The King’s Daughter
Christie Dickason

HarperCollins Publishers
November 23, 2010 / ISBN 978-0-06-197627-8
Historical Fiction
Amazon

Reviewed by Linda Young

Princess Elizabeth is the only surviving daughter of King James I of England and Scotland. She knows that she is only a pawn in the king’s lust for more power. Her only happiness is her brother, Prince Henry. The two know that their father, the king, has no love for them other than what he can gain by marrying them off to the most strategic alliance.

After a thwarted attempt to kill the king, Elizabeth and Henry are forced to move into the king’s court. Once there, Elizabeth learns quickly how riddled with gossip and intrigue the court really is. It also becomes more apparent how paranoid the king is even about his own children when it comes to his throne. He constantly believes that Elizabeth and Henry are thinking up treasonous plots to gain the English throne. His jealousy runs wild because of how Henry and Elizabeth are loved by the people and the royals. When Elizabeth is introduced to Frederick, the Elector Palatine, she sees a possible chance for happiness. But will the King accept Frederick’s proposal?

Dickason has done a wonderful job of blending historical fact with fiction to fill in some of the unknown thoughts and actions of the princess and her brother. In spite of all we have learned of the past, there will always be those areas that we will never know for sure. Dickason has woven the two together in a very believable story. Although it does read a little slow, it is well worth it. I also greatly appreciate the author’s notes at the end that explain the history behind the story. Any lover of history and a good story will love this book. I loved it and highly recommend it.