The Tudor Secret

It's historical fiction time again!  I realize that the past few reviews I've posted have all been historical fiction, but especially in the doldrums of winter, it's a genre I love.  There's something wonderful about allowing a book to spirit me away - not only to distant lands, but to long ago times as well! - when I am most in need of a vacation.  My most recent bookish trip was to London in the summer of 1553 in which I explored the pageantry of the English court!

C.W. Gortner's The Tudor Secret is the first novel in the new Elizabeth I Spymaster Chronicles. The book tells the story of Brendan Prescott, a young man who was raised in the Dudley household after being abandoned as a baby. Prescott is brought as a squire to the court of the ailing King Edward VI. Immediately caught up in the intrigue and drama surrounding the nobles who seek the throne for themselves and others, Prescott is drawn to the charismatic and commanding Princess Elizabeth and soon finds himself working as a double agent for her and the Dudley family.

This book was really interesting and well constructed. The fictional hero fit in seamlessly with the setting and players of the Tudor court and the novel provided an imaginative look at the final days of Edward VI. Where as many historical fiction works focus on King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn or on the reign of Queen Elizabeth I; this book was unique for portraying a younger Elizabeth and the turmoil in London surrounding the task of crowning a rightful heir. The Tudor Secret was a fast and entertaining read. I enjoyed Gortner's writing and am excited to see further drama and mystery unfold in future books in the series.
 Do you enjoy "traveling" via historical fiction?  What place or time period have you visited lately?

5 Response to "The Tudor Secret"

  1. Enbrethiliel says:
    March 2, 2011 at 12:59 PM

    +JMJ+

    My favourite time period to visit through books is the Middle Ages. That's a pretty broad answer, I know, but I like the whole period.

    I'm more limited when it comes to "traveling" through movies. It's the 1980s for me--and I like the newer nostalgic movies almost as much as the ones originally made in the 80s.

  2. Danielle Zappavigna says:
    March 3, 2011 at 6:10 AM

    I'm a tudor geek, and excited to find out about this new series! Cheers :-)

  3. Bailey says:
    March 3, 2011 at 2:38 PM

    I really like travleing via historical fiction. I'm relatively new to the genre, but I recently read Exit the Actress by Priya Parmer... 17th century London was lovely!

  4. Unknown says:
    March 10, 2011 at 6:24 PM

    I have really enjoyed almost all of the books I read in the Tudor era. Something about that time period. ;)

    Loving your background. I love and miss Asia. I used to live there... once upon a time ago.

    Mad Scientist
    http://madsteampunkery.blogspot.com

  5. Casey (The Bookish Type) says:
    March 15, 2011 at 12:12 PM

    I'm always fascinated by British royalty. There's just something romantic about monarchy. It's kind of funny -- we hold our democracy so dear and would never ever allow a king/queen to take over -- yet we're obsessed with Prince William! (Hmm...that might have something to do with his looks...but still...) So I always enjoy a good historical fiction looking at the dirty secrets of those famous names we all know =)

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