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 Joanne H. (Waconia, MN) Mixed response
I think that I should like this book more than I do. It meets all the criteria for a good historical mystery, and is well written, though not beautifully written, as one of the editorial reviews states. The plot is well crafted, The period detail is good. Despite all these good things, there is something missing, perhaps in the characterizations, that left me emotionally uninvolved, and thus, disappointed overall.
Rated of 5
by Katherine T. (Atlanta, Georgia) Realizing my heart is with mysteries and not historical fiction.
I was excited about reading this book since I love mystery novels and I love British history. I discovered that in the book Prophecy that I am not a fan of the two combined. I found the book a bit difficult to follow and since I had not read the first in the series, I found it hard to relate to the main character, Giordano Bruno. However, for those who enjoy historical fiction this book has it all. Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary, Catholics, Protestants, fair maidens, spies, monks, sorcery, evil and so on.
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 Ann D. (CLEARFIELD, PA) Greater Expectations
I wanted more from Prophecy especially since I hadn't read Parris' first book, Heresy.
Tudor England has been written about for hundreds of years, but the real life of Giordano Bruno was itself a mystery to me. I did a little research and found that there could have been more depth to the character of Bruno in this novel. That being said, Parris did a good job of providing a plot that held my interest, a cast of colorful characters and the hope that there is more to come.
Rated of 5
by Linda S. (Tucker, GA) Google or Wikipedia contain spoilers - Wait 'till after you've read it!
Prophecy is a well-researched novel of historical fiction that centers around a real event and real people, but - spoiler alert! -don't be tempted to Google names and places until after you've read the novel. There is a large cast of characters and several plot lines so be prepared for some confusion, which can be distracting. I enjoyed this book, although not as much as the original in the series, Heresy, and feel it could have benefited from a more zealous editor; there were several examples of telling when showing would have been more effective. The author doesn't leave those who haven't read Heresy in the dark, but provides sufficient background so that Prophecy stands on its own. Historical fiction buffs, especially those who favor the Tudor period, will really enjoy the writing; the descriptions take you there!
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of 5
by Carolyn G. (South Pasadena, CA) 
of 5
by Joanne H. (Waconia, MN) 
of 5
by Katherine T. (Atlanta, Georgia) 
