Despite my love of historical fiction, The Cardinal was my first Alison Weir novel. It will not be my last! Weir’s writing brings the reader to a part of history I have read quite a bit about - but never from that perspective. Learning about Wosley’s background and the earlier part of Henry VIII’s life from the eyes of Wolsey added a depth to that part of Tudor history.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

I had hoped to like this one. I thought it would be something akin to "The Other Boleyn Girl". Sadly, it was not that interesting, and I could not finish this book. The Cardinal is a work of historical fiction, which narrates the journey of Thomas Wolsey, King Henry VIII's ruler over church and state. The rise from his initially poor, unnoticed lifestyle to become intimate friends with the King was mildly interesting. I was irritated by the periodic focus on Wolsey's mistress, who bears him children who are swept away for the good of the Crown. I'm not a historian and am uncertain whether this part of the narrative was based on history. But I found his ability to live along with his mistress "in sin" to be wholly unbelievable. Moreover, the slowness of the story and the length of the book gradually lessened my interest in completing the story. I made it about 38% through before calling it quits.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my egalley.

For fans of historical fiction and British monarchy, The Cardinal by Alison Weir doesn't disappoint. Extremely intelligent and thought-provoking storytelling. Will have your jaw dropping at the amount of traitorous activity that surrounds the King and his court. Interesting read.

The Cardinal, A Novel of Love and Power, is a fascinating novel. Alison Weir is the queen of historical fiction about Tudor England. This novel tells the story of Thomas Wolsey, Henry VIII's beloved cardinal, who experienced an incredible rise to power and a tragic fall from grace. He was born into humble stock. Wolsey had private struggles that were kept in the shadows. His love for Joan and their children was kept a secret, as his power and influence grew. Wolsey's ambition was too great and led to his downfall.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this interesting book.

The Cardinal is the story of Thomas Wolsey, an ambitious and influential figure in Henry VIII's court. Like Alison Weir's other books, this one is well-researched and perfectly blends fiction with the intriguing real history. After reading her Six Wives series a few years ago and lots of other Tudor fiction, it was interesting to hear about the Great Matter from Wolsey's perspective.

Alison Weir has done it again. The Cardinal tells the story of Thomas Wolsey. This book starts with his humble beginnings, his climb to fortune and power and sadly his demise. This book is the story of a man hungry for power and wealth. This book brings Wolsey to life in a way that almost makes us root for him. I loved this behind the scenes type of Tudor history.

Alison Weir has delivered another amazing historical biography with The Cardinal. Any lover of the Tudors will find this a fascinating read.

Thomas Wolsey rose from obscurity as a butcher's son to the most powerful man in King Henry VIII's court. Taking religious orders didn't squelch his hunger for riches and power, and as Weir highlights throughout the novel, his sexual desires. Wolsey all but neglects his religious offices to be Henry's right hand in affairs of state. His accumen in the political arena makes him quickly rise in authority and power, as well as in Henry's esteem. Wolsey is lavished with titles, financial gain, and expansive estates.

His meteoric rise drew much envy and criticism from his old nobility detractors who tried, at intervals, to curtail his authority with the King. Wolsey also made a deadly enemy with a young lady in waiting in Queen Katherine's court, Anne Boleyn, when he refused to grant her permission to wed a nobleman above her station. Wolsey soon learns that Anne has captured Henry's heart and soul, and is the impetus that drives the King to doggedly pursue a divorce from Katherine. Anne's emnity knows no bounds as she seeks to detroy the Cardinal.

Weir's extensive research and engaging prose make this a delight to read.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this title.

This was difficult for me to get into for awhile. While I did like the storyline, it was slower than expected and just not what I thought it was going to be.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for allowing me to read this ARC. A different perspective of the life off Henry the VIII through the eyes of his cardinal, Thomas Wolsey. Although historical fiction, with a mix of historical facts and some story lines added for a more dramatical effect, it still read more as a history book. Perhaps because I already knew how the story ends, I did not find the plot too engaging or exciting, and more like a timeline of events.

He was one of the Thoms.

He went from a meteoritic rise in political stature to a downfall due to the whims of a self-serving woman and a vain man.

Historical readers of this time period will recognize Thomas Wolsey as one of three notable Thomas of Henry VIII's time; that is, Thomas More, Thomas Wolsey and Thomas Cromwell. All three played a role in King Henry's "Great Matter". It is the butcher man's son, Thomas Wolsey, who the reader follows in this dense historical novel.

The mark of a good author shines thru in the authenticity of its narrator's voice. Can the reader picture a wholly different gender than the author's? a different time period ? and vernacular associated with a different time period. In this case, it's a resounding 'yes'. This reader felt was hearing from Cardinal Wolsey himself with all the complications of the human vices of envy, pride and ambition. He chose career over family. He chose wealth over vows of poverty. He choose loyalty to a king who was self-serving and, in the end, the architect of his downfall.

