November 6, 2015

Book Review (XLIII) Tyburn

                                             Tyburn
                               by

                      Jessica Cale
Blurb

Caught between a new love and an old need for revenge, notorious harlot Sally Green fights for survival in Restoration London. A sinister nobleman, a tutor with a secret, danger around every corner, and unbridled passion … Jessica Cale is pleased to present Tyburn, Book 1 of her new historical romance series, The Southwark Saga.


My Review
Tyburn is one of the best historical romances I have EVER read. I was not familiar with the works of Jessica Cale before this, but I am so happy to have discovered her.

There is so much to this book, I can't give it all away. I won't go into the plot....you can read the other reviews for that, but please believe me when I say that this author is incredibly talented and you will adore this book.

Jessica Cale’s main characters are multi-faceted. None of them is only black or white. They are complex, morally ambiguous and fully human. I think you will FEEL the characters and that's what makes her books special.

Main characters:

Celestine  Remi aka Sally aka the Green Devil is a woman who, according to Wrath, her pimp, “. . . has a cruel heart and a quiet tongue.”  What made her like that and who is she in fact?  A baker’s apprentice, a whore, a woman in love? “All she had wanted growing up was a quiet life, a home of her own, and a kitchen, of course."  What life offered her. . . it’s another story.

Nicodemus  aka Nick Virtue, tutor and highway man. An odd combination of occupations. What urges him to act like that? Reading this story full of twists and turns will reveal the reason.
Many secondary characters – Benedict/Bettie, Jane, Wrath, Mark and  others are as well developed as the main ones I listed above. They all are woven in an intricate fresco of Restoration England. The author has a gift with words, creating vivid images of a London infested by “rodents” of various kinds –two and four legged. She displays a keen observation of detail and unfiltered representation of London society after the Great Fire.
Just read Tyburn and you won't be disappointed. I can count on one hand, the number of times I was this heavily invested in the characters of a book. All I can say is WOW!
My rating:

12 comments:

  1. It sounds very good and is on my tbr list. I am also partial to the beautiful green on the cover. I love it when you showcase historicals.

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    1. It is good. I felt as if I was transported back in time, in a London town so different from what it is right now.

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  2. I am excited about this book as I will have time for reading next week and am looking forward to a good historical in one of my favourtite eras. Lovely cover. too. I hope the book does well for you Jessica, and thanks Carmen for sharing your beautiful review.

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    1. Thank you for your words on my review, Daisy!
      And you know what they say: De gustibus! I like that the story wasn't hurried and it wasn't only about Sally and Nick.

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  3. Wow, thank you so much! I am thrilled beyond words that you enjoyed it so much! Thank you Carmen, and thank you Daisy and Flossie! Have a great weekend! :) xx

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    1. You're most welcome, Jessica!
      I did enjoy the story of book one. Hope to be able soon to start reading book 2 in the series.

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  4. Just a note to say I have read this book and enjoyed it very much. Jessica led me through the 17th century London streets with a deft hand. One warning for readers; once you pick this book up you won't be able to put it down.

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    1. Thank you so much, Daisy! So glad you enjoyed! Thank you for reading! :)

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  5. I love books that transport me to another era. This sounds like an engrossing read with strong character development. For me, characters are what draw me into a story. Adding this to my TBR!

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    1. Welcome back, Mae ! I missed your comments.
      Yes, a captivating story. I will have to read the second book in the series, too.

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  6. Thank you so much, Mae! I hope you enjoy it! :)

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