Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: Anthony, Earl of Crofton
AUTHOR: Rebecca Cohen
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 240 pages
RELEASE DATE: April 24, 2019
BLURB:
A tale set in Stuart England, where the king’s life depends on his most loyal of subjects.
Anthony Redbourn, Earl of Crofton, delights in his reputation as a charming rogue. Life is never quiet at the court of King James I, especially with his good friend and secret lover, Sebastian Hewel, by his side. As an actor with the celebrated King’s Men, Sebastian has his own admirers, but neither man has eyes for anyone else.
When a plot against His Majesty is uncovered it threatens Anthony and Sebastian’s charmed lives, and they are dragged into the political intrigue and the race to save the king from danger. Fear that a traitor is linked to the King’s Men leaves Sebastian and Anthony with no choice but to stage a very public dissolution of their friendship, so Anthony can be free to be the patron of a new rising actor, and Sebastian can be the prodigy of another noble.
It is a dangerous game they are playing to expose the plotters and still find a way to meet in secret, as Anthony is adamant that they will not sacrifice the love they have fought so hard to win. They will do whatever it takes to protect the king’s life, and their commitment to each other.
REVIEW:
Sebastian and Anthony are committed to each other. But, in the court of King James I, they played a public game and a private one. The true nature of their relationship is only known to a few. A threat to the King’s life has Anthony and Sebastian outwardly severing their public friendship so that they can be used to discover the traitors.
What follows is a story of drama and intrigue where hearts and lives are put on the line. And I loved it.
Sebastian is an actor. As such, he doesn’t hold a high station in life, but he is well-liked, and a good enough actor to be a leading man and part of the Kings Men. The company put on Shakespearean plays for the crown and noblemen. He is a sweet soul who can match anyone with his stubborn ways, especially when protecting someone he loves.
Anthony is a patron of the arts in general, and is benefactor, friend and lover to Sebastian. I thought of several ways to describe him, but the below quote comes directly from the story and by far outdoes anything I could write.
“If you had not noticed, I do not find it necessary to explain myself to anyone. I clear my conscience with a priest, my politics with the king, and everyone else can hang before I alter my ways to appease them.”
The story is told in the third person from Anthony’s viewpoint. It has a super grasp of the historical imagery of the era, in which Shakespeare was alive and is cast as the resident playwright of the Kings Men. In some historical tales, I sometimes find the conversational language disjointed from I am used to hearing. It is not the case here, which for me was a bonus that allowed me to connect with the story quicker.
My only criticism is that in the first pages the main characters are referred to by several names which, until I was used to them, was a little confusing. For example, Anthony Redbourn, Earl of Crofton – within a few pages is referred to as Anthony, Redbourn, Crofton, Lord Crofton, and Earl of Crofton.
Throughout, the relationship between Anthony and Sebastian was a pleasure to read. Despite playing the part of distancing friends, the ruse took its toll on the couple. Yet, through jealousy and scheming from those around them, they battle to save what they have. Anthony is delightfully acerbic in relevant situations, and Sebastian occasionally put him in his place with a show of strength that Anthony has no option than to submit to.
The investigation on behalf of the king highlights some interesting characters and their flaws, as well as those intent on assassinating King James. It also provides drama, angst and some page-turning moments.
RATING:
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