Sacred Treason

Mar 05, 2013 Regina Lindsey rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Sacred Treason by James Forrester
3 Stars

A thriller set in Elizabethan times, the book opens with Henry Machyn, a church clerk and funeral arranger, sending his wife into hiding and seeking out a respected acquaintance, Clarenceux. Machyn, in fear for his life, entrusts a chronicle to Clarenceux's keeping. The chronicle contians the key to a secret that would impact the fate of two queens if revealed. The key can only be deciphered when the Knights of the Round Table, a secret society of the old...more Sacred Treason by James Forrester
3 Stars

A thriller set in Elizabethan times, the book opens with Henry Machyn, a church clerk and funeral arranger, sending his wife into hiding and seeking out a respected acquaintance, Clarenceux. Machyn, in fear for his life, entrusts a chronicle to Clarenceux's keeping. The chronicle contians the key to a secret that would impact the fate of two queens if revealed. The key can only be deciphered when the Knights of the Round Table, a secret society of the old faith, are assembled and reveal their individual names and dates.

If you are a Dan Brown fan you will gobble up this book. It is fast paced, often only two pages to a chapter, and a well constructed mystery. Further, while most works focus on the illigitimacy of Henry's marriage to Anne Boleyn through then lens of his absurd claim that he wasn't legally married to Catherine of Aragon, Forrester takes an intersting different perspective.

I'm not a big fan of the thriller genre. I find most works woefully lacking in character development, and I need to feel connected to the characters of a book to fully embrace it. I found that true in Sacred Treason. Further, I found the internal conflict Clarenceux endured to be a bit heavy handed and came across as tiresome. But, my biggest problem was in Forrester's depiction of religious suppression early in Elizabeth's reign. He portrayed an environment that was hostile to Catholics too early in Elizabeth's reign. The book takes place in 1563 when Elizabeth was taking a fairly tolerant stance. The Revolt of Earls didn't take place until 1569. I wouldn't have had a problem with the deviation from historical record if there had been an explanation in the Author's Note. My fear is that a reader will walk away thinking that Elizabeth acted much the same way as Mary, just on the side of the Protestants.

I do have to give Forrester credit for taking two obscure references to a chronicle bequeathed to Clarenceux and the Knights of the Round Table from two wills of the time to create an imaginative plot.(less)

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Jan 27, 2013 Jason A. rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Sacred Treason, by James Forrester, left me a little conflicted. This is a novel that I felt was well written, with beautifully described scenes and characters. The plot had just the right amount of twists to it, and the resolution was satisfactory. I just felt like it took too long to get there.

Several scenes seemed so similar as to have me doubting whether or not I had doubled back somehow. The main character gets caught up in a plot not of his own doing, and is constantly stymied by the same...more

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Oct 29, 2012 Lucy rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Sacred Treason, by James Forrester, is a mystery-thriller novel set in the Elizabethan period. Mr. Harley, better known as Clarenceux, was given the dangerously high mission of decoding and preserving a chronicle that held the secret to the legitimacy of the throne…Why him? Clarenceux was literally thrown into this quest -unbeknown to him were the reasons for his being chosen, nor the dangers and horrors that would accumulate.

Henry Machyn, the church clerk, funeral arranger and tailor was the p...more Sacred Treason, by James Forrester, is a mystery-thriller novel set in the Elizabethan period. Mr. Harley, better known as Clarenceux, was given the dangerously high mission of decoding and preserving a chronicle that held the secret to the legitimacy of the throne…Why him? Clarenceux was literally thrown into this quest -unbeknown to him were the reasons for his being chosen, nor the dangers and horrors that would accumulate.

Henry Machyn, the church clerk, funeral arranger and tailor was the person who wrote this chronicle. Before meeting his final fate, Machyn delivered the document to Clarenceux and bestowed upon him the duty of its safety, deliverance and decoding- all for the sake of re-instating the Catholic faith and the political changes that that would entail.

