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When several of the queen's maids of honor are found dead, rumors of black magic abound. Elizabeth calls upon her personal astrologer, John Dee, and Giordano Bruno to solve the crimes. While Dee turns to a mysterious medium claiming knowledge of the murders, Bruno fears that something far more sinister is at work.Tags
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PuddinTame This is the nonfiction account of the incidents on which the novel is based.
PuddinTame The fictional thriller Prophecy is based in part on John Bossy's two books about espionage against the French.
Member Reviews
An excellent followup to Heresy, S.J. Parris' Prophecy sees Giordano Bruno back in the thick of things, trying to keep a conspiracy from bringing down Queen Elizabeth (and hopefully keeping himself alive in the process).
Parris' depiction of John Dee's laboratory and library alone make the book worth reading; the fact that she's also managed to put together a good, complicated political thriller is icing on the cake. Her Bruno is an enjoyable character, and even though my favorite character from the last book (the bookseller Rowland Jenkes) doesn't make a re-appearance, I suppose there's hope that he might return in the next volume.
The third volume in the series arrived this week (prompting me to read this one quickly so I can catch up); show more I'm looking forward to it with anticipation. show less
Parris' depiction of John Dee's laboratory and library alone make the book worth reading; the fact that she's also managed to put together a good, complicated political thriller is icing on the cake. Her Bruno is an enjoyable character, and even though my favorite character from the last book (the bookseller Rowland Jenkes) doesn't make a re-appearance, I suppose there's hope that he might return in the next volume.
The third volume in the series arrived this week (prompting me to read this one quickly so I can catch up); show more I'm looking forward to it with anticipation. show less
Plots are afoot to replace Elizabeth I with Mary, Queen of Scots. She is communicating with supporters in France through the French embassy in London, where Giordano Bruno is staying as a protege of the French King, and secretly as a spy for Sir Francis Walsingham. One of Elizabeth's ladies in waiting is found murdered. Is there a connection with the plots swirling round the French Embassy or with Dr. Dee, Elizabeth's astrologer, or was it just a tryst gone horribly wrong?
This was an exciting read but with enough time spent on giving sympathetic portraits of the characters, especially the much put upon French Ambassador and Dr Dee.
This was an exciting read but with enough time spent on giving sympathetic portraits of the characters, especially the much put upon French Ambassador and Dr Dee.
More good fun. Parris does a very nice job of integrating a whodunnit plot with the political scene of the time and with Bruno's particular interests. OK, the whole book quest thing is borrowed from Umberto Eco. Hey, if you're going to borrow, why not go to the top! It's not profound literature, but it holds its own perfectly well up against, say, Bernard Cornwell. Excellent entertainment. I think I read it in three days. It's a page turner!
In a previous life, even before my nursing career, I majored in history. I still love a novel that immerses me in the past, and Elizabethan England remains a favorite time period, so it was with great to dive right in, thanks to the Early Review program at Library Thing and the generosity of the publisher.
There were so many unexpected things that delighted me about this book. I'm not even going to include good plot and good writing, even though it had both. Firstly, Giordano Bruno is a real historical character, who was a Italian Dominican friar, philosopher, mathematician, astronomer and was excommunicated for a couple of those things. But historically, he is fascinating. Normally, I cringe at books that incorporate real people into show more novels, but the author was tactful and skillful, keeping her story believable. Elizabeth Regina appears only in the periphery, but other historical greats do show up, within context.
Astronomy a topic oft discussed in our household, and while we only give so much credence to Saturn in Retrograde, the idea of the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in alignment, playing a significant part in the book, was of interest, as was the looming collision of those those two other stars, Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots.
The mention of William Byrd and his music was also coincidental. I'm in a choir which just performed his astonishingly beautiful Mass for four voices. The mention of Byrd, who was Catholic in a time when people lost their heads for such things, and the interplay of the conflict between the two churches added another element to the mix.
Though this was the second book in a series, I didn't feel out of my depth jumping in. Enough back story was alluded to so that I wasn't lost, but neither was the earlier book spoiled should I decide to read it. show less
There were so many unexpected things that delighted me about this book. I'm not even going to include good plot and good writing, even though it had both. Firstly, Giordano Bruno is a real historical character, who was a Italian Dominican friar, philosopher, mathematician, astronomer and was excommunicated for a couple of those things. But historically, he is fascinating. Normally, I cringe at books that incorporate real people into show more novels, but the author was tactful and skillful, keeping her story believable. Elizabeth Regina appears only in the periphery, but other historical greats do show up, within context.
Astronomy a topic oft discussed in our household, and while we only give so much credence to Saturn in Retrograde, the idea of the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in alignment, playing a significant part in the book, was of interest, as was the looming collision of those those two other stars, Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots.
The mention of William Byrd and his music was also coincidental. I'm in a choir which just performed his astonishingly beautiful Mass for four voices. The mention of Byrd, who was Catholic in a time when people lost their heads for such things, and the interplay of the conflict between the two churches added another element to the mix.
