Plots and Plot – Wonderful Narrator

This, the second in the run of full Giordano Bruno novels, is set in the London of 1583 in the run-up to the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s 17th year of reign. It is a London of palaces and mansions cheek-by-jowl with the poverty and unsavoury areas of London. The main feature of attraction is again the character of Giordano Bruno. His views, his introspections and his self-criticism goes alongside his efforts to deal with nasty murders and Catholic plots to make Mary Queen of Scots the queen of England. Bruno is not a perfect operator which he reflects upon many times, but he is committed and resilient. In this novel - as someone else has reflected- he is a bit of a James Bond figure, but here with his own running commentary. For me the novel had less momentum than the previous adventure ‘Heresy’ and there were times when I wished it would simply move along more quickly. This may because we follow Bruno every step along the way. I also wonder whether the thread of Bruno ‘heretical’ beliefs would be so prominent in other novels within the series. (It is not in the sixth novel ‘Execution’. At the time of writing there are four more and another due for release in a Summer 2023 [‘Alchemy’]). Laurence Kennedy’s performance of the audio-book would be hard to better, especially as he has to flip between so many accents in addition the main accent which is Italian. He wins every time and you are never in doubt as to who is speaking within the dialogue. As in ‘Heresy’ it wold have help to have a map of the locations in this novel; it would be really beneficial. There is no excuse for the print versions not to have them, and for everyone the author’s website could easily be a home for them.

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A Popish Plot …. Probably

Entertaining and very well written and read. The complex plot keeps you thoroughly engaged right to the end. Historically interesting too. Highly recommended.

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Amazing narrator

Good enough story that kept my attention and i will be continuing with the next book in the series but particular mention must be made of the excellent narrator who moved between characters seamlessly. He really brought the story alive. Am about to investigate other books narrated by this person _ great job.

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3 people found this helpful

Totally gripping

The narrator really brings this book and its characters to life. So entertaining to listen to, I found it hard to put it down. This is the second book in the series and there is now a depth to the main characters and a brilliant story line with twists and turns. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who likes mysteries set in an historical background.

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Too many narrowed eyes

I enjoyed it and would have liked to have given it 4 and a half stars. Overall the narrator does a good job with his Italian accent and I found him easy to listen to, but he does stumble a bit, and I think this audio wasn't quite as well edited as the first book of the series. The story moves along at a good pace, and I was sorry to come to the end.
I have already forgotten the plot of the first one which I read quite recently so I don't think this is a book that will stay with me but it's very entertaining despite people narrowing their eyes at every opportunity.

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Brilliant as always

So many twists and turns. Brilliant story telling, and well narrated bring the story to life.

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Getting better and better!

I'm really getting into the series, poor guy he really gets knocked about. I'd you liked the Matthew Shardlake series of Novels by CJ Samson. then you could do worse than give this series a try.

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Great Tudor who-dun-it

A very involving 'listen' with lots of enjoyably accurate historical detail. Nicely read, in a way which grows on you!

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very enjoyable listen

very good story and listen ...this is the second in the series have read first one as well..stories link. going to listen to remaining books this year. recommend

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great book well read

If you could sum up Prophecy in three words, what would they be?

Top ten book

Who was your favorite character and why?

Bruno

What does Laurence Kennedy bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

He is very good and his accents for the different speakers was very good

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I did laugh at how things developed. It was a good laugh

Any additional comments?

Yes, thoroughly enjoyable. I can't recommend it and the series enough

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6 people found this helpful