VII by H.M. Castor
Published by Templar Fiction on April 1, 2012
Genres: Young Adult Historical Fiction, Fiction / Historical
Pages: 368
Format: ARC, eBook
Source: Netgalley
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Destined for greatness; tormented by demons… VIII is the story of Hal: a young, handsome, gifted warrior, who believes he has been chosen to lead his people. But he is tormented by the ghosts of his family's violent past and, once he rises to power, he turns to murder and rapacious cruelty. He is Henry VIII. The Tudors have always captured the popular imagination. In VIII, Henry is presented afresh for a new generation of teenage readers.

ABOUT THE BOOK

VIII by H.M. Castor is a compelling and imaginative historical fiction novel that reimagines the early life of one of England’s most infamous monarchs—King Henry VIII. Through the eyes of “Hal,” readers are immersed in the courtly intrigue, familial pressures, and psychological complexities that shaped a second son into a powerful, and later notorious, king.

THE STORY

From the first page, VIII grabs hold and refuses to let go. This is one of those rare historical novels that bridges entertainment with thought-provoking introspection. Rather than starting with the well-known tales of Henry’s six wives or his reign as king, Castor begins with the boy behind the crown. We follow Hal as he grows up under the shadow of his older brother, experiences the pressures of royal succession, and eventually ascends to the throne as a young man shaped by ambition, grief, and expectation.

The pacing is addictive—once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. The narrative voice feels intimate and personal, which allows readers to understand how a child of privilege and promise might evolve into the complex ruler history remembers.

THE CHARACTERS

Hal is a standout. Castor gives him vulnerability, confusion, passion, and drive—traits we rarely explore in the early life of King Henry VIII. His relationships with family, particularly with his domineering father Henry VII and his emotionally distant mother Elizabeth of York, are portrayed with nuance and believability. These interactions are foundational to understanding the man he would become.

The supporting cast, from advisors to siblings, adds depth and context, giving a rounded view of life in the Tudor court. Each relationship Hal builds (or breaks) helps illustrate the internal and external forces at play throughout his life.

STEAMOMETER

🔥 Low – This is a young adult historical fiction title with a focus on character development, psychological depth, and court intrigue rather than romance or sensual content.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the Tudor period, particularly readers who haven’t yet explored Henry VIII’s early years. While I can’t speak to every historical accuracy, the portrayal of Hal felt believable and emotionally grounded. Castor does a phenomenal job of weaving real events with speculative insight, and the result is both captivating and moving.

If you’ve ever been curious about how Henry VIII became the man we know from history books—if you’ve ever wanted to step into his shoes and understand what it might have felt like growing up royal in a world of high stakes and brutal expectations—then VIII is for you.

⭐ 5 Stars – A gripping, humanizing, and beautifully written portrayal of a young king in the making.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

H.M. Castor is a British author with a passion for history and a talent for reimagining real-life figures through deeply human storytelling. With VIII, she invites readers to reconsider what they think they know about King Henry VIII by presenting him not just as a monarch, but as a boy, a brother, a son, and a man.