Thursday, 22 August 2013

Review: In Defense of the Queen - Michelle Diener

An artist never betrays her patron . . . especially one of the world's most powerful kings.

Susanna Horenbout has learned this lesson from the cradle. But when she receives a letter from her father telling her to do just that, she faces a dilemma. Betray Henry VIII, or carry out the request of her father’s employer, Margaret of Austria, and pass secret information to Henry’s queen, Katherine of Aragon.

Caught between the machinations of her husband and her nephew, the Emperor Charles, Queen Katherine needs all the allies she can get. But what can Susanna really do to help her, and even if she does, will it be enough?

Susanna and her betrothed, Parker——one of Henry's most trusted courtiers——balance on the knife’s edge of treason as they try to make sense of both international and domestic conspiracies. Sometimes, it's better the enemy you know . . .

My thoughts:
Sometimes a series just keep on getting better and this one certainly did. This book never let go of me, the suspense was always there. Susanna was truly in trouble. I like it.

This is the third book in the series about Susanna and Parker. Still not married ;) but it's coming. There is a message for the queen, but the question is deliver it or not? Treason? And then there again is a plot that needs to be uncovered and dangers for both of them. There is lots of running, spying and hiding.

Now why was this book the best one so far? I always have a hard time putting the finger on what. It just was. The pages flew by, the characters were awesome, the punches kept on coming and the writing was excellent. So, it just was the best one so far :D And I want more. Mostly cos I want them to get married and I could see them getting into a lot of trouble at the wedding.

Conclusion:
An interesting series set in Tudor times. Suspense, secrets and spies.

Paperback, 355 pages
Published August 1st 2013 by Michelle Diener
Susanna Horenbout and John Parker #3
Historical fiction /mystery
From the author for an honest review
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28 comments:

  1. Melissa (Books and Things)22 August, 2013 23:59

    I swear I have a lot of historical fiction on my tbr because of you. You just keep adding... :)

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    1. Blodeuedd23 August, 2013 08:08

      Mowuahahahahaha, that's because it's awesome!

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  2. Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer23 August, 2013 00:13

    I adore this author..That is All.

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    1. Blodeuedd23 August, 2013 08:09

      I did not think the series could get better, I am so used to books getting worse, but book 3 was totally the best :)

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  3. Carole Rae23 August, 2013 03:07

    What did you think about the cover? I like it...but I'm not a fan of the yellow on the dress.

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    1. Blodeuedd23 August, 2013 08:09

      Honestly I do not know...I like it and I do not like it. The not comes from something that disturbs me there, but dunno what

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    2. Chris23 August, 2013 15:06

      There's something off about the perspective of her face.

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    3. Blodeuedd23 August, 2013 18:43

      Yes..something, and it disturbs me

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  4. Chris23 August, 2013 03:41

    What Carol Rae asked! :D

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  5. Teddyree23 August, 2013 05:59

    I know I'd love this one, similar vein to one I just reviewed The Tudor Conspiracy. Adding to my must read list :)

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  6. Jenny N.23 August, 2013 06:21

    Great review! I love this time period and sounds like the mystery will keep me interested as well.

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    1. Blodeuedd23 August, 2013 18:44

      Thanks! Aye a good story that kept me hooked and wondering

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  7. Blodeuedd23 August, 2013 08:08

    That it is :)

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  8. Aurian23 August, 2013 08:48

    Great review B, I really want to read this series someday.

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  9. Mary (Bookfan)23 August, 2013 13:36

    I love it when a series gets better with each book. This sounds like a good one.

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    1. Blodeuedd23 August, 2013 18:47

      I do love it, cos mostly I get disappointed

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  10. Melliane23 August, 2013 15:45

    I heard great things about this one, it could be nice to read something like that to see how it is.

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    1. Blodeuedd23 August, 2013 18:48

      I like her style, it's...wow I am sooo good with words. Damn I just like her style, lol

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  11. Diana25 August, 2013 02:49

    I want them to get married too!

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  12. Audra26 August, 2013 18:58

    I loooooooooooooooooooved this one -- so good, hands down, my fav of the three. I cannot, cannot wait for the wedding!

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  13. kara-karina@Nocturnal Book Reviews26 August, 2013 23:12

    Yes! So glad you enjoyed it, Blodeuedd! I seriously think this series can get people who normally don't read historical fiction into the genre because it's so good and full of action. Love this author, she is awesomesauce! :)))

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    1. Blodeuedd26 August, 2013 23:14

      That's true, it' never dry or filled with facts. It's alive and always moving :D All in a rich historical setting

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  14. Mishel28 August, 2013 02:01

    Sounds delightful! I'll have to start this series sometime soon.

    But I must say - that cover just bothers me =/

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