Book Review: Emmie and the Tudor King by Natalie Murray

Emmie and the Tudor King (Hearts and Crowns)

Time travel + Teen angst + an Extinct Royal line = Captivating Love Story… That sums up Natalie Murray’s “Emmie and the Tudor King .”

When I received the ARC for “Emmie and the Tudor King ,” I was expecting something similar to Mark Twain’s “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court.” In short, I was expecting a satire. What I found was something better!

Set in the 21st century, we find Emmie in her final year of high school and contemplating how she can get into Central Saint Martin’s, the famed fashion design school in London where the likes of Alexander McQueen, John Galliano and Stella McCartney studied.

When she bought a trinket from a yard sale in her neighborhood, she unknowingly found herself in 16th century England. Quick witted, Emmie figured out when and where she was. She was able to avoid detection that she was not from their century.

What Emmie was not able to shield was her heart as she started to like people she met, especially King Nicholas, the son of Elizabeth I.

As a huge sci-fi/fantasy fan, I found it hard to put down the book once I started. Emmie is your typical teenager and Gen Z member – full of energy and full of curiosity. Through her eyes, readers see how it is to live during the Renaissance.

Author Natalie Murray who has a background in fashion described the clothing and costumes vividly, adding to the already incredible world building she did when she set the novel 500 years in the past.

A bit of mystery is added as Emmie tried to solve a cold case murder. At the same time, romance started to take center stage as the attraction between Emmie and King Nick begin to blossom.

“Emmie and the Tudor King ” is full of surprises. Make sure to set aside some time when you start reading. You will want to know what happens next and have a hard time finding a good stopping point.

“Emmie and the Tudor King ” is Rated T for Teens.