My Lady Jane
by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadowson June 7, 2016
ISBN: 9780062391797
Series: The Lady Janies #1
Format: Audiobook
Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Romantic Comedy, Royalty, Werewolves & Shifters, Young Adult Fiction
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This comical, fantastical, romantical, (not) entirely true story of Lady Jane Grey is “an uproarious historical fantasy that’s not to be missed” (Publishers Weekly, starred review). Coauthors Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows have created a one-of-a-kind YA fantasy in the tradition of The Princess Bride, featuring a reluctant king, an even more reluctant queen, a noble steed, and only a passing resemblance to actual history—because sometimes history needs a little help.
At sixteen, Lady Jane Grey is about to be married off to a stranger and caught up in a conspiracy to rob her cousin, King Edward, of his throne. But those trifling problems aren’t for Jane to worry about. Jane gets to be Queen of England.
Like that could go wrong.
The term Eðians is sometimes spelled as Ethians in different editions or references to the novel. The Old English letter ð (eth) represents a “th” sound, and some versions replace it with the more familiar “th” for readability. Despite the variation in spelling, both terms refer to the same group of shapeshifters in My Lady Jane.
World Building
The novel reimagines 16th-century England with a unique fantasy twist: the presence of Eðians, people who can transform into animals. This world-building choice adds depth and creativity to the historical setting, making it feel fresh and engaging rather than a mere retelling of Lady Jane Grey’s story. The magic system, while not overly complex, is integrated well into the political landscape, creating tension between the ruling class and those with shapeshifting abilities.
“It was 1538 and John Lambert had been outed as an Ethian when, after hearing Frederic Clarence had written a pamphlet denouncing Ethian magic, he turned into a dog and ate the papers, prompting Clarence to cry out, ‘That dog ate my scriptwork!'”
This moment exemplifies the novel’s whimsical approach to history while grounding the Eðian conflict in real-world struggles of persecution and prejudice. However, the world-building could have been expanded further, particularly in explaining the mechanics of the Eðian transformations and their broader impact on society.
Character Development
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its characters, particularly Lady Jane Grey. Unlike the passive victim of history, this Jane is headstrong, fiercely intelligent, and completely unafraid to challenge societal norms. The authors make her love for books an endearing and defining trait.
“And most of all, she loved the way books could transport her from her otherwise mundane and stifling life and offer the experiences of a hundred other lives.”
This insight into Jane’s personality not only makes her relatable to readers but also adds depth to her interactions with others. Gifford (G), her reluctant husband, is also well-developed, undergoing significant growth from a man burdened by his condition (being forced to turn into a horse daily) to someone who embraces both his identity and his love for Jane. King Edward, too, is given an arc of self-discovery, moving from a naïve ruler to someone who understands the weight of his crown. The humor in their development does not undercut their emotional depth, making their journeys compelling and rewarding.
Plot Pace & Development
The book’s narrative style is one of its most defining features. The authors employ a modern, playful tone that makes historical fiction accessible to contemporary audiences. They frequently break the fourth wall, directly addressing the reader and adding comedic asides.
“No horse jokes, he said. My lord, I apologize for the horse joke. If you put down the book—unhand the book, I say!”
This kind of humor is a double-edged sword—while it makes for an enjoyable and lighthearted read, it may alienate readers who prefer more traditional historical fiction. The collaborative effort of three authors is impressively seamless, as the book maintains a consistent voice throughout. The only downside is that, at times, the humor slightly overshadows the stakes, making some of the more serious moments less impactful than they could have been.
Language, Flow, and Structure (Writing Quality)
The story moves at a quick, often breakneck pace, packed with witty dialogue, romance, and action. This keeps the narrative engaging, but at times, the pacing feels inconsistent, particularly in the middle where the momentum slows before picking up again. The unpredictability of the plot is a highlight, offering several twists that make it impossible to predict how closely it will adhere to historical events.
“We’re going to live tomorrow, and for long after. We’ll have years and years to fight about everything you want to fight about.”
This encapsulates the novel’s hopeful and adventurous tone, subverting the tragic fate of the historical Lady Jane Grey. However, some transitions between comedic and serious moments feel abrupt, and certain conflicts resolve too conveniently. While the overall journey is entertaining, a more even pacing would have strengthened the narrative.
Themes & Literary Devices
“My Lady Jane” explores themes of power, identity, and fate, often through satire and parody. The novel cleverly incorporates metafictional elements, with narrators who acknowledge historical inaccuracies and playfully engage the reader. One standout example is: “For everyone who knows there was enough room for Leonardo DiCaprio on that door.” This pop culture reference signals to the reader that this is not a rigid historical account but a fun, flexible retelling. The authors also weave in deeper themes, such as the idea of societal divisions (between Verities and Eðians), which mirrors real-world issues of prejudice. However, while the book offers strong themes, they sometimes take a backseat to humor and romance, which slightly reduces their overall impact.
Creativity, Originality & Predictability
The book’s greatest achievement is its creativity. Instead of a straightforward retelling, it reinvents history with fantasy elements, humor, and a happier ending for Jane.
The line “Dearest Jane, Sorry I made you marry a horse. Your father-in-law is trying to kill me. Send help.” perfectly captures the book’s absurdity and originality. The historical Lady Jane Grey’s tragic fate is well known, so taking her story in a completely new direction makes for a refreshing read. While some elements, such as the romance, follow familiar beats, the overarching plot remains delightfully unpredictable.
Emotional Impact
Despite its humor, “My Lady Jane” still delivers emotional weight. Jane and G’s relationship, in particular, is filled with tender moments that balance out the comedy.
“You think to rule us with fear, but you cannot. I will never renounce my beliefs, or my husband.”
This showcases her bravery and conviction, making her a protagonist readers can root for. While the novel doesn’t delve deeply into heavy emotions due to its lighthearted nature, it still manages to craft moments of tension, romance, and triumph that resonate with the audience.
Overall
“My Lady Jane” is a wildly entertaining and innovative historical retelling that blends fantasy, humor, and adventure. While its comedic and modern approach to history may not appeal to purists, it offers a refreshing take on Lady Jane Grey’s story, giving her the agency and happy ending history denied her. The character development is strong, the world-building is imaginative, and the creativity is unmatched. While pacing issues and occasional tonal inconsistencies hold it back slightly, it remains an excellent read for fans of alternative history and witty, fast-paced storytelling.
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