Under_These_Restless_Skies_Low Res_Cover

(Review written by my wife. Today the blog is dedicated to author Lissa Bryan, whose new novel, Under These Restless Skies, has just been released. To commemorate it, we are holding a giveaway with all three of Lissa’s books – to be in with a chance of winning, simply leave a comment on any of today’s posts.)

Being a fan of all things Tudor, I really enjoyed this look into the life of an otherwise rarely mentioned court player, Will Sommers. I’ve read every historical fiction novel I could find about Henry VIII and his various unfortunate wives, all of which focus on the lost children and politics and religion, so it was really refreshing to read the story from a slightly more secondary character, who played a role behind the scenes while looking to find happiness in his own life.

The book definitely claims artistic licence (which the author happily admits to in her notes), mixing together sex, mystery, history as well as Celtic folklore. It added a much needed twist to Tudor fiction. We all know what happens to the Tudors, and we all certainly know what happens to Anne Boleyn, but adding a completely fictional character with Emma had me questioning how the book would really end. It was like learning of Anne Boleyn’s story for the first time. I found myself questioning the endings I know are fact.

Even though I knew the details weren’t all perfectly historical, they went well with the story and I was able to happily accept what I was reading because it was so thoroughly enjoyable.

At the same time, the author addresses some of the more unpleasant facts of 16th century court life that one wouldn’t discover while watching Scarlett Johnson and Natalie Portman flit through the scenes of The Other Boleyn Girl, bejewelled and wrapped in the finest of gowns. I loved the foul humour and appreciated the honest acknowledgement of the poor sanitary conditions and body odour that were standard at the time.

The love story between Will and Enma is unusual, given her selkie circumstances, but the love scenes are written beautifully and are painfully sweet, bringing the reader memories of new love. Emma’s almost childlike mindset is endearing, and Will’s ever-patient attempts to protect her and make her understand life on land are, frankly, adorable.

I’m eager to explore what else this author has written, because, the story aside, I really enjoyed her writing style. She writes simply, weaving intricate descriptions, making the characters and settings truly come to life. It’s an easy read because it’s so difficult to put down. For a week I found myself sitting in my car during my lunch breaks, devouring this book and dreading when my hour ended. And I know it was a good book when I dread turning those last few pages and finding the end has come. A grest book disappoints you when it’s over, because the characters have become your friends and their homes have become your home. You definitely get that with Under These Restless Skies.

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