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Judith Arnopp
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The Heretic Wind: The Life of Mary Tudor, Queen of England Kindle Edition

by Judith Arnopp (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 1,000 ratings
Adored by her parents and pampered by the court, the infant Princess Mary’s life changes suddenly and drastically when her father’s eye is taken by the enigmatic Anne Boleyn. Mary stands firm against her father’s determination to destroy both her mother’s reputation, and the Catholic church. It is a battle that will last throughout both her father’s and her brother’s reign, until, she is almost broken by persecution. When King Edward falls ill and dies Mary expects to be crowned queen. But she has reckoned without John Dudley, the Duke of Northumberland, who before Mary can act, usurps her crown and places it on the head of her Protestant cousin, Lady Jane Grey. Furious and determined not to be beaten, Mary musters a vast army at Framlingham Castle; a force so strong that Jane Grey’s supporters crumble in the face of it, and Mary is at last crowned Queen of England. But her troubles are only just beginning. Rebellion and heresy take their toll both on Mary’s health, and on the English people. Suspecting she is fatally ill, and desperate to save her people from heresy, Mary steps up her campaign to compel her subjects to turn back to the Catholic faith. All who resist will face punishment for heresy in the flames of the Smithfield fires.
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  1. Print length
    332 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    January 26, 2020
  4. File size
    852 KB
  5. Page Flip
    Enabled
  6. Word Wise
    Enabled
  7. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B081NHYVB1
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 26, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 852 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 332 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 1,000 ratings

About the author

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Judith Arnopp

Judith Arnopp

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Judith Arnopp's novels are set during the War of the Roses and the Tudor era. They focus on women like Margaret Beaufort, Anne Neville, Elizabeth of York, Anne Boleyn, and Mary Tudor.

She has a Master's degree in medieval studies and a BA in English and creative writing from the University of Wales, making Historical Fiction the only obvious career choice.

She lives on the coast of West Wales with her husband, John, and now her family have flown the nest she writes full time from her home overlooking Cardigan Bay.

Her early books were set in the Anglo Saxon period but since switching to the Tudor era her career has flourished and she now has a substantial collection of titles in her catalogue. All books are available on Kindle and in paperback, some are on Audible.

Judith also writes non-fiction, her most recent published by Pen and Sword is a study of Tudor clothing and fashion, How to Dress Like a Tudor. Her work features in several anthologies and magazines.

You can find more information on judithmarnopp and follow her blog on juditharnoppnovelist blogspot and most social media

platforms.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
1,000 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this historical novel engaging and well-written, with one review noting it's told via deathbed recollections. The book portrays Mary Tudor's life appropriately, bringing her into a different light, and customers appreciate the excellent character development. They consider it a worthwhile read.

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11 customers mention "Readability"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a fantastic read, with one mentioning it's the first Judith Arnopp book they've read.

"...I love her life as she told it to Anne. Excellent read." Read more

"...All in all it was a good read, though in many ways it was dark, in my opinion it portrayed Mary's life appropriately." Read more

"A good readable story - many historical facts , possibly intentionally were barely touched, anyone familiar with English history will note." Read more

"...stereotypes that you see with these stories but overall it was a good read." Read more

10 customers mention "Historical accuracy"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the historical accuracy of the book, with one customer noting how the story is told through deathbed recollections, while another mentions it provides a broader understanding of yesterday's monarchs.

"...Arnopps novels now and each of them have given me broader understanding of yesterday's monarchs...." Read more

"A good readable story - many historical facts , possibly intentionally were barely touched, anyone familiar with English history will note." Read more

"...A well worthwhile read and gripping story.. Provides some clarity on the far reaching and devastating impact of Henry XIII's behaviors...." Read more

"...This to me was the most interesting aspect of the book—history invariably paints “Bloody” Mary Tudor as an evil person...." Read more

9 customers mention "Characterization"9 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's portrayal of Mary Tudor's life, bringing her into a different light, with one customer noting how it guides readers to better understand her role.

"...read, though in many ways it was dark, in my opinion it portrayed Mary's life appropriately." Read more

"...her part in history but this book truly guides the reader to better understand her role, her life and what she lived through and how she might have..." Read more

"This book presents a different view of Queen Mary, and makes her more human, and gives some different reasons for her actions rather than making her..." Read more

"...I thought that she really brought Mary into a different light...." Read more

8 customers mention "Writing quality"8 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, describing it as well-written and a perfect read.

