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59 of 60 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Suspense, history, and a spy who deserves more books, March 6, 2005
Brendan Prescott, a foundling raised in the household of the duke of Northumberland, is summoned to London to serve as squire to his benefactor's son, Robert Dudley. His arrival in London coincides with the climax of one of England's greatest and most complex power struggles ever. What's more, his sense of honor demands that he become involved.
It's 1553, and, with England's teenaged King Edward VI near death, Northumberland is the country's de facto ruler. Next in line for the throne are Edward's sisters, first Mary and then Elizabeth. But Northumberland doesn't intend to relinquish his power; he determines to keep control of the throne for himself, and no expediency is beneath him.
Brendan's first assignment is to deliver a clandestine message from Robert to the princess Elizabeth. When he meets the magnetic and mysterious princess and senses the danger she faces, his expectations of dull servitude and possible advancement in the Dudley household end. Brendan offers his services to Her Grace, and soon finds himself tangled in a treacherous web of plots and counter-plots. Stunningly, it becomes evident that buried within these machinations is the secret to his own parentage.
Although mystery and intrigue take center stage, the human element is strong in this book. Brendan's drive to learn who he really is - and to understand the role he has unknowingly played in the Dudleys' plotting - is central to the story, and adds a depth and urgency that kept me turning pages well into the night. He arrives in London with little more to recommend him than a strong intellect and a keenly observant nature. But this courageous young man rises admirably to his new challenges, growing immensely in acumen and confidence in the short period of time covered by the story. Along the way, he finds much-deserved love with a beautiful woman.
C.W. Gortner's debut novel is vibrant with historical flavor and wicked with intrigue. His lustrous prose resounds with depth and subtlety, and his speculations on one of history's most fascinating episodes are utterly engrossing and entirely too plausible.
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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Well-written, quick-paced, fun read!!, April 20, 2006
I do not normally read historical fiction, but a close friend gave this book to me and I had a great time reading it. First, and foremost, it was well-written, within the constraints of what it was trying to do, which is be a fast-paced, adventurous page-turner. Nonetheless, the prose is excellent and the author has a good command of the language -- and those are factors that I cannot ignore (no matter how good the story goes, if the writing is terrible, I can't get through it). Second, the author (who plainly is well-grounded in the historical details and context) doesn't drown the book with excessive historical aspects or attempt to be "showy" with historical facts in a way that would distract the story. Sure, the transition of the main character (without giving too much away) into the thick of things and some of the circumstances may appear to happen too quickly or seem unlikely (at least to this reader who is uneducated in the precise facts of the time period), but that's the fun of it. If you want a great fun read, that doesn't sacrifice quality or details, this would be a great one.
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20 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Historical Fiction at its best, October 16, 2005
Once you step into the luxurious pages of The Secret Lion, you will find yourself on an excursion full of intricate plots, rich settings and historical themes. The time is sixteenth century Tudor England, during the riveting and exquisite renaissance period. Brendan Prescott is ordered as squire to pompous Lord Robert Dudley, a position he soon finds filled with peril. Trust and honor are fiercely tested when those who hold an esteemed position in the high court serve most prominently as a threat. It would seem the castle walls have eyes and ears. As a series of lies and secrets unravel, the young squire must change the course of events placed before him to ensure Princess Elizabeth's future while facing haunting elements about his past.
It is obvious from the first chapter that the author has put in a lot of care and research to his story. Unlike the monotonous retelling of age-old accounts over the past years, this book resurrects a beauty and depth that is sure to excite anyone. Each character possesses a gamut of quirks, personalities, wit, and intelligence along with accurate mannerisms and dialogue. Elizabeth, herself, is written with an underlying substance and strength. Whether it is cunning villains or memorable stable boys, the characters are vivid and unforgettable.
The Secret Lion is truly a legendary piece that will satisfy and sustain any fan of historical fiction. C.W. Gortner's impeccable writing and prose-like qualities will capture your heart and attention. This is the first book in The Spymaster Chronicles, which leaves me eagerly awaiting the second installment titled The Lioness Hunt.
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