Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Informative, deeply researched, thought-provoking, and engaging, "The Tragic Life of Lady Jane Grey" is a powerful non-fiction read about Lady Jane Grey, who became known as the "Nine Days Queen".

I absolutely love learning about The Tudor Era, and Lady Jane Grey is one of my favorite historical figures to study.

Beverley Adams biography of Lady Jane Grey is incredibly detailed, visceral, descriptive, and vivid. I can only begin to imagine the amount of research Ms. Adams must have done, as I felt fully immersed in the Tudor world while reading. Ms. Adams does a brilliant job looking into Jane's whole life from a young childhood age. She looks at Jane's life in her own right, in addition to how she affected, and was affected by, the world around her; religion, politics, royalty, how many women were viewed at the time, and much more.

Lady Jane Grey was such an intelligent, brave, kindhearted, and strong young woman, who very often was manipulated by those around her who didn't care what she herself wanted. This biography gives a heartfelt and well-rounded look into Jane, the historical figures around her, and provides a multi-dimensional account of her, her beliefs, her wants, and her life as often controlled by those around her. My heart absolutely breaks for how her life ended so tragically.

I absolutely plan to do more research on my own time as well.

I highly recommend this book if you are a history lover!

NetGalley, Ashley Maimes

I have always been fascinated with the story of Lady Jane Grey as well as the painting. This book was informative and well written and kept me interested throughout.

NetGalley, Brittney McCord

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The Tragic Life of Lady Jane Grey by Beverley Adams is a poignant and captivating biography that sheds new light on the life of England’s ill-fated "Nine-Day Queen." Adams does an excellent job of portraying Jane Grey as a complex figure shaped by her circumstances but also driven by her own beliefs. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in the Tudor era, offering a fresh perspective on one of the most tragic figures in English history. A thoroughly deserving 5-star read, it brings empathy, depth, and insight to a story that continues to fascinate centuries later.

NetGalley, Chelsea Dugan

This book delves into the life of Lady Jane Grey, from her upbringing to her execution, challenging the traditional narrative of an innocent pawn. Was she a religious fanatic, a reluctant queen, or simply a victim of political machinations?

This book is interesting and easy to read. The author explores the possibility that Lady Jane may have had more agency than the usual portrayals suggest.

NetGalley, Andrea Romance

A very interesting read with an engaging style of writing. Ms. Adams being her book with a run down of the main characters in the story of Lady Jane Grey. Frances Grey was a niece of Henry VIII and so provided a familial connection with the Tudor bloodline. It was good to read about the events of the Grey families lives and understand the motivations of Jane’s parents. Jane wasn’t the meek and mild mannered young girl history would have us believe. She was highly respected by serious reformist theologians on the continent and corresponded with two in particular. She was very forthright in her beliefs and made no effort to understand anyone with differing views. Despite this, she was misused by the power players of her day and ultimately by her father. I would recommend this as an entry level book for anyone wishing to delve into the life of Jane and the events in which she played her part.

NetGalley, Carol Standish-Leigh

The book is meticulously researched, drawing on primary sources and historical records to paint a nuanced portrait of Lady Jane Grey. It challenges the simplistic narrative of Jane as merely a victim of her circumstances, a helpless girl thrust into a role she neither sought nor desired. Instead, it examines the possibility of Jane being a religious zealot, willing to do whatever it took to keep England Protestant and out of the hands of her Catholic cousin, Mary. This perspective adds depth to her character, making her more than just a tragic figure, but a young woman with her own beliefs and ambitions, however misguided they might have been.

Yet, the book does not shy away from the harsh realities of Jane's life. It portrays her as a victim of her parents' ambitions, forced into a marriage for political gain, and ultimately used as a pawn in the power games of men like John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland. Her tragic end, executed on the orders of Queen Mary, is depicted with poignant detail, evoking sympathy for a young life cut short by the brutal politics of the Tudor court.

The author's exploration of Jane's place within the Tudor royal family and the legitimacy of her claim to the throne raises intriguing questions about her role in history. Was she ever truly a queen, or merely a puppet manipulated by those around her? The book invites readers to reconsider their perceptions of Lady Jane Grey, offering a more complex and multifaceted view of her life and legacy.

"Lady Jane Grey: The Nine-Day Queen" is a thought-provoking and engaging read that sheds new light on a figure often overshadowed by the more famous Tudors. It combines rigorous historical research with compelling storytelling, making it accessible to both history enthusiasts and general readers. By exploring the many facets of Lady Jane Grey's life, the book provides a deeper understanding of her tragic story and the turbulent times in which she lived, leaving readers to ponder the true nature of power, ambition, and innocence in the unforgiving world of the Tudors. I would most defiantly recommend this book.

NetGalley, Joanne Ellis

‘There is a time to be born and a time to die, and the day of our death is better than the day of our birth.’

I’ve always admired Jane and I enjoyed learning more bout her.

This is my second read by Beverley :)

If you enjoy history and the Tudor era, check this one out!

‘A young innocent seventeen-year-old girl executed for being born into the royal house of Tudor.’

NetGalley, Georgi Lvs Books

This book was fantastic! I am grateful to the publisher for fulfilling my 'wish' to make this book available to me with this thought-provoking book. One of the most tragic characters in history, the nine-day queen, is explored in great detail in The Tragic Life of Lady Jane Grey. Lady Jane Grey's complicated life narrative is examined by Beverley Adams, spanning from her early years spent in relative isolation to her tragic execution at the Tower of London. I couldn't help but wonder if she was a religious fanatic, a tool in a power struggle, or just a little girl swept up in the chaos of Tudor politics. This fascinating study explores her place in the Tudor dynasty and challenges our understanding of her actual historical status as a queen.

NetGalley, Fae k

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Beautiful cover. I love reading anything about the Tudor's. I have not really found that many books about Lady Jane Grey. It is such a tragic story and I really loved what this author wrote! If you are a Tudor era fan, you need to read this book for sure! Highly recommend.

NetGalley, Heather Michael

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Adams presents Lady Jane Grey’s life with clarity and empathy, exploring the political intrigue and personal misfortunes that led to her brief and tumultuous reign. The book is both informative and engaging, providing readers with a deep understanding of Jane Grey’s life and the era in which she lived. Adams’s narrative is compelling, making this a must-read for those interested in historical biographies and the complexities of Tudor history.

NetGalley, Elizabeth Schmit

Lady Jane Grey is one of these women in history that you wish you could have taken by the hand and remove from a terrible situation. She’s also one of these figures in history you wish you knew more about, and I feel like this book makes a good introduction to Jane, her life and the history around her.

NetGalley, Sarah Matsson-Klingzell

Adam’s does a good job telling the life of a young woman who was betrayed by her family. As with most women in history, there is very little documentation about the person in question, but Adam’s works well with the sources she has available. I highly recommend this book for fans of Tudor history or those who are interested in learning more about the Grey family.

NetGalley, Abigail Tyn

I have been fascinated by the story of Lady Jane Grey since childhood and visited Bradgate Park many times over the years, latterly as a visitor experience volunteer. This new book, though it does not shed new insight into her tragic past is an enjoyable and thought provoking read. It is an eloquent addition to the catalogue of other books looking at Jane Grey's short life and death.

NetGalley, Mary Gibson

I think the tragic life of lady Jane is so interesting (and sad). I’m not much of a history girl but I felt this was informative and a good length with the right amount of information.

NetGalley, Cara Forbes