This plight would prove almost insurmountable for Clarenceux as all odds were against him. William Cecil, the Queen’s head advisor and Walsingham her counselor and spy planned to get a hold of the chronicle at any cost. This put the merciless soldier Crackenthorpe at the forefront of the mission. Clarenceux would fight him off until the end…

The tale leads us into an intricate maze-like plot, with Clarenceux solving the mystery step by step. Along his treacherous journey he was accompanied by Machyn’s widow, Rebecca. The two of them became very close due to the nature of their dangerous mission which lead them to care deeply for one another. There were several moments where Clarenceux (married with children) desired Rebecca (and vice versa) but his respect for her, his wife and his Catholic faith kept him strong in avoiding temptation. (Although this rang a bit holier than thou- it also stressed as commendable and in line with his faith).

Clarenceux faced incredible obstacles to preserve ‘the truth’ in the precious document. To further the mystery of this puzzle, there were nine Knights of the Round Table, who had all sworn to keep the faith and preserve the chronicle for its sublime truth as well.

Packed with action and well researched history, James Forrester writes a novel that will capture the interest of those who love their history mixed with gruesome fighting, torture, mystery and suspense. The book is detailed to the very moment although at times it felt like there was just too much that lasted too long. I loved the beginning and was immediately drawn into this story, but then the scenes, the journey and quest altogether felt endless. I would have preferred a faster pace with less dragging and over-telling it, with less battles and action.

But then, that’s just me, preferring more heroine material over soldiers torturing, and settings in dark tunnels. Yet, truth be told, the story was gripping enough for me to read up until the end- I really wanted to see that mystery solved!

Definitely an interesting take on historical mystery- the whole idea of this chronicle and its possibility is brilliant in itself. Engaging and sure to be a hit for lovers of historical mysteries revolving around a male hero.
It's between a 2 and 3 star rating...so 2 1/2 (but there's on option for that here on GR)(less)

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Oct 20, 2012 Marie Z. Johansen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

James Forrester is the nom de plume of Dr. Ian Mortimer whose non-fiction books have delighted me for many years. A couple of my many favorites of Dr. Mortimer's is "The Time Traveler's Guide To Medieval England" and "The Time Traveler's Guide to Elizabethan England".

Dr. Mortimer, writing as James Forrester, has now taken his unique and admirable writing talents to the realm of historical fiction. His Clarenceux Trilogy begins with Sacred Treason which has, gratefully, now been published by Sour...more James Forrester is the nom de plume of Dr. Ian Mortimer whose non-fiction books have delighted me for many years. A couple of my many favorites of Dr. Mortimer's is "The Time Traveler's Guide To Medieval England" and "The Time Traveler's Guide to Elizabethan England".

Dr. Mortimer, writing as James Forrester, has now taken his unique and admirable writing talents to the realm of historical fiction. His Clarenceux Trilogy begins with Sacred Treason which has, gratefully, now been published by SourceBooks, a publisher that I have come to rely on for excellence in historical fiction publications.

Set in 1563, as Elizabeth's reigns over a Protestant England, political intrigue, religious strife and citizen unrest remain hallmarks of the kingdom's daily life. The main protagonist, a 'secret' Catholic by the name of William Harley, holds the eminent position of Clarenceux King (senior officer at arms). It is in the stormy hours of a late night that a Catholic friend, Henry Machyn, knocks on Harley's door to press a manuscript into his hands, begging for him to guard the book and saying that he (Machyn) will soon be dead. Intrigued by what he has been charged with guarding, William Harley, begins to investigate the contents of this obviously important book; finding within it's pages clues that involve religion and the security of the crown.

Alerted by the importance of this manuscript well known figures such as spymasters Sir William Cecil and Sir Francis Walsingham hunt down the Clarenceux (William Harley) whose life is quickly upended as his house is sacked, a servant murdered and his family forced to go into hiding. With no idea what the real importance of the book is Harley and Henry Machyn's widow, must race to unearth the clues that hide within the books pages before he loses his reputation and, quite possibly, both of their lives.

The hunt for the clues leads these two hunted people through the back alleys of London and into the parlors of some very interesting people- each of whom holds a piece the book's puzzle in their collective knowledge.

