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Joanna Stafford, a Dominican nun, learns that her favorite cousin has been condemned by Henry VIII to be burned at the stake. Defying the sacred rule of enclosure, Joanna leaves the priory to stand at her cousin’s side. Arrested for interfering with the king’s justice, Joanna, along with her father, is sent to the Tower of London.
The ruthless Stephen Gardiner, Bishop of Winchester, takes terrifying steps to force Joanna to agree to spy for him: to save her father’s life she must find an ancient relic—a crown so powerful, it may hold the ability to end the Reformation. Accompanied by two monks, Joanna returns home to Dartford Priory and searches in secret for this long-lost piece of history worn by the Saxon King Athelstan in 937 during the historic battle that first united Britain.
But Dartford Priory has become a dangerous place, and when more than one dead body is uncovered, Joanna departs with a sensitive young monk, Brother Edmund, to search elsewhere for the legendary crown. From royal castles with tapestry-filled rooms to Stonehenge to Malmesbury Abbey, the final resting place of King Athelstan, Joanna and Brother Edmund must hurry to find the crown if they want to keep Joanna’s father alive. At Malmesbury, secrets of the crown are revealed that bring to light the fates of the Black Prince, Richard the Lionhearted, and Katherine of Aragon’s first husband, Arthur. The crown’s intensity and strength are beyond the earthly realm and it must not fall into the wrong hands.
With Cromwell’s troops threatening to shutter her priory, bright and bold Joanna must now decide who she can trust with the secret of the crown so that she may save herself, her family, and her sacred way of life. This provocative story melds heart-stopping suspense with historical detail and brings to life the poignant dramas of women and men at a fascinating and critical moment in England’s past.
“Part The Da Vinci Code, part The Other Boleyn Girl, it will keep you guessing until the very end!” – Woman’s Day, Book Pick of the Month
“Bilyeau deftly weaves extensive historical research throughout, but the real draw of this suspenseful novel is its juicy blend of lust, murder, conspiracy, and betrayal.” – O, The Oprah Magazine
“[An] inventive thriller…A captivating heroine, Stafford will have you eagerly following every step of her quest.” – Parade
“[A] captivating thriller.” – All You
“The right sort of action to lure fans of historical fiction: righteous nuns, evil bishops, real-world figures and a potential burning at the stake.” – Time Out New York
“When her cousin is condemned to death by King Henry VIII, daring young nun Joanna risks everything to be by her side.” – People Magazine
“History buffs will delight in the details interwoven in the story.” – Times Record News
“I’m loving ‘The Crown.’” – Redbook
“Bilyeau weaves her breathtaking story though a string of events to a pleasing conclusion while giving the reader a more thorough understanding of a complicated bit of history. Historical fiction as it should be.” – Florida Times-Union
ewillse
Posted January 10, 2012
The Crown
Nancy Bilyeau
Touchstone, January 2012
416 pages
(thanks to Touchstone for sending me a review copy!)
The Crown is excellent historical fiction, and a satisfyingly suspenseful mystery, set during the reign of Henry VIII. Joanna Stafford, a young nun, learns that her favorite cousin is about to be burned at the stake. Disobeying the Dominican sisters’ vow of enclosure away from the world, she leaves Dartford Priory to support her cousin.
Joanna and her father are captured and imprisoned in the Tower of London, charged with obstructing the King’s justice. That is where Stephen Gardiner, the Bishop of Winchester, finds her and makes his proposition. In exchange for her freedom and her father’s life, Joanna is to return to Dartford Priory. There, she must search for Athelstan’s crown, a relic so powerful it might grant eternal life, or brutal, cursed death. If found, it could end the Reformation.
The Crown is just about everything I could want from well-written and well-researched historical fiction. Sister Joanna’s perspective gives an excellent sense of time and place. Sister Joanna is devout and certain in her faith, and finds purpose in the rituals of the Dominican order. Supporting characters are equally well-drawn. Their ideas and beliefs feel properly anchored in their time period, rather than 21st century imitations mouthing lines and wearing costumes.
As Joanna begins to search the priory in secret, the level of detailed description means I can almost see what she is seeing: the shadowed passages of the priory, half-finished tapestries, leeches in the infirmary. Once things get more suspenseful, there is a distinct whiff of supernatural chill, to go along with the increasingly complex turns of history and conspiracy. Forced to leave her priory more than once as she searches for the missing relic, Sister Joanna has to make choices about her faith and her allegiances, as the conspiracy leaves her questioning who she can trust.
