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lily_rose03's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
sagakoivisto's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
annarella's review against another edition
5.0
I read other books in this series and always loved them, this one was no exception.
Even if the book Giordano Bruno is a bit different from the historical one, I love how he is written and I find him an interesting and well thought characters.
The plot is engrossing and entertaining, there's a lot historical research and you can note them in the details and in the vivid historical background.
The mix of fiction and historical facts works well and creates an interesting and entertaining plot.
I liked the well thought cast of characters and I loved the mystery side of this story.
I can't wait to read the next instalment.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
Even if the book Giordano Bruno is a bit different from the historical one, I love how he is written and I find him an interesting and well thought characters.
The plot is engrossing and entertaining, there's a lot historical research and you can note them in the details and in the vivid historical background.
The mix of fiction and historical facts works well and creates an interesting and entertaining plot.
I liked the well thought cast of characters and I loved the mystery side of this story.
I can't wait to read the next instalment.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
nikitaaci93's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
tarsreadingtime's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
canada_matt's review
4.0
In the latest Elizabethan mystery from the desk of S.J. Parris, the reader sees Giordano Bruno thrust into the middle of another assassination plot on English soil. Not long after sailing from France, Bruno encounters the daughter of Sir Francis Walsingham and learns some dire news. It would seem that Lady Walsingham’s servant has been killed and the murderer is still at large. As Bruno offers condolences, he learns that Clara Poole had dealings with those who sought to bring down the reign of Elizabeth and replace her with Mary Guise. England’s religious war has reached its zenith, where two ‘queens’ exist, but only one will assume control, with the other sure to be executed for treason. Bruno and Sir Francis devise a plan to infiltrate the group of plotters in order to learn of the plan and bring those responsible to justice. Bruno assumes the role of an elderly Spanish priest with known ties to the papists and begins his reconnaissance. As he plays his role, Bruno reunites with Sophia Underhill, who has re-emerged with a new persona and is still trying to find her way. Juggling his feelings for Sophia, the acts of betrayal she has readily committed, and the current plot against Elizabeth, Bruno must be sure not to tip his hand too much while also deciding if he wants to open his heart one final time. With a plot ready to be enacted and a plant within the Queen’s household prepared to take the needed risk, Bruno will have to alert Walsingham before it is too late. However, things go awry and Bruno is discovered, opening up new challenges that may, once and for all, lead to his downfall. An excellent addition to this historical mystery series that shows Parris has what it takes to compete with others in the genre. Recommended to those who love the Elizabethan time period, as well as the reader who needs a little mystery in their lives!
It has been an intense two weeks of binge reading the books in this series, all of which offer different and enticing perspectives of the political and religious goings-on in the 1580s throughout England and on the continent. Parris has exemplified a strong connection to the history of the day, adding homicidal crimes and deception throughout to keep the reader guessing. Her protagonist, Giordano Bruno, remains at the centre of each book, developing as a character while also reflecting on some of the instances from his past that left him at odds with the Church. Bruno continues to struggle with the inner war between theology and philosophy, something that can be traced back to his time in the San Domenico Priory. Add to that, the constant struggle with matters of the heart and an accurate sense of logic find Bruno the perfect fit for the role. While Bruno often finds himself in a sticky situation or two, his experiences provide the reader with a better grasp on the social and political struggles taking place in the late 16th century. Parris continues to experiment with new characters—both those who are historically accurate and of her own creation—who fill the page with unique points of view, while adding to the historical events about which the reader might not be aware. The story is effectively paced and develops without impediment, leaving the reader to pay close attention in order to properly understand. These books are not superficial and can occasionally appear dense, requiring dedication and patience by the reader to push through those portions that may not be to their liking. In reading the series, I was forced to concentrate, which sometimes made for a more interesting read and surely taught me a great deal. A mix of chapter lengths and a plot that never takes a break allows Parris to create a plausible story full of detail and intrigue. I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey and am left to wonder if Giordano Bruno will be back for more. There is a new novella on the way, at least, which is something about which to get excited!