As you might expect from one of Britain's premier historians, this book is a thriller that is impeccably fast paced, highlights superbly written plot lines and well developed characters that combine with Forrester's unique grasp on the historical facts to produce a novel that is gripping throughout and has the added benefit of an ending that is worthy of the book!

The novel began just a tad slow - but it was just a few pages before I could not put the book down! It's a fast paced page turner that can't help but grab you and pull you in! While I don't necessarily read historical fiction to actually learn history, given the author's knowledge and abilities, this book does have the added benefit of his expert knowledge of the period which lends itself to the historically correct 'feel' of the book. It's a romp through time that you will not regret taking!

Don't miss out on reading this book! I'm now eager to read book two which I hope Sourcebooks will also release before too long!
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Oct 16, 2012 Marlene rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Originally published at Book Lovers Inc

Reading Sacred Treason was like being completely immersed in the world of 16th Century England (without the smells). It was bracing and marvelous and compelling from beginning to end.

It wasn't so much the characters that drew me in as it was the evocation of the time and place. Clarenceaux finds himself in the grip of events, and for most of the book, the events he thinks he's being gripped by aren't the ones that are actually happening.

That's because no on...more

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Aug 23, 2011 Dan Oates rated it 3 of 5 stars

Sacred Treason is the first novel from the acclaimed historian Ian Mortimer and as such it makes an interesting read. I have read a number of Mortimer’s historical texts and these are usually extremely well written and excellently researched, even though in the case of his book on his historical namesake Roger Mortimer he comes to a conclusion that could be described as contentious. However this is not a review of Ian Mortimer’s work, this is a review of his works under his pen name James Forres...more Sacred Treason is the first novel from the acclaimed historian Ian Mortimer and as such it makes an interesting read. I have read a number of Mortimer’s historical texts and these are usually extremely well written and excellently researched, even though in the case of his book on his historical namesake Roger Mortimer he comes to a conclusion that could be described as contentious. However this is not a review of Ian Mortimer’s work, this is a review of his works under his pen name James Forrester.

The novel is a decent debut, which would motivate me to read his follow up book, however this is not in the same league as the works of the author who is in my view the master of the Tudor based historical fiction CJ Samson. The book is easy to read, however the characters are not quite believable such as the fact that William Harley the main protagonist who at the start of the book appears to be happily married and then develops an attraction to Rebecca, the widow of the murdered Henry Machyn, which while plausible is not written in sufficient depth or style to make it believable, and Harley's wife takes on an out of sight out of mind role throughout the book.

The constant wrestling with his conscience by Harley is also a tad grating; as it is mentioned in almost every chapter and as the character appears to have an almost iron like sense of self control it appears to be little more than an attempt to add a more human dimension to the character.

This is however by no means a bad book, it flows well and is pretty gripping without feeling drawn out or dull and the plot and story line are very good. The authors note at the end is also great, stating exactly what details in the book are historically accurate and which are embellished or created new. This is a good debut novel; however it must be hoped that as Forrester gains more experience writing fiction he is able to develop his writing style so that the characters develop the required depth to make them truly believable.
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Sep 19, 2010 Miles rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviews

Set in 1563, four years into the reign of Elizabeth I (7 September 1533 – 24 March 1603), the last of the Tudor dynasty, Sacred Treason delves deeply into troubled England during times of political and religious unrest.

Written by historian James Forrester [The Pen name of Ian Mortimer], Sacred Treason surprised me. I know it’s an often overused cliché but I couldn’t put the book down. I was instantly transported back to Elizabethan times, deep in the heart of a cold and rain soaked London, I nev...more

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May 21, 2013 Jean Gobel rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: historical fiction fans

William Harley, a highly respected herald in the time of Elizabeth I, is known by his title Clarenceaux. A devout Catholic in a time of political and religious unrest, Clarenceaux and his wife maintain a somewhat low profile. Awakened late one night well after curfew, he is forced to accept and promise to protect a chronicle that contains a secret that only he will be able to understand. And it may well be treason for all associated with it. With his wife and two small daughters sent away for sa...more

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Mar 25, 2013 Marilyn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction-tudor-era

TI found this book to be quite entertaining, and although it was a work of fiction it did weave in historical fact into the story. The author of this book, James Forrestor provided information on what was known to be fact, as well as possibility. I though that the author did justice to the subject of the religious reformation. Also, I thought that he handled the legitimacy of Elizabeth the First in a fair fashion as well.

