Alison Weir does a phenomenal job telling the story of the rise and fall of Thomas Wolsey in The Cardinal. I was captivated by a story set in the time of Henry VIII that was set in a point of view I had never seen before. A beautifully written story that kept me wanting to know all of the little details. The narration was beautifully done.

The Cardinal by Alison Weir is a fascinating historical novel about the life of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, one of King Henry VIII chief advisors and friends. The book begins when Tom is a young child at school and follows his life through his education, ordination, his career in the church, and his fall from grace when he cannot secure a divorce for the king. It also tells the story of the woman he falls in love with but could never marry, and the children that he had to give up in order to follow his ambition. The amount of research, detail, and imagination that went into telling this story is truly amazing and I enjoyed it all. The narrator did a wonderful job of bringing the words to life and conveying the deep emotions of all the characters.

Thank you to RBMedia for providing me a copy of the audiobook via NetGalley.

This book is about the rise and fall of Thomas Wolsey during the reign of Henry the 8th.

I enjoy this author and narrator! And I’m a sucker for a book set during the Tudor era! I was intrigued to learn more about a character that is seen here and there during this time period but someone we don’t really know too much about. While I did enjoy this book I did feel like it was a little bit too long. I do understand that the author was covering his whole life and the major events of his life and that is gonna take some time. If you enjoy historical fiction books set in this time period then this book would be an excellent choice to add to your knowledge.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to listen to this audiobook arc in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to RB Media and to Netgalley for the gifted audiobook.

This was such a pleasant audiobook to listen to. I rarely listen to audiobooks when it comes to historical fiction, only because it's hard to capture certain tones and feelings. However, I was definitely pleased with how it was presented. It was worth listening to! I love the Tudor period, and so this was such a treat! If you're someone who isn't into historical fiction or reading it, listening to this will definitely pull you in. I didn't feel like it was too complicated to listen to. I also enjoyed that the speaker changed their voices to the best of their ability to match the character! It definitely brings Thomas Wolsey to life!

This was my first Alison Weir book, and usually I don't like to read out of order in a series, but I felt like this wouldn't affect the previous novels when I get around to reading them. It was lengthy (a tad too lengthy) but very informative.

I didn't know of Thom Wolsey but this has given me a well-rounded introduction to the man and the spiritual advisor to King Henry VIII. He was also somewhat of a friend and mentor to King 'Harry'. But running kingdoms can be very political and enemies are always there to watch you fall (even give you a not so gentle push). Tom's love of luxury, his pride and his ambition led to his downfall.

The most glaring thing to me in this book is, why doesn't the church allow priests to marry? It's not in the bible. And how can they give marital advice with nothing to compare it to. It seems ridiculous in this day and age. It just might get more men back into church roles.

Anyway, a great read that could have been made a tad better by culling some of the waffley bits. I'm looking forward to reading more of the Tudor series.

We don't really stop messing around about Henry VIII, don't we?! Well, he was enough for me a long time ago, but what can I do, I am too fascinated by his companions and their fall ways, the fall course by his obsession with having an heir, which he never had.

Thomas Wolsey, Henry VIII's chief advisor, whom I read about and remember as an important figure from the Thomas Cromwell trilogy, and Cromwell's guilt about him. However, Thomas Wolsey wasn't a main character. This time, Alison Weir weaves a beautiful tale from his childhood to death.

The book's description mentions a tale of two women, one who loved him and one who hated him. While this is true, I believe it somewhat exaggerates the romantic love associated with a church and a political figure, as well as the intense hatred from a mistress, Anne Boleyn.

I think the story was intended to be more romantic than political, which is completely acceptable, as we don't see many courtiers, but the narrative can feel a bit slow and lengthy for a historical romance.

Overall, an engaging and beautifully written story that I recommend to Alison Weir fans and anyone who reads about Tudor England.

Thank you RBmedia via NetGalley for ARC. I liked the narration by Rosalyn Landor and I have given my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author/publisher for providing me with an ARC. All opinions are entirely my own.

Although Alison Weir has been writing books for over 30 years, this is my first read of her work. The Cardinal is a standalone novel telling the story of the rise of Thomas Woolsey, later Cardinal, of Henry VIII’s reign. Told from Woolsey’s unique perspective, this offers the reader an alternative look at event of Henry’s years.

