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Apr 19, 2018JEM_LPL rated this title 1 out of 5 stars
In some ways, Gregory has become a victim of her own success. Her early novels were masterpieces of vivid detail and subtle characterization; unfortunately, she seems to be resting on those laurels instead of breaking new ground. "The Red Queen" is like watching an Academy Award nominated actress phoning in her lines; disappointing and frustrating because we know she's capable of much better work. "The Red Queen"'s Lady Margaret Beaufort is a villain, yes, but she's an exceedingly dull villain. Oh, she's not greedy or lustful or anything fun like that. She's just a pious complainer, and she complains over and over and over again. And she's not even partially true to life; she's basically a 20th century woman in a 15th century body. She admires Joan of Arc (????!!!!!) which is as ridiculous as one of George III's kids admiring George Washington. An English noblewoman--especially a pious English noblewoman in the 1400's---would have thought Joan was a blasphemous witch who deserved burning. Gregory has written some great books; "The Red Queen" isn't one of them.