As far as the chronical written by Henry Machlyn is concerned, it does exs...more TI found this book to be quite entertaining, and although it was a work of fiction it did weave in historical fact into the story. The author of this book, James Forrestor provided information on what was known to be fact, as well as possibility. I though that the author did justice to the subject of the religious reformation. Also, I thought that he handled the legitimacy of Elizabeth the First in a fair fashion as well.

As far as the chronical written by Henry Machlyn is concerned, it does exsist. And, it was written by Henry Machlyn, who was a merchant taylor, funeral arranger, and parish clerk. He died in November of 1563. Had he not written his chronical, he simply would have faded away historically. At some point after Henry's death, is chronical was obtained by Robert Cotton, one of England's great collector, where it became part of what had been the greatest library of historical manuscripts ever as far as belonging to one person is concerned. This incredibly large library was moved to Ashburnham House sometime after the death of Robert Cotton, in 1631. A fire at Ashburnhan House, in 1731, destroyed the building completely, and many of the the manuscripts housed there. Thankfully there were manuscripts saved, although the fire had consumed the outer edges of them. As far as Henry Machlyn's manuscript goes, the binding, margins and spine were lost to the fire. However, the central portion of each page of the manuscript did survive. So, the first and last pages of the chronical in this book, were written by James Forrestor.

This book for me, was hard to put down, once I began reading it. I really was pulled into the storyline, as events began to unfold. Can you imagine having in your possession a document, which in all appearance seems quite innocent, but once decoded would or could affect the lives of two queens? And so therein, lies the story....treason, heresy, love, and the crown of England itself are in question....and one man, William Harley, Clarenceux King of Arms to her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth I , and one woman, Rebecca Lowe Machlyn will have to find the answers, risking charges of high treason, and heresy. William Harley, was actually actuall

y a character who in real life, a William Harvey, he was the Clareneceux King of Arms in 1563. Rebecca Lowe Machlyn, was modeled from Dorothy Laws Machlyn, who was Henry Machlyn.

I have spoiled the story enough....hopefully my review will interest you enough, to choose to read this book as well.(less)

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Oct 22, 2012 Patty rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Oooh, this one was a rip-roarer. Do not start it right before bed. You will not sleep. In fact I was about two thirds of the way through last night and I stayed up to finish it. I couldn't stop turning the pages. It's one of those books that gets your heart pumping!

The hero of the book, Clarenceux is a gentleman, a herald of England and a friend to Queen Elizabeth's most ardent supporter, Cecil. One night he is approached by a man he has known for years and given a chronicle and some mysterious...more

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Jan 08, 2013 Stephanie rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: tudor-history, historical-fiction, adult-fiction, 2013-reads, mystery

The political and religious strife of Elizabeth I's reign take center stage in Sacred Treason, in which a secret Catholic, William Harley, Clarenceaux King of Arms, is entrusted with a chronicle. Unfortunately, very powerful people are also trying to get ahold of this chronicle, and Clarenceaux finds himself sucked into the center of a plot that he really wants to have nothing to do with.

The plot is interesting enough, and I appreciated how all of the clues to this mystery fit together. I also e...more

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Oct 10, 2012 Kimberly rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Sacred Treason was one of those novels that took me completely by surprise. I was blown away by how much I enjoyed this book and I really have to thank the publicist who contacted me offering me a spot on this books tour.

This book had everything I wanted. I haven't read many historical mysteries especially not ones set in Tudor England so this one was a real treat for me. I can honestly say that I've never read a book like it and I'm super excited that I had the opportunity to read this.

I reall...more Sacred Treason was one of those novels that took me completely by surprise. I was blown away by how much I enjoyed this book and I really have to thank the publicist who contacted me offering me a spot on this books tour.

