"Prophecy"
"Prophecy" continues the story of Giordano Bruno which began with Parris' "Heresy". The author's writing is clever enough that I did not flounder because of having not (yet) read the first book.
There is enough intrigue and conspiracy to keep a reader alert. As well as enough historical references to keep my "no kidding?!" penchant Google-ing with the book by my side. The characters and the plot are well developed. And I am pleased that the ending, while very satisfying, allows this reader to believe there will be a third in the series.
I can see myself carrying both "Heresy" and "Prophecy" with me on vacation this summer!
Rated of 5
by Christine B. (scottsdale, AZ)
Prophecy
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it. The conspiracies brewed by Catholics and Protestants, murders, deceit, and a most entertaining hero make for rousing historical theatre. I am most anxious to read the 1st book in the series and hope for more.
Rated of 5
by Jane H. (Indianola, IA)
Prophecy
This is a great historical thriller! The year is 1583, and Giordano Bruno is back one again. This time it is to stop a plot by those who wish to put Mary Stuart on the throne of England. Prophecy is wonderfully written. The reader is a participant in the surroundings and mayhem. Parris' research of the time period is outstanding and her characters are well developed. She leaves an opening at the end so the reader can look for a third book in the series.
Rated of 5
by David V. (Wayside, NJ)
Prophecy by S.J. Parris
This is a good read for anyone who enjoys mysteries, political intrigue and historical fiction. Set in Elizabethan England, it draws a very good portrait of the ambiance and architecture of London at that time. Most of the buildings in the story are located along the River Thames, which is portrayed as one of the principal avenues of transportation through the city. The characters are very well drawn and emphasize the international flavor of the novel, representing Britain, France, Italy, Scotland and Spain. Plot elements include religious and political conspiracy, black magic and visions of the future (thus the title). Although this is a work of fiction I feel that I learned many things about the period that I hadn't previously known. The plot is very interesting - just when you think you've figured what is going to happen next, it doesn't.
Rated of 5
by Carolyn G. (South Pasadena, CA)
A fun read
This is an intelligent piece of light fiction with realistic descriptions of 16th century London. I especially liked the boat rides on the Thames. At the beginning of reading, I was worried that the plot was going to focus too much on the occult or supernatural. Lucky for me this is just a great mystery. This would not be book for my book club, but I will certainly recommend it to my friends. I also think the book would make a great TV mini-series.
Rated of 5
by Jacquelyn H. (Blanco, Texas)
PROPHECY by S.J. Harris
I love historical fiction and this book filled the bill. It is the second book by S.J. Harris written with Giordono Bruno, the Dominican monk returning as it's lead character. I found the characters of the medieval world believable. The plot is interesting but drags some at times. Overall, this book is enjoyable and a good read but it will not win any literary prizes.
Rated of 5
by Laura P. (Atlanta, GA)
Prophecy
S.J. Parris's second book featuring former Dominican monk Giordano Bruno as he navigates the religious upheavals of Elizabethan England does a good job of balancing the "historical" and the "thriller" elements of its story line. Parris does an excellent job of creating her setting, and the overlay of murder and mayhem onto the events of the times is entirely believable. Bruno is a well developed character, and the action of the story is, for the most part, well-paced. The loose ends remaining at the end of the tale suggest a series of Giordano Bruno thrillers may be in the works. If you like stories from this time period, you'll most likely enjoy this book.
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