Weir’s writing is elegant and moves the story nicely. What I knew of Cardinal Woolsey was not particularly positive, and this tells a very introspective story of the man letting us understand him better and his role in Henry’s life. For those who love reading about the Tudors, I highly recommend this. 4.5 stars rounded up for me.

I was super excited to see that Allison Weir was giving Cardinal Wolsey his own book. I’ve always felt like he’s the villain that everyone loves to hate when it comes to The Tudors. I recently read Weir’s Six Tudor Queens series, and loved it, so I was super excited for this book, and it did not disappoint. When I read Six Tudor Queens, it was through the audiobooks, and I was glad to see that Rosalyn Landor was back as the narrator for this book as well. For me, it really helped tie all the books together. It just felt like listening to an old friend tell a story. The story starts off with a young Wolsey, going into the Cardinal’s childhood to show how he gained the education that helped boost him to notoriety. And then moves into his adult life, telling how he gained patrons that helped put him in the palace, eventually leading to him being one of the most influential people in Henry VIII’s life. So many books I’ve read that cover Henry VIII’s rule make Wolsey out to be the villain. I really enjoyed how this book doesn’t take that view of Wolsey, as he most likely wasn’t really a villain, just a victim of his circumstances. I also loved how the book explores Wolsey’s relationship with Henry. That’s something that I had always wondered about, but in books focused on Henry’s wives, it usually isn’t something that is explored as much. The opportunity to get into Wolsey’s head and understand him more as a person really changed a lot of the thoughts I had about Wolsey going into this book. It really widened my perspective on the events that took place during Henry’s reign. I absolutely loved this book! Much like Allison Weir’s other books, it felt like a really quick read to me. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who loves Tudor or English history. I also would recommend it to anyone who has read Weir’s Six Wives series or who is fascinated with Henry VIII’s rule, as I think it brings a really great perspective to the history that is often overlooked.

First, I would like to thank RBmedia for selecting me to listen to this stunning audiobook of Alison Weir's brand-new novel, The Cardinal: A Novel of Love and Power, narrated by the talented Rosalyn Landor.

I honestly loved this audiobook, I really did. The narrator's ability to captivate the audience and keep them engaged throughout was excellent; considering this novel is told from the Cardinal's perspective, a man's perspective, I was quite taken back that this audiobook had a female narrator and was worried about her ability to capture the essence of this important man's story and his feelings. However, I am pleasantly surprised to say that she did a phenomenal job of not only presenting Alison Weir's version of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey but making this historical fiction, arguably a genre that can be seen as dry and dull, fun and entertaining. Her slight changes in tone and accent for every character is immaculate and very accurate, especially for international characters such as Catherine of Aragon or French nobles. I felt every character come to life off the page which made me want to read and read and read until there was nothing left to devour.

As a historical reader, I like to be able to imagine these characters whilst listening to audiobooks. I need to be able to feel the narrator embody not only the narrator (who is usually the main focus of the book like Alison Weir's The Cardinal) but I want to be able to see them change into these other characters, of both genders, and I could with Rosalyn Landor. Her female and male voices were both superb and I honestly feel like she is one of the best historical fiction narrators I have ever listened to. When the Cardinal was sad, she was sad. When he was angry, she was angry. She wasn't just reading lines off a script but showing her passion and her craftsmanship by exaggerating them entirely; something that I feel most narrators need to do to truly help the reader understand the tone of the book, which isn't always obvious at first.

Overall, I loved this audiobook and would love to read more by RBmedia and narrated by Rosalyn Landor. I would 100% recommend this audiobook to anyone wanting a thrilling, comedic and often heartfelt novel narrated by a talented narrator who truly knows how to entertain her listeners!

THE CARDINAL is a well-researched exploration of a towering figure of Henry VIII's early reign.

It feels like there has been a resurgence in interest in the Tudors of late. For example, the second series of the BBC adaptation of WOLF HALL, and this novel is perfectly placed to capture the interest of those interested in the Tudor world, looking at a self-made man who rose high and then fell for failing to please Henry VIII.

Thomas Wolsey is a very interesting historical figure - a man raised high despite his humble origins in a time when birth was almost everything, someone who served a king steadfastly despite also having a clerical loyalty. THE CARDINAL dives into his life and trying to understand what made him tick and how he handled the many contradictions of his life.

As with many historical novels, the book has to contend with the fact that so many of its characters have the same name. To this end, Thomas Wolsey is called "Tom" and Henry VIII "Harry." I liked the intimacy of this, making you feel close to these characters and helping establish the rapport between them early on.

