Review: My Contrary Mary by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows

BOOK STATS

Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Title: My Contrary Mary
Authors: Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows
Series: Mary #1
Genre: Humor / Historical Fantasy
Audience: Young Adult
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Fiona Hardingham
Length: 12 hours (512 pages)
Publisher: Harper Teen
Release Date: June 22, 2021
Source: Library
Recommended for fans of: My Lady Jane, historical parodies

SYNOPSIS

Welcome to Renaissance France, a place of poison and plots, of beauties and beasts, of mice and . . . queens?

Mary is the queen of Scotland and the jewel of the French court. Except when she’s a mouse. Yes, reader, Mary is an Eðian (shapeshifter) in a kingdom where Verities rule. It’s a secret that could cost her a head—or a tail.

Luckily, Mary has a confidant in her betrothed, Francis. But after the king meets a suspicious end, things at the gilded court take a treacherous turn. Thrust onto the throne, Mary and Francis are forced to navigate a viper’s nest of conspiracies, traps, and treason. And if Mary’s secret is revealed, heads are bound to roll.

MY THOUGHTS

It was so fun to return to the era of My Lady Jane where it all started. I love the way these authors play with history and humor while developing such lovable characters.

This fresh take on Mary Queen of Scots was delightful, and I highly recommend it to anyone with a basic understanding of European history looking for a fun, light read.