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Dark Fire (Matthew Shardlake 2)

Author: C.j. Sansom
Publisher: Pan Books
Category: Book

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Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

37 reviews
Sales Rank: 191

Media: Paperback
Pages: 595
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.9
Dimensions (in): 7.6 x 5.1 x 1.7

ISBN: 0330450786
EAN: 9780330450782
ASIN: 0330450786

Publication Date: May 18, 2007
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: USED BOOK, NORMAL SHELF / READING WEAR, SUPER FAST DELIVERY, DISPATCHED WITHIN 24 HOURS FROM UK!!!

Customer Reviews:

Showing reviews 11-15 of 37

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Compelling stuff September 7, 2007
35 out of 35 found this review helpful

If you have even a passing interest in historical fiction, particularly Tudor London, and you enjoy a gripping mystery replete with twists, turns and colourful characters, you're likely to have a good time with this book. C.J. Sansom's Shardlake character is a little on the obvious side, with his pure heart and indefatigability overcoming the constraints of his flawed physical being (he's a hunchback lawyer in case you're wondering). Still, it's impossible not to become enthralled by this tale of political intrigue and murder with its adroit descriptions of the machinations of the nobility, corrupt lawyers and officials, and vivid portrayal of the sights and sounds of Tudor London. To my mind, one of the best compliments a book like this can have is that it makes you want buy the next one before you've even finished it, just to be able to delve straight back into Shardlake's world.

5 out of 5 stars

Loved it! August 30, 2007
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

Having had a fascination for the Tudor period for some time, I found this to be an interesting and entirely captivating read. It brings to life the streets of London circa 1540 in a way that is entirely believable. Sansom brings to life characters of this period who are known in history only through dry accountings. His main character, Mather Shardlake, is not your typical hero. For one thing he is a hunchback, and is treated scathingly by many people, and secondly he is a lawyer. However, you find it very easy to bond with him and it is nice to see a lead character who is different from the norm.

I would most definitely recommend this book. Whilst the mysteries themselves are not all that hard to work out for yourself, it is more the fact that this book is different to most modern day crime novels that make this such an alluring read.

5 out of 5 stars

brilliant August 14, 2007
12 out of 12 found this review helpful

this is a fabulous book! i love the whole series! I am currently finishing soverign (the next one) which is even better, if that is possible. cant wait for the next book. brilliant author once you start you really cannot put it down!

4 out of 5 stars

Clever and atmospheric August 8, 2007
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

I really enjoyed this novel. It is a much better read than "Dissolution" (which I rate as a 3* book). The evocation of Henrician London is rather well done, as is the sense of corruption and double dealing amongst the various factions of the Reformation establishment. Even the religious debates are handled with a reasonably light touch.

Not as cerebral as Umberto Eco and much more of a whodunnit, it does have some of the qualities of the "Name of the Rose" to my mind. Overall, a clever book as well as a page turner.

Recommended.

4 out of 5 stars

A really great read.... July 11, 2007
15 out of 17 found this review helpful

A really great read. The story brings to life the sights, sounds and smells of Tudor London as Matthew Shardlake and his sidekick Barak tear round the city in an attempt to regain the secret of Greek Fire for Cromwell and the King while at the same time trying to save the hapless Elizabeth Wentworth from being wrongly condemned to a grisly death. The author doesn't shy away from the complex religious issues of the day and how small deviation in belief could lead to a hideous execution. Well paced, a cracking plot and good characterisations - what more could you ask for from a historical crime fiction? (Even better than Dissolution!)