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Elizabeth B. (Sunnyvale, CA)
The Tudor Secret
This was a fun book to read. Having read both non-fiction and historical fiction of the Tudor period, I found this perspective entertaining, an imaginative perspective of some of the events and persons of this period of history. However, I would have preferred richer descriptions of the characters and less predictable plot development.
Deborah M. (Chambersburg, PA)
Flawed, but Still a Fairly Good Read
I love historical fiction but am not a big fan of mysteries, so I wasn't sure how well I would like 'The Tudor Secret.' Overall, it was a fast and fun read, but the novel has many flaws that make it less enjoyable than it might otherwise be. The pacing was uneven, the narrative often repetitious, and Brendan's quick admittance into high circles was unbelievable. For example, the same day he arrives at court, having just been raised from his position as stable boy to valet, he strolls the garden alone with Princess Elizabeth. It just wouldn't happen. I also found the love affair weak: once minute Kate treats
…more Brendan like a foolish boy and the next they are romping in bed. Worst of all for me was the two-layered "secret" as to why Brendan's parentage had been hidden. I know that it's fiction, but even fiction has to seem like it could be true. Neither what Cecil tells Brendan nor what he intuits for himself could ever have happened. (I can't say why without giving away the plot, but trust me, a scholar of the period: it just wouldn't have happened.) This wasn't a terrible book, just nothing I'd recommend to anyone who knows a bit about the period. (less)I love historical fiction but am not a big fan of mysteries, so I wasn't sure how well I would like The Tudor Secret. Overall, it was a fast and fun read, but the novel has many flaws that make it less enjoyable than it might otherwise be. The pacing was uneven and the narrative often repetitious, and Brendan's quick admittance into high circles was unbelievable. For example, the same day he arrives at court, having just been raised from his position as stable boy to valet, he strolls the garden alone with Princess Elizabeth. It just wouldn't happen. I also found the love affair weak: once minute Kate treats
…more Brendan like a foolish boy and the next they are romping in bed. Worst of all for me was the two-layered "secret" as to why Brendan's parentage had been hidden. I know that it's fiction, but even fiction has to seem like it could be true. Neither what Cecil tells Brendan nor what he intuits for himself could ever have happened. (I can't say why without giving away the plot, but trust me, a scholar of the period: it just wouldn't have happened.) This wasn't a terrible book, just nothing I'd recommend to anyone who knows a bit about the period. (less)I had a hard time getting into the book, but as the plot thickened and the intrigues multiplied, I ended up whipping through the last two thirds. My biggest problem was with the protagonist, Brendan Prescott. He was pleasant enough, but I found his rise to hero hood a bit unbelievable, given what I know about the political atmosphere of that era. I’ll be curious to find out how Brendan uses what he has learned and matures in the next book in the series
Cheryl W. (Faribault, Mn)
Tudor disappointment
I found this book unappealing. Also I think this is a republish of another book title. I struggled to enjoy the characters and found myself skimming through this book.
Jane A. (Lakeport, Ca)
....a fanciful imagination...
The Tudor Secret is a swashbuckling story embroidered superficially on the rich tapestry of England after the reign of Henry VIII. My personal feeling is that this period of history needs no such embellishment. For those who enjoy a fast-paced hypothetical romp thru English history, this book is just the ticket.
Elizabeth L. (Salem, Oregon)
Not His Best
The premise of the book - behind the scenes Tudor England between Henry VIII and Elizabeth I - is very promising and the book is well written. However I found it off putting that the main character - a squire - would be introduced to so many luminaries and become part of their plots in just a few hours (literally). Perhaps this will be less jarring as the series continues.
I do recommend Gortner's other books, particularly The Last Queen.
Carol T. (Ankeny, Iowa)
The Tudor Secret
Interesting point of view -- a young male servant -- and good feel for the times in the pacing and language, but a little unbelievable that a young servant would so quickly become enmeshed in intrigue, particularly when the young Princess Elizabeth knows so very well that her life is at stake.
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