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roshk99's review against another edition
4.0
Set at a very interesting time and location: Paris during the upheaval of the onset of the Reformation. A theology student is sent on a mission by the Catholics to find out about a rumor that the Lutherans have discovered something that will cause some serious religious repercussions. Without giving too much away (think astronomical discoveries during this time), this book is an enjoyable read with lots of interesting historical details.
baklavopita's review against another edition
4.0
I want to see more historical thrillers from Goldstone! I felt a wee bit lost at the beginning, but once the book really got going, so did I. This is a thriller that really makes you think, both while you're reading and after. Fabulous Parisian detail. Scary Inquisition detail.
katmarhan's review against another edition
3.0
I found "The Astronomer" to be interesting, especially its portrayal of the Catholic Church and the horrors of the Inquisition as well as the mortal danger of those engaged in scientific inquiry. The politics of religion and the way the monarchs and the Church hierarchy interacted were intriguing.
I thought Amaury's ultimate choices were quite predictable, but I was completely surprised by both the deception and betrayal by Vivienne and the depth of the love and commitment of Hélène. In fact, the women throughout the book were fascinating, including Queen Marguerite.
I rated the book 3 stars because it is billed as a novel of suspense, and while subterfuge and danger abound, it just didn't have the page-turning pace of a true suspense novel, at least not for me.
I thought Amaury's ultimate choices were quite predictable, but I was completely surprised by both the deception and betrayal by Vivienne and the depth of the love and commitment of Hélène. In fact, the women throughout the book were fascinating, including Queen Marguerite.
I rated the book 3 stars because it is billed as a novel of suspense, and while subterfuge and danger abound, it just didn't have the page-turning pace of a true suspense novel, at least not for me.
kamireads's review against another edition
5.0
Unexpectantly wonderful. The book started a little slow, and I had to reread the first few pages to sort out characters, but it was hard to put down once I got into it. It's set in France during the Reformation and Renaissance, so there was happening in many different realms; religion, science, and politics in addition to the personal story.
forcefullsoul's review
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
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