| Title | : | Dark Fire (Matthew Shardlake, #2) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0143036432 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780143036432 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 501 |
| Publication | : | First published November 5, 2004 |
| Awards | : | CWA Ellis Peters Historical Award (2005) |
Dark Fire (Matthew Shardlake, #2) Reviews
-
After reading C.J. Sansom and Caleb Carr I realised that I enjoy this new (for me) fascinating genre of historical mystery. I’ve read a few more authors since then but i still think Matthew Shardlake series to be one of the best. Well, at least the 2 volumes that I’ve read.
In Dark Fire, Thomas Cromwell is out of favour with Henry VIII because he blew it with the king’s 4th marriage with Anne of Cleaves. Although the political intentions were good, the new bride was too ugly and the poor man could not perform. As a last unexpected hope of salvation, Cromwell receives proof of the existence of a last cache of Dark fire and its formula, an old and forgotten weapon of mass destruction. Unfortunately, the people who discovered the secret and are selling the stuff disappeared. Meanwhile, our smart hunchback lawyer receives a doomed case where a young lady is accused of murdering her cousin. There seems to be no hope as the accused does not want to speak. Cromwell obtains a postponement of the trail in exchange for Shardlake’s help to find the missing men and the Dark Fire. He is paired with one of the most trustful employees of the Lord Privy Seal, a rough, strong, in your face young man.
This novel contains more historical details than the first one and more background on the court intrigues which made the novel better, in my opinion. I enjoyed the dynamic of the investigative duo and how they managed their differences. The author has a special skills in revealing the odours of past London and I am thankful I’ve only visited the city now when the gutters are a lot cleaner.
My only complaint is that the pacing was off sometimes. As with many large books, I believe this one would have been perfect with 100 pages less. Nonetheless, I can’t wait to continue with the series although the size of the volumes keep me in no rush to do so. -
”There were four or five illustrated manuscripts written by old monastic writers, giving vivid descriptions of the use of Greek Fire. Sometimes they called it Flying Fire, sometimes the devil’s tears, fire from the dragon’s mouth, Dark Fire: I puzzled over that last name. How could fire be dark? An odd image came into my head of black flames rising from black coals. It was absurd.”
A Byzantine ship uses Greek fire against a ship of the rebel, Thomas the Slav, 821. 12th century illustration from the Madrid Skylitzes
It is 1540, and I won’t tell you how significant that year is in English history. To some, 1540 is not as big as others, but for someone who knows the impact of Thomas Cromwell on history, it is a year of major shifting in power. Instead, I will focus your attention on a lawyer of modest, but reasonably wealthy means...Matthew Shardlake.
He will inadvertently be caught up in the events of 1540 because of his association with the second most powerful man in the land...Thomas Cromwell. This is not by choice, but then choice, when it comes to powerful men, is really at the discretion of those with the power to allow it. Cromwell has uses for Shardlake’s investigative abilities, and to refuse his bidding is simply to be asking to be sent to the Tower of London in chains.
The stench of London is particularly odorific the summer of 1540. Men and women walk around the city with their noses buried in sprigs of flowers to keep from tossing their latest meal all over the soiled walkways. Shardlake pines for his paintbrushes and a quiet life in the country, but he is not comfortable enough financially to feel he can retire. When he takes the case of a young girl accused of pushing her cousin down a well, he has no idea how much trouble he is placing on his crooked shoulders.
He is, as you should know, a hunchback.
The girl won’t talk, insolent wench, and the court intends to place a sharp rock under her back and place a door on top of her. They will pile rocks on top of the door until the pressure is great enough to break her back. How do humans think of such cruel implements of torture?
Cromwell needs Shardlake’s help and knows the best way to leverage him is to assist him to help someone else. Cromwell, with some not so subtle pressure put on the judge, spares the girl for two weeks. Meanwhile, Shardlake needs to find the formula for Greek Fire.
In 672, Greek Fire was the Atom Bomb of its day. The Eastern Roman Byzantine Empire used pressurized nozzles to shoot the burning liquid onto ships, which not only burned the ships, but continued to burn on the surface of the water. What hellfire was this? The secret was closely guarded, so closely that the formula for making it was lost for between 1500 to 2000 years.
But now a demonstration of its power has been shown in London. Cromwell, besieged by his enemies, knows he can save himself if he can give Greek Fire to King Henry VIII. Needless to say, there is much pressure put on Shardlake, including the addition of an assigned helper named Barak whose loyalty to Cromwell is unquestionable. The problem is Shardlake doesn’t think anyone should have the formula, least of all Henry VIII. ”Yes, all power is with the House of Tudor now. Yet is it not hard to take seriously, the king as head of the Church deciding how his people should relate to God, when his policy is ruled by his fickle passions.” The lovely Lady Honor might be talking about religion, but Henry’s fickleness extends to all levels of his government. The only person keeping some semblance of order is Thomas Cromwell.
Henry VIII is pissed off at Cromwell over the arranged marriage with Anne of Cleves. ”And now the Duke of Norfolk’s dangling his niece before the king, schooled her to catch his fancy. Catherine Howard is pretty, not yet seventeen, and he’s caught. He drools over her like an old dog over a fine joint of meat and blames me for saddling him with the Cleves mare.”
*Double Shudder* Too much dangling and drooling.
Catherine Howard, the bait. Here, you Arrogant Prick. Here, pricky, pricky. Try to poke the teenager.
Shardlake finds himself investigating a branded whore, ”The ‘W’ stood out clearly in the dim light; ashes would have been rubbed into the burn to ensure the mark never faded,” as well as the Lady Honor from one of the oldest families in London. The absolute lowest class of society intersects with the highest levels as Greek Fire becomes a hot issue, too incendiary to hold on to. Mixed in with all the secrets and the treacheries surrounding the formula, Matthew is still trying to find out what exactly happened with the girl and the well. Something is rotten in that family, and only discovering the source of the smell will finally lead to the truth.
