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Set in those fractious days both preceding and following the death of Edward VI, C.W. Gortner places his fictional squire, Brendan Prescott, into the story. A foundling at birth and brought up in the Dudley household, he seeks to unearth the secrets surrounding his birth. Tasked with a clandestine errand to Princess Elizabeth by Dudley, the Duke of Northumberland, he simultaneously finds himself escorting Princess Mary, and acting as a spy for Elizabeth’s protector, William Cecil, the Master Secretary. In the fraught days following Edward’s death and Lady Jane Grey’s marriage to young Guilford Dudley, Prescott will face the two women he realizes are his arch enemies, the Duchess of Suffolk and Lady Dudley. Both want his true identity to remain unknown and angle for his demise.

In a mesmerising manner, Gortner tells a fascinating tale where truth resides alongside fiction, wrapped in a tale of intrigue that will satisfy both lovers of royal intrigue and historical fiction. The Tudor Secret is first part in the trilogy, The Spymaster Chronicles. 3.5★
Audiobook Although I have enjoyed other works by Mr. Gortner, I could only read a chapter of The Tudor Secret before I put it down telling my boyfriend, This is much too fake to read. Perhaps it is because I have been in more of a actual history kick for the past year versus historical fiction or perhaps it is because of the fact that book was reading more like a high school drama club play. Granted, if I had stuck it out, then it may have progressed better. Call me a quitter, but I just couldn't read a book that appeared more fiction than historical-fiction. The Tudor Secret This is the first Gortner novel I've read and while I love reading novels set during this period this one hasn't turned out to be a favorite of mine.

Brendan Prescott, foundling raised along side the powerful Dudley family, comes to court to serve Robert Dudley. In his attempt to follow his master's first command he meets Princess Elizabeth Tudor and finds himself captivated, then pulled into the complicated world of politics during the reign of Edward VI.

I thought the mystery was decent enough and the period and the history were well done but I had several problems with the story. The first being the inconsistency of character of the protagonist Brendan Prescott. He is very clever and politically knowledgeable one moment and conversely ignorant the next. Gortner uses Brendan's ignorance as an opportunity to fill the reader in on relevant political history. For example, on page 90, William Cecil gives Brendan a quick run down on why Cecil wouldn't want Princess Mary to rule England. Unfortunately, Brendan would have been well aware of Mary Tudor's religious leanings and so in my mind it was a very unrealistic exchange between these characters. There were other instances of this same inconsistency and while I understand the reason for it I found that it detracted from the quality of the writing and my enjoyment of the story.

Another problem I had was the rapidity with which everyone who met Brendan trusted him. This was a period in time when people had their heads lopped off for the wrong political alliances and yet everyone just immediately trusts this young man whom they know nothing about, including Princess Elizabeth and her pretty Lady in Waiting?

Then there was the way that things worked out so conveniently and easily for Brendan, he always had coin at the ready to pay for whatever help he needed, he found a little side kick willing to do his bidding the moment he arrived in London. It was all just a little to perfect for my tastes.

I also found it difficult to believe that Brendan would be advising the highest ranking nobles in the land on what they should do and who they should trust, it just seemed a tad on the silly side. As did the fact that on two different occasions Brendan mentions leaving his sword at home for safe keeping, that is just complete silliness.

There were many, many things that just didn't ring true to my ears and because of that I didn't enjoy this story. It was an easy read and probably would be fun for people who aren't familiar with this period in time and could just read along and enjoy the ride so to speak.
English First things first, this is not a mystery. For some reason I thought it was, but it's really just Historical Fiction. It covers a period of about 3 weeks, and the huge leaps in character growth during that time are quite unbelievable. Our main character starts out a naive, bumbling country boy who picks up on court intrigue and gains maturity with startling swiftness, in a matter of days. Definitely some suspension of disbelief is needed.

