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kenzee06's review against another edition
4.0
*I won this book in a GoodReads First Reads Giveaway*
I really enjoyed this book. The writing was wonderful and the characters were well developed. In particular, I loved how the author made Vaughan Hall and the people who occupied it come alive. Despite not having read the first two books in the series, I was able to follow along with relative ease. However, I do suggest reading the first two if you have the option. If they are anywhere near as good as this book, you'd be cheating yourself if you didn't.
My only complaint was the random insertion of rather vulgar phrases - i.e. "colder than a witch's cunny". For me, that wasn't necessary. That said, it didn't detract too much from the story.
I really enjoyed this book. The writing was wonderful and the characters were well developed. In particular, I loved how the author made Vaughan Hall and the people who occupied it come alive. Despite not having read the first two books in the series, I was able to follow along with relative ease. However, I do suggest reading the first two if you have the option. If they are anywhere near as good as this book, you'd be cheating yourself if you didn't.
My only complaint was the random insertion of rather vulgar phrases - i.e. "colder than a witch's cunny". For me, that wasn't necessary. That said, it didn't detract too much from the story.
mrsbdowning91's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
100pagesaday's review against another edition
4.0
Queen Mary has died and the time has finally come for Elizabeth to take the throne. However, her ascension comes with much turmoil with yet another change in religious views and many subjects who do not believe that Elizabeth is the rightful heir. With her rise, Elizabeth's loyal spy, Brendan Prescott has also been summoned out of exile and back into Elizabeth's service. An early attempt on Elizabeth's life along with the disappearance of Elizabeth's favored lady-in-waiting, Lady Parry, spurs Elizabeth to send Brendan on another life-threatening mission to a secluded estate in Yorkshire. Brendan will have to uncover a secret of the Queen's as she finds the truth about Brendan.
A perfect Tudor intrigue plot with mysteries within mysteries. I loved the view into Elizabeth's first days on the throne and her relationship with Robert Dudley. Brendan is the perfect character to carry out Elizabeth's missions, he is well trained with a secret of his own that will keep him loyal to Elizabeth. There were many plots and conspiracies that were artfully brought together in The Tudor Vendetta that made this a fast-paced, entertaining read. I just had to know what happened to Lady Parry?, who is the hidden boy?, is Brendan's nemesis still alive? When I first picked up this book I didn't know it was part of a trilogy and I hate reading books out of order, but I did not feel lost at all, enough background information was given throughout the story and it did not feel like a huge info-dump. I have already picked up the first two books from the library to see where the story begins!
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
A perfect Tudor intrigue plot with mysteries within mysteries. I loved the view into Elizabeth's first days on the throne and her relationship with Robert Dudley. Brendan is the perfect character to carry out Elizabeth's missions, he is well trained with a secret of his own that will keep him loyal to Elizabeth. There were many plots and conspiracies that were artfully brought together in The Tudor Vendetta that made this a fast-paced, entertaining read. I just had to know what happened to Lady Parry?, who is the hidden boy?, is Brendan's nemesis still alive? When I first picked up this book I didn't know it was part of a trilogy and I hate reading books out of order, but I did not feel lost at all, enough background information was given throughout the story and it did not feel like a huge info-dump. I have already picked up the first two books from the library to see where the story begins!
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
andrew65's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
4.0
princessjigglypuff's review against another edition
3.0
Probably the weakest book out the trilogy. Although full of twists. It just seemed to drag.
enchantingtaleswithalex's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It's a thrilling conclusion to the trilogy that I've come to love so much. And of course, it doesn't lack in mystery, adventure, danger or intrigue.
Now that Elizabeth is claiming her throne, the dangers only persist. Brendan Prescott is sent once more on an errand with only half of the truth, and enlists the help of Archie Shelton, the man he believes to be his father. While searching for Elizabeth's lady, Blanche Parry, he is haunted by a ghost from his past and must decipher fact from fiction.
While I did predict that his ghost would indeed return, it happened in a way that I wasn't fully expecting. And I certainly had my suspicions about the true reason Lady Parry was venturing off to Yorkshire as she was. As someone who has read a great deal of history, I had a sinking feeling that Elizabeth's time with Admiral Thomas Seymour would come into play in this novel.
This book tied up a lot of the plots that had been opened in the previous two books, and I am THRILLED that Brendan was able to reconcile with Kate. I would have loved to have seen more of that strong female presence in the series, but they pair were unfortunately kept apart for almost all of books 2 and 3 with a very short bit of togetherness near the end. So I admit that made me a little sad!
Overall though I think this is a fantastic series. The plot movement isn't too fast or slow for people to keep up or stay interested, the characters are fleshed out and the descriptions for setting make it very easy to envision where things take place. It's a series I would very likely revisit in the future.
Now that Elizabeth is claiming her throne, the dangers only persist. Brendan Prescott is sent once more on an errand with only half of the truth, and enlists the help of Archie Shelton, the man he believes to be his father. While searching for Elizabeth's lady, Blanche Parry, he is haunted by a ghost from his past and must decipher fact from fiction.
While I did predict that his ghost would indeed return, it happened in a way that I wasn't fully expecting. And I certainly had my suspicions about the true reason Lady Parry was venturing off to Yorkshire as she was. As someone who has read a great deal of history, I had a sinking feeling that Elizabeth's time with Admiral Thomas Seymour would come into play in this novel.
This book tied up a lot of the plots that had been opened in the previous two books, and I am THRILLED that Brendan was able to reconcile with Kate. I would have loved to have seen more of that strong female presence in the series, but they pair were unfortunately kept apart for almost all of books 2 and 3 with a very short bit of togetherness near the end. So I admit that made me a little sad!
Overall though I think this is a fantastic series. The plot movement isn't too fast or slow for people to keep up or stay interested, the characters are fleshed out and the descriptions for setting make it very easy to envision where things take place. It's a series I would very likely revisit in the future.
jmatkinson1's review against another edition
4.0
Brendan Prescott is languishing in exile in Switzerland until he hears that Queen Mary is dead and Elizabeth has ascended the throne. Returning to England he is asked to undertake a personal and private mission for the Queen which leads him to the wilds of East Yorkshire.
Having read the first of Gortner's books but not the second, I found it relatively easy to pick up some of the plot lines which was no mean feat as a character from the second tale plays a large role in this story. The detail of Tudor life is impressive and the plot races along. OK, it's complete hokum from start to finish but it's a fun journey.
Having read the first of Gortner's books but not the second, I found it relatively easy to pick up some of the plot lines which was no mean feat as a character from the second tale plays a large role in this story. The detail of Tudor life is impressive and the plot races along. OK, it's complete hokum from start to finish but it's a fun journey.
reflectiverambling_nalana's review against another edition
3.0
While the series itself never skyrocketed to the heights I had hoped, The Tudor Vendetta was without a doubt the strongest of the trilogy ending the series on its strongest note. It is clear how much the experience with each novel brought the author to this work and I'd absolutely consider reading more by them. Wonderful work on characters with some I'll always be endeared to.
mefi's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The mystery in this book (and entire series) is so well planned. I love the characters, writing style, story. My new favourite series.