I’ve already seen a few reviews comparing The Crown to The DaVinci Code. Maybe it’s an inevitable comparison, given elements of Church lore, a gory murder tinged with the supernatural, and a main character trying to untangle conspiracy. I hope the comparison boosts Bilyeau’s sales of her debut novel. I also think it’s a lazy comparison that shortchanges The Crown. If Dan Brown’s fans are led to this novel, they’ll read Bilyeau’s nuanced characters, and well crafted descriptions, and see what they’ve been missing.
5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.It was apparent immediately that I had the makings of a time-drifting adventure ahead of me when I opened the pages of "The Crown." Do you know what I mean when I talk about a writer's voice? Well, Nancy Bilyeau's voice rings out in storytelling definition from her first sentences, just listen:
" When a burning is announced, the taverns off Smithfield order extra barrels of ale, but when the person to be executed is a woman and one of noble birth, the ale comes by the cartload. I would ride in one of those carts on Friday of Whitsun week, the twenty-eighth year of the reign of King Henry the Eighth, to offer prayers for the soul of the condemned traitor, Lady Margaret Bulmer."
I could hear the lisp of the narrator's English accent, the conspiratorial tone of her voice as she revealed the secret story's beginning, and I settled down in my chair for the reading. I'm mad for a book and an author who can not only write an interesting historically referenced book, but one that can transport me in time and give me characters to love and cheer for along the way. This is the strength and beauty of "The Crown" and Nancy Bilyeau.
This book has some of the elements that originally brought me to reading historical fiction in the first place. It has the secretive qualities of a Daphne du Maurier novel (and I know the poor woman's name has been tossed about too much lately, so I don't use that reference lightly), and it has substance.
I think "The Crown" will be noted on all the best lists this year. It will appeal to many on several levels. And, I personally can't wait to get my hands on the sequel, "The Chalice." I also have a feeling this won't be the last we hear of Nancy Bilyeau by a longshot. I predict she will become one of the major historical fiction writers of this decade.
Highly recommended with a 5 star review
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 29, 2012
I absolutely adored this book! As a fan of historical fiction, I loved the setting: the raid and destruction of the abbeys and monasteries during the reign of Henry VIII, as he broke with the Catholic Church. The period details where richly painted by the immensely talented Nancy Bilyeau -- from the terror of the Tower of London, to the bloodthirsty crowds at the barbaric executions, to the beauty and serenity of the abbeys and monasteries. But it was the mystery of the Crown that riveted me, hidden for years and years, only a few knowing its true location. Does it posses unimaginable power? Has it played a role in who will rule as King of England?
The courageous heroine, Joanna Stafford, is truly a remarkable character. Born to a wealthy aristocratic family that suffered a frightening and unjustified fall from grace, Joanna is unwaveringly loyal to those she loves, risking torture and death to save them. As I travelled along with Joanna in her quest, I was quickly swept up in the suspense and intrigue. The characters are all multi-faceted, especially Johanna. She must rely on her wit, intuition and conviction to solve the puzzle.
Fans of historical fiction will love The Crown, but so will those who enjoy mystery and suspense. Read The Crown, you won’t be disappointed!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 18, 2012
Horribly disappointing ending!!! The fate of young Arthur, Joanna and Geoffrey Scovill left hanging.... the only redemption to this unfair conclusion is a sequel!!!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.The Crown is a wonderful historical fiction set in Tudor England. What a story! It was unequivocally entertaining and a must read for historical fiction lovers. Care was given to maintain historical accuracy while artfully crafting a captivating tale. The Crown is packed with fast paced action, absorbing visuals and a fascinating array of characters; foremost is Joanna, the heroine of the tale. I liked her from the beginning. She is a sweet novice yet courageous and savvy heroine. This is a nice contrast in a character. I can’t recommend this book enough. It is just a great read!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Nancy Bilyeau in her new book, “The Crown” Book One in the Joanna Stafford series published by Touchstone brings us into the life of Joanna Stafford.
From the back cover: Joanna Stafford, a Dominican nun, learns that her favorite cousin has been condemned by Henry VIII to be burned at the stake. Defying the rule of enclosure, Joanna leaves the priory to stand at her cousin’s side. Arrested for interfering with the king’s justice, Joanna, along with her father, is sent to the Tower of London.
While Joanna is in the Tower, the ruthless Bishop of Winchester forces her to spy for him: to save her father’s life she must find an ancient relic—a crown so powerful, it may possess the ability to end the Reformation.
With Cromwell’s troops threatening to shutter her priory, bright and bold Joanna must decide who she can trust so that she may save herself, her family, and her sacred way of life. This provocative story melds heart-stopping suspense with historical detail and brings to life the poignant dramas of women and men at a fascinating and critical moment in England’s past.
