The raven's heart - Jesse Blackadder

Scotland, 1561. A ship sails across the North Sea carrying home Mary, the young, charismatic Queen of Scots, from the French Court so that she can wrest back control of her throne. One of the ship's crew, Robert Blackadder, has his hopes pinned on her return to bring his family justice. Robert is actually Alison, disguised as a boy from childhood to protect her from the murderous clan that stole the Blackadders' lands. Now 'Robert' must learn to be a lady-in-waiting to the Queen to infiltrate her inner circle and gain her favour. Surrounded by her bastard half-brother, Lord James, an unruly coalition of lords and the rebellious Protestant preacher John Knox, the Catholic Queen can trust nobody, not even her new husband. Alison, with her ability to pass as a young man, becomes the Queen's valued spy and, at last, her confidante and friend. But when the Queen betrays her unforgivably, Alison's drive to reclaim the Blackadder birthright at all costs is relentless, setting off a chain of events that threatens to bring down the Scottish monarchy. Just as the Queen can trust nobody, Alison discovers lies, danger and treachery at every turn. Then, unexpectedly, she finds love . This sweeping, imaginative and original tale of political intrigue, misplaced loyalty, secret passion and implacable revenge is based on real characters and events from the reign of Mary Queen of Scots. THE RAVEN'S HEART is a breathtaking epic from a bold, fresh Australian voice.