is fabulous!

I am 13 years old and I read this book. I couldn't let go of it for more than a day. the descriptions made by the author are great and I love how you can really get to know Jane throughout the book. I recommend this book to anyone of any age.