When I first read the extract for this book I did not realise it was the second book in the series, but that hasn't taken away any enjoyment of the book itself. I will certainly be picking up the first book to help me fill in the gaps.
The 3 main male characters of Shakespeare, Oldcastle and Hemminges bounce so well off each other. The way Benet writes them you can clearly envisage their conversations and dynamics, and their frustrations with each other (especially those of Hemminges with Oldcastle)
The writing is very much in the style Shakespeare wrote his plays I feel, so you need to be familiar with the language of the time.
I did find some moments dragged, such as those between Aemilia and Valentine. I could see the Romeo and Juliet parallel, but found it lacking. Overall this book was an engaging read.
The 3 main male characters of Shakespeare, Oldcastle and Hemminges bounce so well off each other. The way Benet writes them you can clearly envisage their conversations and dynamics, and their frustrations with each other (especially those of Hemminges with Oldcastle)
The writing is very much in the style Shakespeare wrote his plays I feel, so you need to be familiar with the language of the time.
I did find some moments dragged, such as those between Aemilia and Valentine. I could see the Romeo and Juliet parallel, but found it lacking. Overall this book was an engaging read.