The Queen’s Musician tells a largely unknown tale about a young musician in the court of Henry VIII. Mark Smeaton rose from poverty to become one of the king’s favorite players. Two days before Anne Boleyn’s execution, he was beheaded along with four other men, all accused of adultery and treason with the queen. Most historians believe the charges against all the condemned were false. As BookLife noted: “Little is known about Mark Smeaton beyond his tragic fate. Yet Johnson imbues him with depth and dignity, transforming a historical footnote into a fully realized character whose story lingers long after the final page.”

For theater goers, Six is “the biggest new musical since Hamilton.” I just saw it on Broadway, and it’s easy to understand why. In the opening number, Henry VIII’s six wives ask us to move beyond the old adage: “Divorced, beheaded, died; divorced, beheaded, lived,” In this rollicking production, each of the queens lights up the stage. Each one is resilient and undefeated.

If you’d like to spend more time with these fascinating women, here are seven books you might want to read.

The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory

Henry divorced Katherine of Aragon after two decades of marriage because she hadn’t “produced” a son. Popular entertainment often portrays her as the embittered first wife, but this highly gratifying novel describes the 15-year-old Spanish princess arriving in England to marry Prince Arthur, the heir to the throne. When Arthur dies unexpectedly, she weds his younger brother, the future Henry VIII. Gregory’s narrative captures Katherine’s resolve and intelligence and foreshadows what is to come. Not much is known about the relationship between Katherine and Arthur, but this author imagines a love story. You’d have to have a heart of stone not to enjoy it.

Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel

This first novel in Mantel’s Thomas Cromwell trilogy won the prestigious Booker Prize. In it, Henry’s exceedingly clever counselor helps oust Katherine of Aragon so the king can marry Anne Boleyn. But three years later, Anne hasn’t had a son either. Cromwell senses the shift in the wind. Mantel’s writing is propulsive, and her dialogue shimmers with acerbic wit. She promotes a revisionist view of Cromwell who is generally depicted as treacherous. Was he a civilized man trying to manage a volatile king or a consigliere pursuing his own ends?

Bring Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel

Some say Mantel’s second Cromwell novel is even better than her first. It garnered another Booker Prize. Here, Cromwell engineers Anne Boleyn’s fall so Henry can marry Jane Seymour. The title refers to the command given to guards to conduct condemned prisoners to the scaffold. Mantel’s storytelling bubbles with energy, although it’s fair to ask whether she gives Cromwell a pass for his horrific solution to Henry’s problem.

Katheryn Howard: The Scandalous Queen by Alison Weir

Jane Seymour gave Henry the son he wanted but died shortly afterward. Cromwell then negotiated a marriage between Henry and Anne of Cleves, but the king never took to this German princess. She wisely agreed to a lucrative divorce while Cromwell lost his head. Alison Weir’s novel paints an endearing picture of Anne and a more troubling one of Henry’s fifth bride, the nineteen-year-old Katheryn Howard. The author, a historian, weaves the factual record into a saga of a heedless young woman, her accommodating lady-in-waiting, and two handsome lovers. All will be executed.  

Firebrand by Elizabeth Fremantle

Henry’s sixth wife, Katherine Parr, is my favorite, and this novel, the source for the 2024 film with Jude Law and Alicia Vikander, dramatizes her alarming predicament. By this time, Henry was a 52-year-old monarch who had executed two wives. She was a 31-year-old widow in love with someone else. But you don’t say “no” to Henry VIIII. Katherine becomes queen and, among other challenges, faces false charges of heresy.

The Matthew Shardlake Mysteries by C. J. Sansom

Shardlake is a Tudor lawyer who investigates murders, and Henry’s queens appear in several of these clever, meaty mysteries. Katherine Parr is the client in Lamentation, and Shardlake is a little sweet on her. But what makes these novels so compelling is their chilling portrait of Tudor politics: everyone must maneuver to please an absolute ruler, and truth often gives way to power.

On This Day in Tudor History by Claire Ridgway

Among Tudor mavens, the old joke is: “On this day in Tudor history, something horrible happened.” Unfortunately, the jest isn’t too far from the truth. The women of Six faced a dangerous, unpredictable world, and historian Claire Ridgway summarizes the era’s tragedies and crises in this smart, readable day-by-day compilation. Ridgway is one of the most trustworthy Tudor experts I know.

