Your cart is empty

©2025 Fable Group Inc.
3.5 

The Taming of the Queen

By Philippa Gregory
The Taming of the Queen by Philippa Gregory digital book - Fable

Publisher Description

By the #1 New York Times bestselling author, a novel of passion and power set against the deadly backdrop of Tudor history, this riveting new tale explores the fate of Kateryn Parr—King Henry VIII’s sixth and final wife—in a richly imagined work of historical fiction.

Kateryn Parr, a thirty-year-old widow in a secret affair with a new lover, has no choice when a man old enough to be her father who has buried four wives—King Henry VIII—commands her to marry him.

Kateryn has no doubt about the danger she faces: the previous queen lasted sixteen months, the one before barely half a year. But Henry adores his new bride and Kateryn’s trust in him grows as she unites the royal family, creates a radical study circle at the heart of the court, and rules the kingdom as Regent.

But is this enough to keep her safe? A leader of religious reform and the first woman to publish in English, Kateryn stands out as an independent woman with a mind of her own. But she cannot save the Protestants, under threat for their faith, and Henry’s dangerous gaze turns on her. The traditional churchmen and rivals for power accuse her of heresy—the punishment is death by fire and the king’s name is on the warrant...

From the acclaimed author who brought readers The Other Boleyn Girl, The White Queen, and The Spanish Princess, this is a searing and intimate portrait of a woman who fought for love, learning, and survival at the court of a medieval killer.

Download the free Fable app

app book lists

Stay organized

Keep track of what you’re reading, what you’ve finished, and what’s next.
app book recommendations

Build a better TBR

Swipe, skip, and save with our smart list-building tool
app book reviews

Rate and review

Share your take with other readers with half stars, emojis, and tags
app comments

Curate your feed

Meet readers like you in the Fable For You feed, designed to build bookish communities
app book lists

Stay organized

Keep track of what you’re reading, what you’ve finished, and what’s next.
app book recommendations

Build a better TBR

Swipe, skip, and save with our smart list-building tool
app book reviews

Rate and review

Share your take with other readers with half stars, emojis, and tags
app comments

Curate your feed

Meet readers like you in the Fable For You feed, designed to build bookish communities

The Taming of the Queen Reviews

3.5
“"The Taming of the Queen" by Philippa Gregory is an absolute gem. Gregory masterfully weaves historical events like the sinking of the Mary Rose into the narrative, adding depth and authenticity to the story. Additionally, the portrayal of Kateryn Parr's literary pursuits adds an intriguing layer to her character development. The forbidden love between Kateryn Parr and Tom Seymour is captivating. Their clandestine relationship unfolds amidst the political intrigue of Henry VIII's court, adding layers of tension and complexity to the narrative. Despite the risks and societal constraints, their undeniable connection serves as a poignant reminder of the power of love in tumultuous times, leaving readers both enthralled and empathetic towards their plight. Stephen Gardiner's relentless pursuit to incriminate Kateryn Parr and nearly execute her adds a gripping sense of danger and suspense to the story. His manipulative tactics and relentless schemes cast a shadow of fear over Kateryn's life, showcasing the precarious nature of survival in Henry VIII's court. Gardiner's relentless ambition and ruthless pursuit of power serve as a stark reminder of the perilous stakes involved in navigating the treacherous political landscape of Tudor England. Anne Askew's defiant spirit and unwavering commitment to her beliefs shine brightly in the book. Her courageous defiance against religious persecution and refusal to renounce her Protestant faith make her a compelling figure amidst the turmoil of Henry VIII's reign. Gregory skillfully portrays Askew's resilience and bravery, immortalizing her as a symbol of resistance against oppression and injustice in a time of religious upheaval. However, I was slightly disappointed by the inclusion of the whipping scene, which felt unnecessary and detracted from my overall enjoyment of the book. Despite this, I still found "The Taming of the Queen" to be a captivating read, and it further solidified my admiration for Gregory's talent as a writer. I would give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.”

About Philippa Gregory

Philippa Gregory is the author of many New York Times bestselling novels, including The Other Boleyn Girl, and is a recognized authority on women’s history. Many of her works have been adapted for the screen including The Other Boleyn Girl. She graduated from the University of Sussex and received a PhD from the University of Edinburgh, where she is a Regent. She holds honorary degrees from Teesside University and the University of Sussex. She is a fellow of the Universities of Sussex and Cardiff and was awarded the 2016 Harrogate Festival Award for Contribution to Historical Fiction. She is an honorary research fellow at Birkbeck, University of London. She was awarded a CBE title for services to literature and charity in 2022. She welcomes visitors to her website PhilippaGregory.com.

Start a Book Club

Start a public or private book club with this book on the Fable app today!

FAQ

Do I have to buy the ebook to participate in a book club?

Why can’t I buy the ebook on the app?

How is Fable’s reader different from Kindle?

Do you sell physical books too?

Are book clubs free to join on Fable?

How do I start a book club with this book on Fable?

Notification Icon
©2025 Fable Group Inc.
Fable uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB