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Droughtlander suggestions: Read The Boleyn Trilogy for alternate history

By Alexandria Ingham

Anne Boleyn, 1530s, (1902). Anne Boleyn (c1504-1536) married Henry VIII in 1533. She provided Henry with a daughter, the future Elizabeth I (1533-1603), but not the male heir he desired. Henry had Anne arrested on charges of adultery, incest and treason. Although the charges were almost certainly fabricated, Anne was found guilty and beheaded on 19 May 1536. Henry married his third wife, Jane Seymour, the day after Anne's execution. From a miniature in the collection of the Duke of Buccleuch, at Montagu House, London. Illustration from Henry VIII, by A F Pollard, Goupil and Co, (London, New York, Paris, Edinburgh, 1902). (Photo by The Print Collector/Print Collector/Getty Images)
Anne Boleyn, 1530s, (1902). Anne Boleyn (c1504-1536) married Henry VIII in 1533. She provided Henry with a daughter, the future Elizabeth I (1533-1603), but not the male heir he desired. Henry had Anne arrested on charges of adultery, incest and treason. Although the charges were almost certainly fabricated, Anne was found guilty and beheaded on 19 May 1536. Henry married his third wife, Jane Seymour, the day after Anne's execution. From a miniature in the collection of the Duke of Buccleuch, at Montagu House, London. Illustration from Henry VIII, by A F Pollard, Goupil and Co, (London, New York, Paris, Edinburgh, 1902). (Photo by The Print Collector/Print Collector/Getty Images) /
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The Boleyn Trilogy by Laura Andersen is a must during Droughtlander

There are plenty of novels out there written in the past. There aren’t that many that offer a retelling of the past, focus on alternate history. The Boleyn Trilogy by Laura Andersen is just that, and it is perfect for during Droughtlander.

What do I mean by alternate history? It’s a “what if” story. In this case, what if Anne Boleyn’s pregnancy in 1936 was successful? What if she had a son who survived to adulthood? It’s a question many historians and fans of Anne Boleyn ask, wondering if it would have changed English history completely.

What is The Boleyn Trilogy about?

The Boleyn Trilogy starts with The Boleyn King, which is as it suggests. Anne and Henry’s son grows up to become Henry IX of England. What does that mean for Elizabeth?

There are three books in total in this section of the story. There are another three to continue the story after the third book, The Boleyn Reckoning. Without giving too many spoilers for the first three books away, the second three is known as the Tudor Legacy Trilogy and is another what-if story: What is Elizabeth I had a daughter?

But let’s focus on the first three books. The Boleyn King starts with a young William Tudor (William is the name Henry VIII gives him) becoming King Henry IX of England. He inherits the country his father left behind, in a very different shape to what we have seen in real life. Mary Tudor was never put back in the line of succession, Elizabeth Tudor is second-in-line to the throne, and Henry IX has grown up with a woman he loves but may or may not love him back.

The story focuses on a group of four, Henry IX, Elizabeth, and two original characters, Dominic and Minuette. Together, they try to support each out. At the same time, they don’t always agree with each other. There’s plenty of political intrigue, and it seems that the apple may not fall far from the tree…like father, like son?

light. Related Story. Read The Lost Queen trilogy to get through Droughtlander

Why Outlander fans should read The Boleyn Trilogy

The story isn’t set in the same time period as Outlander. Nor does it even follow real history. So, what is it about The Boleyn Trilogy that makes it excellent for Outlander fans?

One of the biggest things many will enjoy is the inability to say where the story will go. So many times with books set in the past, we roughly know where the overall story will go, especially when it involves big moments in history.

Just look at Dragonfly in Amber. Even without the start of the novel, we knew that it was very unlikely the Battle of Culloden wouldn’t happen or that the Jacobites would win. From that point, the books made it clear that the big events wouldn’t change.

That’s not the case with The Boleyn Trilogy. With it being set in an alternate timeline, you can’t say where the story will go, so you enjoy the ride.

It’s also full of intrigue and suspense. Anderson is an excellent writer, leaving you wanting more with her stories. It doesn’t take long to get through the three books, and you’ll find yourself jumping straight into the next trilogy. Now I wish there was more to the story, more to continue this world that has been created.

There is a love story added in. Minuette has a love story with a character, but the question is whether she can follow her heart or if she’ll be forced into a relationship she doesn’t want.

If you’re looking for something different, The Boleyn Trilogy is a series to read.

Next. Read The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory to get through Droughtlander. dark

What are you reading to get through Droughtlander? Let us know in the comments below.

The Boleyn Trilogy by Laura Andersen is available with two-day free shipping with Amazon Prime.

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