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David V. (Wayside, NJ)
(03/15/11)
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.
Linda S. (Tucker, GA)
(03/14/11)
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!
Norman G. (Diamond Bar, CA)
(03/14/11)
Love the Historical Fiction Genre, but not this title
Prophecy has a fine plot, decent characterization, and pages of historical detail, but it all goes together to make an average read. I cannot really feel strongly for the anyone or actually get emotional about the villains. The novel typifies the word average. I usually read a book in 2 or 3 days. Prophecy took ten. The story might work for some but I am just glad it was a free copy.
Laura P. (Atlanta, GA)
(03/13/11)
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.
Jacquelyn H. (Blanco, Texas)
(03/10/11)
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.
Jane H. (Indianola, IA)
(03/10/11)
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.
Christine B. (scottsdale, AZ)
(03/09/11)
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.
Joan C. (Warwick, RI)
(03/05/11)
The Hodge/Podge Who-Done-It!
An historical thriller by definition is a dramatic story designed to hold the reader's interest with a high degree of intrigue, adventure or suspense. Halfway through this book i was still trying to get all the characters straight. The story has multiple plots involving multiple characters - religious strife, black magic, astrology, royal and non-royal political alliances, along with murder and mayhem. By the time the culprits and their motives were revealed I'd forgotten they were characters in the plot. To the author's credit, those responsible for the crimes were not revealed until the very end, but by that time Renaissance England, and its inhabitants, both good and bad had become very tiresome.