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Sacred Treason was disappointing. Unfortunately, the combination of overwriting and a weak story resulted in a missed opportunity. With famous situations, though, it should at least be plausible. Of course, this act was passed after the princes had already mysteriously vanished in the Tower.
So it is fair to argue, historically, that Queen Elizabeth was similarly vulnerable at the start of her reign, for her circumstances were similar to those of Edward V. In fact Elizabeth was declared illegitimate and legitimate, removed from the succession and restored to it, at different times during her life. The basis of the fictional chronicle here seems weak. It hardly seems worth the suffering the characters endure to preserve it.
Sacred Treason (Clarenceux, #1) by James Forrester
View all 9 comments. Nov 20, Samantha rated it really liked it Shelves: This novel was suggested to me by several people as a good follow up to C J Sansom 's Shardlake series. Though this takes place later, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth, there are some notable similarities.
He turns out to be as intelligent and surprisingly adventurous as everyone's favorite hunchback lawyer. Unlike Matthew, Clarenceux has a wife and children that he must concern himself about and does n This novel was suggested to me by several people as a good follow up to C J Sansom 's Shardlake series. Unlike Matthew, Clarenceux has a wife and children that he must concern himself about and does nothing to invite the drama that he finds himself in the middle of. There are similarities in the writing styles of Sansom and Forrester who is really historian Ian Mortimer.
The Elizabethan age is vividly brought to life, sometimes in excessive detail. His expertise of the era is evident throughout the novel. Both authors bravely take on the religious conflicts of the Tudor dynasty and realistically characterize those who are Catholics and reformers. Some significant differences also exist. Forrester's story is darker, with several people undergoing torture and abuse by the Queen's men.
I didn't mind this because I appreciate a realistic look at Elizabeth's reign. While we are supposed to be convinced that this glorious virgin queen led the country to unprecedented peace, she was simply more subtle than her father in seeking out her enemies and ridding herself of them. The characters and settings in this novel were excellently done, but the mystery became too convoluted and, in the end, pointless.
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It is difficult to write about a supposed attempt at revolution and stay within historical fact, which makes it difficult for this story to do anything other than fizzle out. The plot that Clarenceux falls into may have not been a 5-star adventure, but the writing style and recreation of the 16th century were stunning enough to inspire me to continue with the series' second novel, The Roots of Betrayal. View all 6 comments. Aug 16, Susanna - Censored by GoodReads rated it liked it. For once, the accuracy of the history was not what was pulling a historical novel down. This time, it was too twisty a plot.
Jan 27, Jason A. Sacred Treason, by James Forrester, left me a little conflicted. This is a novel that I felt was well written, with beautifully described scenes and characters. The plot had just the right amount of twists to it, and the resolution was satisfactory. I just felt like it took too long to get there. Several scenes seemed so similar as to have me doubting whether or not I had doubled back somehow. The main character gets caught up in a plot not of his own doing, and is constantly stymied by the same Sacred Treason, by James Forrester, left me a little conflicted.
The main character gets caught up in a plot not of his own doing, and is constantly stymied by the same repetitive obstacles. The number of times he needs to sneak into or around London seems over done and don't really move the story along. The overall feeling is very much what I envision, but it just took too much time to get there. A few more edits would have seen this story with a higher ranking, as the writing itself is what made me get to the end. If you like historical fiction and don't mind a story that takes its time getting there, then this is a good read, I enjoyed it, despite what I feel are its shortcomings.
Oct 06, Linda rated it really liked it. Politics, religion and another man's wife. What a timeless mess of trouble! The mechanics of good writing are excellent as is the research. The author is a renowned historian, and I should have read his Notes first. The book started slowly for me because of the many names I tried to memorize and my ignorance of the 16th century English legal Politics, religion and another man's wife. The book started slowly for me because of the many names I tried to memorize and my ignorance of the 16th century English legal system.
Readers, do not worry about the names or the law because everything unfolds very nicely throughout the book. Reviewers before me have told you what the book is about. I can tell you that the book made me think on the inner man, the outer man, a government with too much power and too few civil liberties, the power of friendship and common beliefs, and how alike are the past and the present.
