dead and yet to be born.
First-time novelist Vangen-Ratcliffe warmly embraces just
about every narrative genre in this dashing tale of time travel
and historical intrigue. Opening in 2070, the story centers on
daily life at Hampton Court. Upon discovery of the remains of
one of Henry VIII's mistresses, the ravishingly beautiful curator
Kaitlyn Rose and her swooningly handsome boss, Colin
Wycliffe, are suddenly transported 500 years into the past to
the infamous king's court. Coupling teleportation devices with
Renaissance customs and sibling rivalry, this sci-fi romance will
winningly engage adventure, mystery, and history buffs alike.
High misadventure explodes from all angles, as Colin attempts
to best the devious machinations of his brilliant but evil
half-brother, and Kaitlyn wards off the advances of a hedonistic
yet charming Henry VIII and the vicious attacks of his current
wife, the spurned Anne Boleyn, portrayed here as a harpy for
the ages. Tudor fans will love the extended romp through 1534
London as the author weaves her imaginative plot from the
small historical thread that Henry's dalliance with an unknown
mistress spurred Anne to fake a pregnancy to regain his
affections. The fiery dynamics of the famously tragic
relationship, even from beyond the grave, wreak havoc on
Kaitlyn, adding a ghostly twist to an already richly brocaded
narrative.
By turns riveting and ridiculous, but always fun.
--Kirkus Discoveries
