By Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows
Ok, so around Christmas I joined a corner of the Instagram that we like to call “bookstagram.” And since I joined I have discovered several books and authors I had never even heard of before. My Lady Jane was totally a #instamademedoit book, and it was phenomenal. I was actually sad when I realized this book has existed for four years already…I could have been forcing this onto all my friends so much sooner!
It’s kind of hard to nail down a genre for this one. At first glance it seems like a historical fiction, but by the time these authors get done with this small piece of England’s royal history it’s almost unrecognizable. And that’s not to mention, the magic, mystery, romance, and comedy going on in this story. It’s been compared to The Princess Bride a lot because of the narration throughout and also because of some pretty on the nose references (INCONCEIVABLE!) That comparison is spot on! The humor is so campy and fun, it reads like a cult classic. I enjoyed every second of it!
This story is loosely based on the historical events surrounding Lady Jane Grey and her nine day reign as Queen of England, before being deposed and ultimately beheaded. If you are unfamiliar with that bit of history, don’t worry, historical accuracy takes a back seat when you realize that people can be shape shifters in this version of events. There are also some great characters! King Edward has my favorite character arc of everyone. But Jane is my hero. You name it, the girl has read a book about it. She packs FIFTY books just for her honeymoon! At her wedding, she provides books for all the guests in case they get bored. Honestly, I’ve never related to a character more! And her husband, Gifford. What a guy! A poet at heart, he just wants to live a peaceful life with his new wife. Gosh, the two of them together is magic!
“What my wife desires--and what you should have guessed, had you paid attention--is bookcases. And books, of course, to fill them. Not more decorations or useless items. She wants books.”
I read this in about 10 hours, and then I was sad because I don’t even know how to find another book similar to this. But good news, y’all! It’s a series! They also have My Plain Jane based on Jane Eyre, and in June they’re releasing My Calamity Jane! I highly recommend My Lady Jane. It’s entertaining, whether you know the history or understand the pop culture references or not. It’s got awesome characters all around – male and female. And it’s good clean fun! Also, pro tip: the audio book version of this is delightful!
Purchase My Lady Jane from Amazon.
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