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Nathan Fox #1
Dangerous Times
The Spymaster General has formed an intelligence network to ensure that England remains the mightiest super-power. He is always looking for brilliant new agents, and Nathan Fox has just caught his eye ...
Nathan is a gifted actor in the same company as thespian and fledgling playwright, Will Shakespeare. Of gypsy descent, Nathan is a skilled acrobat and horseman, and picks up accents and languages easily. When the Spymaster General sends one of his top agents, John Pearce, to recruit him, Nathan accepts with delight. He leaves the theatre and is sent to Master Robey's School of Defence to learn the skills that will keep him alive - swordplay, dagger-throwing and streetfighting, as well as codebreaking and intelligence gathering.
Now set for his first assignment, Nathan partners Pearce and they travel to Venice to secure an alliance against the dreaded Spaniards. On their arrival, Nathan and John - posing as servant and master - are brought into contact with the great General Othello. As their mission goes awry, the partners become embroiled in the events surrounding the explosive, tragic love affair between Othello and a young noblewoman, Desdemona. Nathan is leading a dangerous life of the highest drama - but will he survive to tell Will Shakespeare the details of his adventure?
Nathan is a gifted actor in the same company as thespian and fledgling playwright, Will Shakespeare. Of gypsy descent, Nathan is a skilled acrobat and horseman, and picks up accents and languages easily. When the Spymaster General sends one of his top agents, John Pearce, to recruit him, Nathan accepts with delight. He leaves the theatre and is sent to Master Robey's School of Defence to learn the skills that will keep him alive - swordplay, dagger-throwing and streetfighting, as well as codebreaking and intelligence gathering.
Now set for his first assignment, Nathan partners Pearce and they travel to Venice to secure an alliance against the dreaded Spaniards. On their arrival, Nathan and John - posing as servant and master - are brought into contact with the great General Othello. As their mission goes awry, the partners become embroiled in the events surrounding the explosive, tragic love affair between Othello and a young noblewoman, Desdemona. Nathan is leading a dangerous life of the highest drama - but will he survive to tell Will Shakespeare the details of his adventure?
307 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
8 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
L. Brittney
3 books4 followersL. Brittney is a former drama and theatre teacher. She has also taught Creative Writing at the University of Kent. The Nathan Fox books combine her love for both history and theatre. She lives in Axminster, Devon, where she is now a full-time writer. This is her first novel for children, (published January 2007 by Macmillan Children’s Books).
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 9, 2023
• General: 3☆
𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
A captivating historical fiction novel that takes readers on an exciting journey to a different time. The writing style may take a bit of adjustment due to the accurate grammar and language of the era, but once you acclimate, you'll find yourself instantly transported to the vividly depicted setting.
𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣: Initially challenging due to the accurate historical grammar but becomes immersive with time.
𝗣𝗹𝗼𝘁
The plot of the book is both interesting and enthralling. It keeps readers engaged with its twists and turns, although there are moments where the purpose of certain events might seem unclear. However, the author's careful planning and execution shine through, making it a nice experience. The only slight disappointment comes with the ending, which leaves something to be desired, but this doesn't overshadow the overall quality of the book. This skillfully blends historical fiction with elements of alternate Shakespeare, adding a unique and intriguing layer to the narrative.
𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣: An interesting and captivating narrative but with a slightly disappointing ending.
𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀
The characters in the book are well-crafted and add depth to the story. Nathan, a central character, stands out as a smart, cunning, and talented individual, particularly with his swordsmanship (Just to name a few). He undergoes significant character development, showing immense courage for his age while maintaining respect for others and a willingness to listen. Nathan is far from a one-dimensional, goody-two-shoes character, which makes him compelling to follow. John Pearce is another character who adds complexity and realism to the narrative, contributing to the depth of the story.
𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣: Well-rounded and engaging characters, others add depth and complexity.
𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆
A notable aspect of the book is the inclusion of diversity, which is handled and added in an interesting way by the author. The diverse characters enhance the overall reading experience.
𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣: Yes
‣𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱?
A highly recommended read for those who have an interest in historical fiction and spy-masters. While it may take a moment to adjust to the period-accurate prose, the engaging plot, well-developed characters, and the creative blend of historical fiction with Shakespearean elements make it a worthwhile and immersive literary experience. You may be transported to an intriguing world of espionage and adventure, eagerly turning the pages to discover the fates of the characters.
𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣: Yes
𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
A captivating historical fiction novel that takes readers on an exciting journey to a different time. The writing style may take a bit of adjustment due to the accurate grammar and language of the era, but once you acclimate, you'll find yourself instantly transported to the vividly depicted setting.
𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣: Initially challenging due to the accurate historical grammar but becomes immersive with time.
𝗣𝗹𝗼𝘁
The plot of the book is both interesting and enthralling. It keeps readers engaged with its twists and turns, although there are moments where the purpose of certain events might seem unclear. However, the author's careful planning and execution shine through, making it a nice experience. The only slight disappointment comes with the ending, which leaves something to be desired, but this doesn't overshadow the overall quality of the book. This skillfully blends historical fiction with elements of alternate Shakespeare, adding a unique and intriguing layer to the narrative.
𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣: An interesting and captivating narrative but with a slightly disappointing ending.
𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀
The characters in the book are well-crafted and add depth to the story. Nathan, a central character, stands out as a smart, cunning, and talented individual, particularly with his swordsmanship (Just to name a few). He undergoes significant character development, showing immense courage for his age while maintaining respect for others and a willingness to listen. Nathan is far from a one-dimensional, goody-two-shoes character, which makes him compelling to follow. John Pearce is another character who adds complexity and realism to the narrative, contributing to the depth of the story.
𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣: Well-rounded and engaging characters, others add depth and complexity.
𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆
A notable aspect of the book is the inclusion of diversity, which is handled and added in an interesting way by the author. The diverse characters enhance the overall reading experience.
𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣: Yes
‣𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱?
A highly recommended read for those who have an interest in historical fiction and spy-masters. While it may take a moment to adjust to the period-accurate prose, the engaging plot, well-developed characters, and the creative blend of historical fiction with Shakespearean elements make it a worthwhile and immersive literary experience. You may be transported to an intriguing world of espionage and adventure, eagerly turning the pages to discover the fates of the characters.
𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣: Yes
October 25, 2024
lacking context, we got introduced to Shakespeare but he said 'I want... I want to tell a story that will so enrapture an audience that they will forget that they are in s theatre. 'I want them to be totally silent-' this is not what theatres were like and then he starts talking about star-crossed lovers and how there is no reason on why the characters hate each other so much (obviously linking to Romeo and Juliet) but surely it should link to his first play- Henry VI- not his most famous one. I only read the first chapter because I get so frustrated at the lack of research. including names. Nathan was not a Tudor name however Nathaniel is (so introduce him as that, sure you can nickname it but Brittney is clearly trying to make a cool sounding name but at least make it a name from that time.
December 13, 2019
It was great! It kept me immersed in the world, it had a good plot and characters you could relate to
November 1, 2011
Fourteen year old Nathan Fox is a young actor and superb acrobat, who lives with his sister in Elizabethan London. Recruited by Her Majesty’s Spymaster General, Sir Francis Walsingham, Nathan leaves the theatre to start an exciting new life as an undercover agent. He is first sent to a school of defence where experts teach him the arts of spying needed to stay alive in the field. These arts include writing in secret codes, how to survive street fighting, accurate dagger throwing and sword fighting. Nathan is then assigned to his first mission, a trip to Venice to thwart Phillip of Spain’s plans to invade England.
NATHAN FOX: DANGEROUS TIMES is the first in a series, and the author, L Brittney, a teacher of drama and theatre, certainly shows us that she knows her history well. She has previously written fourteen non-fiction books (including three children’s history titles) and over forty plays. This is her first fiction book, and in it she accurately brings the Elizabethan period alive for her readers. Through Brittney’s words, the reader can see the filthy streets, the palaces of the privileged, and feel the fear of being in a wooden sailing ship in the middle of a battle.