The quest is on! How much danger can a young novice get into? Well, the answer, according to Nancy Bilyeau, is a lot. Joanna sneaks away from the priory to be at the side of her cousin who is sentenced to death. She and her father are arrested and sent to the infamous Tower of London. There Joanna is blackmailed to return to the priory to find the missing crown of Saxon king Athelstan. History, danger, mystery, action, adventure and thrills abound in “The Crown” Certain characters are full of deceit so we know that there is much more tot he story than what has been told Joanna. However, we only know what Joanna knows as she finds out because the story is told in her first person viewpoint. Get ready for a page-turning, thrill ride. Ms. Bilyeau gets us caught up in the story and the characters lives to the point that we actually hate to say goodbye to them when the book ends. I liked this book very much and look forward to the next adventure from the pen of Nancy Bilyeau.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Touchstone. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Anonymous
Posted March 18, 2013
I just reread this before reading the sequel and I enjoyed it just as much, if not more, the second time. Great mystery, characters, and unique plot.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Henry VIII and his supporters are busy eliminating opponents, those who opposed his annulment to the first Queen and those who maintain the "old ways" of the Catholic Church, including priests, monks, friars, professed nuns, and novices. Henry wants his Protestant Church (that name is used here, though it was really called Church of England by its adherents) to thrive, and the coffers of the monasteries will add to his dwindling wealth. This is the story of those who oppose Henry but out of different motives. For Joanna Stafford, the death of her cousin marks the beginning of a long journey of suffering, confusion, shocks, betrayals, and more; however, it's a journey that will deepen her faith and yet free her from its restrictive boundaries.
The protagonists are the nuns in her Dominican home, Dartford Priory, two Dominican friars, Brother Richard and Brother Edmund, various porters and servants, and Bishop Gardiner. The latter has freed her from the notorious Tower, where she has been imprisoned for attending her cousin's execution and as a member of the rebellious Stafford family. Gardiner holds her father hostage and will free him if she finds the secret crown that once belong to a medieval King, Athelstan. The Crown is said to hold a secret that may be a blessing to some, a curse to others, a mystery supposedly applying to those with pure or impure motives who wish to possess it. Is it the curse or coincidence that all who have possessed it have died very soon after briefly owning it?
This is a thriller containing constant surprises as the mystery of the hunt continues and vile acts of others comes to light. But there are unique qualities to Bilyeau's plot. While some may think this is a proverbial stereotypical plot with like characters, nothing could be farther from the truth. For some want to protect the Church which is gradually being exterminated by King Henry VIII, others want to turn the tides of political power with the inherent sacred power of this crown, and others turn to violence because of events that snap the mind in a frightening, life-threatening instant! Most, however, have mixed motives that only get sorted out as the story progresses!
Who will each character ultimately serve? Joanna Stafford is a feisty woman who exhibits incredible intelligence, a penchant for leadership and confrontation when necessary, but also a vulnerable woman acting outside of the confines of roles allowed for women at that time (outside of the seducers in Henry's court, that is) and knowing she yearns for more - and more as the mystery approaches an unexpected end. After what she has endured, how could she settle for a marriage planned by someone else, with a a shadow of existence under the shameful "Stafford" reputation? She can't and so the future remains an open question, and somehow the reader knows disappointment will not loom in the follow-up to this super story. And what of the other relics that are held and then hidden by the Benedictine monks?
The Crown is outstanding historical fiction, a ripping thriller, in short A GEM!!!!
ScrappyDew
Posted December 1, 2012
New take on historical fiction. The Crown is a truly wonderful read, historical fiction at its best. This is the story of Joanna Stafford, a cunning woman and novice nun no less. Nancy Bilyeau manages to create a work which is richly detailed and engaging without losing her audience into tedium. Joanna is tasked to find a missing crown believed to hold certain powers in order to save her father from the tower of London. Her search is tangled up with the lives of important figures from Henry VIII reign, as well as the challenges facing the church at the time. The characters which Joanna encounters on this mission are all well developed, unlike many novels where the main character’s shine comes from the dullness of her competition. Bilyeau keeps you in anticipation through the mysteries, conspiracy, and journey with a masterful interconnection of the details and storyline. While not probably an entirely novel storyline, being set among the monasteries and priories gives this work provides a unique perspective on the time.
