Hey book lovers! So, I just finished The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory, and I’ve got to say, it was quite the ride! Set in the tumultuous world of the Wars of the Roses, this historical fiction gem gives us a peek into the life of Margaret Beaufort, the mother of Henry VII. Gregory does a fantastic job of bringing this fierce and ambitious woman to life, and I found myself rooting for her, despite her often ruthless tactics.

What I really appreciated about this novel is how Gregory weaves historical detail into the narrative without it feeling overwhelming. You get a sense of the political intrigue and personal struggles of the time, and it’s all seen through Margaret’s eyes, which makes it feel personal and impactful. The writing flows beautifully, and the pacing kept me turning pages late into the night. 🌙

Margaret is a complex character—she’s driven, sometimes to the point of obsession, and her determination to see her son on the throne creates a fascinating tension throughout the book. Gregory doesn’t shy away from showing her flaws, which makes her all the more relatable. Plus, the supporting characters are well-developed and add depth to the story, making the historical backdrop come alive.

That said, there were moments where I felt the plot dragged just a bit, especially during some of the political machinations. A little more action would have been nice, but overall, it didn’t detract too much from my enjoyment. If you’re a fan of strong female leads and rich historical settings, this book is definitely worth checking out! 

Overall, I’d give The Red Queen a solid 3.5 to 4 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ If you love a good historical drama with a touch of ambition and heart, you’ll want to add this one to your reading list.