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There are currently 43 member reviews
for The Tudor Secret
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Sarah B. (Streamwood, IL)
Enjoyable read
The Tudor Secret begins a bit slowly, but by the time, our hero Brendan fumbles his first duty with his Lord the pace definitely picks up. Using a well known point in history, and adding a new character or two adds to the charm of seeing this story with all of its twists and turns and struggles of trust from a new perspective.
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Judith M. (San Diego, CA)
The Tudor Secret - History & Mystery
I have not read very much in the historical fiction genre, at least not in this time period. That said, I found that I was engrossed in the story right from the start. While not a fabulously written book, it is fun, fast paced and a really good read.
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Valerie C. (Chico, CA)
Good historical fiction of the post-Henry VIII era
As a reader who enjoyed many of Phillipa Gregory's books, this novel did not disappoint. It succeeded in capturing my interest from the first chapter, then led through a series of escapades after the death of King Henry's son, Edward. If you enjoy Gregory's books, I think you will enjoy this one,
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Robert F. (Charleston, IL)
Fast-paced and readable
This book moves right along. The plot has lots of twists and close escapes--maybe too many--but the historical details are interesting and skillfully woven in. The treatment of the relationship between Elizabeth and Robert Dudley is not the one given in those films with Glenda Jackson, Helen Mirrin, and Cate Blanchette, but it's actually quite believable and fully in keeping with the complex intrigues of the Tudor Court that the author so readily exploits.
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WDH (New Port Richey, FL)
Fun, Not Deep
Offers a slightly different perspective - young man raised as a servant is sent to court and is immediately involved in intrigues of all sorts and has to quickly figure out where his loyalties lie and where to place his trust. Lots of action kept my interest. There is more surface than depth to the characters and plot, but overall I enjoyed the book. Nice phrasing and writing style, would probably read other books by this author.
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Shirley L. (Norco, LA)
Good Solid Read of An Interesting Year in History
There is so much historical fiction written about the reign of Henry VIII and that of his daughter Elizabeth I. It was refreshing and informative to read of the intrigue and power plays at court in the time between these two monarchs. I was fairly ignorant of this period of English history. Basically the plot kept the reader's interest and the characters and their connections were fascinating. At times I think the author could have been more subtle with both plot and characters.
There was a "and then this happened next" quality that could have been smoother and I like my characters with more shades of gray. The good guys were perfect and the bad ones pure evil. Overall a good fun read but not outstanding.
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Beth T. (Savannah, GA)
The Tudor Secret
This is not my favorite genre or period, but I enjoyed the book and think the author did a good job trying to tell an old story from a fresh perspective. The plot advanced well, the chapters were a manageable length, and the history and dialogue seemed sound. Readers who love historical fiction and the Tudor period should really enjoy this book.