Though this was the second book in a series, I didn't feel out of my depth jumping in. Enough back story was alluded to so that I wasn't lost, but neither was the earlier book spoiled should I decide to read it. show less
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.Summary: It's 1583, the year of the Great Conjunction: a rare astronomical event that foretells a time of great upheaval. The word on the streets of London is that the Great Conjunction will result in the death of Queen Elizabeth and the end of the Tudor rule - a result that would certainly please Catholics across the country who long for an end to Protestant rule. The Queen's spymaster, Sir Francis Walsingham, suspects that some of those Catholics may be taking a more active role, however, so he once again enlists the ex-monk Giordano Bruno to go undercover into the house of the French ambassador to investigate. But when one of the Queen's ladies-in-waiting is found murdered with astrological symbols cut into her skin, the stakes are show more suddenly raised. Now Bruno must determine whether or not her death is part of a Catholic plot to overthrow the Queen... or something even more sinister.
Review: Clever, curious, and connected to some very important historical figures, Giordano Bruno is a natural fit for the role of historical detective and spy. With Bruno as her leading man, Parris has once again delivered a mystery that's engaging, intelligent, and well-grounded in historical fact. She does a wonderful job bringing both the historical backdrop and its inhabitants to life, and while I personally preferred the Oxford setting of Heresy, Parris is equally adept at depicting Elizabethan London.
While for the most part Prophecy moved along well enough, I did get somewhat tired of the politico-religious talk by about the midway point. I understand that tensions between Protestants and Catholics were very real, and very important at the time, but I felt like they were being dwelt on more than they needed to be, and that they were distracting some of the focus from the murders. I also would have been happier if the plot had put a little more emphasis on the arcane nature of the deaths, and thrown us a few more red herrings - mysteries where the detective spends time chasing leads that seem likely but don't pan out are somehow more satisfying than mysteries where the detective isn't sure what's going on until right at the end. This was also the second book I read in a row where the otherwise very intelligent main character suddenly became blind to other people's shifty behavior right when it was convenient for the plot.
But in the grand scheme of things, my complaints are pretty minor. This book, like Heresy, did what I want my historical mysteries to do: get me immersed in the time period, engage my attention, and keep me reading. 4 out of 5 stars.
Recommendation: Parris's mysteries are a lot of fun, and definitely recommended for fans of historical mysteries, or of Tudor historical fiction more generally. While Prophecy does make a few references to the events of Heresy, they're not at all interdependent books, and could easily be read separately. show less
Review: Clever, curious, and connected to some very important historical figures, Giordano Bruno is a natural fit for the role of historical detective and spy. With Bruno as her leading man, Parris has once again delivered a mystery that's engaging, intelligent, and well-grounded in historical fact. She does a wonderful job bringing both the historical backdrop and its inhabitants to life, and while I personally preferred the Oxford setting of Heresy, Parris is equally adept at depicting Elizabethan London.
While for the most part Prophecy moved along well enough, I did get somewhat tired of the politico-religious talk by about the midway point. I understand that tensions between Protestants and Catholics were very real, and very important at the time, but I felt like they were being dwelt on more than they needed to be, and that they were distracting some of the focus from the murders. I also would have been happier if the plot had put a little more emphasis on the arcane nature of the deaths, and thrown us a few more red herrings - mysteries where the detective spends time chasing leads that seem likely but don't pan out are somehow more satisfying than mysteries where the detective isn't sure what's going on until right at the end. This was also the second book I read in a row where the otherwise very intelligent main character suddenly became blind to other people's shifty behavior right when it was convenient for the plot.
But in the grand scheme of things, my complaints are pretty minor. This book, like Heresy, did what I want my historical mysteries to do: get me immersed in the time period, engage my attention, and keep me reading. 4 out of 5 stars.
Recommendation: Parris's mysteries are a lot of fun, and definitely recommended for fans of historical mysteries, or of Tudor historical fiction more generally. While Prophecy does make a few references to the events of Heresy, they're not at all interdependent books, and could easily be read separately. show less
When I found out this ARC was the second in a mystery series I knew this review would take longer to get done. I simply can’t start a series from anywhere but the beginning! It’s not necessary to read Heresy, [Prophecy] truly does stand on its own, but I’m very glad I did.
Once again Giordano Bruno, renegade monk, philosopher, professor, scientist and spy is called upon to thwart plots to topple Elizabeth I from her throne on the 25th anniversary of her ascension. This time, the plot is to put Mary Queen of Scots on the throne of England and bring the island back into the “true” faith.
Reformation and Catholism is a theme in the series and Parris relies heavily on real life characters for her fiction. With Prophecy she show more crafted a much stronger novel than its predecessor. There is fascinating political intrigue (Scotland, France and Spain), a more interesting cast of characters (Maria…hummm) and a mystery that I couldn’t figure out until just before the very end (and even then I had 2 suspects).
Giordano Bruno alone was enticing enough of a character to make me interested in this series but Parris is getting better with each installment. I’m really looking forward to Book 3. show less
Once again Giordano Bruno, renegade monk, philosopher, professor, scientist and spy is called upon to thwart plots to topple Elizabeth I from her throne on the 25th anniversary of her ascension. This time, the plot is to put Mary Queen of Scots on the throne of England and bring the island back into the “true” faith.