I could put the book down, but I could not leave it down. I read it at a leisurely pace and spent quite some time doing doing a little research of my own shoulda' read those notes first. Forrester, for a good read. There's a couple of things I really hate in novels. This one contained a classic - where a character does something stupid a la Hardy or out of character in order to move the plot along. I threw this book down up when the hero managed to kill the physcopath's brother - even after he'd been tortured Here is my review: William Harley, Clarenceux King of Arms, is content in his life.
As a herald of England, he has had the opportunity to travel the continent and has enjoyed the privilege and relative safety of a gentleman. He has a nice home on London's Fleet Street, a loving wife, two beautiful young daughters and a library full of the books he loves. While the current Queen Elizabeth's Protestant beliefs are at odds with his Catholic faith he keeps quiet to avoid the taint of treason that so many Catholics fear. For a charge of treason can mean a ruined reputation, all lands, properties and titles taken and even death, not only for the one accused but their loved ones as well.
It seems much safer to practice his faith quietly then bring attention to himself and risk the enmity of the crown. One cold, rainy December night this cozy life is put to the test when Clarenceux, as Mr. Harley is known to everyone, receives a knock on the door. Henry Machyn, a merchant taylor, funeral arranger and parish clerk acquaintance of Clarenceux's, is distraught, shaken and adamant that his life is in danger and he needs Clarenceux's help. He cryptically asks Clarenceux to keep his chronicle safe when he is gone, a chronicle detailing all that Machyn has witnessed over the last thirteen years.
Along with this he gives Clarenceux instructions to visit a man named Lancelot Heath upon Machyn's death and that he will need to give Lancelot a false name and specific date. Terrified that Machyn is involving him in something treasonous Clarenceux presses him further regarding what this chronicle really is.
However the more coded information Machyn gives the more questions Clarenceux has, until it becomes evident to him this must be a test of his faith and he has to accept it. Right before leaving Machyn tells him he alone can discover the true secret of the chronicle and that he will need to find and bring together all nine of the "Knights of the Round Table" and discover each of their secret names and specific dates to uncover it.
Then he is gone into the night and the real test of Clarenceux's faith begins. As Clarenceux reads through the chronicle he becomes even more confused. The log appears to be nothing more than an account of Machyn's day to day actions and observances, ones that seem eerily to involve Clarenceux more than any other.
When he goes in search of Machyn to figure out what this chronicle and its secret has to do with him he discovers Machyn is missing and his house is under guard. Shortly after he receives a visit from Machyn's wife, Rebecca, and Clarenceux is arrested on suspicion of treason and his house is ransacked by a royal sergeant-at-arms and his men who are looking for the chronicle.
Rebecca is able to escape with the chronicle right before the men can find it but Clarenceux's house is destroyed and one of his servants is murdered. He now knows he must discover the secret behind the chronicle to clear his name, revenge the destruction and death brought about under royal instruction and to keep him and those involved alive. What he doesn't at first realize is that two of the most powerful men in England - Sir William Cecil, the Queen's principle secretary and most trusted advisor, and Francis Walsingham, Cecil's Chief Counselor and the Queen's "spymaster" - are determined to find the chronicle and discover its secrets first and they are willing to do anything to make that happen.
So begins the adventure of a lifetime. With Rebecca Machyn's help Clarenceux sets off to find each of the Knights of the Round Table and discover what secrets they hold to help unravel the mystery connected to this seemingly benign chronicle. Through continued attacks, murder, betrayal and utter devastation they must hold on to their faith and the constant hope for the future to persevere even when all seems lost in order to discover the secret that could change the course of history for two queens. Sacred Treason is a brilliant mystery adventure set in one of my favorite places - Tudor England.
James Forrester is able to keep the suspense and tension palpable across the over pages, a feat not easily done. Seamlessly incorporating known facts and people of the time with fictional aspects to progress the story, the many secrets and connections between the various characters are slowly released until the truth literally jumps out at you right towards the end. I was completely surprised with the discovery of the chronicle's ultimate secrets which is quite impressive as so often these sorts of stories are easy to unravel long before the ending.
There are just so many twists, hidden truths and character connections that there is nothing to be done but to keep turning the pages. This being the first of a trilogy of stories, I am happy to say that some secrets are still left to be discovered in the subsequent books, such as the identify of one of the Knights of the Round Table, known only as Sir Percival.