This book had everything I wanted. I haven't read many historical mysteries especially not ones set in Tudor England so this one was a real treat for me. I can honestly say that I've never read a book like it and I'm super excited that I had the opportunity to read this.

I really enjoyed the sense of adventure in this novel as Clarenceux solved the mystery behind the mysterious book that his friend Henry gave him. It was a non-stop ride for me and I found myself staying up late last night just to finish it because I couldn't help but want to see what would happen next.

The writing was seemless and addictive each chapter left me wanting to find out more and more and I very much enjoyed the characters that James Forrester created in his fictional debut. I have to say that Clarenceux is one of my new favourite characters now because he himself was just as intriguing as the mystery surround the book in his possession.

The way the book was set up was very much in the way of an adventure novel. I loved the historical details that were paid attention to and the descriptions of the times, the places and the people were wonderfully done. I loved the tension between Clareneux and his wicked counterparts who were up to no good it was thrilling to see how the whole novel played out and I'm glad I had a chance to read it.

I really think that the author's historical background was a real asset to him in writing this novel. He's an author of non fiction titles under his real name Ian Mortimer which gives him that extra edge to pen this series.

Like I said before I'm not really familiar with the historical mystery genre Sacred Treason has really sparked an interest in me to explore other books that are part of the genre and there's nothing I like more than to be introduced to a new genre so you can expect to see more reviews of books like this in the future. Since I am a fan of both historical fiction as well as mystery novels this bridge between both genres worked out well for me.

I highly recommend this book to those who are fans of historical fiction and historical mysteries. If you love books set in Tudor England than I think this book might just be up your alley but if you're anything like me you may find yourself up to all hours of the night reading it. I for one am eagerly anticipating reading the other two books in this series and I'm hoping to do so soon.

* I received a free copy of this book from the published via NetGalley in exchange for my free and honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own and I was not compensated in any way.(less)

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Oct 10, 2012 Colleen Turner rated it 5 of 5 stars

I initially reviewed this book for the blog Passages To The Past and am so glad I did! Here is my review:

1563: William Harley, Clarenceux King of Arms, is content in his life. As a herald of England, he has had the opportunity to travel the continent and has enjoyed the privilege and relative safety of a gentleman. He has a nice home on London's Fleet Street, a loving wife, two beautiful young daughters and a library full of the books he loves. While the current Queen Elizabeth's Protestant beli...more I initially reviewed this book for the blog Passages To The Past and am so glad I did! Here is my review:

1563: William Harley, Clarenceux King of Arms, is content in his life. As a herald of England, he has had the opportunity to travel the continent and has enjoyed the privilege and relative safety of a gentleman. He has a nice home on London's Fleet Street, a loving wife, two beautiful young daughters and a library full of the books he loves. While the current Queen Elizabeth's Protestant beliefs are at odds with his Catholic faith he keeps quiet to avoid the taint of treason that so many Catholics fear. For a charge of treason can mean a ruined reputation, all lands, properties and titles taken and even death, not only for the one accused but their loved ones as well. It seems much safer to practice his faith quietly then bring attention to himself and risk the enmity of the crown.

One cold, rainy December night this cozy life is put to the test when Clarenceux, as Mr. Harley is known to everyone, receives a knock on the door. Henry Machyn, a merchant taylor, funeral arranger and parish clerk acquaintance of Clarenceux's, is distraught, shaken and adamant that his life is in danger and he needs Clarenceux's help. He cryptically asks Clarenceux to keep his chronicle safe when he is gone, a chronicle detailing all that Machyn has witnessed over the last thirteen years. Along with this he gives Clarenceux instructions to visit a man named Lancelot Heath upon Machyn's death and that he will need to give Lancelot a false name and specific date. Terrified that Machyn is involving him in something treasonous Clarenceux presses him further regarding what this chronicle really is. However the more coded information Machyn gives the more questions Clarenceux has, until it becomes evident to him this must be a test of his faith and he has to accept it. Right before leaving Machyn tells him he alone can discover the true secret of the chronicle and that he will need to find and bring together all nine of the "Knights of the Round Table" and discover each of their secret names and specific dates to uncover it. Then he is gone into the night and the real test of Clarenceux's faith begins.

