Title: My Lady Jane
Author(s): Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton & Jodi Meadows
Series: stand-alone
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: June 7, 2016
Source: ARC received from publisher
Purchase: Amazon |
Barnes & Noble |
Audible
For fans of The Princess Bride comes the comical, fantastical, romantical, (not) entirely true story of Lady Jane Grey.
Lady Jane Grey, sixteen, is about to be married to a total stranger—and caught up in an insidious plot to rob her cousin, King Edward, of his throne. But that’s the least of Jane’s problems. She’s about to become Queen of England. Like that could go wrong.
This alternate version of the events leading up to and following the subsequent nine-day reign of Lady Jane Grey is equal parts hilarious and fantastical. I knew little of Lady Jane's rise to the queenship, but now I know the
real story. *wink, wink* And it was ever so much fun!
I've read and adored series by all three of The Lady Janies, so I knew in my heart of hearts that this was going to be a worthwhile endeavor. They each have their own voice as they each write one of three perspectives: King Edward, Lady Jane, and Lord Gifford. I'm pretty sure I figured out which author wrote which POV early on, but I won't hazard a guess here because I don't want to spoil anything. Besides, it's more fun to guess!
This story is not historically accurate; it's not intended to be. But the aspects from history that were included made it feel as if this
could have been how things really happened. It's a flight of fancy, I know, but I would like Jane to
not have lost her head in the whole ordeal. There was entirely too much of that "off with her head" business back in those days for my liking, anyway.
That Eðian business was particularly refreshing, though. It's not mentioned in the synopsis, but it's apparently on the
back cover, so I don't feel I'm revealing too much by discussing it. Besides, it's essential to the plot and also the dividing factor in the realm at this point. [In this version of history, at least. ;0)] Which means it should be as much up for discussion now as it is in the book. Where all the citizens of the queendom do is fight about it or try to master their animal change...or both. It's all rather mysterious and hush-hush, but in the best way possible. I wish
I could change in to an animal at will. I would just prefer to pick
which animal. =)
My Lady Jane is remarkably hilarious. It pays homage to favorites like
The Princess Bride and
Monty Python and other classics, while also including quips from more recent obsessions of mine, like
Tangled. ("Frying pans. Who knew?") I alternated between loving these allusions...and not. They were funny until they became a little forced, a little too much for the specific moment. But most of the time, I treasured their wit and playfulness amidst the direness of the situation. The horse jokes DID NOT QUIT and they were perfection. And the remarks from the narrators (read: authors) throughout the story were equally funny and definitely made me feel like I was Fred Savage while reading this book. (If you don't get that reference, I don't think we can be friends.)
This was quite a story. It was just missing that
je ne sais quoi that would have made it a five-star read for me. Maybe it was the fact that Lord Gifford wanted to be called G? That just did not feel right
at all. Maybe it was the fact that it felt like the nods to other comedies were overused, that I would have loved to see more of the authors' own brands of humor integrated into the story? I'm not certain. But the voices were distinctive. The characterization was neatly done. The romance was pretty adorable, as well. And the story was clever as all get out. So it must just be me.
I think this story will resonate with fans of historical fiction and fans of the comedic genius of those movies listed above, alike. It's punniness sure had me cackling like a lunatic from beginning to end. I hope The Lady Janies collaborate like this again, to much ensuing hilarity.
GIF it to me straight:
About the author:
We're the authors of the upcoming young adult novel, MY LADY JANE, which will be out with HarperTeen on June 7, 2016. Our group is made up of Brodi Ashton (author of the EVERNEATH series and DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY), Cynthia Hand (New York Times bestselling author of the UNEARTHLY series and THE LAST TIME WE SAY GOODBYE), and Jodi Meadows (author of the INCARNATE and the ORPHAN QUEEN series). Between the three of us we've written thirteen novels, a bunch of novellas, a handful of short stories, and a couple of really bad poems, but this is the first time we've taken a stab at writing a book together. We're friends. We're writers. We're fixing history by rewriting one sad story at a time. See THE AUTHORS tab for more information.