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Sacred Treason is James Forrester's first novel but many fans of history will know him as bestselling author Dr. Even without yet having read one of Dr. Mortimer's historic nonfiction books it is not hard to see that he is an exemplary researcher and skilled writer. The author notes for Sacred Treason go into the research that brought about the idea for the book and the facts contained within. My only complaint at all is that it seems it will take some time for me to get my hands on the next two books in this series - The Roots of Betrayal and The Final Sacrament - as they don't seem readily available here in the US.
I will definitely be keeping an eye out for them releasing and will start reading some of his nonfiction in the meantime. A must read for historical fiction lovers and especially for those that devour Tudor stories. View all 5 comments. Sacred Treason is the first novel from the acclaimed historian Ian Mortimer and as such it makes an interesting read.
The novel is a decent debut, which would motivate me to read his follow up book, however this is not in the same league as the works of the author who is in my view the master of the Tudor based historical fiction CJ Samson. The book is easy to read, however the characters are not quite believable such as the fact that William Harley the main protagonist who at the start of the book appears to be happily married and then develops an attraction to Rebecca, the widow of the murdered Henry Machyn, which while plausible is not written in sufficient depth or style to make it believable, and Harley's wife takes on an out of sight out of mind role throughout the book.
The constant wrestling with his conscience by Harley is also a tad grating; as it is mentioned in almost every chapter and as the character appears to have an almost iron like sense of self control it appears to be little more than an attempt to add a more human dimension to the character. This is however by no means a bad book, it flows well and is pretty gripping without feeling drawn out or dull and the plot and story line are very good. The authors note at the end is also great, stating exactly what details in the book are historically accurate and which are embellished or created new.
This is a good debut novel; however it must be hoped that as Forrester gains more experience writing fiction he is able to develop his writing style so that the characters develop the required depth to make them truly believable. William Harley, Clarenceux King of Arms, is a man of standing and respect. He is also a Catholic, which is why he is nervous of late night visits.
When he is visited by Henry Machyn late one evening, he fears it is to be arrested. However, when the clearly afraid Machyn entrusts him with a chronicle, telling him, "the fate of two queens depends upon that book," he finds himself plunged into a possible Catholic conspiracy. Everything he feared - arrest, possible disgrace and the crumbling of his William Harley, Clarenceux King of Arms, is a man of standing and respect. Everything he feared - arrest, possible disgrace and the crumbling of his carefully constructed world comes true. Before long, Clarenceux and Rebecca Machyn, wife soon to be widow of Henry Machyn are forced to flee for their life; to protect the chronicle and try to discover the secret it contains.
This historical novel contains both real and fictional characters. Sir William Cecil and Francis Walsingham are in charge of protecting Elizabeth I, while the author has given Walsingham a fictional vicious sidekick in Crackenthorpe, who takes great delight in carrying out his orders.
The fact that Clarenceux and Rebecca are both committed Catholics does limit where Forrester can take his characters - they spend much of the novel denying the attraction between them. However, this is the first book in a trilogy, the next title being The Roots of Betrayal Clarenceux Trilogy 2 and I suspect that this possible love affair may resurface.
For me, the story took a back seat to insight concerning citizen life during the reign of Elizabeth I. It was a time of intolerance, when a difference in religious belief spelled treason, resulting in torture and execution. This novel reminded me why the U. The belief of any one individual cannot trump the civic rights of others.
Anyone who supports views coming from right wing conservatives, or cheer for anarchists such as Kim Davis, For me, the story took a back seat to insight concerning citizen life during the reign of Elizabeth I. Anyone who supports views coming from right wing conservatives, or cheer for anarchists such as Kim Davis, should review countries, modern and historical, where religious beliefs are used as the basis of civil law. Set in , four years into the reign of Elizabeth I 7 September — 24 March , the last of the Tudor dynasty, Sacred Treason delves deeply into troubled England during times of political and religious unrest.
I was instantly transported back to Elizabethan times, deep in the heart of a cold and rain soaked London, I nev Set in , four years into the reign of Elizabeth I 7 September — 24 March , the last of the Tudor dynasty, Sacred Treason delves deeply into troubled England during times of political and religious unrest. Highly contagious, the book flows from beginning to end, the characters all lending a sense of realism as a battle between right and wrong, good and evil and Catholics v Protestants played out.