I can’t say why, but I have an odd affinity for Matthew Shardlake. I don’t know if it is his misfortune being born with a deformed back or the fact that he has overcome all obstacles to become a successful barrister, but when things go wrong for him, I, at several points in the story, felt the pinpricks of tears at the corners of my eyes. He takes such chances, like when he woos the Lady Honor and dares to hope she will return his attentions.
”’Perhaps you are a man of too gentle feeling to deal with blood and death.’ She smiled softly.
‘As I told you last week, I am a mere jobbing lawyer.’
She shook her head, smiling. ‘No, you are more than that. I thought so when I first saw you.’ She inclined her head, then said, ‘I felt your whole being resound with sadness.’”
Certainly, Matthew Shardlake is a man of uncommon courage. He is hunted, harassed, nearly killed, and still he marches on trying to produce some good results in a world that seems to be dominated by evil intentions. Kudos to C. J. Sansom. I thought this book was even better than his first one. I can’t wait to get a chance to dig into the third one…Sovereign.
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4.5★
“‘I cannot abide this fashion for women to blacken their teeth deliberately so people will think they live off nothing but fine sugar.’
‘I agree. It is not pretty.’
‘I have heard them say the pains in their mouth are worth it, if people respect them more.’”
Torture in Tudor England is nothing new, but I never heard of this self-inflicted one to show you could afford sugar. And here’s another exchange between well-to-do teen-aged girls and their grandmother (who, ironically, is blind).
She passed a hand over her eyes. ‘Grandam,’ she said meekly, ‘my vision is blurred. Do I have to use the nightshade?’
‘Belladonna is good, child. By expanding your pupils, it makes you look more comely. But perhaps a smaller dose.’
I looked at the old woman with distaste. I had heard of drops of deadly nightshade being used in this way for cosmetic purposes, but it was poisonous stuff.”
YIKES! I’m glad the use of both sugar and belladonna as cosmetic enhancements seem to have fallen into disfavour. The various tortures (the rack, heads on pikes) are familiar from other books, although ‘peine forte et dure’ (pressing or crushing), was new to me. That’s the one our favourite lawyer is trying to save the teenaged niece of a friend from. More later.
I wouldn’t have lasted into adulthood in Tudor England. This takes place in 1540, when Henry the Eighth is chafing under the yoke of another marriage, this to Anne of Cleves, arranged by his chief minister, Thomas Cromwell. Now he’s smitten with the 17-year old niece of Cromwell’s enemy, the Duke of Norfolk, and he’s ordered Cromwell to find a way to shed his wife.
Cromwell calls our favourite lawyer of the time, Matthew Shardlake back into harness. Yokes and harnesses. Well, it was a bit like that. For anyone to survive back then, they needed a protector, and Cromwell was the most powerful in the land after the king. This was like being asked by the Mafia to do them a favour - a request you couldn't refuse.
Shardlake is investigating the guilt or innocence of the young girl in the death of her cousin when Cromwell orders him to find Greek Fire, a substance alleged to be the world’s deadliest weapon. it is also known as Dark Fire, hence the title of the book, and a dark time it would be for the world if it were to get into the hands of an army.
Cromwell needs something special to get back into the king’s good books (after the latest wife debacle), and he’s counting on Shardlake to follow the rumoured trail of this mysterious substance to impress the king.
But there’s a deadline, and it’s about the same time as the court case for this poor girl who is languishing, dying, in prison in horrendous circumstances. She won’t speak, and if she doesn’t speak soon, she will be ‘crushed’ – the sentence of ‘peine et dure’, a brutal death.
And it’s an extremely hot summer, so our poor hunchbacked lawyer is more uncomfortable than usual. He has a new off-sider in Jack Barak, a nice addition to the story and a former soldier who’s handy with a weapon. Their enemies attack with crossbows and axes, thinking nothing of whacking off a limb or a head.
“Suddenly he jerked forward with a high-pitched scream, and to my horror I saw a crossbow bolt embedded in his upper arm, blood welling red over his white surplice. He staggered against the wall, looking at his arm in horror”.
Each time Shardlake follows a clue, he follows it to a home, a brothel, a shop, only to find the person he's looking for has disappeared or died (or both). I will spare you the stench of the streets and the worse stench of the prison. Suffice it to say that London in the summer of 1540 was not a place you’d want to be.
I am enjoying this series, but I’m going to have to pace myself. They are pretty lengthy, and I don’t really want to live there for too long at one time. I may have to visit Louise Penney’s Three Pines again soon. 😊 -
I’m really starting to warm to Matthew Shardlake. He’s a great character, and a perfect investigator; he is compassionate and clever; he is brave and realistic in his approach to his ginormous tasks. He is really aware of himself and those around him. He’s a hunchback; he’s an outcast and a figure for ridicule. But, he doesn’t let it get the best of him. Sometimes his rage at the narrow minded injustice he is subjected to is ready to spill over, though he controls it. He uses his scholar like mind to rise above his enemies. However, he’s in physical danger too. Cromwell has granted him an assistant for this mission; he needs him too because this is dangerous work. Jack Barrak is young, rough and tough. He serves as a body guard to Shardlake’s cultivated mind.
"I saw myself as he must have, a hey-faced hunchback lawyer in black robe and cap, a pencase and dagger at my belt instead of a sword.
Despite their differences, the two achieve wonders together. I love the intertwining of cases; one is no longer enough for Shardlake. Whist preparing a defence for a girl accused of murdering her young cousin, Shardlake receives an ominous summon from his former benefactor: Thomas Cromwell. Cromwell also has an investigation for him, a more important one. He is tasked with finding the deadly weapon known as Greek fire. Cromwell believes the recovery of such a dark weapon will regain him the favour of Henry VIII after the disastrous Cleaves marriage. Shardlake has no choice but to take on the assignment as he dare not anger the ruthless Lord Chancellor. So, poor Shardlake is thrown into the risky world of Tudor politics. I really pity him.
