The Heretic Wind

The Life of Mary Tudor, Queen of England

By: Judith Arnopp

Narrated by: Alex Lee

Length: 10 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's Summary

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.

©2020 Judith Arnopp (P)2020 Judith Arnopp

felt rushed

I liked how Mary told her own story, but the story was very rushed and didn't go into any detail at all. nothing new, nothing to hold my attention except the narration, which was good.

A well-crafted and beautifully narrated novel

I very much enjoyed Alex Lee’s moving and emotional narration of this well-crafted novel by Judith Arnopp, which is why I think it’s well-deserving of a five star rating. I felt as if I was being given a first person insight into the complex and troubled mind of a very bitter, heartbroken and totally unfulfilled Tudor Queen, who became known as “Bloody Mary”. If, like me, you are a fan of historical fiction, and are fascinated by The Tudors, I would thoroughly recommend this as a great listen.

Excellent portrayal of a Tudor Queen.

Excellent narrator and Mary's voice was well written by Judith Arnopp. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I would definitely recommend to lovers of historical fiction.

Great to hear Mary's account

I love history like this, from the woman's point of view. it brings it all to life. In reality, Mary was a broken child.

Superb

This is a superb listen. Judith Arnopp books are so well written and Alex Lee is the perfect narrator, making this book so enjoyable. More please!

Different take on Mary I

Enjoyed this book. Mary I had a difficult life, really quite badly treated by her father. It’s no wonder she was bitter and angry. This book takes a look at her life, through her own eyes, and possibly explains the reasons behind the awful burning of the so-called heretics at her hands.

Mary Tudor is brought to life

A beautiful novel that gave me great insight into the life of Mary Tudor. Alex Lee narrates the life of Mary with such sensitivity. I was very moved by this wonderful book and it is brought to life perfectly.

very powerful and emotional story

would definitely recommend if you are a fan of the revisionist view of Mary, and how her actions were the results of fanaticism. but also a very neglected childhood

don't waste your time.

A rather juvenile style of writing, but it in my opinion the the ability to write well in the first person, when not an actual autobiography, is a rare skill and those without write books that are clunky and almost childish, that said the book would have been just about OK if not utterly ruined by a truly dreadful narrator.