Customer Reviews

The Crown (Unabridged)

As other reviewers have said, it's a fairly fast-paced run through a Tudor-based murder mystery. I'll leave aside the likelihood of a minor noblewoman in her novitiate being able to gaily escape her convent to watch her cousin burn, and the even more unlikely scenario of said novice being, if not warmly welcomed back, then at least allowed to return without punishment. I suspect though that given the proliferation of historical mysteries, it's getting harder and harder to find a new angle.

Sister Joanna, the novice, is a member of the more-aristocratic-than-thou Staffords. With somewhat unfortunate timing, she has chosen to become a novice at Dartford priory, formerly the home of one of Elizabeth Woodville's several daughters just as fat Henry starts coveting both his mistress's sister and the wealth of the church. The mystery (searching for Athelstan's eponymous crown) The mystery (searching for Athelstan's eponymous crown) is not entirely sure whether it wants to be a more traditional historical mystery or one of the more recent type of missing, unknown-save-by-a-special-few-but-hugely-powerful-and-important-relic mystery. Luckily the mystical relic side of things can be almost ignored, although it gets a bit more prominent towards the end.

Important items aside, the plotting is solid and the characters mostly fairly well drawn. Joanna finishes the book both with a ready made sidekick or two for future books and with more independence that she would have had pre-dissolution. It will be interesting to see how Nancy Bilyeau preserves this in future books. If the books steer more away from the powerful lost artefact genre, I'll buy more: she's covering a really interesting (if well-worn)piece of English history.

The Crown by Nancy Bilyeau

If I hadn't been lucky enough to win my copy of Nancy Bilyeau's The Crown in a book giveaway I would have bought myself a copy so I dropped what I was doing and began reading straight away.
The intrigue and danger of Tudor England provides a perfect setting for a historical novel and this one doesn't disappoint. There was no other time in English history when it was more dangerous to be a nun or a monk and there must be a thousand stories waiting to be told, each one different but all equally as terrifying.
In a time when new religious rules were being made and broken everyday and the religious houses of England were in peril. When Joanna Stafford breaks out of Dartford Priory to attend the burning of her cousin for treason against the king, her headstrong act plunges her into a dangerous adventure. As an unwilling agent to Stephen Gardiner, Bishop of Winchester, her quest takes her far and wide across the English countryside.
There are a few Americanisms (a very few) that perhaps an English editor could have helped with but, on the whole, I found the setting and the characters convincing, the historical detail accurate and the narrative gripping. It is what you might term a `page turner.'
Other reviewers have likened it to Dan Brown but I found it far better. This book doesn't need sensationalism to be a success and the twists and turns of the plot are much more credible. It is not graphic enough to make the reader wince but that doesn't mean you won't share Joanna's torment and understand her pain.
Nancy Bilyeau helps her reader experience the English reformation through the eyes of those who suffered the most; the inmates of the falling religious houses that had survived unscathed for centuries until Henry VIII's greedy eye fell upon their riches.

This fascinating historical novel is set in 1537, during the turbulent middle years of the reign of Henry VIII, when enemies lingered on street corners, and to profess your Catholic faith usually ended with a trip to the infamous tower of London.

This story is rather different as it combines straightforward historical fiction, with a thrilling quest to find the missing Athelstan crown, which was worn by the Saxon King, Athelstan in 937, at the battle of Brunanburh, and is believed to have mystical properties.

From words whispered on the deathbed of the dying Queen, Katherine of Aragon, to the sanctified deity of a Dominican nunnery, this story abounds with treachery, suspicion and intrigue. Joanna Stafford, a novice nun, becomes entangled in political intrigue. She is charged with the quest of finding the missing crown, or her father, already imprisoned in the tower of London, will meet his fate at the hands of sadistic, and ruthless killers.

I was drawn into this story from the very beginning, the writing is so thoughtfully composed, and with such fine attention to detail that the reader is immediately transported back through time, when Tudor England is exposed with all its faults and failings.

What I liked best was the way in which the author cleverly weaves together all the story strands until they resemble one of the fine tapestries that hang above the castle halls...and as you creep along the rat infested corridors, you can sense the lingering scent of candle wax in the air.... and the flutter of fear never really goes away.

This author undoubtedly makes history come alive, and has written a stunning debut novel which captures the Tudor period to perfection.