Kudos, Madam Parris, for more great reading. I hope your ideas continue as the intensity of the Elizabethan era has not yet lost its lustre to me.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons
It has been an intense two weeks of binge reading the books in this series, all of which offer different and enticing perspectives of the political and religious goings-on in the 1580s throughout England and on the continent. Parris has exemplified a strong connection to the history of the day, adding homicidal crimes and deception throughout to keep the reader guessing. Her protagonist, Giordano Bruno, remains at the centre of each book, developing as a character while also reflecting on some of the instances from his past that left him at odds with the Church. Bruno continues to struggle with the inner war between theology and philosophy, something that can be traced back to his time in the San Domenico Priory. Add to that, the constant struggle with matters of the heart and an accurate sense of logic find Bruno the perfect fit for the role. While Bruno often finds himself in a sticky situation or two, his experiences provide the reader with a better grasp on the social and political struggles taking place in the late 16th century. Parris continues to experiment with new characters—both those who are historically accurate and of her own creation—who fill the page with unique points of view, while adding to the historical events about which the reader might not be aware. The story is effectively paced and develops without impediment, leaving the reader to pay close attention in order to properly understand. These books are not superficial and can occasionally appear dense, requiring dedication and patience by the reader to push through those portions that may not be to their liking. In reading the series, I was forced to concentrate, which sometimes made for a more interesting read and surely taught me a great deal. A mix of chapter lengths and a plot that never takes a break allows Parris to create a plausible story full of detail and intrigue. I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey and am left to wonder if Giordano Bruno will be back for more. There is a new novella on the way, at least, which is something about which to get excited!
Kudos, Madam Parris, for more great reading. I hope your ideas continue as the intensity of the Elizabethan era has not yet lost its lustre to me.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons
annarella's review
5.0
I read other books in this series and always loved them, this one was no exception.
Even if the book Giordano Bruno is a bit different from the historical one, I love how he is written and I find him an interesting and well thought characters.
The plot is engrossing and entertaining, there's a lot historical research and you can note them in the details and in the vivid historical background.
The mix of fiction and historical facts works well and creates an interesting and entertaining plot.
I liked the well thought cast of characters and I loved the mystery side of this story.
I can't wait to read the next instalment.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
Even if the book Giordano Bruno is a bit different from the historical one, I love how he is written and I find him an interesting and well thought characters.
The plot is engrossing and entertaining, there's a lot historical research and you can note them in the details and in the vivid historical background.
The mix of fiction and historical facts works well and creates an interesting and entertaining plot.
I liked the well thought cast of characters and I loved the mystery side of this story.
I can't wait to read the next instalment.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
aminakara's review
5.0
So before reading this book I wasn't too keen on the historical fiction genre, but then this book became available on the Pigeonhole app. I wasn't sure about signing up for it, but then reading the blurb I saw that the story involved spying and since I love those, I thought why not and went ahead and signed up.
I went in not sure what to expect, but let me tell you that this book blew me away! It was superbly written with a fantastic plot! The rich characterizations only added to the reader experience. I personally loved Bruno, Ben, Frances and Leila! I loved that Frances and Leila both had such strong personalities.
I loved this book so much that I was sad to see the end of it, and will miss Bruno and co. Although maybe Bruno not so much, since I know this is a part of a series and I haven't read the previous 5 books, so I'll be reading those!
I honestly couldn't recommend this book highly enough! It was brilliant, one of my best reads of 2020.
Thank you to Pigeonhole and SJ Parris for the chance to read this book.
I went in not sure what to expect, but let me tell you that this book blew me away! It was superbly written with a fantastic plot! The rich characterizations only added to the reader experience. I personally loved Bruno, Ben, Frances and Leila! I loved that Frances and Leila both had such strong personalities.
I loved this book so much that I was sad to see the end of it, and will miss Bruno and co. Although maybe Bruno not so much, since I know this is a part of a series and I haven't read the previous 5 books, so I'll be reading those!
I honestly couldn't recommend this book highly enough! It was brilliant, one of my best reads of 2020.
Thank you to Pigeonhole and SJ Parris for the chance to read this book.
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