Thank you PRH Audio for the ALC and Crown #partner, for the finished copy of The Beheading Game in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Bantam / Random House Audio
Published: March 24, 2026
Summary:
Disgraced. Beheaded. And out for revenge . . .
We all know what happened to Henry VIII’s second wife, Anne Boleyn. But what if she woke up the day after her execution and took it upon herself to seek justice?
“Nobody was surprised at Anne’s conviction. The world loves to put a woman in her place.”
The Beheading Game begins in the hours after Anne Boleyn’s beheading, when she wakes to find herself unceremoniously in an arrow chest, her head wrapped in linen at her knees. Discarded by King Henry VIII for not being able to give him a male heir, reviled by Cromwell for being too smart for her own good, and executed based on trumped-up charges, Anne escapes the tower, sews her head back on, and sets out on a quest for vengeance.
Traveling in the guise of a commoner, with the help of a prostitute, Anne navigates the London streets she never before walked and soon realizes how little she knew about life in the real world. If Kelly Link had teamed up with Hilary Mantel, the result might be The Beheading Game. An epic journey through the wilds of British royal history and a prescient reminder that “mouthy” women have always been punished, The Beheading Game finally allows one of history’s most maligned women a chance to tell her side of the story.
My thoughts:
As soon as I heard about this book, I knew I had to read it – I mean I was sold when I saw it involved Anne sewing her head back on after her murder! That was it — I didn’t need to know any more other than I had to read it!! And while the concept did seem strange, this mixing of historical fiction and fantasy totally works. It’s unhinged, it’s wild, but if you know the history and you are a fan of a good revenge story, it’s easy to get behind this one!! And … it’s a debut!
It is very clear the author did her research before writing this book. She brings in all the players — the royals and others involved in the court at the time of Anne’s execution. She makes you feel as if you are there, the details as so vivid.
And Anne — oh how I loved cheering her on! She was so fierce and determined and quite clever!! I loved that this book gave voice to Anne, gave her the power she’s always wanted and deserved!
This book is for anyone who loves reimaginings with a historical twist, is fascinated with the Tudor period and willing to stretch their imagination or for those who love a strong female character!
Audio thoughts:
I did an immersive read with this one, alternating between the print and audio. The narrator, Florence Howard, did an amazing job bringing Anne to life.
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