Rating: 
Summary: An Excellent Historical Fiction Read
Review: This is an obviously exceptionally well researched novel. Margaret George does an excellent job of bringing together factual historical events and realstic fiction. This is a well written novel that is exciting, interesting, and entertaining. I would recommend this book to any one who would like to learn more about Mary, Queen of Scotland. The only downfall is the length of this novel. The descriptions are excellent, however after reading this novel for a while it starts to drag. So before indulging in this book, make sure that you have the time to become involved in a very detailed but exceptionally good novel.
Rating: 
Summary: A fascinating book, not long at all...
Review: The best book so far I have read among biographies of Mary Queen of Scots. Well researched, a perfect blend of fiction and historical prose, of which history prevails. A touching love-story between Mary and Bothwell moves you to tears (I am the one who strongly opposes the version of historians in which Mary has been raped by Bothwell, what is against logics and course of events). Truly a story of a woman in the wrong time in the wrong country, for let's admit it that she was not an innocent victim of plotting courtiers: contrary to Elizabeth Tudor, Mary was unfit to rule Scotland, for she was notorious for her bad judgement of people, subject to hysteria and ruled completely by her heart, not mind (although she was charismatic and reckless). She considered her royalty a divine right, but in England and Scotland, contrary to France, kings had often been made and it took them more to stay on the throne than only being annointed.The only fact that does not seem true to me: is it documented somewhere that Darnley had a sexual intercource with Riccio!
Rating:
Summary: A page turner!
Review: I greatly enjoyed this book. (I even bought Henry VIII after Mary was such a joy.) But be warned... it's one long book! You'll be in this one for the long haul, but it's worth it. Her history is good, but Ms. George's writing style makes it an easygoing read.
Rating:
Summary: extremely well written
Review: This book is amazing. I love Tudor and Stuart history. All the books I've read had bits and pieces of the story. This book helped me understand most of it and helped me piece it together. Over all, this book is wonderful.
Rating: 
Summary: You'll only read the first two sections
Review: Basically, Mary's life breaks down into three sections- her life as a child (spent mostly in France), her life as a young Queen in Scotland, and then her life in exile and imprisoned in the Tower of London. I plodded through the childhood part, *loved* and flew through the adventurous middle part, and then just gave up on the (boring) part in London. It isn't that it's too long- I read George's Henry VIII and was *very* sad when it was finished because his story was brilliant and entertaining. I realize that George is trying to make entertaining an extended stay in the Tower, but, well, good luck. The middle part is fascinating and is well worth it- just set your expectations because the tires come off the thing in part three. My 3 star rating above is really an average of a 5 star rating for the middle section, and a lower star rating for the later part (the first part is probably a 3-star-er.)
Rating:
Summary: HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!
Review: The Editorial Review does a magnificent job at describing this book, so I need not duplicate. My comments are limited to how much I truly enjoyed reading this book and learning of the details of the life of Mary, Queen of Scotland. After reading the book, it was weeks before I could put her day-to-day life, and death, out of my mind. If you enjoy history, written in novel format, you will love this book. I read it in one week and am just about to delve into Margaret George's "Henry VIII" book...and then her book on "Cleopatra". I LOVE THIS AUTHOR'S STYLE!
Rating:
Summary: Queen Mary (as compared to Henry VIII and Cleopatra)
Review: I by chance stumbled across Margaret George's "Autobiography of King Henry VIII", and though it took me three summers to read, I found it beautifully written and captivating. I was hugely satisfied when I turned the last page not only for having waded my way through a novel of such girth but for George's ability to adeptly transport you to the time and place in which she is attempting to convey. So, when George released "Mary Queen of Scots", I hastened to the book store hoping to relive all the pageantry and intrigue that I had discovered in "Henry VIII". I have had "Queen Mary" for as long if not longer than "Henry VIII" and have yet to finish it. This is not to say that this book is lacking in any way. George's mastery of the English language and her eloquent style of writing certainly kept me in awe. "Queen Mary" is an excitable novel but unfortunately not until you get past the first 200-300 pages. I cannot pinpoint the reason why the completion of this novel eludes me. Perhaps it's because it's easy to get bogged down in the details and, as a result, disinterested. With the release of "Memoirs of Cleopatra", I took a break from "Queen Mary" and began to tackle George's latest attempt at historical fiction. Oddly, I breezed through "Cleopatra" in two months time, absolutely captivated and enthralled with her. Every time I opened the book to read, I was instantly transported to ancient Egypt and Rome. Every time I closed the book to rest, I anxiously anticipated the next opportunity I would have to read. "Cleopatra", by far, is Margaret George's most successful attempt of bringing to life a "larger-than-life" figure. I was so mesmerized by this novel that it gave me renewed hope for "Queen Mary". Sadly, though, returning to the cold, damp shores of Scotland was tougher than I had imagined (especially after having been immersed in the decadence that was "Cleopatra" and having resided along the balmy shores of Alexandria for two months). I still find myself trying to wade through "Queen Mary" but still give this novel 4 stars for George's excellent writing and storytelling ability. Her choice of subject matter is impeccable. If you enjoy the details, you'll love this novel. One thing is for certain though, Margaret George has made me a devout fan of not only her writing but of historical fiction, as well.
Rating:
Summary: INTRIGUING, BUT JUST TOO LONG
Review: I would love to give this book a higher rating because I think the author did a wonderful job of writing and research, but the fact is that this book was just too long. There was so much description that the story was lost in the details and although I have read 580 pages, I just can't bear to go on with it. Please Margaret, 500 pages or less next time.
Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable, if a bit long
Review: After having tackled Henry VIII, Margaret George turns her considerable talents to the story of Mary Queen of Scots, with mixed results. George herself admits in the author's note that she had to make a lot of educated guesses about events, so those of you looking for historical accuracy will probably be disappointed. The story zooms through Mary's life up until her incarceration by Elizabeth I, then it gets a bit tedious. Overall though, a good introduction to this often maligned queen.
Rating:
Summary: my review
Review: I loved reading this book. I was able to enjoy a good historical novel, while at the same time learning a lot about real historical facts. I did not know much about Mary, Queen of Scots, but after reading this book, I am an expert! Once again, the way Margaret George uses Mary as the narrator of her life is ingenious and makes the story all the more interesting and real. Very well written.
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