Nathan grows as a character through the story, but always remains believable as a young teenager. He shows great courage for such a young man, is respectful of others and willing to listen, but not such a goody two-shoes that he doesn’t take things into his own hands. The main supporting characters are Marie, Nathan’s sister, and John Pearce, Nathan’s spy mentor. They are both quite complex characters and very realistic. The author’s experience in drama also comes out in the story, with several links to Shakespeare’s play ‘Othello’. Indeed, the historical Shakespeare appears as a character early on in the book, trying to break away from being an actor by writing a play. Shakespeare asks Nathan to remember his experiences in Venice to pass on to him for inspiration. Nathan just has to live long enough to carry out this commission. One chapter dealing with sword fighting was especially interesting to read as I learned, along with Nathan, that there are four places on the human body where a man can be struck with a sword and disabled, two places where a struck man will die slowly and two points where a man will die quickly. We also learnt why you should avoid the quick points in battle. Want to know why? Well, read the book.
NATHAN FOX: DANGEROUS TIMES is a really good adventure story, with non-stop action, thrilling battles, baddies to outwit and lots of fun. It also made the shortlist for the 2007 Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize in the 9-12 category.
NATHAN FOX: DANGEROUS TIMES is the first in a series, and the author, L Brittney, a teacher of drama and theatre, certainly shows us that she knows her history well. She has previously written fourteen non-fiction books (including three children’s history titles) and over forty plays. This is her first fiction book, and in it she accurately brings the Elizabethan period alive for her readers. Through Brittney’s words, the reader can see the filthy streets, the palaces of the privileged, and feel the fear of being in a wooden sailing ship in the middle of a battle.
Nathan grows as a character through the story, but always remains believable as a young teenager. He shows great courage for such a young man, is respectful of others and willing to listen, but not such a goody two-shoes that he doesn’t take things into his own hands. The main supporting characters are Marie, Nathan’s sister, and John Pearce, Nathan’s spy mentor. They are both quite complex characters and very realistic. The author’s experience in drama also comes out in the story, with several links to Shakespeare’s play ‘Othello’. Indeed, the historical Shakespeare appears as a character early on in the book, trying to break away from being an actor by writing a play. Shakespeare asks Nathan to remember his experiences in Venice to pass on to him for inspiration. Nathan just has to live long enough to carry out this commission. One chapter dealing with sword fighting was especially interesting to read as I learned, along with Nathan, that there are four places on the human body where a man can be struck with a sword and disabled, two places where a struck man will die slowly and two points where a man will die quickly. We also learnt why you should avoid the quick points in battle. Want to know why? Well, read the book.
NATHAN FOX: DANGEROUS TIMES is a really good adventure story, with non-stop action, thrilling battles, baddies to outwit and lots of fun. It also made the shortlist for the 2007 Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize in the 9-12 category.
May 18, 2009
Nathan Fox: Dangerous Times is the first in a new historical fiction series for young adults. The series opens with an introduction to Nathan Fox, an enterprising young actor in an acting company. Highly skilled in acrobatics, in horseback riding, and other skills for the stage, Nathan's recruited by Sir Francis Walsingham, England's Spymaster General.
The novel quickly becomes familiar with Shakespeare fans, as it takes on Othello 's characters and elements. I'll admit I've never read Othello in its entirety, which makes the book all the more intriguing for me.
William Shakespeare is even a character in the book, and before Nathan's journey, asks him for a future recount of all their exploits. However, Shakespeare references aside, author L. Brittney creates an intriguing world all her own, and with each chapter comes a new learning experience.
Before Nathan joins Walsingham, he must train under three masters in the skills of defense, of code-breaking, and of weaponry. As Nathan learns about ciphers, so does the reader. Brittney even includes a key, so children interested in spies and espionage can make their own secret messages.
