Blood Libel by Michael Lynes - #BookReview

 

Deep in the heart of the night and I am alone in my cell. Sleep will not grace me with its balm. A single candle sputters, its light flickering across this parchment where I transcribe the secrets I dare not share with anyone, except you. I began this testimony two months ago having no one to confide in. The confession stall is far too dangerous. I must finish this entry before Lauds; it might be my last. I'll discover the verdict of my earthly masters in a few hours. Then I may not have much longer to wait for the heavenly father's judgment...

***

1495 Seville, Andalusia.

Can Isaac find the real killer to save his best friend from execution?

The Inquisition is determined to execute heretics like Isaac - those who practice Judaism in secret. Friends and family are arrested and set against each other. Isaac's best friend is accused of heresy, and he is forced to choose between him and his own family. King Ferdinand offers to help him - can Isaac trust him? As the mystery unravels what secrets will Isaac uncover about himself, his friends, and his family?

***

This is the first in the Isaac Alvarez series and if this book is anything to judge by I am in for a treat with the rest of the series.

This well written novel, which is set at the end of the fifteenth century, portrays a time in Seville during the infamous Spanish inquisition. I was gripped by the story and could hardly wait to get back to it between each reading session.

It has clearly been extensively researched and provided me with much food for thought. It was a problematic period in history and whilst I previously had a basic knowledge of this period from other sources, this book brought alive how fearful people must have been during this time.

I liked Isaac's character as well as the rest of his family. They were well drawn, and the author did a good job in portraying them.

The dual narrative between Isaac and Friar Alonso added another perspective to the story and elevated it to the next level. Friar Alonso's writings throughout the book added an apparent authenticity to the story, and they were interesting to read.

This book is educational as well as being a great read. It challenges the reader to think about the levels that a person will go to protect their family. Consequently, family is a strong theme in this book, and I can hardly wait to see how this develops in the next book, The Heretic's Daughter. Although, I read this book independently I am on a blog tour for the next two books so my reviews will be coming up soon.

I highly recommend this book to historical fiction readers and to those who enjoy religious history.

ISBN: 978 1739117399

Publisher:  Romaunce Books

Formats:  e-book and paperback

No. of Pages:  288 (paperback)

About the Author:

Michael writes historical mysteries and has a particular interest in early 16th century Andalucia. He is fascinated by the interplay between cultures, globalization and religious intolerance of the period. The Isaac Alvarez mysteries are set against this rich background. He won a prize for his fiction at the 2020 Emirates Literature Festival and is an alumna of the Faber Academy’s Writing a Novel course.

Michael is originally from London but currently lives in Dubai with his family.

(book courtesy of the publisher)

(author media courtesy of the authors website https://www.michaellynes.com/)

(all opinions are my own)