The post Seven Books To Read If You Loved ‘SIX the Musical’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

We Are All Good People Here by Susan Rebecca White
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the author of A Place at the Table and A Soft Place to Land, a gripping, multigenerational story inspired by true events that follows two best friends through their political awakenings in the turbulent 1960s—and the repercussions of their actions after their daughters encounter the secrets they thought they had buried long ago.

The Whisper Man by Alex North
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this dark, suspenseful thriller, Alex North weaves a multi-generational tale of suspense, as a father and son are caught in the crosshairs of an investigation to catch a serial killer preying on a small town.

Nottingham by Nathan Makaryk
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Both a gripping historical epic and fascinating deconstruction of the Robin Hood legend, Nathan Makaryk’s Nottingham mixes history and myth into a complex study of power–one that twists and turns far beyond the traditional tale of Sherwood Forest’s iconic thief.

Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

One pet crow fights to save humanity from an apocalypse in this uniquely hilarious debut from a genre-bending literary author.

Tidelands by Philippa Gregory
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The #1 New York Times bestselling author turns from the glamour of the royal courts to tell the story of an ordinary woman, Alinor, who cannot bear to conform to the life that lies before her.

The Murder List by Hank Phillippi Ryan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Law student Rachel North will tell you, without hesitation, what she knows to be true. She’s smart, she’s a hard worker, she does the right thing. She’s successfully married to a faithful and devoted husband, a lion of Boston’s defense bar. And her internship with the District Attorney’s office is her ticket to a successful future. Problem is–she’s wrong.  And in this cat and mouse game–the battle for justice becomes a battle for survival.

The Perfect Son by Lauren North
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A disturbing and shocking debut novel of psychological suspense about a recently widowed mother, her young son, and the lengths she’ll go to in order to keep him safe.

The Perfect Wife by J.P. Delaney
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The perfect life. The perfect love. The perfect lie. From the bestselling author of The Girl Before comes a gripping new psychological thriller.

Campusland by Scott Johnston
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A tumultuous and often hilarious first novel about one year of insanity at the Ivy-like Devon University, a blissful bubble of elite students and the adults at their mercy.

State of Lies by Siri Mitchell
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

One woman is forced to question everything she knows in this domestic suspense novel from award-winning author Siri Mitchell.

Things You Save In The Fire by Katherine Center
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the New York Times bestselling author of How to Walk Away comes a stunning new novel about family, hope, and learning to love against all odds.

The Nine by Jeanne McWilliams Blasberg
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Both a coming-of-age novel and a portrait of an evolving mother-son relationship, The Nine is the story of a young man who chooses to expose a corrupt world operating under its own set of rules―even if it means jeopardizing his mother’s hopes and dreams.

Have you picked up any of these books or will you be checking them out? Tell us in the comments below!

The post August 2019 Book Releases: Fiction appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

A simpler way of looking at historical fiction as a genre could simply be that it can include real dates and places (basically, facts found in records and history books), but the things that happen ‘behind closed doors’ are subject to the author’s creativity and understanding of the story.

If you’ve never picked up this genre before, you’re in luck! Here are five ‘must read’ historical fiction novels to get you started. There’s something for everyone on this list, from ancient Greece to medieval England; from the cold shores of northern Iceland to the not-so-distant events of World War II. Let’s get started . . .

The Taming of the Queen by Philippa Gregory

Beginning in 1543, this novel follows Kateryn Parr, the sixth wife of King Henry VIII of England. The novel explores the achievements of Kateryn as Queen of England while also addressing her precarious station – married to a notorious wife killer, she must find her way in a court full of traps and betrayers. The Taming of the Queen also expresses one woman’s love for learning and knowledge in a time when such a thing was dangerous.

Note: While this novel is part of the Tudor Court series, it is possible to read it without having read the other books.

The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe (translated by Lilit Thwaites)

Set in 1944, The Librarian of Auschwitz details the life of those living in Auschwitz’s family camp during World War II. The novel follows fourteen-year-old Dita Kraus, a real-life prisoner of Auschwitz, who was responsible for the makeshift library located in Block 31. Based on real-life people and events, this novel is about finding hope even in the darkest of times, and the value and importance of stories. This novel is beautifully written with passages that will stay with the reader long after the book is finished – definitely a must-read for those who wish for an insight into this time in history.

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

An incredible debut novel from Madeline Miller, The Song of Achilles is set within the Age of Heroes and recounts the events of the Trojan War. Narrated by Patroclus, this novel reimagines his relationship with Achilles, and follows their triumphs and defeats throughout the ten-year war. It’s a story full of spiteful gods, love, heartache, duty, the lure of immortal fame, and much, much more. This book would suit fans of Greek mythology, but beware: it will break your heart.

