Elizabeth I's life during the latter part of her British rule as she comes face to face with the Spanish Armada and conspirators who want her assassinated. Elizabeth I's rule is threatened by war as King Philip of Spain assembles a fleet of ships to attack England. She has made an enemy of the Spanish King, who wants England for himself and his daughter, and wants to squash the Protestant ruler. The next sovereign in line is Mary, Queen of Scots, also Elizabeth's cousin. She conspires with Catholic officials to have the Queen killed. Meanwhile, Sir Walter Raleigh, an explorer comes to court and captivates the Queen, as well as her lady-in-waiting Bess. Walter and Bess have a secret affair which bears a baby. The Queen survives an assassination plot in the hands of Babington. He is tortured for information, and Mary is implicated. Mary is then arrested for treason and beheaded. The Queen also learns of Bess' transgressions, now secretly married to Raleigh, and is furious. She punishes both and sends them away. She however pardons them later, and even assigns Raleigh to command her troops. At the British coast, Elizabeth outnumbered, she rallies her men in a rousing speech. In the horizon, they see hundreds of ships and pray for a miracle. It comes in a storm, and the Spanish fleet is defenseless. The British attack, and the Spanish are defeated. Elizabeth's victory marks a significant change in her monarchy. She stakes her claim on the throne, strongly challenging anyone who defies her.
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Best part of story, including ending:
Elizabeth is an iconic British monarch, one of the greats. The armada story is legendary and was a sight to watch.
Best scene in story:
I like the battle in the English Channel, it was scary and epic.
Opinion about the main character:
I like that she sticks to her principles. She does what she wants, even when pressured by advisers to do something else.