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canada_matt's review
4.0
David Field offers up another of his short stories, this time introducing a new character in a slightly new era of English history. It’s that period just after Elizabeth has died, when England is still rubbing its collective eyes and the Tudor Dynasty has come to an end, ushering in James I and his Scottish flavour to the monarchy. While many past monarchs have sought the adulation of their people, James was raised to feel that he has an inherent right to rule, divined by God to oversee England. Therefore, he leaves such trivial matters as a Council and engaging with most anyone to the mere mortals, in this case, Sir Robert Cecil. Meet Oliver Wade, a playwright and amateur actor who is able to entertain the masses with his plays that some might call a little too bawdy for the era. When he is arrested for public lewdness, he defends his art, but is put before Cecil, who has a plan for him. Wade is to discover a whispered plot that is brewing against the new king and report back without delay. While Wade is able to do just that, playing on some of the ongoing anti-Catholic sentiments in the country, he learns that a group is planning a dastardly act just before the coronation. Wade returns with the news, but does not entirely meet the expectations that Cecil had for him, finding himself tossed in the Tower with threat of punishment to come. Cecil is forced to send another, one who knows Wade all too well, to complete the task of killing those involved. While Sir Robert Cecil may be acting on behalf of the king, he certainly has his own plans that are likely not approved by any Deity. An interesting beginning to what should be a great series set just outside the Tudor era. Recommended to those who love short stories set in another time period, as well as the reader who has come to enjoy David Field and his royal novels of espionage.
I have read a number of the books David Field has published and can admit to liking them all. They not only provide the reader a wonderful glimpse into another time period, but they are highly informative and serve to educate as much as entertain. Oliver Wade proves to be a cunning character, though perhaps a little too honest for his own good. His ties to the community as a playwright and entertainer are clearly on offer here, though he seems eager to help King and country when called into duty. Perhaps not what you would call the most likely candidate for the job, Wade does the best he can with the tools he is given. Others who make their mark in the story include Sir Robert Cecil, whose antics will have to be watched, if the ending of this piece is any indication. There will likely be an interesting chemistry between the two, even if it ends up being something caustic. The story was quite good, coming together in quick order in this short story. Looking to the era of James I, Field will be able to expand his wings and give the reader something new on which to focus. The chapters fitted together effectively and proved highly entertaining. I am glad that I have the second book in the series all ready to go, as I am intrigued to learn a little more.
Kudos, Mr. Field, for a great introduction to this series. You never cease to impress me with your ideas.
Like/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
I have read a number of the books David Field has published and can admit to liking them all. They not only provide the reader a wonderful glimpse into another time period, but they are highly informative and serve to educate as much as entertain. Oliver Wade proves to be a cunning character, though perhaps a little too honest for his own good. His ties to the community as a playwright and entertainer are clearly on offer here, though he seems eager to help King and country when called into duty. Perhaps not what you would call the most likely candidate for the job, Wade does the best he can with the tools he is given. Others who make their mark in the story include Sir Robert Cecil, whose antics will have to be watched, if the ending of this piece is any indication. There will likely be an interesting chemistry between the two, even if it ends up being something caustic. The story was quite good, coming together in quick order in this short story. Looking to the era of James I, Field will be able to expand his wings and give the reader something new on which to focus. The chapters fitted together effectively and proved highly entertaining. I am glad that I have the second book in the series all ready to go, as I am intrigued to learn a little more.
Kudos, Mr. Field, for a great introduction to this series. You never cease to impress me with your ideas.
Like/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
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