As Clarenceux reads through the chronicle he becomes even more confused. The log appears to be nothing more than an account of Machyn's day to day actions and observances, ones that seem eerily to involve Clarenceux more than any other. When he goes in search of Machyn to figure out what this chronicle and its secret has to do with him he discovers Machyn is missing and his house is under guard. Shortly after he receives a visit from Machyn's wife, Rebecca, and Clarenceux is arrested on suspicion of treason and his house is ransacked by a royal sergeant-at-arms and his men who are looking for the chronicle. Rebecca is able to escape with the chronicle right before the men can find it but Clarenceux's house is destroyed and one of his servants is murdered. He now knows he must discover the secret behind the chronicle to clear his name, revenge the destruction and death brought about under royal instruction and to keep him and those involved alive. What he doesn't at first realize is that two of the most powerful men in England - Sir William Cecil, the Queen's principle secretary and most trusted advisor, and Francis Walsingham, Cecil's Chief Counselor and the Queen's "spymaster" - are determined to find the chronicle and discover its secrets first and they are willing to do anything to make that happen.

So begins the adventure of a lifetime. With Rebecca Machyn's help Clarenceux sets off to find each of the Knights of the Round Table and discover what secrets they hold to help unravel the mystery connected to this seemingly benign chronicle. Through continued attacks, murder, betrayal and utter devastation they must hold on to their faith and the constant hope for the future to persevere even when all seems lost in order to discover the secret that could change the course of history for two queens.

Sacred Treason is a brilliant mystery adventure set in one of my favorite places - Tudor England. James Forrester is able to keep the suspense and tension palpable across the over 450 pages, a feat not easily done. Seamlessly incorporating known facts and people of the time with fictional aspects to progress the story, the many secrets and connections between the various characters are slowly released until the truth literally jumps out at you right towards the end. I was completely surprised with the discovery of the chronicle's ultimate secrets which is quite impressive as so often these sorts of stories are easy to unravel long before the ending. There are just so many twists, hidden truths and character connections that there is nothing to be done but to keep turning the pages. This being the first of a trilogy of stories, I am happy to say that some secrets are still left to be discovered in the subsequent books, such as the identify of one of the Knights of the Round Table, known only as Sir Percival.

Sacred Treason is James Forrester's first novel but many fans of history will know him as bestselling author Dr. Ian Mortimer, historian and author of such celebrated works as The Time Traveler's Guide to Elizabethan England. Even without yet having read one of Dr. Mortimer's historic nonfiction books it is not hard to see that he is an exemplary researcher and skilled writer. The author notes for Sacred Treason go into the research that brought about the idea for the book and the facts contained within. My only complaint at all is that it seems it will take some time for me to get my hands on the next two books in this series - The Roots of Betrayal and The Final Sacrament - as they don't seem readily available here in the US. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for them releasing and will start reading some of his nonfiction in the meantime. A must read for historical fiction lovers and especially for those that devour Tudor stories. (less)

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Jul 15, 2012 John Lee rated it 4 of 5 stars

I dont think that this is a novel that I would have chosen from the library shelf but it is one that I picked from a high street bookshop to make up the number of books needed for one of their 'special offers'. I am pleased that I did.

According to the Authors notes at the end of the book, he is an historian and it was whilst engaged in work on the actual document around which this book is written, that the idea for this novel first took root. The descriptive narration witnesses his fine knowledg...more

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Mar 15, 2013 Ruth rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Mar 01, 2013 Callie Mcgonegal rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

An amazing story set in the time of Queen Elizabeth rule following the break of King Henry VIII. Some felt the crown needed protected from suspicion of a plot to overthrow the legitimacy of the queens rule. It reflects on the various forms of religious persecution taking place in that era of time. I was able to make predictions at various times within the book that I will not state here as it will spoil the fun but I was pleased to find that as I continued to read my predictions about certain as...more

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Feb 19, 2013 Ron rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebook, historical-fiction, maps

At least four stars. Historical fiction which, despite its deep roots in reality, grabs the reader and drags him or her into the story. All the while I'm flipping pages thinking "I know enough history to know this can't turn out well. Well, I'm not going to tell, but it does turn out.

