C.W. Gortner is one of my go-to authors when it comes to historical fiction. He has a knack for bringing the setting to life and creating characters that feel real and pop off the page. This is, in my opinion, no easy task because the periods of history he covers have quite complicated political issues. So bringing that to a level the casual history fan can enjoy while also telling a great story takes real skill.
I knew The Tudor Secret was different from his other books I've read, it's narrated by a fictional character and while the events that take place are based in reality much is fabricated--this is a spy novel! That didn't stop me from completely enjoying it, though.
Brendan Prescott is a foundling, an orphan, raised in the Dudley household. When brought to court, he quickly finds favor with many people for his honesty and trustworthiness, which lands him a position as a spy. Fortunately, this works out for him as he is also enamored of Elizabeth the First and wants to help protect her from those scheming against her. As he works to protect her and fulfill his mission, he soon discovers his own life is in danger for reasons he never suspected. All is not what it seems.
I completely enjoyed The Tudor Secret. Once again, I fully bought into the time period and world Gortner created, I enjoyed the character of Brendan and I really enjoyed all of the relationships that formed between the characters. The plot moves speedily along and I was surprised by how quickly the book passed by. While I knew the basic history involved, the story is still fresh in its telling and imagining. There's even a bit of a love story!
One of the things I think is interesting about novels like this is the different ways royalty is presented. Sometimes the royalty is seen by the characters as being wonderful...they would gladly give their lives in service, while at other times the demands on their personal lives are so great, they truly resent them. Since I'd read a book that depicted Elizabeth as quite cruel, it was interesting to read this take of her as charming in her own way. Her strength obviously drew certain people to her. Even so, it's amazing with their complicated family histories that they weren't even more messed up!
I recommend The Tudor Secret to historical fiction fans, but also fans of fast paced interesting mysteries set in a different time and place.
Rating: 4.5/5
Things You Might Want to Know: A wee bit of profanity and sex
Source of Book: Sent from the author for review
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Monday, February 14, 2011
Review: The Tudor Secret by C.W. Gortner
Logging you in...
I love this author too! I've started this one and so far, so good.
Oh, I like the sound of this book and love anything to do with the Tudors. You'd think that after all the Tudor books out there, I would be tired of them by now, but I'm not! Great review, Amy!
Oh I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed this one. I've only read one of Gortner's books so far (The Confessions of Catherine de Medici) and I knew this one was a very different style. I have a copy coming in the mail so it makes me do a little happydance to read your thoughts. Now I'm really looking forward to reading it.
So happy to hear you enjoyed this one! It's near the top of my TBR pile. :)
Hi Amy,
I loved this book too. It was a fun read. I totally agree with your point about it being a "spy novel" with lots of great things thrown in the mix. This was the first book of his that I'd read and I am definitely a fan now. I don't know how I missed his other books. I can't wait for the next one in this series and am going to get the others he's penned.
I was pretty tickled to get a chance to interview the author, he's very interesting. In fact I am doing my own review on it tomorrow along with a giveaway. I hope you'll come by and check it out.
Have a great one!
Jules
I loved this book too. It was a fun read. I totally agree with your point about it being a "spy novel" with lots of great things thrown in the mix. This was the first book of his that I'd read and I am definitely a fan now. I don't know how I missed his other books. I can't wait for the next one in this series and am going to get the others he's penned.
I was pretty tickled to get a chance to interview the author, he's very interesting. In fact I am doing my own review on it tomorrow along with a giveaway. I hope you'll come by and check it out.
Have a great one!
Jules
Just finished this book last night. Really liked it too. My review will be out next Wednesday (2/23).
The fact that this is a spy story piques my interest!
I still haven't read any of C.W. Gortners books in spite of the raves that I have heard, but now I am inclined to check him out sooner rather than later. i think I might have one about a princess of Spain, but this one sounds good too.
I am reading it now! I have read his last two, and those were awesome. Since this is a different POV I think it will help a lot more readers notice the talent that Gortner has. Mystery lovers meet Historical Fiction! A fabulous blend!
I love historical fiction and this one sounds really great. Sometimes I feel like I get caught up in the history part of historical fictions books but this one sounds like the characters are really great. And a mystery sounds even more wonderful.
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