Summary:
London, December 1563. England is a troubled nation. Catholic plots against the young Queen Elizabeth spring up all over the country. At his house in the parish of St Bride, the herald William Harvey – known to everyone as Clarenceux - receives a book from his friend and fellow Catholic, Henry Machyn. But Machyn is in fear of his life, claiming that the book is deadly... What secret can it hold? And then Clarenceux is visited by the State in the form of Francis Walsingham and his ruthless enforcers, who will stop at nothing to gain possession of it. If Clarenceux and his family are to survive the terror of Walsingham, and to plead with the queen’s Secretary of State Sir William Cecil for their lives, Clarenceux must solve the clues contained in the book to unlock its dangerous secrets before it’s too late. And when he does, he realises that it's not only his life and the lives of those most dear to him that are at stake...
Summary & Photo taken from Goodreads.com
Length: 416 pages (Paperback)
Publication Date: October 1st 2012 by Sourcebooks Landmark (first published 2010)
Sacred Treason was one of those novels that took me completely by surprise. I was blown away by how much I enjoyed this book and I really have to thank the publicist who contacted me offering me a spot on this books tour.
This book had everything I wanted. I haven't read many historical mysteries especially not ones set in Tudor England so this one was a real treat for me. I can honestly say that I've never read a book like it and I'm super excited that I had the opportunity to read this.
I really enjoyed the sense of adventure in this novel as Clarenceux solved the mystery behind the mysterious book that his friend Henry gave him. It was a non-stop ride for me and I found myself staying up late last night just to finish it because I couldn't help but want to see what would happen next.
The writing was seemless and addictive each chapter left me wanting to find out more and more and I very much enjoyed the characters that James Forrester created in his fictional debut. I have to say that Clarenceux is one of my new favourite characters now because he himself was just as intriguing as the mystery surround the book in his possession.
The way the book was set up was very much in the way of an adventure novel. I loved the historical details that were paid attention to and the descriptions of the times, the places and the people were wonderfully done. I loved the tension between Clareneux and his wicked counterparts who were up to no good it was thrilling to see how the whole novel played out and I'm glad I had a chance to read it.
I really think that the author's historical background was a real asset to him in writing this novel. He's an author of non fiction titles under his real name Ian Mortimer which gives him that extra edge to pen this series.
Like I said before I'm not really familiar with the historical mystery genre Sacred Treason has really sparked an interest in me to explore other books that are part of the genre and there's nothing I like more than to be introduced to a new genre so you can expect to see more reviews of books like this in the future. Since I am a fan of both historical fiction as well as mystery novels this bridge between both genres worked out well for me.
I highly recommend this book to those who are fans of historical fiction and historical mysteries. If you love books set in Tudor England than I think this book might just be up your alley but if you're anything like me you may find yourself up to all hours of the night reading it. I for one am eagerly anticipating reading the other two books in this series and I'm hoping to do so soon.
* I received a free copy
of this book from the published via NetGalley in exchange for my free and honest
review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own and I was
not compensated in any way.
Loved It!
★ ★ ★★★
★ ★ ★★★
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GIVEAWAY TIME!
Sourcebooks is graciously offering ONE printed copy of Sacred Treason to ONE lucky person!
The giveaway is open to US/CANADA followers
and will END October 19th 2012
For a chance the win Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below!
Want to follow Sacred Treason on it's Book Tour?
Check out these other stops on the Sacred Treason's Tour!
Sacred Treason Blog Tour Schedule
10/10:Passages to the Past
10/11:Turning the Pages
10/12:Laura’s Reviews
10/14:The Girdle of Melian
10/15:Maiden’s Court
10/16:Book Journey
10/17:My Reading Room
10/19:Book Lovers Inc
10/21:Hodge Podge Spy
10/22:Broken Teepee
10/23:Books by the Willow Tree
10/24:Radiant Light
10/25:Historical Boys
10/29:Enchanted by Josephine
10/30:Celtic Lady’s Ramblings
10/31:Devourer of Books
Sounds like a great book--thank you for the review!
ReplyDeleteNice review! I love historical fiction. This looks intriguing.
ReplyDeleteKendal
Kinx's Book Nook
Ah, I always find treasures from your blog, Kimberly. Haven't heard of this book but your review has got me all interested. I love historical fiction, I love mysteries, so yeah! You have been reading some great book lately. Thanks for the lovely review.
ReplyDeleteToo bad the giveaway is US/CAN. :(
I like historical fiction. While fantasy is my favorite genre, anything about the past interests me.
ReplyDeleteThis books sounds awesome! I loved your review and it made me want to read this one ASAP. I would like to win it because I am a big fan of HF and this is my favorite time periods. I love reading about Henry the 8th and his wives and other members of his court. Elizabeth is such an interesting figure. Thanks for the giveaway! :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
When is the winner announced?
ReplyDelete