Find The Lady Janies:
Website | Twitter
Thursday, June 16, 2016
{Blog Tour} MY LADY JANE by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton & Jodi Meadows: Fun Fact & Giveaway
Huge thanks to Alexa at Alexa Loves Books for putting this tour together! My Lady Jane was so much fun and I can't wait to share more about it with you guys! Be sure to check out the rest of the tour (schedule below) for more fun with The Lady Janies!
Author(s): Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton & Jodi Meadows
Series: stand-alone
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: June 7, 2016
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible
A fun fact about Lady Jane...
Get a taste of this novel by reading the prologue! And if you want to know how much *I* loved this book, check out my review: MY LADY JANE Was So Punny It Hurts.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
My Lady Jane Tour Dates:
June 6
Angie @ Lady Knight Reads
Sarah @ The YA Book Traveler
June 7
Sarah @ What Sarah Read
Lauren @ Love is Not a Triangle
June 8
Lauren @ Bookmark Lit
Stephanie @ A Dream Within a Dream
June 9
Mary @ Mary Had a Little Book Blog
Nori @ Read Write Love 28
June 10
Bonnie @ A Backwards Story
Gail @ Ticket to Anywhere
June 13
Kelly @ Belle of the Literati
Lisa @ Lisa Loves Literature
June 14
Lori @ Writing My Own Fairytale
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books
June 15
Mishma @ Chasing Faerytales
Sarah @ Aphonic Sarah
June 16
Jessica @ Step Into Fiction
Jen @ The Starry-Eyed Revue
June 17
Kassiah @ Swoony Boys Podcast
Lisa @ Lost in Literature
Happy reading!
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
MY LADY JANE Was So Punny It Hurts
Author(s): Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton & Jodi Meadows
Series: stand-alone
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: June 7, 2016
Source: ARC received from publisher
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible
This alternate version of the events leading up to and following the subsequent nine-day reign of Lady Jane Grey is equal parts hilarious and fantastical. I knew little of Lady Jane's rise to the queenship, but now I know the real story. *wink, wink* And it was ever so much fun!
I've read and adored series by all three of The Lady Janies, so I knew in my heart of hearts that this was going to be a worthwhile endeavor. They each have their own voice as they each write one of three perspectives: King Edward, Lady Jane, and Lord Gifford. I'm pretty sure I figured out which author wrote which POV early on, but I won't hazard a guess here because I don't want to spoil anything. Besides, it's more fun to guess!
This story is not historically accurate; it's not intended to be. But the aspects from history that were included made it feel as if this could have been how things really happened. It's a flight of fancy, I know, but I would like Jane to not have lost her head in the whole ordeal. There was entirely too much of that "off with her head" business back in those days for my liking, anyway.
That Eðian business was particularly refreshing, though. It's not mentioned in the synopsis, but it's apparently on the back cover, so I don't feel I'm revealing too much by discussing it. Besides, it's essential to the plot and also the dividing factor in the realm at this point. [In this version of history, at least. ;0)] Which means it should be as much up for discussion now as it is in the book. Where all the citizens of the queendom do is fight about it or try to master their animal change...or both. It's all rather mysterious and hush-hush, but in the best way possible. I wish I could change in to an animal at will. I would just prefer to pick which animal. =)
My Lady Jane is remarkably hilarious. It pays homage to favorites like The Princess Bride and Monty Python and other classics, while also including quips from more recent obsessions of mine, like Tangled. ("Frying pans. Who knew?") I alternated between loving these allusions...and not. They were funny until they became a little forced, a little too much for the specific moment. But most of the time, I treasured their wit and playfulness amidst the direness of the situation. The horse jokes DID NOT QUIT and they were perfection. And the remarks from the narrators (read: authors) throughout the story were equally funny and definitely made me feel like I was Fred Savage while reading this book. (If you don't get that reference, I don't think we can be friends.)