Dark fire or Greek fire, as it is most commonly known, can burn through anything and even remains ablaze on water. It’s kind of like Wildfire form A Clash of Kings. If Henry VIII had a supply of it, his power would grow on both land and sea. It’s no wonder Cromwell wants to give it to his King. The only problem is the people who were tasked with reproducing it have been murdered, their supply stolen, and the culprits behind it are completely unknown. Shardlake has a very cold trail to follow, one that eventually leads him to grimy places. Handling this is almost too much for him, I think the only reason he manages any form of success is because he knows what would await him should he fail. Cromwell has no mercy. This threat really drives the story to its completion.
-Cromwell from The Tudors
It’s a miracle Shardlake even has time to sleep in the novel. With two massive investigations on his mind, and exactly nine days to solve them both, he has little time to think beyond there resolution. The Dark Fire case has larger consequences, but the murder investigation is no easier to solve and it touches Shardlake’s humanity deeper than Cromwell’s plight. He’s torn between his work and his humanity. His compassion is gripped by the girl who refuses to say a word to the crime she witnessed. Getting her to talk is no easy task, but Shardlake knows that only she has the answers.
The intertwining of two separate cases works extraordinarily well. When there is a lull in the investigation of one (not that there were many) the other picks up. This results in a plot that rarely slowed down, and a book that is a fantastic instalment in the series. Tudor England was brought to life in these pages. I hope each of Shardlake’s investigations are as good as the last.
Matthew Shardlake Series
1. Dissolution-
A suspense filled four stars.
2. Dark Fire- A dark 3.5 stars -
Duplicity
Matthew Shardlake returns as the London lawyer reluctantly linked with Thomas Cromwell during Henry VIII’s reign. In 1540 King Henry is about to seek an annulment from Anne of Cleves, a wife he claimed he couldn’t consummate his marriage with because of her bad appearance. This was a marriage Cromwell encouraged, and then failed to find a way of avoiding when requested by Henry. In this tense political environment, Cromwell’s enemies close-in, and he must avoid any more disappointments to The King, as Henry firmly lies the blame for the disastrous marriage firmly at Cromwell’s feet. Or should I say, head – ouch?
Word comes through to the Royal Court that an ancient weapon of ‘Greek Fire’ has been found in one of the former monasteries, now abolished. The conspirators want a sum of money to hand over the Greek Fire and its secret. Cromwell promises King Henry a demonstration of this newly discovered weapon in two weeks’ time. This is Thomas Cromwell’s only chance of redemption and a way to get back into favour with the King.
Meanwhile, Shardlake is attempting to defend an old friend’s niece, Elizabeth Wentworth, from a murder charge. A charge she will not appeal against and remains silent. Shardlake is losing the case when an offer of a reprieve of 2 weeks is made by Cromwell if he journeys to the monastery to secure the Greek Fire and make all necessary arrangements. The multiple political, personal and professional forces at play in this story are incredible, and it is pulled off with excellent narrative accomplishment. The story is totally captivating and full of tense threatening moments and competing forces that take politics and espionage to a deadly level. And it just gets more formidable when the two conspirators are found dead.
While the period at the Royal Court is one full of deception, high drama, treachery, intrigue and politics, this is transposed to the background of the case involving Matthew Shardlake and his companion Jack Barak. Jack is physically capable and much more aligned to the darker side of life in 1540’s England, while Matthew is almost the opposite as an astute, articulate and observant hunchback lawyer. This makes for a great complementary team and it feels much better balanced than the partnership in the first book - Dissolution. The case is full of surprises and hurdles to negotiate that takes Shardlake and Barak to be permanently alert and call on all their reserves of resourcefulness.
Sansom provides a superb atmosphere for this novel involving sounds, terminology, smells, and dialogue, all of which transports you to that era. The images and language of London are really interesting as we see it during its development to becoming a major city.
I would highly recommend this book and it is best read in the correct sequence of the series. -
“In these times it is hard to avoid getting caught in the tangle of the great.”
“Dark Fire” is a pleasing story/mystery mixed with a nice characterization of the novel’s protagonist, hunchback lawyer Matthew Shardlake. The author builds on the characteristics from the first novel in this series (“Dissolution”) in a manner that adds shades of depth to Lawyer Shardlake.
As in the first book in this series, C.J. Sansom invents and then fits a fictional scenario into real historical events in a manner that makes sense, and does not change the conclusions of history. I enjoy that aspect of this series a lot. In this novel, the story intersects with the downfall of Henry VIII’s Chief Minister Thomas Cromwell.
This book also introduces a new sidekick for Shardlake, an enforcer of sorts Joseph Barak. It is obvious in “Dark Fire” that the author realizes a series is developing with these books and he is looking ahead. The text also features one of my favorite characters from the book’s predecessor, a former monk turned apothecary, Guy Malton.
With two books under its belt, the Matthew Shardlake Tudor Mystery series is becoming a favorite. The texts do a nice job of mixing historical elements, an intriguing mystery, and thought provoking characters and situations in a pleasing manner.
This story sees the protagonist struggling with his faith, as this former reformer sees more and more in the protestant reforms happening at that time that he struggles with. Sansom has not taken the easy way out with this, Shardlake wants faith, has had faith, and does not know what to do with it. At one point a character muses, “Man is an angry, savage being. Sometimes faith becomes an excuse for battle. It is no real faith then. In justifying their positions in the name of God, men silence God.” That is not shallow stuff. I appreciate that the novel has some depth to it.
