This book follows the life of Thomas Wolsey, the priest who rose to be a trusted advisor to both Henry VII and Henry VIII, before eventually losing everything. As a young, gifted child in a small village, he luckily caught the eye of a man who recommended him to a boarding school that filtered students into Cambridge’s Theology program. He was also lucky that his Uncle could afford to sponsor his tuition, as his parents could not afford it. Unfortunately for him, he was expected to enter the priesthood, even though he had no true desire to do so. Regardless, he used his intelligence and position to work his way into the court.

Frankly, this book was hard for me to read. Don’t get me wrong; it was written well. However, the main character Thomas was SO unlikable. He seemed rather narcissistic, as he felt like he deserved better positions and recognition than he had earned. Considering his low birth and lack of experience, it baffles me how much he complained about positions and gifts he was granted. He also complained when the King chose to follow the advice of other, more experienced advisors over his. He was certain he was a brilliant tactician, with no proof.

His relationship with his mistress, who was 20 years younger, also brought up the unfortunate reality of how normal large age gaps were in that time and how accepting people were of priests forgoing their vows of celibacy.

Overall, the book was well researched and is ideal for history lovers. If you like fiction based on fact, this is a great read.

I am a horror reader first and foremost, but I do have a special interest in this time period. I have also read a lot of Weir's work around this time frame and was very interested to see a book based around Wolsey. He is a figure that is typically villainized so I was curious to see how Weir would treat him. I did actually very much enjoy this, I am happy to say. I think that she did an excellent job showing that Wolsey had his flaws as a man, but she gave us motivation (though fictionalized) and also managed to make him sympathetic to the reader. I also enjoyed the fact that while talked about, the story did not entirely focus on Anne Boleyn and "the great matter" of the King's divorce. She brought us through his life and other moments of the history as well.
The narrator did do a great job, though I did find the writing to be a little dry at times. I also feel as though it could have been shortened slightly for the sake of pacing, but it was a good read and I think that those that enjoy this period of history will have a good time with this one.
3.5 stars rounded to 4.

Alison weir is a must buy author for me and continues to expand my mind and my world with her takes on historical fiction and the voices she brings to the table

A fascinating and intriguing story during the Tudor period based on his humble beginnings and to the rise and fall from power of Thomas Wolsley, his imminent Cardinal Wolsely.
It was beautifully written and I always loved reading the Tudor period as it’s always fascinating to read about their lifestyles, and of course the scandals.

The narrator and production did an excellent job in making the characters and the story come to life in this book.

And it looks like I’ll be reading and following Allison Weir.

Thank you NetGalley and RBmedia for an amazing copy of the audiobook.

A great book! England in the 1500s.

The story focuses on the life of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey - starting with his education as a child all the way to his death. Thomas was not born into a wealthy family so the best way for him to get to the court of the King Henry VIII was thru the church. Thomas was very talented. and well educated, all he needed was a mentor to promote him. His dream was to be a prominant member of the court and serve the King.

I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a good job.

Royal life was SO precarious! A constant (dangerous) game of chess. I usually read about the Kings and Queens but what about the people who surrounded and influenced them? This was a wonderfully told, sweeping story about the life of Thomas Wolsey, and his rise and fall from grace.

Thank you to NetGalley and RBMedia: Recorded Books for the advanced audio copy. The narration by Rosalyn Landor was perfect and totally transported me into the story.

Fun fact about me: I used to be obsessed with Tudor history. I know it’s common to go through a phase, but I devoted like all of college to it, including writing my thesis on the era. I really thought I was going to be a British historian! 😅It was fun to return to Tudor history with The Cardinal because it has been a while since I have read or watched anything related to it.

The Cardinal focuses on Cardinal Thomas Wolsey who was one of King Henry VIII’s main advisors. I enjoyed seeing another side of Wolsey, but I do think the author was a little too generous towards him. She does admit in the author’s note, though, that she has a soft spot for him 😅

The Cardinal
A Novel of Love and Power
by Alison Weir
Narrated by Rosalyn Landor

If you enjoy historical fiction and have a particular fascination with Tudor history, especially the reign of Henry VIII, then The Cardinal: A Novel of Love and Power is the perfect book for you. Written by Alison Weir, a meticulous researcher of Tudor-era history, this novel offers a captivating tale that is both engaging and informative.

