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Wendy J. Dunn
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The Light in the Labyrinth: The Last Days of Anne Boleyn. (The Life and Death of Anne Boleyn Book 2) Kindle Edition

by Wendy J. Dunn (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 476 ratings
IN THE WINTER OF 1535, young Kate Carey lives with her mother and her new family, far from the royal court. Unhappy with her life and wanting to escape her home, she accepts the invitation of Anne Boleyn, the aunt she idolises, to join her household in London.
But the dark, dangerous labyrinth of Henry VIII’s court forces Kate to grow up fast as she witnesses her aunt’s final tragic days — and when she discovers a secret that changes her life forever.

All things must end—all things but love.
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  1. Reading age
    11 - 18 years
  2. Book 2 of 5
    The Life and Death of Anne Boleyn
  3. Print length
    314 pages
  4. Language
    English
  5. Publication date
    January 16, 2019
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

The Light in the Labyrinth

Readers' Favorite Review

Sophie Masson's review

Endorsement of The Light in the Labyrinth

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Editorial Reviews

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The novel is beautifully written and makes history accessible in an exciting way...I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

Five stars from Readers' Favorite.

From the Author

My website:wendyjdunn.com/about/blog/entering-the-labyrinth/ * wendyjdunn.com/anne-boleyn/anne-boleyn-in-the-tower-by-edouard-cibot/

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07MVTVHJZ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Poesy Quill; 2nd edition (January 16, 2019)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 16, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.9 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 314 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 476 ratings

About the author

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Wendy J. Dunn

Wendy J. Dunn

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Wendy J. Dunn is an award-winning Australian author, playwright and poet fascinated by Tudor history – so much so she was not surprised to discover a family connection to the Tudors, not long after the publication of her first Anne Boleyn novel narrating the Anne Boleyn story through the eyes of Sir Thomas Wyatt, the elder. Her family tree reveals the intriguing fact that one of her ancestral families – possibly over three generations – had purchased land from both the Boleyn and Wyatt families to build up their own holdings. It seems very likely Wendy’s ancestors knew the Wyatts and Boleyns personally.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
476 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book a delightful and well-written historical novel that makes history accessible to young readers. Moreover, the writing style is easy to follow, with one customer noting it's hard to put down. However, the story quality receives mixed reactions, with some customers saying it brings history alive while others find it weak.

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23 customers mention "Enjoyment"20 positive3 negative

Customers find the book delightful and an intriguing read, with one customer noting it's a wonderful follow-up to the first book in the series.

"...A great read!" Read more

"...for teenagers, The Light in the Labyrinth is relatable, as well as irresistible.." Read more

"This is a lovely book. It’s beautifully written and makes history accessible to young adults in an engaging and interesting way...." Read more

"...A wonderful follow-up to Book One." Read more

12 customers mention "Reading level"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative and well-researched, making it a great introduction to the Tudors for young readers.

"...from the perspective of Anne Boleyn's 14-year-old niece, this well-researched and creative novel takes us through the intense emotions of the doomed..." Read more

"...Uncomplicated and written for teenagers, The Light in the Labyrinth is relatable, as well as irresistible.." Read more

"...I thought her psychology was well executed and that it would appeal to young adults...." Read more

"I started reading this book without realizing it was written for young adults; it wasn’t until the romance part that it dawned on me that the story..." Read more

9 customers mention "Writing quality"9 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, finding it well-crafted and easy to read quickly, with one customer noting its introspective nature.

"...Cleverly written from the perspective of Anne Boleyn's 14-year-old niece, this well-researched and creative novel takes us through the intense..." Read more

"...Writing is strong and smooth, though. If I wrote this review for the quality of the writing I would give four stars not three...." Read more

"...What makes this novel unique is the language and introspective quality...." Read more

"This is a lovely book. It’s beautifully written and makes history accessible to young adults in an engaging and interesting way...." Read more

3 customers mention "Ease of reading"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read, with one mentioning it's hard to put down.

"...Great book to introduce the Tudors to young readers. Uncomplicated and written for teenagers, The Light in the Labyrinth is relatable, as well as..." Read more

"...So her knowledge of the queen was simple and sweet, from a child’s perspective...." Read more

"...Very engaging and hard to put down. A must for all Tudor lovers." Read more

8 customers mention "Story quality"5 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the story quality of the book, with some saying it brings history to life while others find it weak.