I enjoyed “Dark Fire” more than the first book in the series (which I liked) and I hope it continues to improve. -
Continuing this Tudor-era series, C.J. Sansom develops the foundation for what many will likely call a great set of historical mysteries. Still jilted after an awkward investigation for Thomas Cromwell, Matthew Shardlake is happy to keep his legal practice running with a handful of clients. However, when he is approached to defend Elizabeth Wentworth, Shardlake is not entirely sure he wants the case. Wentworth is accused of killing her cousin by pushing him down a well, but will not enter a plea. Rather, she stands silent, even when brought before the court. With a torturous punishment for not entering a plea awaiting her, Shardlake tries to get Elizabeth Wentworth to at least utter two words, to no avail. In a miraculous turn of events, the case reprieved temporarily by Thomas Cromwell himself, who seeks the assistance of his great investigator. Unable to refuse, Shardlake makes his way to see the King’s counsellor, learning that there is quite the scandal brewing. During the dissolution of the monasteries over the past few years, someone has found a small collection of ‘Greek fire’ a powerful weapon from centuries ago, so powerful that it is said to be able to burn on water. Shardlake is sent to retrieve the instructions to make this weapon, so that it might be presented to Henry VIII after he sees its public display in the coming weeks. Hesitantly, Shardlake agrees to act as emissary and makes his way to the countryside, where he discovers that the two brothers in possession of the Greek fire have been killed and their weapon is gone. What should have been a quick turn of events has since opened into a cataclysmic panic. While Shardlake and his newly assigned deputy scour the communities to locate not only the killer but this volatile weapon, his actual case takes on some interesting twists. While it would seem that Elizabeth Wentworth’s guilt was all but certain, Shardlake discovers something that could turn the case in her favour, but he needs to get her to speak. From investigator to target, Shardlake must dodge an unknown killer and their wrath while keeping the knowledge of Greek fire a secret from the general population. Even as things come to a head, major news comes from Court, something that could change England forever and leave many scrambling for cover. Sansom delivers another winner in this complex-thriller that never loses its momentum. Lovers of Tudor history and mysteries will likely want to add this to their collection.
This is sure to be a wonderful series in the making, though it is a deeper and more intricate type mystery than I am used to reading. Steeped in history and developments of the time, C.J. Sansom educates as he entertains with a narrative that is full of nuances. The story really kept my attention and I hoped to learn a lot more about Matthew Shardlake. The man may be simple in his desires, but Shardlake is far from basic in his presentation throughout the novel. Humbled by his hunchback, Shardlake is forced to deflect many who feel he could never make a name for himself, let alone be a successful solicitor. His attention to detail when it comes to the law is one thing, but Shardlake is happy to see many things that others miss when it comes to investigating, which creates a stronger and more complex narrative for the reader. One can presume that he is irritated at being constantly sought after by Thomas Cromwell, but there is surely a reason for this. I can only hope that future adventures for Matthew Shardlake will be as detail oriented, as I am looking forward to learning much about the man and his development. There are others whose presence throughout help enrich the story and keeps Shardlake from running away with the show. These characters serve various purposes and one can only wonder if they will reappear in future stories, as Shardlake’s interactions seem not yet finished. Sansom has a wonderful way of weaving his characters into a curious tapestry and will not simply allow for minor appearances. The novel is strong and well-paced, set against English history during a time when nothing stayed the same for long. Henry VIII is processing the demise of his fourth and trying to find a fifth wife, which proves to be an interesting backdrop for Tudor fans who are committed to this novel. Sansom captures these intricacies while offering a stellar mystery to keep the reader enthralled. I am eager that I gave the series another chance and want to find out where Sansom sees the story and his protagonist going in the next handful of novels.
Kudos, Mr. Sansom, for a wonderful continuation to the series. I have so much I want to learn and you keep me entertained throughout.
This book fulfills Topic #3: Elemental, My Dear, of the Equinox #7 Reading Challenge. <\i>
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4/5 Estrellas
Confirmo esta serie de intriga histórica, como una de las mejores que he descubierto en los últimos tiempos, gracias a los amigos de GR.
Han pasado caso 10 años del último caso en el que nuestro abogado Shardlake trabajó para el todopoderoso Thomas Cromwell. En este tiempo por el tálamo del rey Enrique han pasado Ana Bolena, Jane Seymour y Ana de Cleves. La reforma de la iglesia, la ruptura con Roma y la disolución de los monasterios casi han concluido. Sin embargo, las fuerzas tradicionalistas proclives a Roma u opuestas a la dinastía Tudor (como se quiera ver), se resisten a claudicar y la estrella de Cromwell parece que empieza a declinar....Es en este momento cuando los servicios de Shardlake vuelven a ser requeridos, la fórmula de una antigua arma (el fuego griego) aparecen de forma fortuita en un convento que se está derribando y las fuerzas que pelean por el poder se mueven para hacerse con el instrumento que puede hacerles triunfar dentro y fuera de Inglaterra.
Ambientación excepcional, historias que se entrecruzan y se tejen en el tapiz del Londres del siglo XVI, en el que casi puedes sentir los fuertes olores que se desprenden las calles llenas de detritus, los olores que emanan de los distintos barrios de artesanos, el olor de la muerte en las prisiones. Lo dicho, excepcional.
La trama o mas bien tramas, están bien hiladas, sin ser demasiado originales, carecen de los acostumbrados golpes de efecto o giros espectaculares, pero son correctas.
Los secundarios bien, sobre todo Barak, entiendo que saldrá en algún otro libro de la serie, no se puede desperdiciar.
Lo menos bueno, el exceso de información relacionada con los vericuetos, normas legales y judiciales de la época. Con los distintos tribunales y forma de presentar los casos, ufff. Pese a que enriquecen mucho el libro, en algún momento se hace un poco pesado.
Críticas veladas a todos: reformistas, luteranos, papistas, jueces, aristócratas, burgueses acomodados.......