At the heart of the story is the Cardinal, represented by the historical figure Thomas Wolsey—a significant player in the court of King Henry VIII. However, being the king's close ally proves to be fraught with danger. Henry, notorious for his abrupt shifts in loyalty, has been known to turn against not only his wives but also his closest friends. The saying goes, "It’s good to be the king," and Henry embodies that notion, as his fickle affections can lead to the ruin of those who were once dear to him. This is precisely what transpires with Thomas Wolsey, reminding us that greed, avarice, and arrogance often pave the way to one's downfall—Wolsey being one of many collateral victims of Henry VIII’s tumultuous reign.

Weir masterfully breathes life into Thomas, portraying him as a complex, flawed individual while also highlighting his significant contributions to Henry’s court. Rosalyn Landor's narration enriches the narrative, bringing a vibrant energy to all the characters involved. Though this is ultimately Thomas's story, each figure he encounters springs to life through Landor's gifted storytelling.

While readers may be aware of how the story concludes, the enjoyment lies in the journey itself. From start to finish, this exceptional audiobook captivates your attention, demonstrating that even when history has revealed the ending, the unfolding tale remains thrilling. If you're a fan of historical fiction, this is an audiobook you won’t want to miss.

Thanks are extended to RBMedia: Recorded Books and NetGalley for the advance copy of the audiobook.

This was a pretty hefty historical read about Cardinal Thomas Wolsey. It was historically accurate and kept me riveted the whole time. The narrator did a fantastic job also.

You can never really go wrong with a novel set during the Tudor reign, can you?

I have read read EVERY Alison Weir novel set in this time period, as she is a favorite author of mine amd Tudor England my all time favorite setting. She is an auto-buy for me, always.

The Cardinal was a.perfect example of Weir's extensive research. I cannot even fathom the timelines, family trees, historical facts and laws that must be juggled with books like these. Her novels often, if not always, lead me down a Google rabbit hole of research myself. I find myself always wanting to know more, see the artwork and documents. Once again, I found myself cyber stalking a historical figure because Weir's ability to pique my interest.

My only reason for 4 stars instead of 5, is the fact that Cardinal Wolsey just ... wasn't a likeable character. For me, he was a charlatan and addicted to gaining notoriety, money and sin. Which does not a likeable character make. But, again. I see this as another tribute to Weir's historical research and character development. She doesn't shy from the fact that he was by no means perfect and portrays him as he was.

I listened to the audiobook and found the narrator absolutely lovely, and perfect for this book.

Another great book by Alison Weir. I've always been an Anne Boleyn fangirl, so my initial reaction to hearing Wolsey's name is not favorable. However, I knew Weir would do what she always does - provide layers to the character so that I can see them as a whole being and not just as an opportunistic power grabber.

I know a historical fiction (based on real people) is good when my kneejerk reaction after reading is to look something up. That happened with this book - specifically with Wolsey and Joan. I found it so interesting that priests were not expected to be celibate, but that it was obviously a sore spot if he wanted to be Henry's right hand man. I can imagine that in Henry's eyes, no one should be higher than him in Wolsey's eyes, and if he was carrying on a relationship and having children with a woman, that's a cause for concern. Again, interesting stuff. Also interesting that Wolsey arranged Joan's marriage to someone else to assuage this problem. I thought Weir's depiction of Wolsey's feelings after Joan getting married were completely realistic and also appropriate to the time period.

I listened to the audiobook for this one because it was available through Netgalley and although I definitely enjoyed it, I can't say I'd listen to a Weir book again. They're just so packed with information and I feel like I need to read it physically to do it justice by not missing anything. Maybe I'll read it again sometime.

No one write historical fiction like Alison Weir. Every book is informative and well written. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook

At last Thomas Wolsey gets his own story. He's. kept me company in the car on the way to work. And I feel like I have lost a friend. From birth to death - his rise and fall. I loved that Alison made him human.

It has been quite a few years since I read a novel by Alison Weir. From the introduction, Weir has not lost her touch. This book was beautifully written. It follows Thomas Wolsley's life as King Henry VIII's chief advisor in great detail.. The story focuses on how he became a cardinal and the politics and roadblocks that he faced in his effort to secure the title.