Nancy Bilyeau's first novel, The Crown, is a historical mystery set during the Tudor period, beginning just before the death of Henry VIII's third wife Jane Seymour. The story revolves around the search for a legendary crown which is said to possess special powers. Our heroine and narrator is Joanna Stafford, niece of the third Duke of Buckingham, and a novice nun at Dartford Priory.

When Sister Joanna escapes from the priory and travels to London to witness the execution of her cousin for treason she is unfortunate enough to be captured and taken to the Tower of London. Here she is visited by Stephen Gardiner, the Bishop of Winchester, who sends her back to Dartford on a mission to find the mysterious Athelstan crown which he believes could be hidden somewhere within the priory. As Joanna learns more about the crown she starts to wonder why the Bishop wants it so desperately, but with her beloved father also imprisoned in the Tower and threatened with torture, it seems she has no choice but to obey Gardiner's orders...

This was one of the most entertaining Tudor novels I've read and a real page turner from beginning to end. When the search for the Athelstan crown began I was concerned it might become too much like The Da Vinci Code but that didn't happen. The mystery of the hidden relic was an important part of the story, but not at the expense of the character development or the wonderful sense of time and place that the author creates.

I really liked Joanna Stafford. One of the things that makes her such an interesting narrator is the constant conflict between her commitment to the vows she's required to take as a nun and her desire to do whatever is necessary to help her father, even if it means breaking some of these vows. The fact that she sometimes struggles with her conscience and doesn't always make the right decisions helped me to believe in her as a character.

As a member of one of England's most powerful families, Joanna meets a lot of famous names from the period including Katherine of Aragon, Anne and George Boleyn, Catherine Howard and Princess Mary, but unlike a lot of Tudor novels this one doesn't really focus on the court. Instead we are given lots of details on life in a priory and what it was like to be a nun during the Dissolution of the Monasteries, when on the orders of Henry VIII the religious houses of England, Wales and Ireland were closed down, destroyed or sold. This is not something I knew much about before starting this book and I had no idea what happened to the monks and nuns after the monasteries were dissolved, so it was good to learn more about the process and what it involved. But although there's plenty of history here, it really serves as a background to the plot and never slows the story down at all, so I think this book could be enjoyed by people who like thrillers and mystery novels as well as by fans of historical fiction.

The Crown is a complete story in itself, but the way it ended left me feeling that there were more adventures ahead for Joanna. Apparently Nancy Bilyeau has written a sequel and I'm already looking forward to reading it and entering Joanna's world again.

I really enjoyed this one. Although it is set in the time of Henry VIII (one of my favourite settings for novels) it is not a historical novel per se; it does not focus much on the actual history of the period, but more on the plot which revolves around the search for a mysterious relic said to have enormous power. But there is also a very human element to the novel; the protagonist, Sister Joanna, is a novice nun, who has an array of experiences beyond that of most nuns of the period - a stint in the infamous Tower of London, witness to the torture of her father and the burning of her cousin, an unlikely alliance with two friars, and even a taste of rather worldly, yet chaste, love.

Imagine if Dan Brown and Victoria Holt collaborated to make a novel and consulted Philippa Gregory on the historical issues, and you may have some idea of what this book has in store for you. The historical element is there - during the course of the story we meet Thomas Howard, Catherine Howard, Katherine of Aragon, Henry VIII, Bishop Gardiner, Princess Mary, Anne and George Boleyn, and we visit the Tower of London and the apartments of both Katherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn, and the novel is set during the period of the dissolution of the abbeys and monasteries, so the historical background is undeniably there. However, it is just that - the background. It provides the setting for the story rather than being the story itself. The mystical element is there too (hence my Dan Brown reference) - various characters in the story are searching for a relic that supposedly imbues its possessor with a certain power, and there is a race to be the first to lay hands on it. And then there is the human element of love, fear and a range of emotions, a coming of age for the protagonist and an air of suspense that one might be familiar with from the works of Victoria Holt.

All in all, this is a fast paced read and one that I would have no hesitation in recommending.