Unlike so many romantic historical novelists, "Forrester" is true to the feel of the time. Oh, he makes mistakes but they aren't the sort that makes the reader want to rip the covers off the book. Most important, is...more

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Jul 26, 2011 Ian Young added it · review of another edition

Historical fiction set early in the reign of Queen Elizabeth the first. First novel by a well respected historian, and therefore authentic in terms of detail. However, lacks the lightness of touch and not nearly so engrossing as the novels of CJ Sansom, which cover similar territory. The characters were neither particularly likeable nor convincing, and the persistent internal battle of the main protagonist with his conscience became a little tiresome after awhile. I suspect that this may be the...more

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Dec 12, 2012 Laura rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Sacred Treason is a riveting historical fiction thriller set during one of my favorite time periods, Tudor England during the reign of Elizabeth I. William Harley, Clarenceux King of Arms, is interrupted in the night by a knocking the door. Fearful that his religion (Catholicism) has been discovered and that he is to be taken away as a traitor, he is at first happy and then puzzled to see an acquaintance, Henry Machyn, a merchant tailor, at the door. Machyn is also a secret Catholic and gives hi...more Sacred Treason is a riveting historical fiction thriller set during one of my favorite time periods, Tudor England during the reign of Elizabeth I. William Harley, Clarenceux King of Arms, is interrupted in the night by a knocking the door. Fearful that his religion (Catholicism) has been discovered and that he is to be taken away as a traitor, he is at first happy and then puzzled to see an acquaintance, Henry Machyn, a merchant tailor, at the door. Machyn is also a secret Catholic and gives his journal to Clarenceux having him promise to keep it safe and to gather the members of the “round table” together to crack the book’s code. The code will determine the fate of two Queens.

Clarenceux is thus pushed into circumstances that are far beyond his control. With an evil sergeant, Crackenthorpe, after him under Walsingham’s direction to protect Queen Elizabeth no matter the cost, Clarenceux soon finds himself on the run with Machyn’s wife Rebecca. Together they work to crack the code. What is the mystery that can bring the queen down? Will the two survive? Why is Machyn’s journal so important?

I loved the mystery and thought the characters were very well developed. The history of the time was riveting, especially with Forrester’s end notes discussing Machyn’s real journal. I was pleased to discover that this is part of a trilogy and will definitely be reading on in this series. I don’t want to ruin this book by giving away too many details for those that have not read it. I will say though that it was very thought provoking on how if one was of the “wrong” religion during this time period, you always had to be on alert. The “wrong” religion seemed to vary with the season during this time period. It was also disturbing on if you were on the wrong side of the law in this age how torture and other means could be used to get rid of you. There was no fair trial. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Overall, I loved this book. If you are a fan of historical fiction, thrillers, or just a good book, I highly recommend Sacred Treason. James Forrester gave an interesting interview on this blog. To read it, check out this link.

Book Source: Review copy from Sourcebooks. Thank-you!

This review was originally published on my blog at: http://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2012/...(less)

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Oct 22, 2011 Bill Preston rated it 4 of 5 stars

Pretty compelling read from respected British historian writing fiction under this pen name. Forrester takes a pretty obscure bit of English succession legal precedent, adds a mystery that must be unravled bit by bit, throws in mostly historical characters that could have easily been involved in the plot, keeps swords and knives stabbing and cutting to insure an increasing body count and an intellectual hero who is forced to become a man of action. All in all, the story picks up speed quickly an...more

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Mar 05, 2013 Alissa Mccarthy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was a free Nook book of the week and as it was historical fiction I downloaded it and was pleasently surprised. 1563: Anyone could be a suspect; any Catholic could be accused of plotting against the throne. Clarenceux keeps his head down and his religion quiet. But when a friend desperately pleads with Clarenceux to hide a manuscript for him, he is drawn into a web of treachery and conspiracy he may never untangle. Is there no refuge if your faith is your enemy? Forrester re-imagines how th...more