I really enjoy the attention to detail in Alison Weir's novels. You can tell she is a historian, peppering the book with specific details - like the alms he gives out - that are so clearly drawn directly from records. It gives you a confidence that, though many things (particularly thoughts and private conversations) are obviously invented, they are extrapolated from real evidence to understand the chaotic national events.

I was surprised at first to discover that the narrator was Rosalyn Landor. Given that the main character is a man, I had expected this audiobook to follow the common practice of having a man narrate a male main characters. However, it was an engaging audiobook and it definitely intrigued me to hear it read against common trends.

Alison Weir solidifies her reputation as a master of historical fiction with her latest offering, The Cardinal, an engrossing and meticulously researched journey into the life of Thomas Wolsey. From his humble beginnings to his dramatic rise and fall during the turbulent reign of Henry VIII, Weir paints a vivid and compelling portrait of a man who shaped, and was ultimately consumed by, Tudor politics.
What truly sets The Cardinal apart is Weir's unparalleled ability to weave historical fact with narrative brilliance. You are immediately drawn into Wolsey's world, witnessing firsthand his strategic genius, his unwavering ambition, and his deep, often complex, devotion to King Henry VIII. Weir doesn't shy away from the intricacies of court life, the shifting alliances, and the brutal realities of power.
Wolsey's contentious relationship with Anne Boleyn, whom he famously, and perhaps prophetically, dubs "the Black Crow." This dynamic, along with Wolsey's almost reverential adoration of Henry, provides an emotional core to the narrative.
As an avid fan of historical fiction, I found The Cardinal to be an absolute triumph. Weir's extensive knowledge of the Tudor period shines through on every page.
The pacing is masterful, building tension and anticipation as Wolsey's fortunes rise and then, inevitably, begin to turn.
Adding another layer of excellence to this book is the narration by Rosalyn Landor. Landor, a familiar and much-loved voice for many of Alison Weir's audiobooks, delivers another incredible performance. Her portrayal of the various characters, combined with her impeccable timing and clarity, brings Wolsey's world to life with remarkable authenticity. Listening to The Cardinal is not just reading a book; it's experiencing history unfolding.
In conclusion, The Cardinal is a five-star historical fiction masterpiece that I wholeheartedly recommend to all general readers, especially those with a passion for the Tudor era. Alison Weir has once again delivered a compelling and unforgettable story, expertly brought to life by Rosalyn Landor's narration. Prepare to be captivated by the extraordinary life of Thomas Wolsey, a man who truly stood at the heart of power who you cannot help but feel sorry for multiple times during the book since he sacrifices so many things for the love of his King.

The Cardinal: A Novel of Love and Power by Alison Weir is a reimagining of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey's story.

Alison Wier is one of my favorite authors and with this edition she di not disappoint. She can easily take characters from this time period and make us love them. Her amazing ability to immerse us into the culture and intrigue of Tudor England never ceases to amaze me and always keeps me coming back for more.

I had the great fortune of being able to listen to the ALC and read the ARC for this book simultaneously, and was glad I had the opportunity to do so. The writing was amazing but the narration by Rosalyn Landor fell a little flat for me, and I found myself going back to the book to read instead of listen.

Thank you RB Media and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books for the opportunity to listen to this ALC and read the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Book Rating: 5 Stars
Audiobook Rating: 3 Stars

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Wonderful, detailed fictional biography of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, who was Henry VIII’s chief advisor until the king accused him of treason in the lead up to his break with the Church. This is probably more detailed than I would have liked, with the Cardinal’s final months taking far too long in the narrative. (I love Alison Weir’s books, but I always find myself muttering “Die already!” In the final chapters.) But she manages to make Wolsey appear both sympathetic and arrogant. I cared enough about him to finish the novel—mainly to see if he would die naturally before being put to death.

This is one of her better Tudor “biographies,” and I highly recommend it to her fans and lovers of detailed historical fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Outstanding narrator. Not only did the story transport me back to this time period, but the narration did as well. This book was well researched. The characters came alive once again in this story. The author has such a gift engulfing the reader from the first pages. The characters were well defined and quite memorable. I look forward to more by this author.

I was blessed with an ARC. My review is unbiased and all thoughts are my own. Highly recommend.

