What a page-turner. I couldn’t wait to find out what she did next or which slings and arrows life would through at this all too compassionate and sensitive girl. Mr Clark has altered my opinion of this Royal who looks terrifying in all the old news reels! Andrew Norman

Queen Mary was once known as May of Tec. She was born into royalty and her life was one of duty which was known from a young age. This novel tries to show May the person rather than the Queen she was to become. On reading we see just how difficult her life must have been to always put duty above all.

Valhalla: A story of love and duty by Alan Robert Clarke My impression of Queen Mary has always been that of an imposing but austere, cold and rather forbidding figure, fixed in my mind as an elderly and severe woman. So, it was a real pleasure to have that view challenged and to see her complex character delightfully teased out in this interpretation by Alan Robert Clark. Valhalla tells the tale of Mary of Teck, a minor royal whose looked down upon family feel redeemed and excited beyond measure when May is chosen to marry Prince Eddy, the heir to the throne. Although May has her reservations, she has been brought up to put duty above all else and agrees to the match. But when Eddy dies suddenly, May is expected to marry his younger brother, the cold, domineering and rather foolish, George, and her commitment to duty above love and personal fulfillment is tested to the limit. This fascinating book does not deal with the severe older Queen Mary of popular memory, instead it recreates the early life of the girl who went on to become the formidable Queen Mary, consort of King George V, mother of the notorious Edward Vlll who married Wallis Simpson, and grandmother of our present Queen. It shows us a young woman who wants to know the world, who dreams of a more intellectual, passionate and interesting life and who hopes to find love, but who eventually gives all this up to undertake her royal responsibilities and fulfil her family duty. Reading this book brings Queen Mary to life in a way that challenges the traditional interpretation of this impressive Queen. It shows the private sadness and regrets behind the public face of royal duty. It is a sad story, beautifully told, and crying out to be made into a movie. With thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.

May of Tec was the only daughter of a noble family fallen from grace, has been selected to marry the troubled Prince Eddy, heir to the Brittish throne. Submitting to the wishes of Queen Victoria and under pressure from her family, young May agrees. Prince Eddy dies of influenza and to her horror, May discovers she us to be married to his brother, George instead. Thus is the story of Mary of Teck who was later known as Queen Mary. May had been surrounded by strong women throughout her life. I like books on the royal history and this book did not disappoint. This is an addictive and informative read. Queen Mary was the grandmother to Quedn Elizabeth II. I didn't know a lot about May of Teck before I read this book but I have a greater understanding of her now. I would like to thank #NetGalley, #FairlightBooks and the author #AlanRobertClark for my ARC in exchange for an honest review. #Valhalla