Burial Rites by Hannah Kent

Another incredible debut, this time from Australian author Hannah Kent, Burial Rites tells the story of Agnes Magnusdottir, a woman condemned to death for her alleged association in a brutal double murder. This novel is based upon a true story about a woman surrounded by suspicion, and is set upon the cold backdrop of northern Iceland in 1829. Told through multiple perspectives, Burial Rites pieces together the events of that fateful night and will keep the audience guessing right until its dark and twisted ending.

Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks

In this novel, Geraldine Brooks depicts the fictional life of one woman living in the very real event of the plague year. Set in 1666, it follows Anna, a survivor in a town which has made the noble decision to close itself off from neighbouring villages in order to keep the plague contained within its own borders. Year of Wonders explores the breakdown of humanity and the struggle to survive the last widespread attack of the bubonic plague, while also including the pull of illicit love and the heartbreak of being one of the few remaining survivors.

And there you have it – five must read historical fiction novels for those who have either just discovered the genre, or are a returning reader. Historical fiction is a fantastic way to get readers interested in particular points in history, and can be a great tool to encourage further reading on a subject.

What do you think? Should historical fiction be utilised as a tool in understanding our past, or does it contaminate the original story too much? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Five ‘Must Read’ Historical Fiction Novels appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

To kick off the second half of the year, July sees Riley Sager, Michele Campbell, and Paul Tremblay deliver the thrills, while Kayln Josephson and Elizabeth Lim bring the fantasy, and Jasmine Guillory gifts us with a great new romance novel.

Well-known and best-selling authors Ruth Ware and Philippa Greggory deliver new novels in August, along with thrillers from Alex North and Lauren North, a debut YA fantasy novel from Erin A. Craig, and a fun romance from Hannah Orenstein.

September has some highly anticipated books awaiting us with the final instalment in Jay Kristoff’s Nevernight series, a sequel to Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, and of course, a new novel from the King himself, Stephen King. If you’re in need of some fantasy, be sure to turn to Adrienne Young, Tamsyn Muir, and Alix E. Harrow.

With only three months left, October holds Leigh Bardugo’s first adult fantasy novel, along with exciting titles from Garth Nix, Renée Ahdieh, Christina Lauren, and Joe Hill. Plus there’s also Thomas Wheeler and Frank Miller’s graphic novel Cursed, which is a twist on King Arthur and will be adapted into a Netflix series in May 2020 starring Katherine Langford (13 Reasons Why).

As for November, there’s plenty of fantasy to get lost in from authors such as Erin Morgenstern, Holly Black, Amélie Wen Zhao, and Maggie Stiefvater. Or perhaps be in suspense with a new novel by Mary Higgins Clark or follow a romance in Andie J. Christopher’s Not The Girl You Marry.

To end the year, enjoy new novels from Josh Malerman, Jeff Lindsay, Sara Shepard, Tomi Adeyemi, Damien Angelica Walters, and Tarryn Fisher.

Read on to discover these books below and tell us what you will be picking up in the comments below!

July

The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

After an “oops, we made a mistake” night together, neither one can stop thinking about the other. With Alexa’s wedding rapidly approaching, Maddie and Theo both share bridal party responsibilities that require more interaction with each other than they’re comfortable with.

A Stranger on The Beach by Michele Campbell
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From bestselling author Michele Campbell comes A Stranger on the Beach, an edge-of-your seat story of passion and intrigue that will keep you guessing until the very end.

The Storm Crow by Kalyn Josephson
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Eragon meets And I Darken in this thrilling new fantasy debut that follows a fallen princess as she ignites a rebellion to bring back the magical elemental crows that were taken from her people.

Lock Every Door by Riley Sager
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The next heart-pounding thriller from New York Times bestselling author Riley Sager follows a young woman whose new job apartment sitting in one of New York’s oldest and most glamorous buildings may cost more than it pays.

Spin The Dawn by Elizabeth Lim
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Project Runway meets Mulan in this sweeping YA fantasy about a young girl who poses as a boy to compete for the role of imperial tailor and embarks on an impossible journey to sew three magic dresses, from the sun, the moon, and the stars.

Growing Things and Other Stories by Paul Tremblay
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A chilling collection of psychological suspense and literary horror from the multiple award-winning author of the national bestseller The Cabin at the End of the World and A Head Full of Ghosts.