Muy recomendable. A por el siguiente. -
Another case for Matthew Shardlake..when an ageing and increasingly gout- ridden Henry VIII is between Anne of Cleeves and Katherine Howard, wives 4 and 5, Thomas Cromwell once more calls upon Shardlake to solve a case.
In paranoid times, England has no allies in Europe; where once reformist fervour swept the nation, and not so long ago, the tides have turned and against Lord Cromwell. Political chaos is the order of the day where intrigue and plots abound and where no-one can be trusted.
CJ Sansom really knows how to conjure up the sights, sounds and smells of the largely lawless, sewage-saturated streets of Tudor London. The bear-baiting, the violence, the boiled head on spikes on London Bridge....it's all there for our delectation and delight.
In this story, I particularly liked the developing relationship between Shardlake and Barak, his and Cromwell's assistant: namely the way he calls everyone he doesn't like an 'arsehole'!And once again, the discordant twang of heart strings snapping for poor Matthew!
Excellent read. Next! -
This is the second Shardlake novel, following on from Dissolution. Shardlake finds himself embroiled in a complicated case, when a young girl called Elizabeth Wentworth is arrested for murder. Her family, apart from her Uncle Joseph, all believe her guilty of the crime – killing her cousin Ralph, the only son of her Uncle Edwin, whose London house she was living in. However, Elizabeth refuses to plead, which means she faces the Press (which was as bad as it sounds) and has been thrown into the Hole (as unpleasant as it sounds) in Newgate. Shardlake is convinced of her innocence, but seems destined to fail in his endeavour to save her until, suddenly, he is offered a reprieve. Two weeks to investigate, as long as he carries out a little job for Cromwell...
An ancient weapon, little more than a myth, Greek Fire, has been found in a former monastery. The men who have this strange substance, capable of burning a ship in moments, want money to release the weapon to Cromwell. He sends Shardlake to speak to them and make arrangements, but when he arrives the would be conspirators have been murdered. Cromwell has promised King Henry an exhibition of Greek Fire in two weeks time, which leaves Shardlake two investigations to solve in only a few days. Along with Jack Barak, Cromwell’s loyal supporter, the two men embark on a race around London to find Greek Fire and help prove Elizabeth Wentworth’s innocence.
London in 1540 is awash with rumours about King Henry; said to be about to put aside Anne of Cleves – a disastrous marriage he blames solely on Cromwell – and to marry the young Catherine Howard. With the Duke of Norfolk, Cromwell’s enemy, possibly about to gain the King’s ear, Cromwell cannot afford to fail – and neither can Shardlake. Unwillingly thrust again into politics and danger, Shardlake does his best, while his clients desert him, he is attacked, threatened and seems to be making enemies in high places.
Jack Barak is a much more suitable sidekick than the young Mark Poer, who accompanied Shardlake in Dissolution. He adds swagger and danger to the storyline; brave, loyal and always willing to take a risk. However, in this novel, even Shardlake’s usually calm demeanour is thrown slightly, when he has to question the beautiful widow, Lady Honor. With Shardlake suffering slights because of his hunchback, his friend the physician Guy (first seen in Dissolution) gaped at because of his dark skin and Jack Barak threatened due to his Jewish heritage, we see Tudor London not only through the politics of power, but through the eyes of outcasts. This is a sublime series and Shardlake a brilliant fictional creation. The next book in the series is Sovereign and, if possible, try to read the series from the beginning as it is wonderful to see how the characters develop over time. -
Another wonderful effort by Sansom whose books seem to be as much about history as they are about the mysteries contained therein. These are not fast reads for me, bu the are fascinating glimpses of the Tudor period of Henry VIII. Here we have two separate storylines, as attorney Matthew Shardlake is defending a girl who refuses to talk. She is charged with the murder of her cousin and things look bleak when out of the blue he is granted a 12-day extension in the case. Why, because Thomas Cromwell need Shardlake to investigate and possibly find the existence of Dark Fire, a/k/a Greek Fire, which would keep Cromwell in Henry's good graces. It is fascinating 12-day sprint to uncover the answers and in doing so some unsavory characters cross his path. He is aided by one of Cromwell's guards, Jack Barak, who clashes with Shardlake and most of the attorneys and aristocrats the two encounter. While neither storyline intersect, these two men are able to resolve matters, even if in doing so lives are lost and some families are ruined.
Well researched and written, this is a book for those who love the mystery genre as a door to learning a whole lot about the history of the period. -
Once again, attorney Matthew Shardlake’s plans to strike out on his own are thwarted by a summons (order) from Thomas Cromwell.
This mystery platform successfully blends in the political and social scene taking place during Henry VIII’s reign. Historically based London life, the torturous forms of punishment and the privilege of nobility are only part of the plot and never fail to interest me. The epilogue sorts out facts from fiction and further explains some historical events.
I found the middle to be a bit bogged down. For instance, when lawyer Shardlake interviewed the same three suspects, three different times, with the same three results. The author’s end note reveals he was involved in a motor accident halfway through writing and depended on others to finish book in time. Maybe this has something to do with the repetition. Still, a solid read in this series. -
Another wonderful book in the Matthew Shardlake series.
The second time round I enjoyed it even more! -
Another excellent read in this fantastic series. I thought I was getting a bit bored with historical fiction but there was nothing boring about
Dark Fire. Matthew Shardlake is such an interesting main character and he manages to gain a new assistant in this book who suits him admirably. Not one but two mysteries running parallel kept the pace of the story going and I found the historical detail to be just right - not too little or too much. Now to find the time to read the next one. I do love a good series:) -
Well I am no longer an audiobook virgin! After a few attempts in the past to listen to an audiobook and having to give up because it was driving me insane, this became the only option to get a copy of this book (long story there). I actually quite enjoyed it, not sure if it was because it was done as a BBC production, and I could get through the book while doing mundane tasks like filling the washing machine, cooking dinner etc! Enough said on that...
