Loyalty is often misunderstood and misconstrued and never universal. It's fickle and erratic, and unpredictable. A single word, a single event can reinforce it as much as shatter.
'The Heretic's Mark' by S.W. is the fourth instalment in The Jackdaw Mysteries, set in Elizabethan England and featuring doctor Nicholas Shelby. The story is a pacy, enjoyable historical romp with a very clever, extremely well-delivered premise that leaves you wanting more!
The novel starts incredibly strong, as doctor Nicholas Shelby is accused of taking part in a plot to assassinate HRH Elisabeth I. However, the first act slows down slightly, which is not a criticism but an observation. In parts, the opening chapters allude to what I assume to be events from the previous books with which I am not familiar, and it slowed the narrative down for me. I am sure, for those readers who read previous books from The Jackdaw Mysteries series, it won't be a problem. They will even smile to themselves as they see the little links to the earlier adventures of the good doctor.
Nevertheless, despite this very mild grumble, the reading experience was impeccable. Perry not only knows how to tell a captivating story but also shows how to build a relatable world that we, in reality, know very little about. The detailed descriptions of 16th century London fuel not only my imagination but my thirst for knowledge. After finishing the book, I have found myself looking up various historical events to which Perry alludes to in his book. To me, it is a true testament to how incredible 'The Heretic's Mark' is!
As the second act unfolds, the story picks up the pace. S.W. Perry stunningly juggles tension and the well-timed drama. The trip to Italy, the machinations of Tudor courtiers and political figures, the thrilling rollercoaster of a ride - all those elements make up for a beautiful historical thriller, delivered with a grandiosity of an epic adventure. But it's not all there is to it... S.W. Perry keeps reminding us time and time again how vulnerable and painfully human we all are when our loyalty is questioned, and our truths are being refused.
I must admit all culpability for releasing this review so late - my most sincere apologies to the author, S.W. Perry and Corvus Publishing team. I have muddled up the publication dates - my fault entirely. Please do accept my most sincere congratulations, however. The book is a roaring success indeed.
'The Heretic's Mark' by S.W. is the fourth instalment in The Jackdaw Mysteries, set in Elizabethan England and featuring doctor Nicholas Shelby. The story is a pacy, enjoyable historical romp with a very clever, extremely well-delivered premise that leaves you wanting more!
The novel starts incredibly strong, as doctor Nicholas Shelby is accused of taking part in a plot to assassinate HRH Elisabeth I. However, the first act slows down slightly, which is not a criticism but an observation. In parts, the opening chapters allude to what I assume to be events from the previous books with which I am not familiar, and it slowed the narrative down for me. I am sure, for those readers who read previous books from The Jackdaw Mysteries series, it won't be a problem. They will even smile to themselves as they see the little links to the earlier adventures of the good doctor.
Nevertheless, despite this very mild grumble, the reading experience was impeccable. Perry not only knows how to tell a captivating story but also shows how to build a relatable world that we, in reality, know very little about. The detailed descriptions of 16th century London fuel not only my imagination but my thirst for knowledge. After finishing the book, I have found myself looking up various historical events to which Perry alludes to in his book. To me, it is a true testament to how incredible 'The Heretic's Mark' is!
As the second act unfolds, the story picks up the pace. S.W. Perry stunningly juggles tension and the well-timed drama. The trip to Italy, the machinations of Tudor courtiers and political figures, the thrilling rollercoaster of a ride - all those elements make up for a beautiful historical thriller, delivered with a grandiosity of an epic adventure. But it's not all there is to it... S.W. Perry keeps reminding us time and time again how vulnerable and painfully human we all are when our loyalty is questioned, and our truths are being refused.
I must admit all culpability for releasing this review so late - my most sincere apologies to the author, S.W. Perry and Corvus Publishing team. I have muddled up the publication dates - my fault entirely. Please do accept my most sincere congratulations, however. The book is a roaring success indeed.