Carole´s Review: The pretender

Author: Jo Harkin

Title: The Pretender

Genre: Historical Fiction

Format: ebook

Pages: 496

Expected publication April 22, 2025

Where I Got It: Netgalley for my honest and unbiased opinion

Summary: 

A sweeping historical novel in the vein of Hilary Mantel and Maggie O’Farrell set during the time of the Tudors’ ascent. The Pretender tells the story of Lambert Simnel, who was raised in obscurity as a peasant boy to protect his safety, believed to be the heir to the throne occupied by Richard III, and briefly crowned, at the age of ten, as King Edward the Sixth, one of the last of the Plantagenets.

In 1480 John Collan’s greatest anxiety is how to circumvent the village’s devil goat on the way to collect water. But the arrival of a well-dressed stranger from London upends his life forever: John is not John Collan, not the son of Will Collan, but the son of the long-deceased Duke of Clarence, hidden in the countryside after a brotherly rift over the crown, and because Richard III has a habit of disappearing his nephews. Removed from his humble origins, sent to Oxford to be educated in a manner befitting the throne’s rightful heir, John is put into play by his masters, learning the rules of etiquette in Burgundy and the machinations of the court in Ireland, where he encounters the intractable Joan, the delightfully strong-willed and manipulative daughter of his Irish patrons, a girl imbued with both extraordinary political savvy and occasional murderous tendencies. Joan has two paths available her—marry, or become a nun. Lambert’s choices are similarly stark: he will either become King, or die in battle. Together they form an alliance that will change the fate of the English monarchy.

Inspired by a footnote to history—the true story of the little known Simnel, who was a figurehead of the 1487 Yorkist rebellion and ended up working as a spy in the court of King Henry VII— The Pretender is historical fiction at its finest, a gripping, exuberant, rollicking portrait of British monarchy and life within the court, with a cast of unforgettable heroes and villains drawn from 15th century England. A masterful new work from a major new author.

Review:

Seen this and knew I had to check it out! Love a good historical fiction!

After the arrival of a well-dressed stranger, John's life is forever changed. He finds out he is the son of the long-deceased Duke of Clarence. He was hidden out in the country to protect him because Richard III has a nasty habit of removing his nephews. He is sent to Oxford to be trained and prepared to be the heir of the throne and is then sent to Ireland and he meets Joan. They form an alliance that will forever change the fate of the English monarchy. 

What an interesting take and viewpoint to read from. This is based off the true story of Simnel who was the figurehead of the Yorkist rebellion. I honestly don't recall the name personally, so I'll have to do some googling after writing this to freshen up my 15th century knowledge. 

The 1/3 and last 3rd were great! I was addicted and couldn't stop reading. I stayed up WAY too late finishing the book. The middle 3rd.....was a little rougher. It took me a while to get through it. I wanted to skim so badly, but I felt like I would miss some important stuff if I did. TBF - there was some trimming that could be done throughout. Some scenes went on for far too long. 

But yes, the detail and the writing style was refreshing and really made this story come to life. I'm now itching for more. I might have to try out the other novel by this author. 

There is a HUGE list of characters running amuck here, but the author did a good job keeping everything straight and keeping the reader in the know. We got the reminders we needed but yes, just keep that in mind that there is a big cast and you need to pay attention. Thus another reason why I didn't skim the middle bit. 

Ugh Joan. Not sure why, but she really rubbed me the wrong way. 

I adored John!! He was a gem. I loved watching him grow and try to find his way and his identity.

All-in-all, I did enjoy this. The writing style was great and the author just sucks you into the story. I felt like I was there! Sure there needs to be some trimming (especially in the middle 3rd), but I did appreciate the attention to detail. If you like historical fiction, keep your eyes out for this one when it releases! I'll give this 3 stars. 

- Favorite Character(s): John

- Least Favorite Character(s): Joan and Richard III