In this Shardlake instalment (set during the rule of Henry VIII), he is persuaded to do some work for Cromwell in return for a stay of execution of a young girl, Elizabeth Wentworth who Matthew believes has been falsely accused of murder. A lot is at stake as Cromwell is desperate to regain favour with King Henry VIII by producing a reported 'Greek Fire' - a highly flammable substance that creates a 'dark fire' believed to be used as an incendiary weapon in the Byzantine era.
Is Matthew being sent on a wild goose chase based purely on rumour? Can he save Cromwell and Elizabeth or will he be unleashing a terrible power into the wrong hands?
I have just had a second go at this book. I listened to the audio book last year and planned to read book 3
Sovereign this year, but I struggled to recall the events of this book. I have to say reading the book I got so much more out of it. I got through the audiobook in two days but it took me two weeks to get through the written tome. That is probably telling in itself. Still 4 stars but I understand a lot more through all of the historical detail than I did listening to a more condensed version of it.
A very entertaining historical fiction. -
I loved this sequel even more than the first book in the series! The author's credentials as a lawyer with a PhD in history are evident in the complex, finely written story that he creates around Tudor era lawyer, Matthew Shardlake.
There is really no part of this book that I can disparage. The characters are multifaceted and realistic. I adore Matthew - he is clever and righteous but also insecure and modest. In this novel he is paired up perfectly with Jack Barak, who is young, courageous, and loyal. The two of them make a wonderful team, and Matthew is able to get over the loss of his assistant Mark.
Sansom does a marvelous job of creating the sights, scents, attitudes, and lifestyles of Tudor England without ever making the reader feel that they are trudging through an information dump. Making use of what may be the best use of first person narrative I have read, he places the reader inside Matthew's thoughts and circumstances. How disappointed I was to glance up from the page and be reminded that I was not truly traipsing through 16th century London.
Once again the mysteries - and there are a few in this installment - were secondary to the characters and setting in my mind. That does not mean that they were any less expertly done. Shardlake is immersed in two major cases: one that he accepts because he believes in the accused's innocence when nobody else does and the other because Cromwell leaves him no choice. Both storylines keep the reader on the edge of their seat until the very end, and little is as it originally appears.
My only disappointment was that when I finished this book, I realized that the next Shardlake episode, Sovereign, was not on my shelf. No worries. It is now on its way to my door! -
Step back in time to the 16th century. Follow Matthew Shardlake through the stench of London, the political turmoil, unsolved mysteries, and the "justice and injustice that are not always easy to tell apart."
This was my second in the Shardlake series. I will definitely read them all as well as Winter in Madrid. Sansom does an exceptional job with the details of that period. I love getting a strong dose of accurate history while enjoying a compelling mystery. -
Continual suspense
Matthew Shardlake has put the nerve-wracking episode of his investigations at Scarnsea Monastery behind him and is living the relatively quiet life of a London lawyer of the Tudor era. Suddenly, his peace is shattered. He is asked to defend a young lady who is accused of murdering her cousin, but refuses to speak to anyone, even Shardlake. A difficult task, and even more stressful because failing to plea when brought to court in those days resulted in a slow and agonising death by “pressing.”
Almost simultaneously, Shardlake is called to the chambers of Lord Cromwell, who commissions him to seek one of the earliest weapons of mass destruction, Greek fire. It is a very dangerous assignment, made even more so because it is so difficult to work out whom he can trust. Wisely, he decides to trust no-one.
There is suspense throughout this book, and more than a few close scrapes. I really enjoyed it. -
I još jedan odličan Sansomov roman! Moji su omiljeni žanrovi povijesni i trileri, a ovaj autor ih genijalno spaja. Radnja se događa u Engeskoj u doba Henrika VIII kada Mathew Shardlake, odvjetnik, rješava interesantne slučajeve kroz koje, uz uživanje u napetoj radnji, uživamo i u temeljitim opisima načina života, običaja, politike i nekih povijesnih ličnosti spomenutog razdoblja. S užitkom krećem na sljedeći roman ovog autora!
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3.5 stars
Slightly less engaging than
Dissolution, this instalment follows Shardlake as he investigates two very different cases. The first, brought to him by a friend, challenges him to discover the truth behind the arrest and imprisonment of a girl who might be innocent of the murder of her young cousin; the second, and significantly more important, is directed by Cromwell, who demands an answer to the question of Greek Fire, a weapon of serious destructive power which might provide the best means for demolishing the French and Spanish forces arrayed against Henry, and which is now missing... Not only that, Shardlake is under significant time pressure, given a set date which neither case can afford to miss, forcing him to the very limits of his mental and physical capacity.
The main focus of the novel is a devious plot by unknown conspirators which has the potential to bring down Cromwell himself, especially as he's already on dangerous ground due to his involvement in finding Henry his latest, but now out of favour, wife, Anne of Cleves. The involvement of Dark Fire is entirely fabricated by the author to fill the gap between his fall into disfavour and the eventual, decisive result. It's somewhat overdone, but certainly provides the means for violent action and layered intrigue in the narrative. For the most part, the plot seemed more a foil for the characters than anything else and that might explain its weaknesses. Nevertheless, the working-through-the-clues style is effectively utilised, fitting well with Shardlake's logical mind. The secondary 'mystery' of who-really-did-it is easily deduced, following a well trodden path, and is largely used to fill the gaps between the action of the main plot. Other than providing the hook through which Cromwell forces Shardlake to work for him, it's rather unnecessary, but perhaps does allow the new sidekick, Jack Barak, a chance to show his more human side.