"...of Anne Boleyn's 14-year-old niece, this well-researched and creative novel takes us through the intense emotions of the doomed queen's last days...." Read more

"...The book is satisfying on all kinds of levels. It brings history alive and validates for girls stepping into a woman’s role that they’re not alone..." Read more

"...My only complaint is the story ended too soon" Read more

"...I love how Dunn weaves the story using the perspectives of people who were close to Anne. Her niece, Kate, is new to court...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • HF Reader
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully Written and Insightful Perspective
    Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Highly recommend The Light in the Labyrinth as first-class introduction to Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, as well as the politics and intrigue of the Tudor Court. Cleverly written from the perspective of Anne Boleyn's 14-year-old niece, this well-researched and creative novel takes us through the intense emotions of the doomed queen's last days. Although we know the inevitable tragic outcome, there is no rush to the end, for Ms Dunn paints the characters and scenes with such precision and authority that it is fascinating to discover all the conflicting personalities surrounding Anne. Whether introducing a YA reader to historical fiction, or delivering emotional intelligence to a well-versed Tudor fan, this novel delights in the detail while experiencing all the unpredictable and harrowing events triggered by Henry VIII's desperate quest for a son. A great read!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Carole P. Roman
    4.0 out of 5 stars Introduces the Tudor court to young readers
    Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2014
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    Henry VIII's court was a lace of mystery and secrets. Wendy Dunn creates an atmospheric coming of age book about Katherine Carey, Anne Boleyn's niece. Locked in typical teenage struggle with her mother and stepfather, Kate yearns to live at court with her glamorous aunt, the Queen on England. Tantalizing tidbits of gossip tease her, but she is young and innocent and unaware of the storm brewing in the troubled court. Like a flower unfolding, Katherine slowly learns the secrets of both her and her brother's birth, her mother's sordid past, and her growing role of importance in her aunt's life. Maturity comes with responsibility, and Kate proves her bravery as she steps into history to take her role at her aunt's side as Anne Boleyn meets her fate. Great book to introduce the Tudors to young readers. Uncomplicated and written for teenagers, The Light in the Labyrinth is relatable, as well as irresistible..
    4 people found this helpful
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  • M.S.
    3.0 out of 5 stars not super but okay
    Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2014
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    Not very amazing but I still read the book . I did not read it for the lead character, I read it because it was a different take on Anne Boleyn. So, one can say that makes the subject matter could not focus on the lead character as much as it should. Writing is strong and smooth, though. If I wrote this review for the quality of the writing I would give four stars not three.

    Wendy Dunn is a good writer who can pass her ideas to the reader pretty smoothly.

    Shortly, liked the author's style but not the book as much.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Laura L. Rahme
    5.0 out of 5 stars A rare glimpse into Anne Boleyn
    Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2015
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    I was touched by this moving account of the last days of Anne Boleyn, as told through her niece, Catherine Carey.

    I was particularly fascinated by the glimpse into Anne Boleyn's strong character, her romantic suffering, and the love she maintained for Henry to the end. The details and richness of the court and family intrigue is a testament to the solid research. The author succeeds in stirring our empathy, not only for the Queen, but also for the condition and status of all women during this period of history.

    Through his character's strong dialogue, Cromwell is well depicted and becomes a standout villain in this novel. King Henry's torment also comes through - one can see that his poor treatment of Anne Boleyn arises as much from the expectations men had of women at the time, as they do from Cromwell's political influence.

    To be honest, I picked up this novel more for the journey with Anne Boleyn than out of interest for her niece. I loved every moment where Anne is given focus. I identified with her niece's devotion to her - I think this is the true force of this novel and its narrator: the reader becomes one with Catherine Carey.

    Perhaps because this is a YA novel, I was less engaged with the romantic relationship between Catherine Carey and her future husband - what I appreciated was that its portrayal was faithful to the historical period.

