The tense political atmosphere of 1536 is so skillfully recreated in this story that it has that elusive page-turning quality, Henriette Gyland, Historical Novel Review; A skillfully imagined story of intrigue and magic. Figures familiar from history lessons are made vivid, breathing characters in this exciting story and, though we know how it ends for Anne, readers will be moved and saddened viewing events through Kit's eyes. This is proof of historical fiction's power to grip and entertain. Books for Keeps; The atmosphere in the Tower's grim precincts is thrillingly evoked, and Anne and her nemesis, Cromwell, are sensitively and shrewdly portrayed, Suzi Feay, Financial Times; Mary Hoffman's new novel, The Ravenmaster's Boy is such a perfect story that you barely notice you are reading.It is inspiring to learn more about a famous part of history while also being treated to an exciting historical thriller, Ann Giles, The Bookwitch; A taste of history, a dash of magic and a delicate flick of gore, Lucille Turner, Bookmunch; A vibrant evocation of a familiar period of history. The School Librarian Summer 2017; Orphaned Kit is brought up by the Ravenmaster at the Tower of London and discovers he can communicate with the ravens in his adopted father's charge. A relationship of trust and affection develops between Kit and the ravens, which lends a semi-magical and, at times, humorous element to the story-telling.The main action of the story takes place when, aged sixteen, Kit meets King Henry and Queen Anne Boleyn, who's later imprisoned in the Tower on charges of adultery. Enchanted by the diminutive queen, Kit vows to do what he can to help her. When the ravens alert Kit to a plot which could have dire consequences for the future of the monarchy, he enrolls the help of friends Isobel, the baker's daughter, and Alice, daughter of Sir Edmund Walsingham, Lieutenant of the Tower.The trouble with historical fiction using real people is that we know the outcome for them, even as we hope that it turns out differently. Having said that, the tense political atmosphere of 1536 is so skilfully recreated in this story that is has that elusive page-turning quality, and it almost doesn't matter. Historical Novel Society; Kit wasn't the only one who thought that he was dead.' So begins this wonderful story about a boy in the 1500s who is rescued from a plague-cart by the Ravenmaster at the Tower of London. Living within the confines of the tower, gifted with the ability to speak with the king's ravens, Kit lives in violent times. King Henry VIII rules England, and many of his enemies find themselves imprisoned within the tower's dank walls. One day the king's young and beautiful queen, Anne Boleyn, finds herself accused of unspeakable crimes and imprisoned. Kit and the ravens find themselves drawn into a world of intrigue, treason, and bloodshed. Kit may not be able to save the doomed queen, but perhaps he can help save her baby princess. Swiftly moving and suspenseful, this is an enthralling novel for children aged twelve and upwards, and a fascinating introduction to Tudor history. Loved it. GoodReads; How to inject suspense into a historical novel where the end is certain? Kit Wagstaffe, adopted son of the Tower of London's Ravenmaster, catches one glimpse of Queen Anne Boleyn in her pomp and is smitten. When she is brought to the Tower as a traitor, he becomes her loyal Raven Knight, determined to help as much as he can.The poet Sir Thomas Wyatt is also a prisoner on the same charge, and Kit becomes a go-between. There's a magical twist to the tale: Kit is able to speak to the ravens in his charge, who marshal all the birds of the air to help foil a plot to abduct Anne's toddler daughter, Elizabeth. The atmosphere in the Tower's grim precincts is thrillingly evoked, and Anne and her nemesis, Cromwell, are sensitively and shrewdly portrayed. Suzi Feay, The Financial Times; Aimed at teen and YA readers, The Ravenmaster's Boy is an excellent blend of historical fact and compelling story, with an additional touch of magic in Kit's ability to talk to the ravens.As all good historical fiction should, The Ravenmaster's Boy brings the past to life without stopping to lecture the reader. I've always found that history can be rather dull unless you can imagine the people involved, start to understand their hopes and fears, decide whether you'd side with them, or against - and while Anne and King Henry will probably be familiar from history lessons here they're 'fleshed out'; real people whose lives are no longer a string of facts and dates, but a gripping 'true life' drama.Although the story is partly that of Anne, her imprisonment and trial, it's also about Kit, an average boy with an unusual talent - and a truly gripping story it is! Living in the Tower of London, he's seen prisoners come and go before - some released, most heading only for the gallows - but something about the young queen makes him want to help her in her distress, and with him, the reader sneaks behind the scenes, shares Anne's private moments, and her public trial. An older person might have hesitated to help, knowing and fearing the consequences if discovered, but Kit is sixteen, a little smitten by the beautiful young queen, and doesn't hesitate. Too late, he begins to wonder where his actions might have led him and the friends who've helped him. So, yes, the reader will absorb historical facts along the way, but primarily they'll be pulled along by the story, wanting to know how things turn out for Kit.