I have to say that I tend to like historical fiction and novels about spies. So if you combine the two? Well let’s just say I was all over this series as soon as I found about it!

John Dee is in love with a woman that he is forbidden to love – Queen Elizabeth I. Ironically, that is the one reason that Elizabeth can trust him. So when Spain begins to hunt and kill all those who dare to defy its’ Catholic orthodoxy, Elizabeth decides that rather than confront their meddling head on, she will use stealth and secrecy and calls on John Dee.

John Dee is a complicated character; a scholar, an alchemist, and a soldier, he brings a variety of gifts and talents to his mission. The plot is twisty, the dialogue is at times funny and always interesting, the deaths are a bit gruesome, and the descriptions of life during Elizabethan times are fascinating. Similar to C J Sansom’s Matthew Shardlake series, this series offers us a look at Elizabethan England from a different perspective. This was such a fun book, and the best thing is that there are three more books in this series that are already published and more to come!

Brenda’s Rating: **** (4 Out of 5 Stars)

Recommend this book to: Marian, Sharon and Keith

Book Study Worthy? yes

Read in e-library format