    What makes this novel unique is the language and introspective quality. Swept up by the dramatic events and the secrets she unravels, Catherine is forced to grow fast and she reflects often. I thought her psychology was well executed and that it would appeal to young adults. However I would recommend this novel to all Tudor period fans and I believe the author gracefully achieved what they set out to do.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Mercedes Rochelle
    4.0 out of 5 stars Poor Kate is in for a rude awakening!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2019
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    I started reading this book without realizing it was written for young adults; it wasn’t until the romance part that it dawned on me that the story was geared for the tender-hearted. That was a good thing; it already had my interest and I continued all the way through. It was an interesting approach to Anne Boleyn. Our spitfire protagonist Kate, who was ignorant of her mother’s past, insisted that she go to court, notwithstanding Mary Boleyn’s unwillingness to let her go. So her knowledge of the queen was simple and sweet, from a child’s perspective. We, the readers, don’t get to see the unsavory parts of Anne Boleyn’s ruthless climb to greatness. Bits and pieces slip through—mostly from the regretful queen herself, who has already started her downward spiral into the king’s disfavor. Kate’s courtly education was precipitous and brutal, and I don’t think she really absorbed all the implications of the queen’s past behavior; she was much too busy freaking out over the discovery of her own bastardy. What a mess! Our poor protagonist didn’t have the maturity or the experience to deal with all the catastrophes that followed one upon the other, but she was steadfast in her loyalty to her aunt the fallen queen. Overall, I thought Anne Boleyn was depicted a little too wimpy, a little too unspirited and too complaisant before the king. Maybe this is because we met her so late in her life's story; perhaps her spirit was really broken by the time of her last pregnancy. But I found the whole Tower sequence, right before her execution, to be too maudlin for my taste; I skimmed over the whole section. Our Kate barely held up throughout, but one hopes that she was able to provide some comfort to the future Elizabeth I as a witness to Anne Boleyn’s last days.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • James
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, easy read.... Until the heartbreaking ending!!!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 19, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This young adult novel looks at the last of Anne Boleyn, through the eyes of her niece, the teenage Catherine Carey, daughter of Mary Boleyn. It is absolutely perfect for those just getting into history. However It is also a perfect 'light read' for anyone of any age. The descriptions of the palaces, clothes events etc. are brilliant, and really bring everything to life. I found the ending with Anne's downfall/execution to be incredibly gripping, filled with suspense, and very emotional. Something which I struggle to get usually from a novel, as usually I find watching that sort of thing on a film/TV/theatre more easy to feel the emotion, but this was just so beautifully done.
    At the end of the book, the author discusses the parts of the story we know less about, such as 'was Catherine really the daughter of Henry VIII'? And if any parts were added for story purpose, which I think deserves her even more respect.
    I very much enjoyed Catherine's journey through the story... A sequel featuring Elizabeth and Catherine Willoughby (who I have become more fascinated about since reading this book) would be wonderful ;).
    All in all this book is a beautiful light read for anyone interested in Tudor history. But be warned... The ending will leave you in tears.
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  • Miss Eloise Faichney
    5.0 out of 5 stars A rich and compelling Tudor novel: An eloquent love letter to Anne Boleyn
    Reviewed in Australia on December 7, 2015
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    Wendy J. Dunn’s astonishing young adult novel “The Light in the Labyrinth” is the rich and compelling tale of the tragic days leading to Anne Boleyn's execution, seen through the eyes of Catherine (Kate) Carey, daughter of Mary Boleyn and niece of Anne.

    At fourteen years of age, Kate is bored with her life in the English countryside with her mother and her new husband, and longs for the glamour of Henry VIII’s court and the company of her beautiful Aunt Nan. Kate gets her wish, but is about to discover the fraught world of 1535 Tudor politics; a landscape of strategy and betrayal, where one wrong step can cost you your reputation—or your life.

    The novel is eloquent and well researched, unfolding smoothly and effortlessly from the point of view of Kate, a heroine we discover to be heartfelt, empathetic and quick to learn from the harshities at court. Kate swiftly sheds her naivety in her new surrounds, emerging as a strong young woman who is fiercely loyal to her Aunt to the end. Her budding love affair with her future husband, Francis Knolleys, is lushly rendered in some of the novel’s most romantic scenes.

    Dunn’s imaginative knitting together of historical detail, use of poetic interludes and demonstrable knowledge of the Tudor period have produced a highly engaging read, captivating not only for its young adult audience, but for the adult reader as well. For the young adult, this novel makes a fine introduction to the historical period and the tragic tale of Anne Boleyn.

    The author has created a detailed reimagining of the triumphs, excesses and perils of Henry VIII’s kingdom, and through the eyes of the tender-hearted Kate emerges a lovingly rendered portrayal of one of the most controversial women in English history. An excellent addition to any history lover’s library.
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  • LindaF
    5.0 out of 5 stars ANOTHER MUST HAVE BOOK FOR TUDOR ERA READERS
    Reviewed in Canada on July 10, 2015
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    WOW , THIS REALLY BRINGS OUT A LOT OF NEW INFO ...YOU FEEL AS THOUGH YOU LIVE THIS LAST DAYS WITH ANN B
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  • gemmyjan
    4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 31, 2015
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    Quite interesting and enjoyable
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  • Andrea Mann
    5.0 out of 5 stars A most satisfying read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 5, 2016
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    I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, as I've always had an interest in the 'Tudor' period of history. Wendy manages to bring the sights, smells and sounds of the period to life. I usually judge a book by how lost I become in it and this was one I didn't want to finish! It is refreshing, well-written and sheds a sympathetic light on the much maligned character of Anne Boleyn and the intriguing relationships through the eyes of her niece.
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