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There are currently 25 member reviews
for Prophecy
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Carol P. (Mendham, NJ)
Elizabethan Espionage
Prophesy fits the bill as a historical thriller set in Elizabethan England. The main character Giordano Bruno is an undercover agent and humanist trying to discover how true the rumors are that Mary Queen of Scott and her followers are plotting to overthrow Elizabeth I. Bruno is following leads by intercepting letters to Mary Queen of Scots, deciphering the code in the letter and then sending to Mary after carefully resealing. Bruno, an Italian expatriate, has a relationship with John Dee an astrologer of Elizabeth’s court. Astrological signs and symbols are the focus for Bruno who now has the job to discover who has murdered two young women of the Court with astrological signs carved on their dead bodies. Questions arise as we follow Bruno as he searches for the murderer. Is the suspect in the Queen’s Court, within her Catholic rivals, the French, the Spanish or among Bruno’s own group of undercover spies? In addition to the murder mystery, the author has done an outstanding job drawing the reader into the time period. You clearly see, smell and hear the London of the 16th Century. You feel the intrigue and fear as the author takes you deep into the conspiracies of the court.
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy historical fiction or mysteries. I am now planning to read Heresy the author’s first book to learn more about Giordano Bruno.
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Lisa R. (Salem, OR)
Prophecy by S.J. Parris
This book is definitely for those who love history in their books! It took a little while for me to get into the story, but then I enjoyed it very much. I will be looking for a copy of the writer's other book, Heresy. The writing is very descriptive and detailed and it's easy to let yourself start thinking like Bruno, from who's point of view the story is told. I would recommend this to my friends that like to pair historical detail with their mysteries.
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Sue P. (Richardson, TX)
Prophecy
Astrology, black magic, the occult - all play a part in this novel by the author of HERESY. Fans of Historical Fiction should put this book at the top of their lists. Parris writes knowledgeably about her subject and captures the English Medieval times just as we might envision it.
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Valerie B. (Westfield, IN)
Prophecy
Hunky Giordano Bruno is back in this compelling page-turner. This time, he has wormed his way into the French ambassador's home when he finds himself in the middle of a complex plot to overthrow Elizabeth I and replace her with Mary, Queen of Scots--the one true queen according to the English and French Catholic faction.
Despite several "close-calls" Bruno deftly defies discovery of his true loyalties (a Protestant-leaning scientific humanist) and manages to keep his secrets from his hosts.
In addition to the coup-planning, Bruno is also brought into the fold by Sir Francis Walsingham on a series of murders of Elizabeth's ladies-in-waiting meant to scare the Queen into believing her death has been foretold by the stars.
Prophecy's plot twists alone are enough to make this book immensely interesting. But, Parris' historical detail and accuracy brings in a whole new element to the story. You actually feel like you are part of Elizabeth's court and can sense it's sights, smells and sounds.
Don't miss this satisfying sequel as I, for one, await Bruno's next thrilling mission.
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Rachel B. (Waynetown, IN)
Enjoyable Read
I have not read "Heresy", the first book featuring Bruno, but the author makes it easy to get into his character and the story without the feeling of being out of order. It was a fun read, and held my attention. I really enjoyed the historical references, especially the reminders of just how much of a role the stern rules of class etiquette played in Courtly life. There were no surprises when it came to solving the mystery, but I liked the quality of the story enough not to be disappointed.
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Joanne H. (Waconia, MN)
Mixed response
I think that I should like this book more than I do. It meets all the criteria for a good historical mystery, and is well written, though not beautifully written, as one of the editorial reviews states. The plot is well crafted, The period detail is good. Despite all these good things, there is something missing, perhaps in the characterizations, that left me emotionally uninvolved, and thus, disappointed overall.
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Ann D. (CLEARFIELD, PA)
Greater Expectations
I wanted more from Prophecy especially since I hadn't read Parris' first book, Heresy.
Tudor England has been written about for hundreds of years, but the real life of Giordano Bruno was itself a mystery to me. I did a little research and found that there could have been more depth to the character of Bruno in this novel. That being said, Parris did a good job of providing a plot that held my interest, a cast of colorful characters and the hope that there is more to come.
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