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Monday, November 8, 2010

Publisher's Weekly reviews THE TUDOR SECRET

The first review for THE TUDOR SECRET is in!

The Tudor Secret. C.W. Gortner, St. Martin's Griffin, $14.99 trade paper (336p) ISBN 978-0-312-65850-2

In Gortner's latest riveting historical, the influential Dudley family sends orphan servant Brendan Prescott to serve their cruel son, Lord Robert, at King Edward's court, and the young man is soon caught up in intrigue, suspicion, and shifting loyalties. Young King Edward is under the thumb of the Dudleys, but illness is greatly affecting his influence. Then the lion-eyed Princess Elizabeth, whom the Dudleys view as a threat, arrives and Prescott becomes a spy for her protector, William Cecil. Deeper involvement in the conspiracies surrounding the throne makes Prescott increasingly uncertain of loyalties, including his own, and he begins to question his fate and identity. In Gortner's capable hands, Prescott is a believable and enjoyable hero, a man of strong loyalties but naïve enough to be exploited. And while the Dudleys are mostly broadly drawn villains, Robert has depth, and though readers familiar with the Tudor era will know the key players, they may be surprised by their depiction here. Gortner handles action with aplomb, adding a riveting, fast-paced thriller to the crowded genre of Tudor fiction. (Feb.)

13 comments:

Lizzie said...

That is fabulous news! It sounds like a REALLY good read, I can not wait. Congrats C.W.

Svea Love said...

It sounds like you have another excellent book on its way to us! So excited to see what intriguing twists you have created for the Tudor court. Good luck with the preparation for its release & congrats :)

Sarah Johnson said...

Very cool! Congratulations!

Marg said...

Very nice review!

Can't wait to read it.

Michelle Moran said...

YAY! YAY! YAAAAYYY!!!!!

Maggie Anton said...

Lovely review in PW. It was brave of you to jump into the very crowded pool of Tudor historical novel. Will you be at HNS conference in San Diego in June?

I wish they'd stop with covers that only show half, or none, of the woman's head.

Maggie Anton
www.rashisdaughters.com

BurtonReview said...

Several years ago I really wanted this book ;) but it could NOT be found! I am so glad that you have gotten the chance to tweak it and republish it! Good things come to those who wait!

Judith Schara said...

Great review and an interesting viewpoint on the tudors. Let us know when to look for it in the stores!
Judith Schara Caldwell

C.W. Gortner said...

Thanks, all! I'm delighted with this review, mainly because I was so anxious about it. You just never know how a book will be received, and these reviews help drive orders. My editor at SMP and I did a very thorough edit and revision, but the Tudor market is of course crowded and everyone involved was hoping the book would stand out:) FYI, it'll be in stores on February 1.

And yes, I'll be at the HNS Conference in June; I wouldn't miss it.

Taylor said...

Congrates on the riveting review! I have not had the pleasure of reading any of your novels as of yet, but they have been on my whishlist for quite some time! I'm really excited to read this book due to talk of a "fast-paced thriller" aspect.

Theresa Bruno said...

Interesting. I know only a little about the Dudleys. Didn't one of them marry Lady Jane Grey? Anyhow, thank you for the lovely review.

C.W. Gortner said...

Hi Taylor,
Hope you enjoy my books when you get a chance to read them :)

Hi Theresa,
Yes, Robert Dudley's youngest brother, Guilford, married Jane Grey. All three are characters in THE TUDOR SECRET. Hope you enjoy the book when it comes out.

Nikola said...

Oh my goodness, I REALLY wanna read this now.