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Reviewed by Kathryn Bennett for Readers' Favorite
The Secret World of Christoval Alvarez (The Chronicles of Christoval Alvarez) (Volume 1) by Ann Swinfen takes us back to 1586, England, a land riddled with traitors who are plotting to kill the queen. Not only that, but they want her death to bring on a foreign invasion. A young doctor named Christoval Alvarez is a refugee from the terrors of the inquisition in Portugal, and has been talked into becoming a code breaker in the secret service of Sir Francis Walsingham. Who will come out on top in the attempt to thwart the plot? Will it be the traitors or the secret service?
I love a great historical fiction and this one takes place in a time period that I love; the 1500s were an exciting time in England with intrigue all over. There is so much intrigue going on in this book it can be hard to keep some of it straight at times, but that is one of the best things about it. You can tell that Ann Swinfen has put a lot of research into what went on during this time period and weaving it into a story that is equal parts fiction to the historical events of the era. The world is rich and the characters, especially Christoval, have so many layers it keeps your attention from the first page to the last. If you want a book full of history, adventure and turns to keep you interested, this is for you. I can't wait to read more from this author.