"The book is well written and very successful in showing the notorious "Bloody Mary" as a very frail and vulnerable old woman...." Read more

"...This is a masterfully written piece to give the reader a different vantage point of Mary...." Read more

"...The author is simply superb, her descriptions of the lives, attitudes and characters bring them to life in the reader's mind right away...." Read more

"...Poor mary so sad for her. But this book is well written and does hold your interest." Read more

6 customers mention "Value for money"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a worthwhile read, with one mentioning it was worth every minute of their time.

"...I have enjoyed her wit and benefited from the mass amount of hours she has given to research and study...." Read more

"...A well worthwhile read and gripping story.. Provides some clarity on the far reaching and devastating impact of Henry XIII's behaviors...." Read more

"I found this very interesting book...." Read more

"Decent!..." Read more

4 customers mention "Character development"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one review highlighting the excellent portrayal of Mary as a very human figure.

"...I like the character of the young girl, Anne, who seems to give Mary comfort in her last days...." Read more

"...touched with compassion and understanding as each of her well rounded characters has come to life in front of me...." Read more

"...The Mary Tudor of Arnopp’s novel is a very human Mary...." Read more

"...Well written, excellent development of characters and rooted in history. Well done." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Karla J.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Read
    Reviewed in the United States on September 12, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I was reluctant to read this, but love Judith Arnopp so I decided to read. What I like most is she did not do Mary any favors. I love her life as she told it to
    Anne. Excellent read.
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  • Val O
    4.0 out of 5 stars Shows Mary in a different light
    Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    The book is well written and very successful in showing the notorious "Bloody Mary" as a very frail and vulnerable old woman. The back and forth from present to past shows the tragic life that Mary lived. The divorce of her parents, being separated from her dear mother, being declared illegitimate, just to name a few. In her adult life she never had true love and was never blessed with being a mother, something she desperately wanted. I like the character of the young girl, Anne, who seems to give Mary comfort in her last days. All in all it was a good read, though in many ways it was dark, in my opinion it portrayed Mary's life appropriately.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • CANDACE HICKMAN
    5.0 out of 5 stars COMPASSION FOR MARY
    Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Be it Kings, Queens or Presidents, days of yesterday or today, it seems little changes in the quest for money, power and position. I can relate much of what is happening in the world today with what happened yesterday. Yes, so often history only repeats itself.
    I have been privileged to have finished most of Ms. Arnopps novels now and each of them have given me broader understanding of yesterday's monarchs. I have enjoyed her wit and benefited from the mass amount of hours she has given to research and study. However, the largest treasure has been to have my heart touched with compassion and understanding as each of her well rounded characters has come to life in front of me.
    I will forever be grateful for the generous spirit Ms. Arnopp must so undoubtedly possess in order to spin these historical people, places, events into a time and people who by turn-of-page come to life in our hearts and minds.
    I pray Ms. Arnopp keeps the midnight oil burning and her keyboard keys clicking as she creates more masterpiece tales of a foregone yesterday! I look forward to the next!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Sekhar Banerjee
    3.0 out of 5 stars Not a bad read
    Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    A good readable story - many historical facts , possibly intentionally were barely touched, anyone familiar with English history will note.
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  • Lisa G
    5.0 out of 5 stars Decent fiction covering Mary Tudor
    Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I liked this because the story didn't flinch from showing the brutality of the last part if Mary Tudors short reign. It did show by her reminiscences that she is not a one dimensional character. She was a Princess who was treated with isolation and brutality for much of her life. This may have resulted in her belief that if she could turn England back to Catholicism, she and her people would not only be happy, but she would be saving their souls. Later, her illness caused likely instability of the mind.
    Queen Elizabeth is much lauded as the Queen who brought peace to England but she didn't flinch from torturing and burning priests and killing Catholic families despite her promise for religious tolerance. She also beheaded Queen Mary of Scots, while Queen Mary never convicted Elizabeth despite evidence that she was knowledgeable of plots to kill Mary.
    History is written by the victors. Mary's early death and lack of am heir, combined with Elizabeth's tutor tenacity allowed her to triumph. She also had Walsingham and Walsey as supporters and advices.
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  • neilorie
    4.0 out of 5 stars Mary, her life in history
    Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed reading this book about Mary Tudor (Bloody Mary being the brand ahe was most known by). I've never entirely understood her part in history but this book truly guides the reader to better understand her role, her life and what she lived through and how she might have felt.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it.
    Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    What a misunderstood woman who lived a tragic life in fear and self disappointment. This is the first I learned of the phantom pregnancies which, by themselves, make clear the extent of this sad woman 's mental state. A well worthwhile read and gripping story.. Provides some clarity on the far reaching and devastating impact of Henry XIII's behaviors. The strength of England despite long periods of rule by weirdo royals is remarkable. Some of them were pretty awful, and the absolute nature of their rule is stunning. Democracies can be messy, that is for sure. And no doubt there is corruption. However, the corruption of monarchies was unbelievable. Hard to understand. jhls
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  • Samantha
    4.0 out of 5 stars Decent!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed the fresh viewpoint. I thought it was nice to see the story that had been told a thousand times through something Mary’s mind and eyes. I think it fell into some stereotypes that you see with these stories but overall it was a good read.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Christine Boos
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant novel about Queen Mary of England
    Reviewed in Germany on June 4, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    What an excellent novel on the life of Mary, daughter of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon! Her life was tragic, unfair and so full of misery, and definitely shaped her as a harsh Queen of England. The author has managed to show how Mary's life could have influenced her reign without bearing judgement on her or finding excuses at her acts one would define nowadays as acts of cruelty, blinded by her religious fanaticism. A real success!
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  • history fan 111
    1.0 out of 5 stars this is a "novel" NOT a history-
    Reviewed in Canada on February 16, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    the book is not a history- it is a "novel"- this should be clearly stated as currently very misleading description
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  • S Henderson
    5.0 out of 5 stars From Mary Tudor's Perspective
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 28, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I've always been fascinated with the Tudors, and I knew very little about Mary so this book was a must-read as soon as I heard about it. The book tells the story of Mary Tudor, Queen of England, and it begins with Mary on her death bed. Narrated in the first person, it evokes a sense of immediacy and personal insight into her life & her story in such a way that you feel connected and close as a reader. While I was very aware of Mary's nickname - 'Bloody Mary' and her fight against heretics, her struggles with religion and in continuing her Catholic faith during her father's and brother's reign, the author sheds some insight into the story. And this is not to explain or impart any truths (such a difficult thing to do given the historical period), but the story allows you to see Mary in a new light, to understand the difficulties she faced from an early age through to becoming a queen herself, and indeed throughout her reign. It has given me a fresh perspective, and far more empathy for Mary Tudor than I had before. It is well written, a beautiful read, and I think the author has done a tremendous job here - she has given a voice to Mary Tudor, a fine voice, and one worth listening to.
    Wonderfully researched. Highly recommended read.
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  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars An interesting read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 10, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    It was a good read about a forgotten princess and her lonely life.I especially liked the going forward and backward about her life.
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  • Terry Tyler
    5.0 out of 5 stars A tragic life
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 4, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I've been so looking forward to reading this book, and I was not disappointed. It tells the story of Mary Tudor, daughter of Henry VIII and sister of Elizabeth I, in the first person, and alternates between chronological events and instances just before her death; in these, she talks about the events of her life, which are then expanded upon in the main chapters. The format worked very well; I was engrossed throughout.