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Feb 27, 2013 Rebecca rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, mystery

As a bit of a history fanatic, it was difficult for me to become invested in this book solely based on the premise. While the Elizabethan era was a tumultuous time in British history, especially after Mary's bloody reign, it is a generally well-established fact that -- no one successfully overthrew Elizabeth. So, when the protagonist becomes drawn into a counter-Elizabethan plot, my desire to continue reading almost evaporated. The ending only really had two options: a) he dies and the plot fail...more

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Mar 10, 2013 Bruce MacBain rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the first volume in a proposed trilogy of political thrillers set in Elizabethan England. The protagonist, William Harley, although a Catholic under a fanatically Protestant regime, holds an honorable position in the state as Clarenceux King of Arms. This precarious balancing act is upset one night when a Catholic acquaintance, Henry Machyn, entrusts a secret chronicle to him. Machyn is soon afterward tortured to death by the “Queen’s spymaster,” the implacable Francis Walsingham. The ch...more

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Oct 25, 2012 Jo at Jaffareadstoo rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

England 1563, and with widespread Catholic plots against Queen Elizabeth I, herald William Harvey, known as Clarenceux, is worried when he is presented with a sinister book belonging to his friend, Henry Machyn. However, Machyn is in fear of his life, and he warns Clarenceux that the book must remain secret. When the Queen’s secretary, Francis Walsingham finds out about the book, his deadly determination to possess its secrets forms the basis for this well written and exciting historical mystery...more

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Sep 13, 2012 Melisende d'Outremer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: england, ebooks, historical-fiction, melisende-s-library, religion, tudors

Author James Forrester has presented us with an unlikely hero in the guise of the elderly Herald, Sir William Harley, known throughout to all as Clarenceux. The setting is Tudor England at the height of the "succession" question where Catholics were putting forth one Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, as the successor to both Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. The whole country is on tenter-hooks as treason and traitors are discovered and removed from all levels of Tudor society.

In this first instalment, Wil...more

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Mar 14, 2012 Helene Harrison rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: genre-historical, best-books-ever, genre-mystery, i-own, genre-crime, setting-tudor, author-male, 2010s-publication, setting-british, 2012-challenge, format-paperback

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Feb 28, 2013 Christine rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I liked this book, but I didn't love it and I think the reason why is because I found the relationship between William Harley and Rebecca to be too be unrealistic. I throughout the book I kept comparing this story to C.J. Sansom's Matthew Shardlake Mysteries, which I find to be more compelling and a better read. Having said this, I am now interested in reading the actual chronicle which was the main focus of this novel. And, although, I didn't love this book I am willing to read the second novel...more

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Apr 19, 2013 Susan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Many of the ebooks on my nook color are the freebies offered with Free Fridays. "Sacred Treason" is one of those freebies. Many times the Free Friday offers are not worth the download. The difference with "Sacred Treason" lies in the fact that I really liked and enjoyed this book. I plan to read the sequel. Historical fiction is probably my favorite type of reading material. Knowing that the author is an historian just adds flavor to an already good read!

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Jan 08, 2013 Anna rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: tudors

An enjoyable tale of Early Elizabethan England, plenty of action and some interesting characters. The plot concerns a secret society pledged to keep a secret which can only be revealed when all its members put all their information together. Meanwhile, the state authorities, always alert for any signs of heresy or treason, are rounding up the members. Some good period detail and a good read.

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Jul 20, 2012 Susan Corcoran rated it 4 of 5 stars

A clever book. Well written and accurate to its period, as you would expect from a writer, who under his real name wrote "A Time Travellors Guide to Medieval England". It was an enjoyable read and I would read the next in the saga. the problem is, I have read so many books of this type I feel the need to broaden my horizons into other types of genre.

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GIVEAWAY: Sacred Treason	1	8	Oct 29, 2012 02:08pm
Book Giveaways: Giveaway - Sacred Treason by James Forrester	4	6	Oct 29, 2012 01:02pm

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Sacred Treason (Clarenceux Trilogy #1)

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