In this marvellous novel, Ms Gregory brings out from the depth of history Jane Boleyn, Anne of Cleves and Katherine Howard she also adds all sorts of wild cards making this a poignant historical thriller. The story is told in the first person with the three alternating voices of this trio. Each is replaying their brief, vulnerable and sad life while trying to make their way through the years of the most volatile court under Henry V111's tyranny.

The novel picks up with Henry's third wife, an arranged marriage to Anne of Cleves; this created an alliance between England and Cleves thus avoiding a war. He soon realises the futility of it and turns his attention to the Queen's maid-in-waiting Katherine Howard. Life with the King thirty years her senior is not what Little Kitty (14) had expected, after a year together, her childish behaviour and flirting aggravates Henry's bad temper. She soon finds herself in the shadow of the axe that had claimed so many before her.

Jane Boleyn who was a trusted friend of many Queens turns out to be the perfect spy for her uncle, the Duke of Norfolk. She stops at nothing to promote the ambitions of her family … no one is safe …. With the constant betrayals not even her…..

This is an enjoyable read one that captures the imagination by creating a strong atmosphere, its details emphasising the sheer horror suffered during the years under the rule of Henry V111. An entertaining work of historical fiction, I am looking forward to reading Ms Gregory's other work.

This is the second book I have devoured by Philippa Gregory (the first being "The Other Boleyn Girl" and just like the other it is a great read. First note that when you pick it up it is a lenghy novel (just as I like them) so it keeps you involved for quite a while.

The Boleyn Inheritance is written about 3 women that historically we know very little about. Anne of Cleves(Henry VIII's 5th wife), Katherine Howard (his 6th) and Jane Boleyn (George Boleyn's widow). Philippa Gregory has done an extraordinary job of giving these ladies well rounded and very defined characters.

Anne of Cleves is forever the outsider and set apart from the raunchy court of King Henry, she speaks little english and the cultural customs, from fashion all the way to language set a barrier between her and the people of England. Her persona grows as the novel progresses and we see her blossom from a repressed foreigner into an enchanting princess of England.

Katherine Howard is a 15/16 year old girl, full of vivaciousness, life and of course courtly flirtations. She is pointedly the most uneducated of Henry's wives and is very naieve. As a lady between girlhood and womanhood we see her struggle with the adult world surrounding her as she plays like a child, dances and twinkles her way around the court in the deadliest of games.

Which brings me to the Lady Jane, this is the most incredible charater involved in both novels, she is absolutly vile, evil and deliciously kniving person. She sent her husband and sister-in-law to the axemans block and now she is lady in waiting to Queen Anne of Cleves and head of Queen Katherines household. She is an ambitious little weasel, quick to do her kinsmens bidding to further her advancement and secure her "Boleyn Inheritance." Her antics are something to read about and it is wonderfully portrayed in both novels. Just awesome.

The thing is (so far) with these books by Philippa Gregory is that you want to read more about Tudor history. So of course I will be adding more of her novels to my wishlist and completing more research on one of my favorite times in history.

Anyone who loves historical fiction has to read this book. It is a continuation of The Other Boleyn Girl, but I found I enjoyed this book much more. Philippa Gregory did a fantastic job making the three main characters come alive. You know the outcome for the three women from the start, so it is hard to build suspense to keep you reading, but Gregory does it, making the characters seem so real.

The saga of the Tudor court and the life of Henry the VIII through the eyes of his wives continues. Following the rise and fall of Anne of Cleves and Katherine Howard, this third installment is just as good as the others.