August

House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Get swept away in Erin A. Craig’s mesmerizing House of Salt and Sorrows. As one by one her beautiful sisters mysteriously die on their isolated island estate, Annaleigh must unravel the curse that haunts her family. Be careful who you dance with. . . .

The Whisper Man by Alex North
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this dark, suspenseful thriller, Alex North weaves a multi-generational tale of suspense, as a father and son are caught in the crosshairs of an investigation to catch a serial killer preying on a small town.

The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Full of spellbinding menace and told in Ruth Ware’s signature suspenseful style, The Turn of the Key is an unputdownable thriller from the Agatha Christie of our time.

Tidelands by Philippa Gregory
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The #1 New York Times bestselling author turns from the glamour of the royal courts to tell the story of an ordinary woman, Alinor, who cannot bear to conform to the life that lies before her.

The Perfect Son by Lauren North
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A disturbing and shocking debut novel of psychological suspense about a recently widowed mother, her young son, and the lengths she’ll go to in order to keep him safe.

Love at First Like by Hannah Orenstein
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the author of Playing with Matches, the rollicking tale of a young jewelry shop owner who accidentally leads her Instagram followers to believe that she’s engaged—and then decides to keep up the ruse.

September

Darkdawn (The Nevernight Chronicle #3) by Jay Kristoff
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The epic conclusion of the internationally bestselling Nevernight Chronicle from New York Times bestselling author Jay Kristoff.

The Testaments (The Handmaid’s Tale #2) by Margaret Atwood
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Margaret Atwood’s sequel picks up the story fifteen years after Offred stepped into the unknown, with the explosive testaments of three female narrators from Gilead.

The Girl the Sea Gave Back by Adrienne Young
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Girl the Sea Gave Back is the new standalone novel set in the brutal, Viking inspired world of Sky in the Deep. It will follow the story of Halvard ten years after the battle for Hylli, his role in the evolution of the Aska and Riki clans, and the spinning of fate that brings his path to intersect with a new character who changes their world again.

Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Tamsyn Muir’s Gideon the Ninth unveils a solar system of swordplay, cut-throat politics, and lesbian necromancers. Her characters leap off the page, as skillfully animated as necromantic skeletons. The result is a heart-pounding epic science fantasy.

The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In the early 1900s, a young woman searches for her place in the world after finding a mysterious book in this captivating and lyrical debut.

The Institute by Stephen King
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

As psychically terrifying as Firestarter, and with the spectacular kid power of It, The Institute is Stephen King’s gut-wrenchingly dramatic story of good vs. evil in a world where the good guys don’t always win.

October

Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Leigh Bardugo comes a mesmerizing tale of power, privilege, and dark magic set among the Ivy League elite.

Angel Mage by Garth Nix
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Fans of Cassandra Clare, Holly Black, and Leigh Bardugo will fall in love with Angel Mage, a feminist fantasy that takes place in an alternate European world ruled by fearsome magic and deadly passions.

Full Throttle by Joe Hill
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this masterful collection of short fiction, Joe Hill dissects timeless human struggles in thirteen relentless tales of supernatural suspense, including “In The Tall Grass,” one of two stories co-written with Stephen King, basis for the terrifying feature film from Netflix.

Cursed by Thomas Wheeler
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Lady of the Lake is the true hero in this cinematic twist on the tale of King Arthur created by Thomas Wheeler and legendary artist, producer, and director Frank Miller (300, Batman: The Dark Night Returns, Sin City). Featuring 8 full color and 30 black-and-white pieces of original artwork by Frank Miller.

The Beautiful by Renée Ahdieh
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

New York Times bestselling author Renée Ahdieh returns with a sumptuous, sultry and romantic new series set in 19th century New Orleans where vampires hide in plain sight.

Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Unhoneymooners and the “delectable, moving” (Entertainment Weekly) My Favorite Half-Night Stand comes a modern love story about what happens when your first love reenters your life when you least expect it…

November

Call Down The Hawk by Maggie Stiefvater
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Raven Boys, a mesmerizing story of dreams and desires, death and destiny. 

Blood Heir by Amélie Wen Zhao
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

This hot debut is the first book in an epic new series about a princess hiding a dark secret and the con man she must trust to clear her name for her father’s murder.

Kiss the Girls and Make Them Cry by Mary Higgins Clark
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

When talented journalist Penelope “Casey” Harrison starts to research a piece about the #MeToo movement that includes an incident in her own life which she has been trying to put out of her mind for years, she does not realize that the young man who drugged and assaulted her at a fraternity house party in college is now a wealthy, powerful industrialist on the eve of a merger which will make him a billionaire—and who will do anything, even murder, to cover his tracks.

