VIII by H.M. Castor
Reviewed by: Sylvia Shults, Circulation Assistant
Genre: Historical Fiction, YA
Suggested Age: Teens and Adults
What is the book about?: He was the most powerful man in England, with armies and countless citizens under his control. He could have any woman he chose. And he was a teenager. This is a look at Henry the Eighth, through his own very flawed eyes.
My Review: What a ferocious book! This novel reads like the twisted diary of a spoiled, moody teenager … a teenager with the power of life and death over those around him. And to make his precarious mental health even worse, Henry keeps seeing the ghost of a murdered boy at stressful moments throughout his life. Is this his uncle, one of the princes murdered in the Tower? Or is it the shell of himself? This book rockets along, demanding attention, taking over your reading with an imperious “pay attention to ME” attitude — just like its anti-hero. If you want to get a real feel for Henry the man, in all his flawed glory as the most famous king of England, read this book.
Rating: 5/5
About FDL Reads
Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library. Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available. If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently. We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!