Virgin: Prelude to the Throne
by Robin Maxwell
I knew I’d like this one, as I’ve liked all of her novels. She has a distinct writing style that includes plenty of drama, yet stays true to the facts.
The story begins with the death of Henry VIII. Elizabeth is relieved when she is sent to live with the Queen Dowager, Catherine Parr, at her residence in Chelsea. Elizabeth receives a new wardrobe, the best tutors and the adoration of her beloved step-mother. But it all comes crashing down with the arrival of Thomas Seymour, newly appointed Lord High Admiral. He sweeps Catherine off her feet and secretly marries her, risking the disapproval of the Regency Council, and perhaps more importantly the man running the government for young Edward VI — the Duke of Somerset. Thomas, as uncle to the King and brother to Somerset, felt he was untouchable and continued with his wild schemes and antics. Charming as he was, every move he made was for one purpose: to be the power behind the crown, or become king himself through marriage. Elizabeth, not immune to his charms, begins a dangerous infatuation with Thomas. To his delight, several opportunities present themselves to help him with his plots against his brother and much intrigue ensues.
Though most of you probably know how this story ends, I’ll leave my synopsis at that. Elizabeth’s character did not surprise me, as I have already read the 2nd novel in the trilogy, The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn. Virgin sets up the negative attitude she has toward her mother, which is then expanded upon in the next book. It was enlightening to see the roots of her thoughts on that subject. The depiction of Catherine Parr and Thomas Seymour was, however, new to me. Catherine seems a different person under Thomas’s spell, and he is simply detestable. I really liked the character of Robin (Robert) Dudley in this one, though if I remember correctly I didn’t care for him in The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn.
Though Plaidy’s Queen of This Realm is still my favorite novel on Elizabeth, this one is an excellent read on her younger years. I also recommend The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn, which Anne Boleyn fans will appreciate for its fair portrayal of both women. The Queen’s Bastard is sitting on my shelf waiting to be read. There is another book recently out along the same lines — The Virgin Queen’s Daughter by Ella March Chase — but I think I will finish up Maxwell’s trilogy first.
Hello, my name is Arleigh... welcome to my book review site! Here you will find author guest posts, book news, reviews and various articles on the genre. My favorite author is Jean Plaidy, of whom I have built a 
Great review!
I will have to add some Robin Maxwell to be to be bought list.
I haven’t gotten to learn too much about the British monarchies, since I have only had one survey class on Europe…. as of right now.
I have two of her books yet I can’t remember which ones… so how does the trilogy go and in what order?
Virgin, The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn, The Queen’s Bastard
Though they do read as individual books, so you don’t have to go in order.
I’m glad to see you liked this one. I picked it up a while back and am anxious to read it. Great review!
Arleigh- I couldn’t wait for you to post this. Every time I heard you talk about this book, I kept thinking- it’s going to be a great review. And of course it’s wonderful:) I’d love to read the Diaries of Anne Boleyn- that trilogy is one I need to get! Thanks.
Thanks for the information. I found out the one I am missing is Virgin: Prelude to the Throne.
Wonderful review! After reading Signora da Vinci, I adde3d this and other Robin Maxwell books to my TBR.
Hi all,
Thanks for the great review and comments. Just to let you know, my first four novels were actually an Elizabethan quartet. After THE QUEEN’S BASTARD comes THE WILD IRISH. But there’s a twist in this one. In the first three, Elizabeth is portrayed as a heroine. In the last, she is the villain, rival of the Irish pirate and “Mother of the Irish Rebellion,” Grace O’Malley. Grace is an astonishing figure in history, yet few outside of Ireland know her. Keep your fingers crossed, as there’s a good chance a big-budget movie is going to be made of THE WILD IRISH, from my own screen adaptation of the book. The producer, tongue in cheek, refers to it as “Bravetart.” Anyway, thanks for featuring me on your blog. I really love the painting on your header. Wait till you see the cover of my latest book, O, JULIET (February, `10). It’s a stunner, painted during the same period as yours.
All best,
Robin
Tee hee! Congrats on having Robin visit your blog, and with awesome news!! I am looking forward to reading these, have to find the first & fourth.
How nice of Robin Maxwell to stop by- love her work! I so want to read O,Juliet…especially since my parents hometown is right next to Verona…I’m curious about this one. Thanks:)
Arleigh…let’s face it..Everybody loves your blog!!!!
I’m so flattered that Robin Maxwell has come to my blog and commented! You are one of my favorite authors!! I have seen The Wild Irish and I don’t know why I didn’t make the connection that it was a 4th Elizabeth novel. I read (only half) a novel on Grace O’Malley called The Pirate Queen a while back and didn’t like it much, which is probably why I haven’t tried any further reading on her, but I will definitely give The Wild Irish a try! It must be an excellent read if they are planning to make a movie based on it! I’m putting O’Juliet on my upcoming list when I update it! Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting, and that you ladies for continuing to frequent my blog!
[...] other news this week, Robin Maxwell visited and commented on my review of her book Virgin: Prelude to the Throne! Her book, The Wild Irish, is being considered for a [...]
[...] The Wild Irish, which I found out is the 4th in a series when the author herself commented on my review of Virgin. The Wild Irish is also being made in to a movie. I’ve read Virgin and The [...]