The novel's most redeeming element is the author always keeps its intended audience in mind. Full with a broad range of historical facts and allusions, the book straddles a delicate balance between historical fiction and spy thriller. Brittney never talks down to the reader, and as Nathan absorbs these various skills and facts, the reader is along for the ride as well. This aspect makes it an engaging and fun companion for a middle-school class aiming to tackle any Shakespeare play.
Nathan Fox: Dangerous Times by Lynne Brittney arrives in the US spring 2008. Shortlisted for the 2007 Waterstone's Children's Book Prize, a website accompanies the novel, and readers can take the adventure beyond the pages.
Review originally published at BriMeetsBooks.com
The novel quickly becomes familiar with Shakespeare fans, as it takes on Othello 's characters and elements. I'll admit I've never read Othello in its entirety, which makes the book all the more intriguing for me.
William Shakespeare is even a character in the book, and before Nathan's journey, asks him for a future recount of all their exploits. However, Shakespeare references aside, author L. Brittney creates an intriguing world all her own, and with each chapter comes a new learning experience.
Before Nathan joins Walsingham, he must train under three masters in the skills of defense, of code-breaking, and of weaponry. As Nathan learns about ciphers, so does the reader. Brittney even includes a key, so children interested in spies and espionage can make their own secret messages.
The novel's most redeeming element is the author always keeps its intended audience in mind. Full with a broad range of historical facts and allusions, the book straddles a delicate balance between historical fiction and spy thriller. Brittney never talks down to the reader, and as Nathan absorbs these various skills and facts, the reader is along for the ride as well. This aspect makes it an engaging and fun companion for a middle-school class aiming to tackle any Shakespeare play.
Nathan Fox: Dangerous Times by Lynne Brittney arrives in the US spring 2008. Shortlisted for the 2007 Waterstone's Children's Book Prize, a website accompanies the novel, and readers can take the adventure beyond the pages.
Review originally published at BriMeetsBooks.com
December 11, 2011
Title: Nathan Fox: Dangerous Times
Author: L Brittney
Year: 2007
ISBN: 0031236962X
Type: book
Genre: Historical Fiction; Adventure; Action
Length/Pages & Reading Level: 288 pages; middle school and up
Publisher/Studio name: Feiwel & Friends
Plot: This story is about Nathan Fox, a young boy who is part of an acting troupe in the Victorian era. Sir Francis Walsingham, England’s Spymaster General recruits Nathan to be a spy for England. Nathan is an acrobat, actor and picks up languages easily. He trained in fighting, swordsmanship, code breaking and escape. He is assigned to join John Pearce for his first mission. The story takes place alongside the Shakespeare play Othelo. The characters of the play provide the background and characters for the story.
Review: If you are a middle schooler just beginning your foray into Shakespeare, this is a fun story. It is the first in a series. The author brings the era to life. Shakespeare is a character in the story and tells Nathan to remember his adventure. This is probably one of the best adventure stories.
Annotation: Nathan is a 14 year old recruited by the Spymaster General to be an undercover agent. Will he survive his first mission?
See Also: Nathan Fox series.
Author: L Brittney
Year: 2007
ISBN: 0031236962X
Type: book
Genre: Historical Fiction; Adventure; Action
Length/Pages & Reading Level: 288 pages; middle school and up
Publisher/Studio name: Feiwel & Friends
Plot: This story is about Nathan Fox, a young boy who is part of an acting troupe in the Victorian era. Sir Francis Walsingham, England’s Spymaster General recruits Nathan to be a spy for England. Nathan is an acrobat, actor and picks up languages easily. He trained in fighting, swordsmanship, code breaking and escape. He is assigned to join John Pearce for his first mission. The story takes place alongside the Shakespeare play Othelo. The characters of the play provide the background and characters for the story.
Review: If you are a middle schooler just beginning your foray into Shakespeare, this is a fun story. It is the first in a series. The author brings the era to life. Shakespeare is a character in the story and tells Nathan to remember his adventure. This is probably one of the best adventure stories.
Annotation: Nathan is a 14 year old recruited by the Spymaster General to be an undercover agent. Will he survive his first mission?
