Book Review: Queen Mary's Daughter by Emily-Jane Hills Orford

Author: Emily-Jane Hills Orford
Title: Queen Mary's Daughter
Genre: Historical Fiction, Sci-Fi, What-if, & Fantasy
Pages: ebook
Published: March 2018
Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher)



There are so many possibilities that affect the course of history. One change, one small item overlooked, can make a world of difference, not only in a person's life, but in the history and well-being of an entire nation. And then there are those multiple scenarios of what if? What if King James VI of Scotland didn't succeed in amalgamating Scotland with England? What if there had been another heir to the throne of Scotland? One who would secure its independence? Would Scotland have remained free and independent and a nation of its own well into the twenty-first century? And would Scotland, this independent version, make its own decision to join the European Union when its southern neighbor was choosing to pull away? 


Another what-if story! Can't help but love reading these!

This one follows Mary Queens of Scot's what-if daughter. What-if one the twins lived and was saved. What if that daughter was saved because a time traveler taking her to modern day to save the preemie baby. One small change changed all of history. Mary Elizabeth grows up and finds out the truth about her being Mary's daughter AND a time traveler. 

I did not expect the time traveling bit at all. Was it in the summary? *checks* Not seeing it. I found this aspect a little jarring at first and I wasn't sure how I felt. After a few chapters, I grew to like it a lot. I honestly would do the same thing if I was her. There would be SO many things I would want to change. Maybe that is why Fate has not granted me such a gift yet. 

Yes, so how would the world change if Scotland was able to break free and become independent WHY early on. I would love for the Scottish to get their freedom. So many things would've been different. 

I liked Mary Elizabeth. She was an interesting character. I also adored Jamie. I nearly sobbed at one point! Wah! Can't say what without giving away spoilers, but I did have a small tear. 

The ending was the best part. The beginning and middle were a little slow to develop the story. Lots of world-building and character-building. The beginning and middle were not bad by any means...just a little slow. Now, the last quarter of the book? The best part! I loved watching the events unfold and seeing how things would crumble and change. Some things change, some things stay the same. Very interesting. 

I also liked the little bit of worry Henry brought forth. I am concerned. Hopefully, there will be another book and we can learn more about the information Henry brought to life. Very interesting indeed. 

In the end, I did really like this story. The beginning and middle were a bit slow because it was building up the story and characters, but it was all worth it in the end. If you like what-ifs with a touch of Sci-Fi, I would highly recommend it. The story was a unique one. I was a little unsure of the time traveling bits at first but it honestly made the story. I shall stamp this with 4 stars.