What. A. Riot! That was ridiculous, sweet, heartfelt and just the sort of lighthearted fun I was hoping it would be. A fantastic take on the story of Lady Jane Grey and the religious turmoil of that period... only it's not religion, it's people who have the ability to shape-shift into animals that are the subject of persecution! A completely mad take on history, where fiction is so much better than reality!

I challenge anyone who reads this book not to immediately picture Emma Watson at Jane. Because, quite frankly, she's Hermione Granger in all but name. And it's brilliant! It really shouldn't work, but actually when you stop and think about it, they might be onto something - it is well documented that Jane was bookish and well respected in academic circles, even at a young age, but in other texts she can come across as something of a bore. This book, although blatantly fantastical, actually brings heart and warmth to the character and part of me likes to hope that perhaps this is more reflective of the real woman. 

I also adore what they've done with G. Again, keeping a lot of the basic historical record intact, while having a great time playing about to fill in the gaps. And no mummy's boy dynamic this time! My mind automatically supplied me with images of him as Flynn Rider by night and his horse by day, which again just adds a whole extra layer of hilarity! But my favourite thing is the relationship between the two - the pacing and development of it is great, it flows well within the wider story and, even with the completely mental elements, is so believable! 

I won't say that I found it 'laugh out loud' funny (although I did have a giggle a couple of times), but it certainly made me smile broadly throughout. There are so many little nods and references in here; so much fun to spot, and I'm sure I've missed loads! Everything from Shakespeare to Monty Python to Game of Thrones; it'd make a brilliant drinking game! Although I would say that some of the references are probably a bit outdated for a book pitched at the YA market, equally the humour is pretty timeless, so while the readers might not realise a line has been co-opted from somewhere, it'll still get a laugh!

Even with the absurdity that just keeps on coming, if you buy the premise then there's nothing outlandish or not inkeeping. It's really cleverly done. The only thing I found slightly unnecessary were the few asides added in by "the narrators" - they caused a blip in the flow of the story and didn't really add any substance.

Very, very enjoyable, and definitely one I'd recommend!