It is the fabulous historical detail that gives this series its true appeal and Sansom's creation of atmosphere is his greatest talent. His main character, Shardlake, is engaging and in each book he learns something new about himself and those around him. That growth has made him somewhat modern in his outlook, but that's part of his draw- I very much doubt it would be quite so pleasurable to spend time with him if he held views of women or people of colour that might seem abhorrent to modern readers. Indeed, his friendship with Guy and positive expectation of women's abilities is one of the reasons I enjoy the books. Barak is a wonderful addition, his roughness, courage, and attitude adding vivacity to the story and providing a bit more real world knowledge to Shardlake's slightly loftier understanding. These are the things which will keep me reading despite not enjoying this one as much as the first, I still want to see what comes next. -
Enjoyable very well written historical fiction using real events and figures to tell and influence the crimes and mysteries that populate Dark Fire.
There are detailed and far longer reviews here in the Goodreads community that I could not better, so my summary is simply that Mr Sansom's strong central characters, and his finely balanced and nuanced writing supplemented, with good historical background that uses real people, places and events to give the reader a long, complex and rewarding tale of Tudor England undergoing religious reform. -
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8.5/10
Que puedo decir de esta segunda novela de Matthew Shardlake, salvo que me ha encantando. Cierto es que la quinta estrella es muy raspada, pero viendo que lo he disfrutado mucho más que otros libros a los que les puse 4, me ha parecido que lo justo era darle esa quinta.
La historia trascurre un par de años después de donde lo dejamos en la primera novela. Shardlake que se cree fuera de toda la trama política del momento, una vez más se ve envuelto en ella, al tener que ayudar a su antiguo valedor, el Conde Thomas Cromwell, a salvar su pellejo y su política reformista de la que nuestro protagonista fue un acérrimo seguidor en sus inicios. Para ello deberá descubrir la formula del fuego oscuro, o fuego griego, desaparecido hace muchos siglos, y que podría ser clave para evitar la invasión de Inglaterra por parte de los estados papistas, España y Francia principalmente.
Me ha gustado mucho la trama, muy bien hilvanada y entretenida, te mantiene expectante durante toda la historia y engancha bastante. El personaje de Barak me parece un total acierto, combina muy bien con Shardlake y juntos hacen una gran pareja que me van a dar muchas alegrías en los siguientes libros. El periodo histórico en que está basado la novela ya me gustó en la anterior, para mi es bastante desconocido en muchos aspectos, y me sigue pareciendo de lo más interesante. El modo de resolverlo todo, tanto la trama principal como la secundaria, ha sido muy acertado y ha hecho que todo el conjunto quede bastante redondo.
No le veo ninguna pega reseñable, en general es una novela muy sólida, con un muy buen protagonista, buenos secundarios, una trama que engancha y está bien narrada. Poco más puedo pedir a una lectura.
Obviamente seguiré con la saga.
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Well, as promised, this one was better than the first (and I really enjoyed the first one). By now of course there is a bond with Matthew Shardlake and some of the returning characters around him. The mysteries were engrossing and often unexpected, with the turmoil of Summer, 1540 a perfect backdrop - political turmoil, King Henry deciding he wants another divorce and a time of religious upheaval and confusion. It's fascinating and brilliantly done.
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Pretty reasonable Tudor detective thriller; better than the first in the series in my opinion. Sansom is a historian and lawyer who has obviously combined his two passions. This one is set in the summer of 1540 at the time of the fall of Cromwell.
Shardlake, the hero/detective is an honest lawyer (there's an oxymoron if ever there was one!)and is a likeable character. There is none of the mean moodiness and complex personal life here; Shardlake is a 40 year old hunchback who is unmarried. He does however, like Morse, fall for completely inappropriate women; an endearing trait.
In this book he receives a commission from Cromwell to investigate Greek Fire and find what is effectively a Tudor version of a flamethrower. The plot twists and revolves and there are plenty of suspects; Shardlake gains a new assistant (every decent detective should have one that complements their own gifts) who is streetwise, muscular and gets things done.
If you like decent detective novels this one fits the bill with the added bonus of a bit of Tudor history and some excellent descriptive passages. -
3.5 stars. Solid sequel to the excellent
Dissolution by C. J. Sansom. Not as enjoyable as the first book which is probably because having visited the world of Matthew Shardlake before, it wasn't quite as fresh or new as it was before. In addition, the mysteries involved in this installment were less compelling. That said, it was still a very good read and I will certainly be reading the next book in the series. Recommend. -
This second in the Matthew Shardlake series was actually my first time reading this series and I found that it certainly deserves every praise that it has received and more. I actually finished this book early last week but for one reason or other haven’t gotten down to it until now.
Greek Fire or dark fire as it is also called was something I first came across in the Tradewinds Caravans game, and it is this mysterious weapon of the past, something that belongs to the realms of alchemists, and almost falls in the same category as the philosopher’s stone, that forms one of the themes of this mystery. It is 1540, and Henry VIII is in the process of contemplating a divorce from his fourth wife Anne of Cleves, and courting Katherine Howard. Thomas Cromwell, who was responsible for making the match with Anne of Cleves is as a result in trouble. The only thing that can save him is this claim by a small-time alchemist and his brother that they have discovered the secret of the famed Greek Fire. After some demonstrations, Cromwell has passed on the secret to the King who waits to see it with his own eyes. But before that can happen, the alchemist and his brother have begun to act strangely and then they end up brutally murdered. Cromwell enlists the help of his one-time protégé, Matthew Shardlake to get to the bottom of the case and to help Shardlake assigns Jack Barak. Meanwhile Shardlake has an equally complex case of his own on his hands. Though he doesn’t usually do criminal work (these were days when accused were not allowed representation), a client as charged him with the task of helping his teenage niece accused of brutally murdering her much younger cousin. But when asked she will say nothing, not what happened, and not even plead her innocence. Her uncle however is convinced she cannot be guilty, and soon, so is Shardlake. Her refusal to plead however means she must face the press soon, a horrifying prospect. But a brief respite with Cromwell’s intervention means Shardlake at least has some time to look into the matter. The trouble is, it isn’t very much, in barely two weeks, he must get to the bottom of both matters and time doesn’t wait for anyone.