Reformation and Catholism is a theme in the series and Parris relies heavily on real life characters for her fiction. With Prophecy she show more crafted a much stronger novel than its predecessor. There is fascinating political intrigue (Scotland, France and Spain), a more interesting cast of characters (Maria…hummm) and a mystery that I couldn’t figure out until just before the very end (and even then I had 2 suspects).
Giordano Bruno alone was enticing enough of a character to make me interested in this series but Parris is getting better with each installment. I’m really looking forward to Book 3. show less
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.Picking up a few months after Heresy left off, Prophecy is another great murder mystery/thriller starring Giordano Bruno as our unlikely detective and spy all rolled up into one. Rather than being set in a more remote location like Heresy, this one takes place primarily in London and is more directly involved with the court of Elizabeth I.
Unlike a lot of historical fiction, this one has nearly no romance and is primarily about finding the murderer of Cecily Ashe, as well as trying to uncover the latest plot to overthrow Elizabeth and restore Mary Stuart to the throne. Are the two things related? Is it mere coincidence that they happened at the same time?
I really liked that although Elizabeth is in this book, and there are some show more discussions surrounding her unwillingness to marry and the men involved in that stuff, this book isn’t really about her. Not in the typical sense anyway. Which makes for an interesting story – things are all about saving the Queen and her throne. I like anything that brings up Sir Francis Walsingham as well, so it was all around enjoyable for me.
This book also does a great job of making you think your main characters are in some actual danger, even though you can take a step back and realize that because these are all genuine historical figures, they have their own fates not included in this particular story. There were several occasions when I thought, “How on earth is Bruno going to get out of this one?” It’s quite the ride to see how that actually pans out.
There are some references to the previous book, but really, you don’t have to have read it to understand what is going on in this one, which I also liked. A series where the individual books can stand on their own is always good fun! I would say that this is a better book than Heresy was, so you may want to read that one first just for the context in terms of this particular author.
Overall, it’s a fun read and I think nearly everyone will enjoy it! show less
Unlike a lot of historical fiction, this one has nearly no romance and is primarily about finding the murderer of Cecily Ashe, as well as trying to uncover the latest plot to overthrow Elizabeth and restore Mary Stuart to the throne. Are the two things related? Is it mere coincidence that they happened at the same time?
I really liked that although Elizabeth is in this book, and there are some show more discussions surrounding her unwillingness to marry and the men involved in that stuff, this book isn’t really about her. Not in the typical sense anyway. Which makes for an interesting story – things are all about saving the Queen and her throne. I like anything that brings up Sir Francis Walsingham as well, so it was all around enjoyable for me.
This book also does a great job of making you think your main characters are in some actual danger, even though you can take a step back and realize that because these are all genuine historical figures, they have their own fates not included in this particular story. There were several occasions when I thought, “How on earth is Bruno going to get out of this one?” It’s quite the ride to see how that actually pans out.
There are some references to the previous book, but really, you don’t have to have read it to understand what is going on in this one, which I also liked. A series where the individual books can stand on their own is always good fun! I would say that this is a better book than Heresy was, so you may want to read that one first just for the context in terms of this particular author.
Overall, it’s a fun read and I think nearly everyone will enjoy it! show less
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.Members
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- Canonical title
- Prophecy
- Original publication date
- 2011
- People/Characters
- Giordano Bruno; John Dee; Sir Francis Walsingham; Michel de Castelnau, Sieur de la Mauvissiere; Marie de Castelnau, Madame de la Mauvissiere; Bernardino de Mendoza (show all 20); Cecily Ashe; Léon Dumas; Henry Howard, 1st Earl of Northampton; Claude de Courcelles; Bernardino de Mendoza; Archibald Douglas; Francis Throckmorton; Thomas Phelippes; Edward Kelley; William Fowler; Jane Dee; Joseph Tanner; Philip Howard, 13th Earl of Arundel; Sir Philip Sidney
- Important places
- London, England, UK; Whitehall Palace, London, England, UK; Arundel, West Sussex, England, UK
- First words
- Without warning, all the candles in the room's corners flicker and feint, as if a sudden gust has entered, but the air remains still. (Prologue)
The wedding feast of Sir Philip Sidney and Frances Walsingham threatens to spill over into the next day; dusk has fallen, lamps have been lit, and above the din from the musicians in the gallery and the laughter of guests, th... (show all)e young woman with whom I have been dancing tells me excitedly that she was once at a marriage party that lasted four days altogether. (Main Text) - Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)This is the nature of our age, and it needs no ancient prophecy nor conjunction of planets to explain it. (Main Text)
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)As I stare upward, a final burst of fireworks pierces the dark with crimson light, scattering sparks like a shower of bright rain so that, for an instant, the sky is illuminated, stained the colour of blood. (Epilogue) - Original language
- English
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- Reviews
- 43
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- (3.79)
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- 5 — English, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish
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- 23
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