You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.76 AVERAGE
3.76 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
While there were some slow parts, the overall story was enjoyable and I liked the setting the author selected. Additionally, I felt that the female protagonist seemed empowered compared to other females in the story, and it was so satisfying to see how she evolved and grew through her experiences.
an excellent read. I'm familiar with the era and aware of Walsingham's mooting as the first real spymaster but this take was intriguing, if a little difficult to get into at first. There were several points where I thought, "the story can't end here" and of course it did not, but there were many cliffhanger type moments. The only thing that didn't gel was Walsingham's final action in the epilogue.
Even the author's notes about further reading were informative!
Even the author's notes about further reading were informative!
This was mostly 3 stars for me until the end. The setting is amazing in this book. The author really knows how to world build, but unfortunately I think too much focus was on setting and not enough on character. The main woman was bland and wimpy and never had any growth. The secondary characters were all about the same as well. Disappointing.
An entertaining storyline with characters to root for and against, but unfortunately the author made it MUCH too easy for the reader to stay three steps ahead at all times and know the ending within the first half of the book.
Mallory Bright is returning to her family home in disgraced. At nineteen, she ran away with a man she believed to be the love of her life only to be taken advantage of. Her father has rescued her and her mother has created a less shameful ruse for her to live by. However, Mallory is still seen as a blight by her mother and neighbors. Her father, a locksmith has taught Mallory skills over the years. Mallory is his lock pick, testing his wares. He calls on an old friend, Sir Francis Walsingham to find employment for Mallory. Walsingham sees potential in her skills and brings Mallory on as a watcher in his spy network. Mallory is the key in exposing several Catholic threats to the Crown. Although, as Mallory begins to see the destruction she is causing, her loyalties to Walsingham begin to waver.
From the moment Mallory is introduced, I was latched on to this historical thriller. Mallory is intelligent, thoughtful and eager to learn. She is desperately trying not to let peoples thoughts of her and her past effect her. I immediately wondered what her shameful secret could be and why she blamed herself. Then, I was brought into Mallory's world of locks and lockpicking. I learned about the intricacies of the locksmith world in Tudor England and how valuable a well made lock could be in this time-period. Through Mallory's eyes I was taken into the dangerous world of Sir Francis Walsingham's spy ring and was able to see the talent and the tasks that were deemed necessary in order to keep Queen Elizabeth safe. As Mallory trains and becomes and agent, she finds purpose and begins to forget her nightmarish past. However, as her actions as a spy begin to bring harsh consequences to the people around her, Mallory wonders if the people Walsingham has deemed dangerous really are as threatening as he perceives, or if they are just people trying to practice a religion of their own. Historical accurate detail of the political climate and descriptions fill out the writing, from stage production, food, dress and housing, I could picture Elizabethan England. I also don't believe I had ever read about a hanging, drawing and quartering in enough detail to turn my stomach. A dash of sweet romance from a brusque Lord Nathanial helps to round out this fast paced historical thriller.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review
From the moment Mallory is introduced, I was latched on to this historical thriller. Mallory is intelligent, thoughtful and eager to learn. She is desperately trying not to let peoples thoughts of her and her past effect her. I immediately wondered what her shameful secret could be and why she blamed herself. Then, I was brought into Mallory's world of locks and lockpicking. I learned about the intricacies of the locksmith world in Tudor England and how valuable a well made lock could be in this time-period. Through Mallory's eyes I was taken into the dangerous world of Sir Francis Walsingham's spy ring and was able to see the talent and the tasks that were deemed necessary in order to keep Queen Elizabeth safe. As Mallory trains and becomes and agent, she finds purpose and begins to forget her nightmarish past. However, as her actions as a spy begin to bring harsh consequences to the people around her, Mallory wonders if the people Walsingham has deemed dangerous really are as threatening as he perceives, or if they are just people trying to practice a religion of their own. Historical accurate detail of the political climate and descriptions fill out the writing, from stage production, food, dress and housing, I could picture Elizabethan England. I also don't believe I had ever read about a hanging, drawing and quartering in enough detail to turn my stomach. A dash of sweet romance from a brusque Lord Nathanial helps to round out this fast paced historical thriller.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review
3.5 Stars
Truly quality writing. The language was flowing, even if "forsooth" was used a bit too often. A very well-crafted and (educational) historical fiction novel. It was Karen's exceptional articulation of minutiae most authors wouldn’t even think about including that kept me reading in the absence of witty dialogue and hairpin plot twists.
I could have used emotional "Aw" or "Oh no!" moments. Even though the author tried, they fell flat, I think due to the eloquence overshadowing the scenes' potential.
This review is from an ARC.
Truly quality writing. The language was flowing, even if "forsooth" was used a bit too often. A very well-crafted and (educational) historical fiction novel. It was Karen's exceptional articulation of minutiae most authors wouldn’t even think about including that kept me reading in the absence of witty dialogue and hairpin plot twists.
I could have used emotional "Aw" or "Oh no!" moments. Even though the author tried, they fell flat, I think due to the eloquence overshadowing the scenes' potential.
This review is from an ARC.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
It’s been a while since I’ve read a book taking place in Elizabethan England. Brooks has certainly done her research and you definitely feel as though you are there. Although, I felt it had slow moments, I did like the story overall. The characters were interesting and Mallory’s story did intrigue me, especially as it got into more detail. I feel like the second half of the book went faster for me as there was a lot going on. Looking forward to reading her other books as well!
This is quite simply a work of literary prowess. While I have not read much in the way of historical fiction in the past, I can say I am definitely inclined to now. It kept me enraptured from the start, and never ceased to amaze me. Love is an understatement in regards to this masterpiece