However, I found it a quick, light read, especially for a historical fiction set in the Tudor period. Things are not as fleshed out as they could be, but I liked the main character and a couple of the minor ones too. I might even choose to read more about them at some point. C.W. Gortner FROM THE PUBLISHER:
A rousing historical adventure set in the Tudor court, during final days of Edward VI's reign- a time of danger, deceit, and courage. Brendan Prescott, a foundling reared in Dudley household, arrives at court to serve as a squire to the arrogant Lord Robert Dudley. Keen and ambitious, Brendan hopes to gain advancement in his new post - until Lord Robert dispatches him on an illicit mission to the King's enigmatic sister, the Princess Elizabeth, and Brendan discovers that nothing in his world is as it appears. A dark plot brews around Elizabeth's quest to unravel the truth about her brother King Edward VI's disappearance. Lured into her service as a spy, with only a bold stable boy and audacious lady-in-waiting at his side, Brendan plunges into a ruthless gambit of half-truths and lies, pitted against the wiles of a vengeful opponent who may hold the secret of his own mysterious birth - a secret that could shatter everything he believes in, and cast an inescapable shadow over him, Elizabeth, and the future of England itself. Filled with the intrigue and pageantry of Tudor England, The Secret Lion is the first book in The Spymaster Chronicles. This new edition features the Two Bridges Press Reader's Group Guide. The Tudor Secret

3.5 stars

Read by Steve West. This one felt a little middle-of-the-road as historical fiction stories go, but by the end I realized I had warmed to Brendan and Kate, enough that I'd be interested in continuing this trilogy and seeing where their adventures in service to Elizabeth I take them. 8 Everyone has a secret.
Like the oyster with its grain of sand, we bury it deep within, coating it with opalescent layers, as if that could heal our mortal wound. Some of us devote our entire lives to keeping our secrets hidden, save from those who might pry it from us, hoarding it like a pearl only to discover that it escapes us when we least expect it, revealed by a flash of fear in our eyes when caught unawares, by a sudden pain, a rage or hatred, or an all-consuming shame.

The Tudor Secret is the first in the Elizabeth I Spymaster Chronicles. I cannot even count the number of books related to Tudors I have read. I can't seem to get enough of them. After reading The Tudor Secret, I am really looking forward to the second in the series.

The Tudor Secret offers us a glimpse at one of the most turbulent times in British history from the perspective of Brendan Prescott, a servant in the Dudley family.Young King Edward VI is rumoured to be dying. John Dudley, the Duke of Northumberland might as well be running the country.

At the same time, Elizabeth is slowly rising to power. She has her suspicions about her brother's illness, but is prevented from seeing him. Being the next in line to the throne after Edward VI and Mary Tudor, she is surrounded by enemies, deceit and people who will do anything to see her dead. There are conspiracies, secrets, betrayals, lies and danger all around. Brendan Prescott unknowingly and reluctantly becomes embroiled in this dangerous game.

Brendan is a powerful protagonist - quick, clever, intelligent, honorable and brave. He was abandoned by his real parents and brought by a woman called Alice, who had found him. Alice was like a mother to him until her sudden death, which still grieves him. He's raised to be a servant in the Dudley family and as a child, is bullied by the Dudley brothers. At the age of 20, he is summoned to the court to be a squire to Robert Dudley. But things are not as straightforward as they seem. There's a mystery about his birth and his real parents that he is determined to unravel.

Brendan is ordered by Robert Dudley to pass on messages to Elizabeth, but is soon hired by Sir William Cecil to spy on the Dudleys. What he discovers is a dealy web of lies around Princess Elizabeth. Brendan is determined to protect Elizabeth from the Dudley's clutches.

Out of all the Tudors, the one I am completely enamoured by is Elizabeth. It was fascinating to see this extraordinary woman through Brendan's eyes, especially since he is as taken with her, as I am.

Elizabeth is all at once an enigma and an admirable woman. In Brendan's eyes, she becomes even more so. Elizabeth is reckless, stubborn, determined and an incredibly brave woman. Like everyone else, Brendan falls unedr her spell. You can understand why he is determined to risk his life for her. Some of my favourite scenes in the book involved Elizabeth.

There are moments that define our existence, moments that, if we recognize them, become pivotal turning points in our life, providing solace when our end draws near.
For me, meeting Elizabeth Tudor was one of those moments.

Amid the incandescent flames and sheen of mirrors, the colored satins, and extrabagant jewels, as courtiers sank into obeisance like oversized heaps, she (Elizabeth) stood out like albaster. A chill slithered up my spine. It was as if I was seeing everything for the first time, my senses attuned to this forest of treachery and deceit, populated by well-fed predators who circled the princess much as wolves circled their prey.