At the forefront of the plot is the highly respected William Harley, Clarenceux King of Arms and hero of a fascinating tale of treason, murder and an unrelenting quest for justice. As the rain and snow fell in a bitterly cold December my imagination ran riot making a mockery of my senses. This is what books are all about. My Full Review here if you want to read more ;- http: May 05, Emmanuel Gustin rated it liked it Shelves: Ian Mortimer is well known as a non-fiction author who has written a series of excellent books to help us understand life in the medieval and Tudor times.
Here, under another name, he strives to achieve the same in fiction. The result is a medieval adventure story with a protagonist, Clarenceux, who in his values, social relationships, and religiosity is a believable 16th-century character. The effect on the modern reader is often, and no doubt intentionally, a bit alienating.
Forrester also goe Ian Mortimer is well known as a non-fiction author who has written a series of excellent books to help us understand life in the medieval and Tudor times.
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Forrester also goes to great lengths to insert minute details of Tudor life. And his view of the period is grimly pessimistic, violent and dark. The weakness of the story is the plot, which verges on the absurd and takes enormous detours to reach a less than dramatic, rather unsatisfactory conclusion.
The MacGuffin that propels the story forward cannot be discarded, even if the real story is just one about a struggle to survive, but its sudden reappearance rather deflates the complex storyline that was built about it. Forrester does maintain the tension to the end, but fails to hide that weakness. Nevertheless the book is very enjoyable. Review - The character background is true: Elizabeth I's reign, people think she's a bastard because her mother, Anne Boleyn, was formerly allegedly betrothed to Henry Percy. Clarenceux was also a real person, although it is unlikely that there was a surviving betrothal contract, nevertheless, the characters came across surprisingly well.
This is one of the best mystery novels I've ever read. Historical fiction is my favourite book genre and the storyline is very cleverly implemented. It is ba Review - The character background is true: It is based around historical truth, but also moderated. The whole story revolves around the alleged marriage contract between the two and stopping the overthrow of the monarch. Feb 15, Ron rated it really liked it Shelves: At least four stars. Historical fiction which, despite its deep roots in reality, grabs the reader and drags him or her into the story. All the while I'm flipping pages thinking "I know enough history to know this can't turn out well.
Well, I'm not going to tell, but it does turn out. Unlike so many romantic historical novelists, "Forrester" is true to the feel of the time. Oh, he makes mistakes but they aren't the sort that makes the reader want to rip the covers off the book.
Most important, is At least four stars. The next entry read: Ye following daye dyed his wyfe Awdrey from the poysoninge appel gyven unto her by Mr. Clarenshux because hee dyd not anymoore love her. He swept the book off the table board, sending his visitation, two other volumes, inkwell, and paper flying across the chamber. As it fell he stood up, rage filling his body, and turned the board itself over. Did he not love her? He bent down and lifted the chronicle, and threw it with all his force across the room. Did he not love them both?
The mother of his children? How could anyone have written He opened his eyes. It was light, the shutters were open. Awdrey was leaning over him, a loose strand of blonde hair hanging down. Clarenceux rubbed his hand over his face, feeling his brow soaked with sweat. He lay back in his bed, warm and fresh, where the study in his dream had been smoky and cold.
It seemed to him as if the malevolence of the previous night had come back with him, into his house. It had been a prophetic dream, he knew. He had to give the book back to Machyn. But today was the day that Machyn had foretold was the day of his death. I waited after all that knocking on the door, but you didn''t come to bed. Thomas told me this morning that you went out. And now you are shouting in your sleep, shouting about me and about Annie like a man gone mad, beating your arms about. Where did you go?
He sat upright and breathed deeply. Calmer now, he swung his legs out of the bed and sat in his shirt, looking at the open window. I didn''t realize at first how serious his situation was. It only occurred to me later, after he had gone. So I went after him. A royal sergeant-at-arms stopped me. Awdrey slipped off the bed and picked up the jug.
With it, she filled the brass basin on the floor, draped a towel over her arm, and then lifted the basin and carried it to her husband. He nodded his thanks and splashed cold water over his face, wetting his shirt. He believes he will be killed today. He took the towel from her arm and wiped his face. He threw it on the bed and stood, looking into her blue eyes. I still don''t think it is. I felt that whatever trouble he might be in, he is a good man, and so I had no choice but to try to help him.
Clarenceux shook his head. He let go of her and went over to his clothes chest. He lifted the lid and pulled out a folded shirt. It smelled strongly of lavender and cloves, like the rest of his clean linen. I have to find out more. I am going to go and look for him this morning.