Even though S. W. Perry's The Saracen's Mark is a weighty tome, I couldn't put it down and read the whole thing during the dreary British weekend which has just passed. Set in 1593 in London, it means that the novel is historically placed when England is first emerging as one of the world's super power. The preface of the book is about betrayal in its many forms, a concept both relevant to today and back then.
Given London's vast history, there are places in this historical novel that are still recognisable to us today, including the Bankside where protagonist (and reluctant spy) Nicholas Shelby and companion Bianca Merton reside. When Nicholas is brought in on a perilous secret mission to find a missing informer, the drama really begins. The plague in London becomes a real threat to the characters, and almost a character itself.
Expertly written, engaging and able to be enjoyed without reading the other books in the series, its a great piece of literature.
Given London's vast history, there are places in this historical novel that are still recognisable to us today, including the Bankside where protagonist (and reluctant spy) Nicholas Shelby and companion Bianca Merton reside. When Nicholas is brought in on a perilous secret mission to find a missing informer, the drama really begins. The plague in London becomes a real threat to the characters, and almost a character itself.
Expertly written, engaging and able to be enjoyed without reading the other books in the series, its a great piece of literature.