Set in Tudor England this novel features novice nun Sister Joanna, previously Mistress Joanna Stafford, as our independent and intelligent heroine. Undaunted by her vows at the Dominican Order at Dartford Priory, she disobeys rules not to leave without permission and goes to London on her own to pray for condemned traitor Lady Margaret Bulmer, who is also her cousin. Arriving on the morning of the execution, Joanna finds herself protected from the mob by Geoffrey Scovill, who, in turn, finds himself arrested along with Joanna's father. The Stafford's are an old and noble family, who have found themselves (like so many) out of favour with Henry Tudor. As his new Queen Jane goes into labour with his much wanted son, Joanna and her father are held in the Tower. Joanna's mother was Spanish and Joanna herself was briefly of service to Katherine of Aragon; her loyalty to Katharine's daughter Mary and to the old religion marks her out. Her own order, and Dartford Priory itself, is under threat of dissolution as times change rapidy.

Bishop Gardiner threatens Joanna, using her father, unless she returns to her beloved Dartford and helps him locate the Athelstan Crown - which promises great power. Along with Brother Edmund and Brother Richard, she returns to find a new prioress, who is not thrilled at her return, and no way of knowing where to look - or indeed, exactly what she is looking for. Before long, tragedy strikes and the Priory is under investigation - bringing Geoffrey Scovill back in contact with Joanna. There is no peace to be found and Joanna must set out again in search of the truth.

This is a better than average historical mystery. I did feel at times that Joanna was a little more independent and, perhaps impudent, than she would have been in these times. Also, although the historical facts were accurate, I did not always get a sense of where Joanna was - in other words the author did not always convey the atmosphere of Tudor times and the story seemed a little modern in feel. With the Sansom novels, for example, you really had a sense of the times; what it was to walk in the streets or sit in a candle lit room, but those kind of details were lacking for me. Saying that, this was an enjoyable read with a strong plot and good characters, and I would certainly like to read the next adventure featuring Joanna Stafford.

The Crown is Nancy Bilyeau's debut historical fiction novel. The Crown is the story of Dominican Nun, Joanna Stafford, caught in political maneuverings during the reign of Henry VIII in 1537.

Joanna is the niece of the once privileged, but now disgraced and executed Edward Stafford, Duke of Buckingham. By association, she is tainted traitor.

She loves her religious life, although she has not yet taken vows, and the threat of dissolution of Dartford Prior, the only Dominican order in England, weighs heavily on her mind. Joanna's life in service to her beliefs is jeopardized by Cromwell's advice and the whims of Henry. Where will she go? How will she survive? Questions to which there are no obvious answers.

The Duke of Buckingham's illegitimate daughter, Margaret, was Joanna's sole friend during her childhood. Now she hears news Margaret and her husband, John, are to be executed as rebels. John is to be hanged but her beloved cousin burned at Smithfield. Joanna knows she must defy the rule of enclosure and be with her cousin at the last.

She slips out of the priory and travels to London to offer Margaret the only comforts she possesses: her presence, prayers and love. Joanna is not prepared for the sheer madness that grips London, especially during a public burning. She narrowly escapes an assault aided by a Constable, Geoffrey Scovill, As Margaret is lead to the stake, a sight shocks Joanna to her core. Her father is running towards Margaret with a bag of gunpowder to end her trial by fire.

Joanna and Geoffrey are arrested, along with Joanna's father, and taken to the Tower of London. Her first inquisitor is the Duke of Norfolk, married to her older cousin, Elizabeth. A wretched marital union. He accuses Joanna of having ulterior motives for attending Margaret's execution, exhibiting a pendant given to her by Margaret and Margaret's last letter to her as evidence of Joanna's intent to foment fresh rebellion against the King.

Her previous service to the dying Katharine of Aragon in place of her Spanish mother is questioned. Joanna, remembering that night, determines she will not betray the trust of a dying woman. Her new tormentor, Bishop of Winchester, Stephen Gardiner, takes to her to the torture chamber. At the sight of her father, her defiance disintegrates.

Gardiner is convinced Dartford Prior was founded to conceal a powerful relic: the fabled Athelston Crown. Gardiner wrenches a confession from Joanna that Katherine of Aragon mentioned the Athelston crown in her dying words.

The Athelston Crown is legendary:

"The bishop's face went white. 'Yes. And there is prophecy: A prophecy of great reward but not without great risk. It is both blessing and curse. It has a power, Sister Joanna, that has never been unleashed, for if it were, it would change the lives of every man, woman, and child living in England - and beyond.'"

Against her conscience, Joanna agrees to return to Dartford Priory to search for the Athelston Crown. To ensure her compliance, her father is held in the Tower of London. Accompanied by 2 Dominican Friars, whose motives she does not understand or know, thus begins Joanna's secret quest.