See Also: Nathan Fox series.
July 18, 2009
A great blend of historical fiction and alternate Shakespeare? Nathan is a spy during the time when Queen Elizabeth has just beheaded Queen Mary of Scots and Spain is really mad. Nathan is paired up with another spy who needs to go to Venice to try and get them to come into an alliance with England against Spain. Who should they meet in Venice but Othello, the powerful general of the troops there and he has married Desdemona in secret to really make everyone mad. And that's just the back story!
I heard that this was supposed to be a new series. I will probably try to read a few more. The only reason for the 3 stars instead of 4 is because I got tired of reading five chapters worth of training details before it got interesting.
I heard that this was supposed to be a new series. I will probably try to read a few more. The only reason for the 3 stars instead of 4 is because I got tired of reading five chapters worth of training details before it got interesting.
October 1, 2009
Really quite clever. Nathan is in the same acting company as a young man named Will Shakespeare. When Nathan is recruited as a spy for England, he promises to bring back the story of his adventures to Will. And it doesn't take long before the characters become familiar: Othello, Desdemona, Iago, etc. What we get here is the story of Othello woven in with a 14-year-old spy's story. It may be more fun for those who know a bit about Shakespeare's plays, but frankly, I was rather relieved that I couldn't remember how the play of Othello ended.
November 29, 2009
Clever book. Set amidst Burbage's theater with young Will Shakespeare and the intrigue of Elizabethan England with European politics a young actor, Nathan Fox is recruited to spy for Queen and country. Talented and sharp we follow Nathan's training and his first mission. He is to go with Othello to secure Crete for the Venetians, a ploy to secure Venetian support in the upcoming war with Spain- lots of history, action, politics and background on Othello. Nathan takes the tragic story of his escapade to Will Shakespeare who takes careful notes. Great fun as background reading for Othello.
June 5, 2010
A cute story about a boy who is trained to become a spy for the Queen of England. After growing up in the theater, he seems a natural for the task that awaits him. This particular adventure tells of his time spent with General Othello, a tale he later relates to his good friend, William Shakespeare. Altogether a fun read and a good way to get teenagers interested in Shakespeare's masterful tales.
October 4, 2012
Let me first say, i enjoyed this book greatly. An adventure story, going from one situation to the next and yet still all connected. I like to compare Nathan Fox to something like Artemis Fowl, at least the style of writing. The details and the drops of humor in situations, and good series moments, both series seem to have it.
March 1, 2009
Great adventure book set in Will Shakespeare's time, where a young actor is recruited to spy for England. He travels to France with another spy and encounters the adventures that parallel to the tale of Othello. Will definitely be reading the next one.
June 22, 2012
Overall it was okay, but I honestly thought it would be better.
Read
January 28, 2010I read the introduction and was instantly assailed by anti-Catholic stuff. I closed the book, and I do not intend to open it again.
Read
November 6, 2010cross between the Shakespeare Stealer and Avi's Crispin and the Cross of Lead with a Musketeer thrown in
Its labeled as Young Adult - but its definitely a gr 6-8 read ( or a good gr 5)
Its labeled as Young Adult - but its definitely a gr 6-8 read ( or a good gr 5)
November 17, 2011
The whole ending was gripping. Great YA novel!
October 3, 2012
This book is really good. It is full of adventure.
didnotfinish
December 14, 2012It started out nicely and I enjoyed the characters but it felt as if the author was talking down to the reader. Probably just my reading of it but it lost its sparkle after that.
January 10, 2014
Nathan Fox: Dangerous Times was a great read overall! I just didn't give it 5 stars because it had bits of boring pieces, but it is very enjoyable nonetheless.
April 3, 2014
I liked it!!
April 26, 2020
2009 - 3 Stars
2020 - 3 Stars
2020 - 3 Stars
November 16, 2016
This book was very good. It was action packed and fun to read. The reason it does not get five stars is because there was just so much going on that it was a little hard to follow at times.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews