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As a newborn, Brendan Prescott was abandoned and taken in by the Dudley family. While growing up he was an easy target for the Dudley boys cruel insults and physical “pranks” – the foundling who never belonged anywhere or to anyone. But near his twentieth birthday Brendan is summoned from his rural existence to court in order to be a squire to Robert Dudley and finally repay the family for their care of him.
It doesn’t take long for his natural curiosity to get the best of him and he finds himself in the middle of the turmoil surrounding Edward VI’s illness and the battle for the succession. After an errand for Robert brings him face to face with Princess Elizabeth, it also doesn’t take long before he comes to the attention of William Cecil and Brendan is forced to choose between serving the Dudleys or the charismatic young princess. In exchange for his service, Cecil offers to help Brendan discover who he really is.
What follows is an exciting and intriguing story filled with plots, counter-plots, deception, betrayal, and a secret so explosive that it could change everything. Brendan manages to keep his wits about him and with the help of a precocious stable boy and one of Elizabeth
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, reading it in a few days which is the fastest I’ve read a book in a while. Every time I was forced to put it down, I was irritated because I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next! There are quite a few twists and turns to the story and so being familiar with Tudor history, particularly the events of 1553, goes a long way to understanding what is going on and why.
At slightly over 300 pages (with a fairly large font and wide margins) I thought the book was too short though. There were pieces of the storyline that I wish had been more fully explored and developed, and the romance between Brendan and Kate really seems to come from nowhere. The stable boy, Peregrin, is a charming side-kick as he teaches Brendan the ins and outs of court life and keeps a close eye on his back.
As for Brendan himself, I liked him quite a bit - he’s the kind of guy I would want my daughter to date (being too old for him myself…) and I’m looking forward to his future adventures. I also can’t wait to find out what he does with what he now knows.
In case the FTC asks: Review copy from the author/publisher.
Great review Daphne! I too really enjoyed this book, as I tend to do with C.W.'s work! I have to say that little Peregrine won me over - such a scamp!
February 9, 2011 1:02 PM
I loved this book - I too would have liked it to have been slightly longer and I do think that the romance could have been fleshed out a little, but I loved the book. And Peregrine was so awesome!
February 9, 2011 4:36 PM
February 9, 2011 5:16 PM
Thank you for this marvelous review, Tanzanite. I'm honored and humbled by your praise. I hope you readers enjoy The Tudor Secret
February 9, 2011 5:17 PM
One of these days I am going to read this author!
February 9, 2011 6:22 PM
This sounds great and I hope I get my hands on this soon!
February 10, 2011 11:37 AM
Amy and Dolley - That Peregrine was quite the little character. He seemed like one of those little guys where you just want to pinch his cheeks!!
C.W - Thanks so much for stopping by and for giving me the opportunity to read The Tudor Secret. The praise is well deserved!!
Kailana - You really are missing out on some great books!
Elysium - I think you would enjoy it.
February 10, 2011 5:48 PM
I always think it is a good sign when reviewers wish the book was longer because it means you wanted to spend more time with the characters and in the author's world. You left us with a tantalizing tease to learn what it is the Brendan now knows.
I have a question for everyone who has read this. I have an original copy and the new edition, which would you suggest I read first?
Dawn
February 11, 2011 5:27 PM