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Carolyn G. (South Pasadena, CA)
A fun read
This is an intelligent piece of light fiction with realistic descriptions of 16th century London. I especially liked the boat rides on the Thames. At the beginning of reading, I was worried that the plot was going to focus too much on the occult or supernatural. Lucky for me this is just a great mystery. This would not be book for my book club, but I will certainly recommend it to my friends. I also think the book would make a great TV mini-series.
David V. (Wayside, NJ)
Prophecy by S.J. Parris
This is a good read for anyone who enjoys mysteries, political intrigue and historical fiction. Set in Elizabethan England, it draws a very good portrait of the ambiance and architecture of London at that time. Most of the buildings in the story are located along the River Thames, which is portrayed as one of the principal avenues of transportation through the city. The characters are very well drawn and emphasize the international flavor of the novel, representing Britain, France, Italy, Scotland and Spain. Plot elements include religious and political conspiracy, black magic and visions of the future (thus the
…more title). Although this is a work of fiction I feel that I learned many things about the period that I hadn't previously known. The plot is very interesting - just when you think you've figured what is going to happen next, it doesn't. (less)This is a great historical thriller! The year is 1583, and Giordano Bruno is back one again. This time it is to stop a plot by those who wish to put Mary Stuart on the throne of England. Prophecy is wonderfully written. The reader is a participant in the surroundings and mayhem.
Parris' research of the time period is outstanding and her characters are well developed. She leaves an opening at the end so the reader can look for a third book in the series.
Christine B. (scottsdale, AZ)
Prophecy
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it. The conspiracies brewed by Catholics and Protestants, murders, deceit, and a most entertaining hero make for rousing historical theatre. I am most anxious to read the 1st book in the series and hope for more.
Margaret D. (Brookfield, VT)
"Prophecy"
"Prophecy" continues the story of Giordano Bruno which began with Parris' "Heresy". The author's writing is clever enough that I did not flounder because of having not (yet) read the first book.
There is enough intrigue and conspiracy to keep a reader alert. As well as enough historical references to keep my "no kidding?!" penchant Google-ing with the book by my side. The characters and the plot are well developed. And I am pleased that the ending, while very satisfying, allows this reader to believe there will be a third in the series.
I can see myself carrying both "Heresy" and "Prophecy" with me on vacation this summer!
Nancy D. (West Chester, PA)
Another Winner
Once again Parris delights with her character Bruno.The book is a historical whodunit filled with details and well drawn characters. I felt transported back to the era of Elizabeth I.
Therese X. (CALERA, AL)
Prophecy--Rumors, charms and truths
Prophecy by S.J. Parris---Sixteenth century defrocked monk, Giordano Bruno has escaped the Inquisition and is in exile in England. Working for Sir Francis Walsingham, the spymaster of Queen Elizabeth. Many Catholics feel they have authority to remove her from the throne because her father, Henry VIII, excommunicated from the Catholic Church and created himself as the head of the Church of England. Walsingham is assigned to create a network willing to assassinate the Queen to bring Catholicism and the Pope as religious head of England’s Church. Intertwined with this religious battle, there is also the battle of
…more sciences and astrology, condemned by the Pope but studied by numerous scholars who possess writings which many believe will bring evil down to earth. Bruno, known as the “heretic monk” is a scholar and studies in the household of de Castelnau, a Catholic with French connections. Bruno meets people and plots aplenty to keep him---and the reader---guessing as to who is to be trusted and who might be a traitor.
This is a complex novel with many references to subjects and writings as well as supernatural abilities such as “scrying” to predict the future or death, for the Queen of England in particular. With all the characters and Bruno’s various comments to himself as well as telling his story in the first person, it’s sometimes difficult to tell if he’s suspicious of someone of of everyone. Overall a good read, but not easy to keep track of the characters in this ambitious mystery series. (less)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
…more 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. (less)
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