A murder at the Prior brings Geoffrey Scoville back into her life. Joanna's mission is fraught with danger, journeys into the world, decoding and deciphering obscure clues. She does not know who is trustworthy or bent on objectives contrary to hers. And, exactly what does Gardiner intend to do with the crown, should it be found?

Nancy has masterfully written The Crown so the reader knows no more than Joanna at any given point. Where, how or if the Athelston Crown will be located and the consequences of such a discovery are just as much a mystery to the reader as the reader is pulled along with Joanna.

The Crown is written employing all five senses, an attribute many novels lack. This serves to provide added depth to the prose. Nancy plays for high stakes in The Crown, but also knows when to let the reader have a little bit of a breather. Characters do not always enjoy the security of the roles they play. A little dash of romantic inclination adds the question of whether Joanna will remain in the religious life or maybe.....

Nancy leaves the reader satisfied, but open to the concept there may be more to come in Joanna's life.

An outstanding debut historical fiction novel, The Crown is worthy of a glowing:

MY RATING: 5/5 Stars

Stories surrounding King Henry VIII, his wives and the Reformation are plentiful but what makes Nancy Bilyeau's debut novel so different, is that it is just that - different!
You are instantly shown the sheer horror of the time of the Reformation when the Church of England was usurping the Catholic faith that had been the dominant religion for five hundred years. The fear that Catholic's felt just for wishing to practise their faith is demonstrated so clearly in the first few pages that you are instantly connected to the heroine, Joanna Stafford. The descriptions and prose are eloquent and tight; not a spare word appears in the whole novel, making it a hugely satisfying read.

I understand the fascination many historical fiction enthusiasts have with the Tudor period, but Nancy Bilyeau writes with a grace that sets this novel far above many I have read. Her research is impeccable, but the addition of a folklore element to the plot brings a perilous dimension to this period of religious fear. Bilyeau's characters are fully formed and you root for the goodies and hope evil things happen to the baddies. The whole product is created to the highest standard; the plot creation, the characters, the editing, the research, everything is immaculately polished.

I have given "The Crown" 5 stars and cannot wait for the next instalment in Joanna Stafford's adventures.

This is a very good read. The historical context is genuine: the Dissolution happened and the many viable, decent monasteries and religious houses (which formed the basis of a rudimentary form of social care) were swept into oblivion along with the few bad apples. The characters are distinct and vivid and there is no attempt to cast the nuns, friars and bishops as religious stereotypes. Far from it. Sister Joanna's most unholy adventure starts in the horror of Smithfield where her cousin, Margaret, is to be burned at the stake for treason. when she breaks all the rules of her novitiate by absconding from the Dartford priory to offer some comfort to the condemned woman. Margaret's crime was to try to protect her beloved religion during The Pilgrimage of Grace. Everyone in the book is touched and moulded in one way or another by the crushing of Catholicism in England, King Henry's siezure of Church lands and goods, and the fall out from his contentious second marriage to Anne Boleyn. Joanna's elderly father bravely pitches in to try to shorten his niece's suffering, thus delivering himself and Joanna into the Tower and into the hands of less than gentle Tudor "investigators". The Machiavellian Bishop Gardiner personally supervises the questioning and uses threats against Sister Joanna's father as a lever to compromise her into undertaking a quest which places her in danger, both physical and spiritual. In the parallel plotline, Joanna's precious convent is pitched into a nightmare of murder, incest, double dealing and distrust,

The task set by Gardiner is for Joanna to find a long lost relic of the ancient King Athelstan; The Crown of the title, which, if found, would confer immense power on the finder and potentially rescue the established Church in England from Thomas Cromwell's wreckers. This search brings immense danger to Joanna and her small team of fellow adventurers, but also intense freedom of thought and action, which is a seductive mix for a woman who thought her life would be lived in prayer and contemplation.

No point in spoiling what is a rollicking tale by giving any more away, but by the end Sister Joanna is wiser, both more and (in a poignant twist!) less alone, but not afraid of what the future holds, which neatly leaves the door open for further adventures. I really liked this character and would happily follow her spirited and spiritual evolution as a dispossed nun in a 16th Century man's world. As for the fate of The Crown, you will have to read this excellent novel for yourselves! Enjoy!

This book gripped me from the start, but then it got better and better and culminated in a couple of twists that I would never ever have expected. I thought this was a wonderful book and am absolutely amazed that it hasn't had full marks from everyone.