This was as I said already an excellent read for me. The setting, and sense of time and place it gives one was just so well done―this book doesn’t just have Tudor England as a background or setting it really takes you there, the sights, the smells (particularly the smells), the turmoil after the monasteries were dissolved (though this is some time after this happened) and the ill-effects this had on the many poorer segments of society who were dependent on them, the things that were filtering in from the new world, sugar banquets and new fruit. And it doesn’t confine one to any one segment of society but takes us from the houses of the nobility to the poorest shacks in town, to prisons and to the establishment of alchemists and apothecaries. While human beings and human nature may be quite the same, one certainly is much more thankful that we have come some way from how things were back then. But it also takes us into the issues facing people themselves, from facing the courts and prisons as an accused to voicing one’s opinions particularly on religious matters, and navigating the politically charged world not knowing when the tides will turn, or indeed for some at least having to live in perpetual fear of the whims of the King himself―Sansom not only shows us this atmosphere but to an extent makes us experience it as well. But beyond all this, this is a mystery series, and not one but both of Shardlake’s mysteries here have aspects we don’t see coming. This book though nearly 600 pages long kept me hooked throughout, never dragging, rather always keeping me reading on and not wanting to put it down. Can’t wait to get started on my next Shardlake. -
It’s been a hell of a long time since I read Dissolution. A good year and a half. I was weary about picking up this book after so long and I kept putting it off. However I’m pleased to say that I jumped straight back into this world as if it had been weeks not over a year. I think that should show you that Sansom’s writing is something special. I could remember the plot of the first one quite vividly, couple that with the fact this one is set a few years after the events of the first book and there was no issue or confusion. This series was introduced to me by former colleagues at a bookstore I used to work at. Everyone who worked there was obsessed with this series, and it was always what we recommend to our customers.
I also want to note that I both listened to the audiobook and read the paperback for portions of it. The audiobook was well narrated with different characters being presented in different ways and having distinctive voices. I have a feeling that I’ll continue the series in the same fashion as it helped me become immersed in the world.
We follow hunchback lawyer Matthew Shardlake who has been tasked with trying to save a girl whose guilt has already been decided and won’t speak to defend herself. Accused of a murder, although Shardlake believes her innocent he has no way to prove it and she won’t enter a plea. Meaning she will face the press, a particularly gruesome death.
He is also back in Thomas Cromwell’s favour and has the task of finding Dark Fire or Greek Fire so that Cromwell can demonstrate it to King Henry. Not an easy task as both alchemists involved turn up dead and the formula missing. Both of these cases have the same deadline and make poor Mathew’s life both dangerous and exhausting. To help out he is given a partner of sorts in Jack Barak. A rough around the edges sort of guy who is entirely loyal to Cromwell. I really enjoyed Jack, I thought he rounded out Shardlake‘s edges.
Sansom really brings Tudor England to life. One of my favourite periods of history and some of my favourite historical figures. The fear of religion is palpable and the other fears of the age come across so well. You really get a sense of how difficult and dangerous it was to talk about religion and reform. This would be a pleasant read for someone even if they aren’t familiar with the period. Everything you need to know is explained and I had no trouble imagining the characters and setting. It was all very believable.
Cromwell is beautifully written. He is a terrifying figure and every meeting Shardlake had with him in this book had me on edge. Historically he fascinates me and I really enjoy the way Sansom portrays him in this series.
I found the two cases very interesting. Shardlake works on both cases at the same time and when one slows down the other one picks up. Meaning there is scarcely a dull moment. There is such a variety of different things going on that it keeps you on your toes and keeps you reading. Alchemy, religion, politics, law and loyalty. All major themes in this one and all woven into a fantastic historical mystery.
The last 100 pages went by in a flash as all was revealed and everything wrapped up. I did guess a few things but there were some surprises too. It’s such a shame I don’t see very much buzz about this series because I think it’s great. Especially if your a fan of mystery novels or historical fiction. I can’t wait to get book three so I can delve back into this world. I’m certainly not going to leave it so long this time after that epilogue. -
Read this book in 2011, and its the 2nd volume of the wonderful "Matthew Shardlake" series.
This tale is set in the year AD 1540, three years after Shardlake's mission at Scarnsea.
Out of favour with Thomas Cromwell and thus keeping a low profile, he will be defending a young woman, Elizabeth Wentworth, who's prosecuted for murder of her cousin.
This Elizabeth Wentworth refuses to plea whether she's guilty or not guilty, and so making this case for Shardlake impossible to defend, with the result that she will crushed under weights until she pleads or dies.
At the last moment this execution is granted a reprieve by Thomas Cromwell, because he needs Shardlake to investigate a case for him, especially after his downfall from grace after his ill-fated marriage he arranged for King Henry VIII and Anne of Cleves.
This case will involve Greek Fire, that has turned up in the hands of two brothers and Cromwell wants the possession of it, to restore some of his former glory.
What is to follow is an amazing mystery, in which Shardlake will have to go to any length to try to locate this Greek Fire and get it in the possession of Thomas Cromwell, but after an excellent executed tale with much treason and conspiracies that will bring much disaster and death, it will end with a lot of suspense and burning desires.
Highly recommended, for this is another terrific addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Magnificent Sequel"! -
I really enjoy this series, set in Tudor England and featuring the hump backed lawyer, Matthew Shardlake. Looking forward to reading book three in the series. Part murder mystery/part historical fiction - I’ll give this 4.5 stars for being well written, with a wide host of characters including Cromwell and the Duke of Norfolk. It’s a brutal time in history, and one I’ve read much about. From the prisons to the abuses of power, historical fiction lovers will appreciate CJ Sansom.
