Author: Katherine Longshore
Pages: 398
Publisher: Viking Juvenile / Penguin
Genre: Historical
Release: May 15th 2012
Buy the Book at: Book Depository / Amazon
In the court of King Henry VIII, nothing is free-- and love comes at the highest price of all.
When Kitty Tylney's best friend, Catherine Howard, worms her way into King Henry VIII's heart and brings Kitty to court, she's thrust into a world filled with fabulous gowns, sparkling jewels, and elegant parties. No longer stuck in Cat's shadow, Kitty's now caught between two men--the object of her affection and the object of her desire. But court is also full of secrets, lies, and sordid affairs, and as Kitty witnesses Cat's meteoric rise and fall as queen, she must figure out how to keep being a good friend when the price of telling the truth could literally be her head.
An Impressive Historical Debut Novel!
It is incredible how both, the 16th century and today, are so different yet some things are still exactly the same, such as the means to and end. Knowing the right people, having the right connections, etc. It is inevitable not to see the connections to what still happens today in politics, business, etc. In the other hand, the moral and ethical differences between the 16th century and today are shocking and Longshore does a flawlessly job portraying a wicked and unhealthy friendship that, thanks to the historical, moral and ethical background the author provides, can easily be understood.
There are so many things to love about Gilt but personally, I love the fact that this book provides historical facts in an all-consuming way. Yes! it is that intriguing! I loved that the story is told from Kitty's (Katherine Kylney) point of view. Kitty narrates the story of how her best friend Cat (Katherine Howard) claws her way up to the court of Henry VIII, who later becomes the king's wife herself. I found absolutely engrossing how Longshore decided to tell this story. From the moment Kitty and Cat where at the duchess house until the the tragic culmination of the story (which I will not give away even though it is written in all history books) that yet left me with a spark of hope for the main character. In addition, there is a boy who adds the swoon-worthy romantic dose to Kitty's story. William... Oh William, I haven't read about such pure and innocent love in a very long time. Longshore, among all the lies and atrocities that happened in the court of Henry VIII, manages to insert the perfect amount of sweetness that wonderfully equilibrates the story.
Gilt by Katherine Longshore is one of the YA historical novels I will highly recommend from this moment on. Romance, lies, materialism, identity, history, etc. Many topics and themes can be found in this highly impressive debut novel that, I am sure, will hook readers from the very first to the last page. I am eager to read Katherine Longshore's future historical novels!
❤ Thanks so much to Penguin Canada for providing my an arc of Gilt for review ❤
Visit the author's website at http://www.katherinelongshore.com
8 comments:
OMG great review! I've heard so many great things about this book! I think I'm really going to love it. I used to love that show the Tudors which was about Henry VIII. I can't wait to get a copy :)
Crystal @ Elegantly Bound Books
Oh my gosh!! I think this is the first review I've ever read for this book and I don't think any other one could've gotten me so excited to read this book -- it sounds AMAZING! History isn't my fave subject and I haven't really read many historical books, but Gilt is definitely going on the top of my historical pile now. How could I not be absolutely fascinated by British history, indeed! x)
Amazing review, Natalia! :) <3
woah, sounds amazing. I've been wanting to read some more historical novels. this one sounds like a winner. i'm sure my sister would love it too, as she majored in history.
-Lauren
I haven't read many YA historical books, but I recently read Grave Mercy and absolutely loved it.
I find YA historical books to be very rich in terms of culture and world-building and they touch many wonderful themes.
I'm really excited about this one.
I love reading your reviews ! They just make me want to ditch all the books I'm reading and go get the book you reviewed ! :P
Great review, Natalia :)
Ahahaha! So many Katherines! IT'S JUST LIKE JOHN GREEN! AN ABUNDANCE OF KATHERINS! Katherin Longshore, Kylney AND Howard!
You intrigued me SO much with your review, I've spent the last half hour reading about Tudor England on Wikipedia :P
I usually don't like historicals, but this one sounds really good.
Old follower
Ahhhhhh, if I wasn't excited by this book already, I would have been now! What an amazing review <3 I'm fascinated by the whole Tudor era (I love the television show! And the books from Philippa Gregory) so this one is definitely on my list :D
We have chosen to work in retail, rather than in a hospital or other clinical setting because of a mild form of insanity for which shock therapy has not yet been successful. These are also seen as bridal Jewellery (Jewelry, Jewelery). The superhero in the green outfit raises his other hand, and a large piece of the sidewalk rises into the air. There is a small percentage that is lost in handling, firing and casting. Two goats live with my sister and her family (actually the goats are free-range and sleep in the barn).
Post a Comment