The Curse of Anne Boleyn

By C.C. Humphreys

Book Overview

"If you like Bernard Conwell's Grail Quest series, you'll love The French Executioner and The Curse of Anne Boleyn . To my mind Cornwell is good, but Humphreys is better."--Sally Zigmund, Historical Novels Review (UK) From the masterful C.C. Humphreys comes the captivating sequel to The French Executioner Nearly twenty years have passed since Anne Boleyn died at the hands of her slayer and savior, Jean Rombaud. All he wants is to forget his sword-wielding days and live happily with his family. Yet her distinctive six-fingered hand, stolen at her death--and all the dark power it represents--still compels evil men to seek it out. When Jean's son, Gianni, joins the Inquisition in Rome and betrays all his father worked for, Jean discovers that time alone cannot take him--or his son--far from his past. But he never expected his whole family, especially his beloved daughter Anne, to become caught up once more in the tragic queen's terrible legacy. From the savagery of way in Italy to the streets of London and Paris and the wilds of North America, The Curse of Anne Boleyn sweeps readers into a thrilling story that puts love, loyalty, and family to the ultimate test. "With The French Executioner , Humphreys established himself as a quality purveyor of historical detail and vigorous action...This unusual story line is dispatched with consummate skill."--Good Books Guide (UK)

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1402282303
• ISBN13: 9781402282300
• Release Date: May 2015
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 1.24 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.6" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

entertaining and original

One of my high school teachers once opined that there was no future in writing historical novels because all the best ideas had already been taken. CC Humphreys has proven him wrong. He has lifted a nameless minor figure from one of the tragic tableaux of history -- the expert swordsman specially sent for from France to cut off the head of Queen Anne Boleyn -- and made him the hero of his first novel "The French Executioner". "Blood Ties" is the sequel, set twenty years later and focusing on the next generation. Perhaps not great literature, but certainly good entertainment: an original idea, well-researched and well-written.

One of the Best Books I've Read This Year

This is a fast paced adventure novel based on a real historical person Jean Rombaud, whose claim to fame was the fact that he beheaded Anne Boleyn. The book begins in 1555, it is nineteen years since the execution of England's queen, yet the mark of her witchery, her six fingered hand, stolen at her death is being sought as a weapon to use against her daughter Elizabeth. Jean's son is now working for the inquisition in Rome and is summoned by Cardinal Carafa and ordered to find the hand of Anne Boleyn. From the savagery of Sienna the book transports you to the New World, untouched by Europe's Christian hatred and sectism. This is a delightful novel which blends historical fact with fantasy. One of the best I've read this year.