The Tudor Secret

The Secret Lion by C.W. Gortner is excellent and on par with the likes Steven Saylor brimming with historical and prosaic erudition. I saw the string of excellent reviews and I too had to purchase this book. A good purchase indeed this was. Though a work of fiction, the historical events take on a life of their own. In this tale, the events quickly become a roller coster ride of intrigue when our young hero is sent to be Squire for the unsavory Lord Robert. Read this book if you like good historical fiction. You'll be glad you did.

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.

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.

This is a treasure for historical fiction lovers, and promises a wonderful new mystery / adventure series that fans of Sharon Penman's THE QUEEN's MAN Sharan Newman's Catherine LeVendeur medieval mysteries, and Patricia Finney's Elizabethan trilogy starting with FIREDRAKE'S EYE will relish. C.W. Gortner has woven a ripping great story into the Tudor period. Keeping a close eye on the history of the pre-Elizabethan era, he manages to sweep the reader into a world of mystery and intrigue that is as intimate as one man's search for his identity and as grand as the plots and schemes that surround Tudor royalty. This novel has it all! As a die-hard reader of both fiction and non-fiction centered around Medieval and Renaissance Europe, I am thrilled to see a new author of this caliber. There's a new kid on the block and he's a real talent. I sincerely hope there's more where this came from!