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Night Circus, a timeless love story set in a secret underground world–a place of pirates, painters, lovers, liars, and ships that sail upon a starless sea.

The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Black, comes the highly anticipated and jaw-dropping finale to The Folk of the Air trilogy.

Not the Girl You Marry by Andie J. Christopher
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days gets a millennial makeover in this romantic comedy by USA Today bestselling author Andie J. Christopher.

December

The Dead Girls Club by Damien Angelica Walters
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A supernatural thriller in the vein of A Head Full of Ghosts about two young girls, a scary story that becomes far too real, and the tragic–and terrifying–consequences that follow one of them into adulthood.

Malorie (Bird Box #2) by Josh Malerman
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In the thrilling sequel to Bird Box, the inspiration for the record-breaking Netflix film that starred Sandra Bullock and “absolutely riveted” Stephen King, New York Times bestselling author Josh Malerman brings unseen horrors to life.

Reputation by Sara Shepard
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this fast-paced new novel from Sara Shepard, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Pretty Little Liars, a tight-knit college town scrambles for answers when an e-mail hack reveals life-changing secrets and scandals.

Just Watch Me by Jeff Lindsay
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the author of the wildly successful Dexter series comes a new, mesmerizing bad guy we can root for: Riley Wolfe. He’s a master thief, expert at disguise, and not averse to violence when it’s needed. In this series launch, Riley aims for an extraordinary target in a heist that will make history. Riley will try to steal the Crown Jewels of Iran.

Children of Virtue and Vengeance (Legacy of Orïsha #2) by Tomi Adeyemi
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Children of Virtue and Vengeance is the stunning sequel to Tomi Adeyemi’s New York Times bestselling debut Children of Blood and Bone, the first title in her Legacy of Orïsha trilogy.

The Wives by Tarryn Fisher
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Imagine that your husband has two other wives. But you love him so much you don’t care. Upon finding information about one of the wives, you track her down, and, under false pretenses, you strike up a friendship. She starts showing up with telltale bruises, and you realise she’s being abused by her husband. Who, of course, is also your husband. Who exactly is your husband, and how far would you go to find the truth? Would you risk your own life? And who is his mysterious third wife?

Are there any other July to December 2019 books you’re looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Book Releases You Cannot Miss In July-December 2019 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

In 2013, BBC produced The White Queen mini-series, which was based on Philippa Gregory’s historical novel of the same name. Four years later, STARZ is now tackling another novel from the Cousins’ War series titled The White Princess.

The White Princess is set three days after the events of The White Queen, but sees a new generation ascend the throne in 15th century England. The series follows the daughter of the “The White Queen”, Princess Elizabeth of York (played by Jodie Comer) as she pledges to marry the recently anointed King Henry Tudor (played by Jacob Collins-Levy). Like all historical and royal marriages, they hope to bring peace to a war-torn country, but with England now unites, their marriage becomes divided. Rumours begin to circulate that Elizabeth’s long-lost brother, Prince Richard, is alive and planning to take the throne. Elizabeth now faces may choices: between being a Tudor wife and York princess and also between her new husband and a boy who claims to be her own blood and the true heir to the crown.

Starring Jodie Comer (My Mad Fat Diary), Jacob Collins-Levy and Michelle Fairley (Game of Thrones).

The 8-episode mini-series premieres Sunday on STARZ and recaps of each episode will be available right here on The Nerd Daily!

Will you be watching? Let us know in the comments below!

The post New to TV: The White Princess appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The show is the sequel to BBC’s 2013 The White Queen, with both television series based on Philippa Gregory’s historical novels from The Cousins’ War series.

The White Princess is set three days after the end of the previous season and sees a new generation ascend the throne in 15th century England.

The series premieres April 16th at 8pm on STARZ.

Starring Jodie Comer (My Mad Fat Diary), Jacob Collins-Levy and Michelle Fairley (Game of Thrones).

Check out the trailer below and let us know what you think in the comments!

The post See The Full Trailer for The White Princess! appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The White Princess is the sequel to BBC’s 2013 series The White Queen, which have been adapted from Philippa Gregory’s popular historical novels.

The series follows Elizabeth of York, the Queen of England in the late 15th century, played by Jodie Comer. Comer is joined by Michelle Fairley (Game of Thrones), Jacob Collins-Levy and Essie Davis.

There is no word on when the series will air, but more than likely it will air sometime in 2017.

The post First Look at The White Princess appeared first on The Nerd Daily.