    Mary has always had a bad press, for being a religious fanatic and burning so many at the stake for heresy, but this book made painfully evident how tragic and lonely her life was, right from childhood, when her father all but abandoned her. I've always been Team Boleyn, but one could not help having great sympathy for Mary after reading this. Some think that she was actually insane during the later years of her reign; I am not sure that she wasn't driven to it before that - and, as I read in the author's notes, we can't try to understand her brutal, inhuman actions by relating them to the world we live in now. I daresay she really did think she was doing God's will.

    In all other fiction I've read about her, she is shown to have been besotted with her husband, Phillip of Spain, and her infamous phantom pregnancies being, in part, a deranged attempt to bind her to him; in this book, however, Judith Arnopp illustrates her as being as lukewarm about the marriage as he was. That she only knew just a hint of real love, with Phillip of Bavaria for just the odd brief day when she was young, is so, so sad.

    This is not a very long book, and is a very 'easy read', which I liked, with scant detail surrounding some aspects, but I thought this was cleverly done, because the book is written from Mary's point of view. Some events would not have been paramount in her thoughts, or she simply might not have known a great deal about them. For instance, when she is placed in a position to overhear a conversation, in order to let the reader know what was going on, Ms Arnopp does not over-egg the pudding, making it unrealistic. Snatches of conversation are all she hears.

    Highly recommended if you are as much of a Tudor addict as I am!
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