The Heretic's Daughter by Michael Lynes - #bookreview #blogtour

 

Isaac yearns for a place that no longer exists - Seville before the Inquisition. A place where Torquemada did not call out the names of the heretics to be punished. Where Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand did not watch impassively as executioners smeared a blonde-haired girl's tunic with sulphur - to quicken the journey of the flames from the crackling pyre at her feet. A twisted mercy. Where Isaac did not see white tendrils of smoke, hear shrill screams or smell the bitter stink of charred flesh. Where he did not witness Juan's body melt into the inferno.

***

As the Inquisition’s grip tightens Isaac and Isabel must choose between family and faith. Will they survive the consequences?

Isaac seeks revenge on Torquemada for murdering his wife and best friend. He’s not the only one who wants The Grand Inquisitor dead. The King commands Isaac to investigate. Should he save the man he hates? Fail and he loses the King’s protection — the only thing keeping him alive. Feeling abandoned by her father and con!icted by his heresy, Isabel sets out to discover the truth. The trail leads to the darkest places in Seville. She’s unnerved by a shocking revelation and a surprising discovery about her real feelings. Can Isabel use what she unearths to save her father and their family?

***

This book is a worthy follow up to Blood Libel, which was the first in the Isaac Alvarez series. If you would like to read my review of the first book you can do so by clicking here.

I enjoyed this book every bit as much. It is set in Seville three years after Blood Libel. Isabel is now a young woman and is responsible for the education of her younger brother, Gabriel, and the two orphaned children of a family friend. She is an excellent character and the author has done a great job in developing her character.

Isabel has a large part to play in this book, but there is still plenty of action provided by her father, Isaac. Mr. Lynes takes his readers on quite an adventure with the setting moving to Granada for part of the story. 

It made for an easy read with lots of excitement along the way. The series brings history alive on the page and details the way in which Jews were in fear for their lives during the Spanish Inquisition. There is lots of attention to detail, and the author has clearly completed his research extensively.

Anyone who enjoys historical fiction, particularly that of medieval history will enjoy this book. It would work well as a standalone but is worth reading the first book in the series in order to understand the backstory of the characters.

I will be reading the next book, The Red Citadel, later this month and I am looking forward to doing so very much.

ISBN: 978 1739185718

Publisher: Romaunce Books

Formats:  e-book and paperback

No. of Pages:  330 (paperback)

About the Author:

Michael writes the Isaac Alvarez Mysteries, set in late 15th century Andalusia. He won a prize for his debut, Blood Libel, at the 2020 Emirates Literature Festival. Best-selling author Sophie Hannah called it, 'immensely gripping,' and the Historical Novel Society said, 'Lynes knows his history and tells the story with verve.' He published his second novel, The Heretic's Daughter, in 2022. Awais Khan, author of The Company of Strangers, said it had, 'everything a historical thriller should have, and more.' He is hard at work on the third book in the series, The Red Citadel, to be published in 2023. Michael is a member of the Crime Writers' Association - he is the founding convenor of the Gulf Chapter - the Historical Novel Society, and The Alliance of Independent Authors. He is an alumnus of the Faber Academy's Writing a Novel course. Originally from London, he lives in Dubai with his family.

(book and all media courtesy of Love Book Tours)

(all opinions are my own)

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)