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Nathan Fox: Dangerous Times

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Nathan Fox: Dangerous Times: Nathan Fox worked in the Globe Theater, where he was spotted. It wasn't for his acting talents, but instead for a much more dangerous job. He's asked to enlist in Sir Francis Walsingham's spy army. Once Nathan understands the risks involved, he's more than willing to sign up. However, there's the little matter of schooling. Even though he's athletic, he still needs to learn how to defend himself, decipher codes, and deal with sticky situations. When he's ready, he will become the servant of John Pearce (a master spy.) Together they will travel to Venice in a diplomatic mission. Venice will only aid England, if they help Venice with a military invasion. In Venice Nathan meets the legendary solider Othello. Othello takes a liking to Nathan and includes him in Venice's plan. Here lies real danger: Othello makes John Pearce his second in command and not all of his troops rejoice. Othello unknowingly makes enemies that set out to bring him down. Can Nathan stop the vicious plans or must he keep silent and do what's best for England?

An exciting tale that blends in Shakespeare's famous play with events that could change the future of England. A fabulous first novel in the series that will leave readers wanting more.

Aside from being an orphan, Nathan Fox is pretty content with his life. He still has his sister, he's the youngest actor in a theatre company in England, he's even making friends with the other actors. His favorite is Will. William Shakespeare that is. Will is a fellow actor who really wants to be a playwright. As soon as he has enough good stories, he'll write his first play. For now he's acting and observing, and Nathan is about to be a lot more help then he ever anticipated.

It's 1587 and England is very nearly at war. Their are enemies everywhere, and no heir to the throne as the queen refuses to marry. Sir Francis Walsingham is the Spymaster General for Queen Elizabeth I. These are dangerous times for England, and Sir Walsingham is recruiting. John Pearce, his best spy, is sure he has the perfect candidate for Sir Francis: Nathan Fox.

Much to Nathan's surprise, his acrobatic and acting talents could make him a great spy. Despite his sister's protests, and the obvious danger, Nathan agrees to join Pearce in Sir Francis' company of spies. First he must go train in the various forms of weaponry and defense. But not before agreeing to keep his eyes open and his memory sharp for stories to bring back to Will.

Training his hard. And scary. And only the beginning.

Such a fun story in its own right. Add in the entertainment from recognizing other characters and putting the whole thing together... It's amazing, surprising, remarkable - I can't find the right word to describe it! I've always liked Shakespeare, but sometimes I get the stories mixed up. I will never forget which one this is now. Perfect if you like Shakespeare. Even more perfect if you've never been able to get through the wording in an actual Shakespeare play. I can only hope that there are going to be more of these!

Go read it, you won't be sorry, and neither will your English teacher.

Reviewed by: Carrie Spellman