The year is 1551. King Henry VIII of England has died, passing the crown to his son King Henry IX. The only son of Queen Anne Boleyn, he is determined to be a compassionate ruler, setting himself apart from his volatile father. He lifts restrictions his father imposed on religious practices and speech, and starts on a pathway that would earn the admiration of his people. Then, after facing a series of difficult tragedies, the King breaks down, becoming a ruthless, manic, bloodthirsty dictator. Betrayal, death, war and a massacre by a deranged former priest darken Henry's reign. Nevertheless, hope remains that he might change his legacy, because of advancements in exploration, the sciences, education, and even the establishment of a colony in the New World. Does Henry eventually recover and finally become the King he wishes to be? Discover the answer in this recounting of the remarkable--fictitious--reign of King Henry IX of England.