This ARC was provided by the publisher, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

#TheCardinal #NetGalley

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book!

I really enjoy books set in the Tudor periods of history. This book took a different spin by exploring the role of Thomas, the cardinal who served by the king’s side. While I found the story intriguing, it dragged for me at times.

The author did a great job making Thomas human. He had a love story and a complex family. He was also very ambitious. This story shows his rise to the most influential role in the court as well as his fall from grace.

A very well-researched, but slow-paced read, in my opinion. All the stories surrounding the Tudor history are fascinating, and Cardinal Wolsey's is no exception. I liked him early on, but over time my support began to fall away as he accumulated wealth and power. Support is fickle, I guess...but even with some creative liberties taken here and there, The Cardinal is compelling.

The Cardinal by Allison Weir, Thomas Wolsey never wanted to be a priest but do to his mother‘s wishes he became one anyway not that it stopped him from indulging in every sinful appetite he had nor did it stop him wanting to be at the top of his game and in his mind this meant royalty. something he would achieve at the highest level with King Henry and then with the teenage prince and this would mark the beginning of his downfall. He also had Love in his life with Joan Lark a woman who shared her name with his mother something I find the height of creepiness my dad‘s name was Buddy and I could never imagine dating someone with that Moniker. either way they were together for years and even having children that for political reasons they didn’t raise. In the book it seemed he really loved Joan although in his biography it seems he only truly loved himself. I did like the book although at times found myself bored as the narrative dragged. I absolutely am obsessed with the authors books about Queens courtiers ladies etc I think maybe because the MC was a male in the romance not as swunny IDK I did love the end or rather the last 1/3 of the book I found interesting but I do always love when someone gets their comeupins. if you’re like me and love books for history sake the authors books seem to be as close to accurate in the fiction genre as you can get and this one has the intrigue underhanded backstabbing dysfunctional flare that most books involving royalty has the you’ll definitely love this book. even though I must admit it took me longer to finish then most of her books I still have to recommended it as well written skillfully told and with a few minor drag points still definitely a very good book. #NedGalley,#RandomHouseValentineBooks, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #AllisonWeir, #TheCardinal,

I read this ARC for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

Live this author
Feel very fortunate to be able to read this

Loved the book
She never disappoints
An easy read full of wonderful detail

Highly recommend

DNF.

I must have misunderstood the blurb when I was sent this as a widget. I love history and learning about this era in particular, but sadly this book is long and clunky. It was difficult for me to get invested. I do see many other rave reviews, however!

Wow! What an amazing in-depth look into Cardinal Wolsey's life! I've always loved learning and reading about anything having to do with the Tudors and Wolsey was one I didn't know very much about. Alison Weir's latest novel is beautiful and heartbreaking. Thank you so much to NetGalley and to the publisher for my digital ARC!

When you think of London in the 1500’s, most people think of King Henry VIII and his many wives and beheadings. In The Cardinal by Alison Weir, we see a different side of Henry. In this youth he tried to be a different kind of king. Henry’s mentor was Cardinal Thomas Wolsey. This is his story. A butcher’s son who rose to the highest ranks of the church and became Henry’s most trusted advisors. He was also a man who struggled with his calling to the priesthood, his hunger for power and the love of a woman. In this book, we get an inside look at two very flawed men. There is plenty of intrigue, conspiracies, plotting, scheming and political maneuvering in the Tudor court. This is English history at its best.

💋Review: The Cardinal

🍹Rate: 5 Stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

❤️Praise: Alison Weir is the most detailed and wondrous genius when it comes to depicting the lives of the famous royalty! And those who created them! I have always been fascinated by Wolsey! Who truly was the man who ran England when King Henry the 8th wanted to play?! Who was the man who is all power and kept his secrets?! Truly Alison should have her own channel! All her books bring to life historical figures that not only capture us but interests everyone on a deeper level! Depicting Wolsey's Life as a child and then all the way to adulthood takes great skill! Alison Weir has it all! I loved how his battle within himself when it came to power and love came into play over and over. Is it worth it? What must he give up? Joan was a dazzling figure! Alison painted her beautifully! You truly get to witness through the writing how much Wolsey really had to do to not only run England but to take care of a very emotionally tyrant King! Naturally viewing the king through Wolsey's eyes was very intriguing!

🎆Extra: Alison you are the magician who brings historical figures to life and I will always read your books!

Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine Books for giving me the opportunity to read this outstanding book. I normally don’t read this kind of book but felt intrigued by the summary of it. I learned a lot in this fictionalized account of Thomas Woolsey’s life and the story grabbed me from the start. I felt for Woolsey’, even though he was an ambitious and power hungry man. The author showed his humanity also. Strongly recommend this read.

I loved this meticulously detailed portrait of a man whom is usually a minor character in the saga of Henry VIII. A wonderfully written work of historical fiction.