Review - The Tudor Secret (The Spymaster Chronicles #1) by C.W. Gortner

Title: The Tudor Secret

Author: C.W. Gortner

Series: 1st

Pages: 327

Published: February 1st 2011 by St. Martin's Griffin

ISBN: 9780312658502

Source: Personal Copy

Description: The era of the Tudors was one of danger, intrigue, conspiracy, and, above all, spies. Summer 1553: A time of danger and deceit. Brendan Prescott, an orphan, is reared in the household of the powerful Dudley family. Brought to court, Prescott finds himself sent on an illicit mission to the king’s brilliant but enigmatic sister, Princess Elizabeth. But Brendan is soon compelled to work as a double agent by Elizabeth’s protector, William Cecil, who promises in exchange to help him unravel the secret of his own mysterious past. A dark plot swirls around Elizabeth’s quest to unravel the truth about the ominous disappearance of her seriously ill brother, King Edward VI. With only a bold stable boy and an audacious lady-in-waiting at his side, Brendan plunges into a ruthless gambit of half-truths, lies, and murder. 

I Give This ...

I was a little hesitant to jump on board with this book.  I wasn't sure I would like it.  I have no idea why because I ended up really loving this book.

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed Brendan Prescott.  His story was completely predictable but I love how he manages to work all sides of the fence.  Everyone doubts his true loyalties, but yet they like what he can do for them.  He's willing to put his neck on the line and they are more than happy to let him!  When he learns a little bit of the truth of who he really is, he takes it into stride.  I also think it explains his loyalty.

I enjoyed reading about the conspiracy behind King Edward's death.  It may not have happened exactly like that, but it made for an exciting story. I also enjoyed reading about the plot to put Jane Grey on the throne.  I've never heard it from this type of point of view.  I think most exciting to me was the portrayal of Robert Dudley.  Historical fiction tends to romanticize him, branded the man that Elizabeth could never have.  I have read a few that paint him a little darker.  But, his version of Robert is down right unlikable.  He painted as selfish and conniving and left me doubting whether he really ever cared for Elizabeth. 

A book that fits into my favorites of dramatized Tudor historical fiction.  I can't wait to read the next one!