This time period is one of my favorites! I love the drama of King Henry VIII’s court. So, I jumped at the chance to read this one!

No one can take you down a historical path quite like Alison Weir. This book, as with all her books, has exceptional research. She brings Cardinal Wolsey to life with rich detail.

Cardinal Wolsey did not really take the vow of chastity to heart. He had a mistress and several children. But, he could not have been a better friend to King Henry VIII. He was also all about power and wealth. And then he made a mistake. A mistake that came back to haunt him years later. And it was his downfall.

The narrator, Rosalyn Landor, took a while for me to like. She started out a bit overly dramatic. But, that settled in for me and I enjoyed her more as the story went along.

Need a story about politics, power and the church…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

Excellent narration on audio book. The voice and modulation match the characters and time period. Thomas Wolsey is a character most as familiar with if you have read any historical fiction about the Tudors. This book told from his side is very refreshing and insightful even if you are already familiar with the history.

With The Cardinal, Alison Weir continues to expand her ambitious Tudor historical fiction series in ways that both surprise and enrich the larger narrative she’s been building. While I didn’t expect a novel centered on Thomas Wolsey to capture my interest, Weir’s storytelling once again proves she can take even the most polarizing historical figures and breathe vivid, human complexity into their stories.

What stands out most is how this novel reframes familiar Tudor events through the lens of someone who has often been sidelined or villainized in stories about Henry VIII and his queens. Seen from Wolsey’s perspective, we get a fresh and nuanced view of the politics, rivalries, and shifting loyalties that shaped the early Tudor court. It was especially engaging to revisit moments from The True Queen and other novels in the series—this time with context that challenges earlier interpretations.

While I don’t always agree with Weir’s historical interpretations, I respect her approach. She uses historical evidence as a foundation and builds thoughtful, plausible speculation around it. Her decision to explore Wolsey’s romantic relationship with Joan Larke, as well as his private pain over their children, added a layer of emotional complexity that made his ambition and contradictions feel real. He’s portrayed as proud, greedy, and deeply driven—but also generous, self-reflective, and unexpectedly vulnerable.

I particularly appreciated how the novel handled his relationship with Katherine of Aragon. In The True Queen, Katherine viewed Wolsey as one of her greatest adversaries, but The Cardinal reveals how that perception was shaped more by political necessity and misunderstanding than any actual betrayal. This mirrored a broader theme throughout the book: how everyone in Henry’s orbit blamed each other for their misfortunes, while rarely holding the king himself accountable. Even Wolsey ultimately views Anne Boleyn as the sole cause of his downfall, overlooking Henry’s own agency in the matter.

The novel also shines a light on the lives of lower-class individuals in Tudor England, giving texture and weight to a side of history that’s often overlooked in stories focused on royalty. This broader social scope grounds the novel and gives it a richness that complements the high-stakes political drama.

The Cardinal is another strong entry in Weir’s interconnected Tudor universe. It's thought-provoking, emotionally layered, and filled with sharp political insight. I’m more excited than ever to see what comes next—and still holding out hope for novels centered on Margaret Tudor and Mary Tudor, the French Queen.

Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you so much to Netgalley & RBmedia for the advanced copy of the Cardinal.

This book follows the rise of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey through the ranks of the Church to becoming a trusted advisor of Henry VIII. The story is unusually told through the lens of Wolsey private life.

I’m afraid this was a DNF for me at 20%, I tried to persevere but I didn’t gel with the narrator and just couldn’t get into the story as a result.

Thomas Wolsey was an influential character in the English Court during a period of great transformation. Unfortunately, I found the novel to be very choppy with short vignettes about Wolsey as a child and young man, which were hard to build a flowing narrative, and I could not empathize with him or identify any of his motivations for actions. Stating that he wanted power, but not why. For this reason, I DNF'd at 10%.

After reading Alison Weir's books on all of the wives of Henry VIII, I was intrigued to pick up another of her books on a character that I knew from those books. It was fascinating to get a story from his perspective and once again, Alison takes information that could easily be pretty boring and spins a compelling tale. Though the book clocks in at 400+ pages, it was still lacking a bit of...something...that felt like I was really getting to know him and his thoughts. I got some idea, and some super vague references about spies he had in places, but nothing that really told me what he was getting up to - was he a sketchy guy or not? But again, it was already pretty long, so I don't have ideas for what could be cut. Overall, this author once again amazed me at her ability to bring a period of history alive.