Review: 5/5 stars
Alison Weir delivers another gripping and impeccably researched historical novel in The Cardinal: A Novel of Love and Power. Centered on the life of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, this richly detailed narrative peels back the layers of one of Tudor England’s most ambitious and controversial figures.

What sets this novel apart is how Weir brings a nuanced humanity to Wolsey—his rise from humble beginnings, his unyielding loyalty to Henry VIII, and the personal sacrifices he makes in pursuit of power. The balance of political intrigue and personal drama is masterfully done, making the story both informative and emotionally compelling.

I especially appreciated the attention to Wolsey’s inner conflicts: the tension between his spiritual vows and his very human desires, his triumphs and miscalculations, and his complicated loyalty to a king who ultimately discards him. Weir’s ability to make 16th-century court politics feel intimate and urgent is unmatched.

A few passages touch on heavy themes of manipulation and ambition, but they’re essential to the broader portrait of power at its most seductive—and its most perilous.

Highly recommended for fans of Tudor history and historical fiction that doesn’t shy away from moral complexity.

Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the ARC!

#TheCardinal #NetGalley #AlisonWeir

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of The Cardinal by Alison Weir. This novel follows Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, a fascinating figure often overshadowed by King Henry VIII. I enjoyed learning about Wolsey’s early life and rise to power, as well as his behind the scenes influence. A well written portrait of a complex man navigating politics, ambition and personal sacrifice. I'm looking forward to seeing who Weir tackles next.

Alison Weir has done it again! Breathing life into one of Tudor history’s most interesting figures. I have seen Wolsey portrayed as the archetypal Machiavelli and as a victim of Henry VIII’s mercurial nature but I’ve never seen him be given such a rounded human personality.
The Cardinal tells Wolsey’s story from childhood to death, covers a massive amount of history in that time but never feels rushed. I’m used to reading about the ‘action’ from an England centric viewpoint so it was refreshing to see what Wolsey was doing in Europe.
The audiobook was brilliantly narrated, I sped through it but also wanted it to last longer.
Thank you NetGalley for the audio arc.

This is a very throughly researched fictional adaptation of the life of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, who was one of Henry the VIII most trusted advisors and friends until the Great Matter - ie Henry wanting to divorce Catherine of Aragon to marry Anne Boleyn .
He had often appeared in various fiction I’ve read about the Tudor’s and it was quite fascinating seeing things from his perspective . However, the way the story is told, I really had no attachment or feelings for the Cardinal, other than perhaps by the end of the book feel sorry for him . I’m not sure if that was the narrator or if it was the way the story is told - more focused on the history and facts ( it is written by an amazing historian ). I did enjoy Joan the most in the story

Alison Weir evokes the intrigue of the Tudor court and the complexities of juggling personal desires with the expectations of the Church and monarch. The capricious nature of Henry VIII comes through in the writing and the challenges faced by Cardinal Wolsey to keep his Master happy while balancing the jealousy of the nobles paints a picture of a precarious life dominated by intrigue and 16th century constraints.
However, I personally felt that we never really get to empathise or support Thomas Wolsey. I thought this book would trigger the understanding of his character in the way similar books did with Thomas Cromwell and was disappointed to find that I was very ambivalent about how he pursued and resolved his various challenges.
The audio version I found difficult to listen to as the narration felt rather laboured in providing the different characters with sufficient gravitas. My preference, in hindsight, would have been to read the novel in hard copy version but for those who enjoy a superficial understanding of Tudor fiction, this will no doubt prove a favourite

Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Setting: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Themes: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Emotional: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
Enjoyment: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Review: The Cardinal by Alison Weir

I’ve read a lot of books about the Tudors, and Cardinal Wolsey is a name that comes up often. Depending on who’s telling the story, he’s either a brilliant advisor or someone to blame for everything that went wrong. But this book is completely different—it’s told from his point of view, and that really changed how I saw him.

Alison Weir does a great job showing not just the political side of Wolsey, but also his personal life—the things we rarely hear about. You get to see his rise from a butcher’s son to one of the most powerful men in England, his love for his family, and the heartbreak that came with his fall.

It’s an emotional, thoughtful story that brings a lot of humanity to a man who’s often just a footnote in Henry VIII’s drama. If you enjoy historical fiction, especially anything to do with the Tudors, I definitely recommend giving this one a read.