Having read so much about the Tudors, I knew exactly what will happen. There was no suspense about the actual events. What makes The Tudor Secret a gripping, fast-paced read is that we get to see the these events through Brendan's perspective. Add to that, the suspense about Brendan's birth, which makes the book even more exciting. Further, The Tudor Secret captures the feel of the Tudor era - the scandals, the controversies and the court intrigue. The details add to the atmosphere of the book.

The Tudor Secret depicts Robert Dudley in a very diffrent way from anything I've read about him. I admit, I do hold a soft spot for Robert Dudley. But in this book, he is short-tempered, selfish and cruel. Though my heart broke a little to see him depicted this way, it's still refeshing to see a different take on him.

There was just one small problem I had - the romance. It felt a bit unecessary and I felt the book could have done without it. I just wanted to skip over the romantic bits and continue with the actual plot.

It must be obvious that I am obsessed with the Tudors. I wasn't much of a history fanatic until I came across them. Since then, my obsession with them has grown and expanded to other eras in British history. Then there's Elizabeth whom I will never tire of. Much to my joy, The Tudor Secret offers a captivating portrayal of my favourite Tudor.

Read The Tudor Secret with an open mind. Do not expect complete historical accuracy. It's just a very original and very entertaining take on the Tudors. Though the timeline of the major events and their basic nature is accurate, there are some changes. After all, Brendan is a fictional character and his story is entwined with the actual facts. Fact and fiction beautifully combine to give an unputdownable book. This book can be enjoyed by both historical fiction as well as mystery lovers. The author kept me guessing till the end. The Tudor Secret is an engrossing, compelling look on the equally fascinating Tudor era. I will be looking forward to more of Brendan's adventures.

Overall:
Adventure-filled and riveting look at the Tudors.

Recommended?
Yes! If you love the Tudors or if you love historical mysteries, this is a perfect book book for you.
8 Historical fiction readers should thank Mr. Gortner for choosing to take us along with his imagination and give us such tales of what might have been. It takes a strong knowledge of time, place and history to be able to weave a story that at its core is completely based in fiction but populated by icons. Yet that is exactly what Mr. Gortner does with this first book in his Elizabeth I Spymaster Chronicles.
We meet young Brendan Prescott as he is making a journey to London. A foundling, Brendan was brought up in the mighty Dudley household knowing nothing of his origins. Thanks to his caretaker/nurse and unbeknownst to Lady Dudley he is well educated; he can read, write and speak French.
It is a dangerous time for England as young King Edward is very ill. Dudley, Duke of Northumberland is currently in charge and is trying to maintain that control through his sons. Robert, of course loves Elizabeth (and always will) and young Guilford Dudley is being married to Lady Jane Grey. This is the London in which Brandon arrives. While there he meets William Cecil and is erm, encouraged to spy for Elizabeth.
I don't want to say much more for fear of ruining this most excellent book. Mr. Gortner knows how to write to create an atmosphere of tension and fear. He also makes the characters come alive on the page. Again, as with book this well written I felt like I was watching a movie in my head. A movie I didn't want to end.
I will note that our hero had the most extraordinary luck. NOTHING could kill him. But what is a good spy tale without an invincible hero, right? There is also a touch of romance - and I am not talking about Elizabeth and Dudley.
This was a truly enjoyable read with an intriguing premise that sets up the rest of the series quite well. I am very much looking forward to the continuing adventures of this particular spy. C.W. Gortner First novel of C.W.Gortner what I have read.It wasn’t too bad,may be if I have it 10-15 years ago probably I would like it a lot.The book itself is very easy to read,regarding Tudor times.To be honest Philippa Gregory’s novels are much more interesting .May be one day I will get another book of the author,but not in near future C.W. Gortner A young white boy discovers he is *~special~* in this ground-breaking tale. In a stunning turn of events, all the major female players (which include Elizabeth I, Mary I, and Frances Brandon of Suffolk) are one-dimensional cardboard cut-outs who exist only to help this *~special~* young white boy find *~the truth~*.

Ever author who blurbed on the back of this book should feel bad about themselves.

PS: The cover wardrobe is inaccurate. Just for the record. The Tudor Secret

The era of the Tudors was one of danger, intrigue, conspiracy, and, above all, spies. Summer 1553 was a time of danger and deceit. Brendan Prescott, an orphan, has been 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 discover 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. Filled with the intrigue and pageantry of Tudor England, The Tudor Secret is the first book in The Elizabeth I Spymaster Chronicles. The Tudor Secret