This was quite a story. It was just missing that je ne sais quoi that would have made it a five-star read for me. Maybe it was the fact that Lord Gifford wanted to be called G? That just did not feel right at all. Maybe it was the fact that it felt like the nods to other comedies were overused, that I would have loved to see more of the authors' own brands of humor integrated into the story? I'm not certain. But the voices were distinctive. The characterization was neatly done. The romance was pretty adorable, as well. And the story was clever as all get out. So it must just be me.
I think this story will resonate with fans of historical fiction and fans of the comedic genius of those movies listed above, alike. It's punniness sure had me cackling like a lunatic from beginning to end. I hope The Lady Janies collaborate like this again, to much ensuing hilarity.
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
{WOW} My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton & Jodi Meadows
"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week's WoW selection is...
's Pick:
Author: Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton & Jodi Meadows
Series: n/a
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: June 7, 2016
Mentioning The Princess Bride in the summary of any book will almost certainly guarantee that I will be picking it up. But I'm also on a huge historical fiction high right now -- and the more with humor and banter the better. So, this collaboration sounds all kinds of awesome and there is no doubt I will be grabbing a copy as soon as humanly possible.
What are you desperately waiting for this Wednesday? Let us know in the comments or share a link to your own WoW post!
Friday, October 16, 2015
{Early Review} This Sequel Did the Unthinkable
Author: Jodi Meadows
Series: The Orphan Queen, book #2 in a two-book series
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: April 5, 2016
Source: received for review from publisher
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
I didn't mean to read this book so early -- okay, okay, I totally did -- but I couldn't help myself! I can't be blamed for how amazing the first book was and how I longed not to have to wait for the sequel. And just a word of warning, but this is going to read like less of a review and more like me coming off my fangirl high. =)
When I started this book, I thought, "No way can she finish this story in two books. NO WAY." And then when I got to about 85%, I just knew there had to be another book in the works. I mean, to tie up all the loose threads with only that much of the book left? I just didn't think it was possible. But Jodi Meadows continues to defy the limits of what is possible and what is not with this series and especially with this book.
This sequel/finale was incredible. Sometimes, I find that my ability to perceive the outcome of a story is the bane of my existence because it makes some books SO predictable. I didn't have to worry about that at all with The Mirror King. Meadows just trampled my expectations and any preconceived notions I had. This was literally me for most of the book:
For starters, because of the title, for some reason I got it into my head that it would be more focused on Tobiah and his kingdom. And then when I realized it wasn't, the separation anxiety set in. You know...when two characters you adore together end up separated for a big chunk of the book and you have to suffer through it. This usually seems to happen in the second book of a trilogy and then when the couple reunites in the final book, things are...awkward between them. Well, this is a duology so we get to skip the whole middle book -- hallelujah! -- but Wil and Tobiah do have their own kingdoms to run now, so Wil's departure was always inevitable. But I hated the way they parted.
In fantasy novels, I've come to learn that authors love to kill your darlings. And they rarely feel any remorse about it. So, I should have expected all of the death and violence in The Mirror King, especially with that maniacal Patrick on the loose, but it still came as a shock to me. Every. Time. Obviously some deaths were harder to accept than others. I ran the full gamut of emotions with this novel, especially because I never knew what was coming or who might bite it next.
Here's the thing. I like trilogies. But I loathe when the story could be told in fewer books and the narrative is drawn out to make it stretch a full three books. Meadows made every page of this duology count. I never wanted for action or swoons or even villainy. It's the ending to the story I didn't even know I wanted when I got to that heart-breaking cliffhanger in The Orphan Queen. This sequel/finale was far better than I could have ever hoped for and I already can't wait to re-read it!
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
Waiting on Wednesday: The Mirror King by Jodi Meadows
"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week's WoW selection is...
