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Henry Vyner-Brooks

Author of The Heretic

1 Work 40 Members 17 Reviews

About the Author

Includes the name: Henry Vyner-Brooke

Works by Henry Vyner-Brooks

The Heretic (2014) 40 copies

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Reviews

I don't often read Christian fiction.I have a standing prejudice against the entire genre; however I do love Church history and a good historical novel. So Henry Vyner-Brooks novel, The Heretic, caught my eye. Set in 1536, Brooks tale follows the life of Pacificus, a British, Benedictine monk with a leperous brother. Pacificus was once a noble man and he fought in one of the last crusades against the Saracens (Muslims from the Ottoman empire). He is a tortured soul who bears the scars of too much killing and he struggles against his past to live out his vocation as a monk.

Unfortunately for him, the quiet life of St. Benet's Abbey evades him. England was in the middle of her Reformation and all her citizens find themselves stuck between Church and State (a rock and a hard place). The novel opens with the arrest of a heretic, an Anabaptist woman. Pacificus hides her children (one of whom, he finds out is his niece). His brother, Simon the leper, shares the faith of the woman and her children while Pacificus remains a faithful monk.

However he is also pulled into intrigue. The Church in England was reorganizing and those who were friendly to reform rose and power (not a flattering picture of Thomas Cromwell here), while those bishops, traditionalists and churchman who were against reform, find ways to resist (or plot against the king). Despite the fact that Pacificus has a past and is an adept killer, he has a strong moral center and is not seduced by power or sedition. But all around him is murder, conspiracy, torture and betrayal. With the help of his Anabaptist friends, a benedictine novice with a whore-half-sister, Pacificus struggles to navigate the political and spiritual realities of the English State church. They also plot together on how to save the woman (the children's mother).

The Heretic is a historical novel that reads like an adventure story. The first hundred pages or so, were slow and I had difficulty getting into it, but the next five hundred pages were gripping. While Christian fiction can be preachy, the theology and faith experience of the characters serve the story. And the story has just enough love and romance to keep you happy if you go in for that sort of thing.

On the whole I really enjoyed The Heretic. It is one of those romantic tales with a happy ending for the characters you care about. I give this four stars.

Notice of material connection: I received this book from Kregel Press (the North American distributor for Lion Fiction) in exchange for my honest review.
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Jamichuk | 16 other reviews | May 22, 2017 |
I wasn't sure I was going to be able to enjoy this book at first because it seemed to start a little slow in the beginning and I was confused as to all the characters but then all of a sudden it all came together for me and I couldn't put it down. I loved the characters once I figured out who everyone was. Get through the first few chapters and then you will love the suspense and the romance in this historical fiction book during Reformation England. I hope to read more books by Henry Vyper-Brooks. I received this book from book fun.org for a fair and honest opinion.… (more)
 
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Virginia51 | 16 other reviews | Nov 27, 2015 |
Surviving through persecution in the Middle Ages
“The Heretic” is an historical story from the 1500’s that is richly expressive in the descriptions and intriguing plot. I usually prefer reading a story to seeing it on TV or film, but this is one story that would make a wonderful mini-series. The author is so descriptive in the details of the environment, characters, and events that I would love to see it all “come to life”. The story is dark and menacing in many places, but true to the time period and history buffs will love the retelling of these early years in Christianity. The persecution of Christians during those “dark days” is felt throughout the book and my admiration for those living through it while holding on to their faith grew as I read. There are so many sub-plots throughout – sometimes hard to follow, but worth the effort! There are many twists and turns to the story which kept me reading and involved with the characters. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is fascinated with this era.
I received this book from BookFun.org in exchange for my honest review
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memakf | 16 other reviews | Feb 13, 2015 |
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
I didn't know what to expect when reading this book but I was pleasantly surprised to find that I really enjoyed reading it.

Its set in 1536 England and deals with the religious struggle that the king has set in motion. I really enjoyed the author's historical detail and style of writing.

He draws vivid details of the characters in the book and makes you believe that you are there seeing all the events as the unfold.

Its a farily long book but well worth sticking to the end as its a superb ending (no spoilers).

Looking forward to reading more from this auithor.
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Janine2011 | 16 other reviews | Feb 3, 2015 |

Statistics

Works
1
Members
40
Popularity
#370,100
Rating
4.1
Reviews
17
ISBNs
2