The story keeps you on the edge of your seat and just when you think that you know where things are headed and how the story will end, Ms. Bilyeau changes the game. Hopefully this sets the stage for a sequel, because I need to know what lies ahead for Joanna Stafford. I highly recommend The Crown to fans of historical fiction, religious conspiracy/mystery, and sixteenth century England. Full disclosure: I have been provided a copy of the book for the purpose of providing a review; however the opinions presented are my own and not influenced or dictated by publisher or author.
Anonymous
Posted October 15, 2012
This was great! I can't wait to read the authors next book.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted October 12, 2012
An interesting look at the times of HenryIII and the abolition of catholicism. With a mystery thrown in, it makes for a good read.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted July 15, 2012
I bought this book because it had received great reviews. Sadly it is one of the worst books I have ever read. The main character is vapid. If you have seen the Tudors, you can skip the first 100 pages. Nothing new here. Then the book has an identity crisis. Part two introduces the adventure. At the halfway point, it becomes a murder mystery. Toward the end,a romance briefly appears. The author needs to learn to do less and do that one thing better.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 29, 2012
I had a very hard time putting it down. It was very well written. I hadn't read anything from this author so it was a surprise. I'll be sure to look for more of her books.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 29, 2012
This author put me right in the middle of the fears which circulated during the rule of King Henry VIII. An impressive amount of research was done to create a novel that is both entertaining and educational.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 8, 2012
A nun, two friars, and a constable must find the crown of the ancient Saxon king Aethelstan. The crown is rumoured to be a source of great power and peril. One king was said to have used its power to unite all of England. However, a prince and two kings were said to have perished from merely wearing the artifact.
This novel has all the great ingredients of mystery, adventure, and historical fiction. It has you on the edge of your seat until the end.
syrmom
Posted February 7, 2012
I heard about this book in a write-up in the Parade insert in the Sunday paper. I am not even halfway finished and I can't put it down!
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.KrittersRamblings
Posted February 4, 2012
Have you ever wanted to be swept up into a mystery from another time? Pick up this book. From the beginning, the reader is taken to a different time and place to experience England after the demise of Anne Boylen. But the special nuance of this book is that you don't spend your time reading about the magical times at court, instead you are in a nunnery with a girl who came from a family of stature who has decided that a calling from God will take her in a different direction.
As I don't read a ton of historical fiction, I am always swept away by a book that can easily take me to another time and place and I fall in love with characters no matter what time it is. A mystery with murder and intrigue with the backdrop of the fight between the church with nuns and monks and the kings and dukes was a page turner from beginning to end. The twists and turns made for a deep story that could be read twice and be enjoyed again and again.
Normally, I don't compare one book to another or say if you like this then you should read this, but this book is a perfect companion to The Other Boylen. As this story takes place after Anne Boylen has taken the heart of Henry the Eighth, this story continues the history of England and the battle between church and state.
judylou
Posted January 28, 2012
Great book.I loved it!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 17, 2012
I started this book while traveling and I couldn't put it down. The writing has an easy flow and the characters are interesting. It's easy to see where the story is going, but it's not a mystery so that didn't bother me too much.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Rocco2008
Posted January 17, 2012
Five Stars for Historical Mystery Debut
I’ve never been much on historical of any kind – thriller, mystery, romance. Oh, I’ll read non-fiction on the Tudor family and Henry the VIII, but that’s about as far as my interest goes. After reading Nancy Bilyeau’s THE CROWN, however, I feel as if all that might change. Ms. Bilyeau has given this reader a new appreciation for the historical thriller – no easy feat, I assure you.
It’s May 1537 and Joanna Stafford, a young Dominican novice, has just learned her beloved cousin is condemned to burn at the stake for treason. Breaking her orders rules of enclosure, she travels to London to offer comfort to her cousin, only to tumble into a situation loaded with intrigue and mystical thrills.
THE CROWN is a classy thrill ride from start to finish, marked by Bilyeau’s strong sense of character development and historical detail. Reading it almost made me feel as if I were on the quest with Joanna, back in 1537…and believe me, that’s quite a feat. History buffs will appreciate the painstaking detail, while mystery fans will enjoy Joanna’s desperate search for a lost religious relic. Highly recommended by this hard to satisfy reviewer. – Rocco LoTempio, Night Owl Reviews
Overview
An aristocratic young nun must find a legendary crown in order to save her father—and preserve the Catholic faith from Cromwell’s ruthless terror. The year is 1537. . .
Joanna Stafford, a Dominican nun, learns that her favorite cousin has been condemned by Henry VIII to be burned at the stake. Defying the sacred rule of enclosure, Joanna leaves the priory to stand at her cousin’s side. Arrested for interfering with the king’s justice, Joanna, ...