It was an interesting book to read for a few reasons, it is hard to find a book during Elizabeth's time that isn't all about her or portraying her in such a way, but also interesting in getting to know the reasons behind why the Grey Sisters became such a thorn to Queen Elizabeth. 
    The future of the Grey Sisters were dominated by one document, King Henry's will. The entire Stuart Line, King Henry's  eldest sister were excluded from succession.  Henry's daughters, Mary and Elizabeth were deemed illegitimate. King Henry's younger sister Mary Brendon and her descendants were to be the successors of the crown, which meant by the stroke of a pen Lady Jane,  Katherine and Mary Grey were named the heirs to Elizabeth. 
   King Edward also excluded his sisters, not forgetting that Elizabeth's mother died as a traitor to his father and an adulteress. Edward also believed, more so than his father, that only a man can wield full authority of the crown. In his mind, King Edward left his throne not to a woman, but to the sons Frances (the sisters mother) may produce. King Edward's will left an empty throne. The Grey sisters and their cousin Mary Clifford had to be lined up for a race to the birthing bed. King Edward described his relationship with the Grey sisters as if they were his own, his "true sisters." Edward did bypass Frances in the end and for Jane to be his heir. 
    Jane was the eldest Grey sister, the most important in rank and had the most time and money invested in her schooling. Jane's mother at the age of 9 had her join her in at King Henry's court as to prepare her for her role as Maid of Honor, serving Queen Catherine Parr. Jane ended up marrying Guilford Dudley, this marriage bounded the Dudleys to the Greys. Jane and her younger sister by 3 years, Katherine, were married on the same day. Katherine at the age of 12 was married to 15 year old Lord Henry Herbert.
   The moment Jane found out King Edward died, she fell to the ground and wept, when she stopped she came to her feet and delivered a speech, which made clear that she intended to rule and not be a mere cipher. The day ended with her being proclaimed Queen Jane,with Mary and Elizabeth as illegitimate to the Crown. 9 days later Queen Mary was proclaimed Queen, she would soon become a prisoner. Queen Mary did want to pardon Jane but she did not quite grasp just how strong Jane's beliefs were, Jane already composed a letter damning all those who attended a catholic communion. It was widely circulated. Queen Mary signed a warrant of execution for her and her husband, Jane was to be burned. Her sister, Katherine was 13 and Mary was 9 years old at the time their sister was executed.
   Lady Katherine was divorced during Queen Mary's time, both Katherine and her husband grew very fond of one another and claimed the marriage was consummated but it was unlikely, as she was only 13 years old. During Queen Elizabeth's time, Katherine was promoted to attend on the Queen personally, rumors has it Elizabeth was even talking about adopting Katherine, but it was due to the Spanish plot to smuggle Katherine out of the country.
   Katherine was more of a woman of the heart. She fell in love with Edward Seymour, the first earl of Hertford. They seemed to be madly in love with one another and had to be married in secret as to not upset the Queen. Katherine now become a huge threat to Elizabeth, she was ordered under armed guard to the tower and Queen Elizabeth demanded Hertford return from France. Katherine gave birth to a son Edward Seymour, heir to Elizabeth under the will of Henry VIII which meant England had a protestant Heir, Elizabeth allowed the child to be baptized but refused them a priest. Katherine and her husband would have one more son together. They would be separated, her husband in one prison, her older son with her mother in law and Katherine and the baby together.  She would die from starvation, self inflicted of course.
   The least is known about the youngest sister Mary. She wasn't the best looking out of the three daughters, that point was made. She fell in love like her sister Katherine to a guard named Thomas Keyes, she was hoping because of his modest rank she would be able to marry him. Queen Elizabeth was furious when she found out and ordered the couple to separate prisons in separate  towns. Keyes would die imprisoned. Mary would also die young at the age of 33.
   With the 3 Grey sisters executed or died, and Katherine's son's declared illegitimate, there was only threat left to Queen Elizabeth, Margaret Clifford, their cousin. Within weeks she was accused of employing a magician to cast spells on the Queen. She was placed in jail, for 18 years where she died.