History indicates that Lady Jane Grey was crowned Queen of England. Her reign lasted only nine days and ended with the removal of her head.
MY LADY JANE begins with Edward, the sixteen year old King of England. He is ill and his advisors suggest that he choose a successor to the throne. His choice is his childhood friend and cousin Jane. Legal papers are drawn up and signed giving her the throne when Edward dies.
At the same time Gifford, who prefers to called G, is chosen to be Jane's husband. The marriage is arranged by G's father who is the key advisor to King Edward. He sees it as the perfect way to retain control of the British throne. He also sees it as a way to marry off an odd son, an unfortunate victim of the Edian curse which causes him to become a horse during the daylight hours every day.
And then there's Jane. Also, only sixteen, she has a mind of her own, and her only true love is books. She surrounds herself with books and reads endlessly. The last thing she wants is to be queen, but she vows to help her cousin in his time of need.
MY LADY JANE boldly informs readers that it represents an alternative version of English history. Early on, readers learn of the Edians and Verities. These two societies have long been at odds. Edians, cursed or blessed, depending on your personal opinion, have the magical power to "shape shift." This power can either help or hinder the user; the trick being to learn to control the change. Can G use his abilities as a horse to defeat those who would harm Jane? Will Edward's newly discovered Edian ability be useful or is it too late?
Readers looking for a combination of history and fantasy will want to give MY LADY JANE a try. Although the story differs from the historical accounts I've grown up hearing, I found the book a fascinating read.
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