Author: Jodi Meadows
Series: The Orphan Queen, book #2
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: April 5, 2016
Did I know this was a duology? Because that fact is causing much elation over here. I am all about less trilogies. Also, The Orphan Queen was fantastic and I can't wait to see how Wil gets herself outta this one.
What are you desperately waiting for this Wednesday? Let us know in the comments or share a link to your own WoW post!
Friday, February 15, 2013
Judging a Book By Its Cover #14: A Kid's Perspective on Asunder by Jodi Meadows
Okay, so I totally stole this idea from Sara at Forever 17 Books, who got the idea from an article on Babble called Judging a Book by Its Cover: A 6-year-old Guesses What Classic Novels Are All About. I just discovered her lovely segment, and I immediately
requestedforced my own four-year-old daughter Katie to provide me with some of her own cover art artwork and then asked her what she thought the book was about.This week, Katie gave me her take on the following book:
Have you read this book? What do you think of Katie's guess at the premise? Did your little darling create a work of art based on a book this week? If so, be sure to link up with Sara over at Forever 17 Books.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Debut Author Giveaway Hop
During the Debut Author Giveaway Hop, participating blogs will be featuring books written by authors whose works were published for the first time in 2012. I've discovered a lot of great reads this year, just from new authors alone, and I welcome you to do the same via this giveaway hop!
I'm spotlighting one of the very first debuts I read this year -- my review can be found here -- and it's one of my favorites because of how unique the story is:
Publication Date: January 31, 2012
No soul
Heart
Sam believes Ana's new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana's enemies--human and creature alike--let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else's life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all?
Jodi Meadows expertly weaves soul-deep romance, fantasy, and danger into an extraordinary tale of new life.
So, you're wondering about the prize, right? Well, I just so happen to have an extra ARC...AND some swag, including a signed bookplate! You know the drill: fill out the Rafflecopter form, US residents only, 48 hours to respond to the email announcing the winner, yada, yada, yada. So get to it!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Now that you've entered on my stop, go check out the other debut author offerings on the rest of the hop:
Thanks for entering & good luck!
Waiting on Wednesday: Asunder by Jodi Meadows
"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week's WoW selection is...
Ana has always been the only one. Asunder. Apart. But after Templedark, when many residents of Heart were lost forever, some hold Ana responsible for the darksouls–and the newsouls who may be born in their place.
SHADOWS
Many are afraid of Ana’s presence, a constant reminder of unstoppable changes and the unknown. When sylph begin behaving differently toward her and people turn violent, Ana must learn to stand up not only for herself but for those who cannot stand up for themselves.
LOVE
Ana was told that nosouls can’t love. But newsouls? More than anything, she wants to live and love as an equal among the citizens of Heart, but even when Sam professes his deepest feelings, it seems impossible to overcome a lifetime of rejection.
In this second book in the Incarnate trilogy, Ana discovers the truth about reincarnation and will have to find a way to embrace love and make her young life meaningful. Once again, Jodi Meadows explores the extraordinary beauty and shadowed depths of the soul in a story equal parts epic romance and captivating fantasy.
Why I'm waiting: I was completely in awe of the story Jodi Meadows weaved in Incarnate. It was so unique and spell-binding, and yet it had touches of the familiar, making it seem as if I was reconnecting with an old friend. The reader isn't much closer to discovering the truth behind Ana's emergence as a Newsoul at the end of Incarnate than we were in the beginning of the story, so I'm anxious to see where the author plans to take this story. Also. I just want that gorgeous cover on my shelf. NOW. Seriously. I know I am too often and too easily swayed by a book with a pretty cover, but just look at it!
What are you waiting on this week? Share it in the comments!
Also, check back later today because I'll be posting a giveaway for my ARC of Incarnate! Not sure if it's for you? Check out my review!
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starryeyedjen
- I work with numbers by day, and I'm a mommy and avid reader by night. I'm a self-proclaimed Spreadsheet Queen, and I'll read anything you put in front of me. I seriously love all the books! And I adore audiobooks, too!
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