Today I’m really excited to be taking part in the Book Tour and Giveaway of, State Of Treason,
by Paul Walker, which is being hosted by HFBT!
#StateofTreason #PaulWalker #HFVBTBlogTours @PWalkerauthor @hfvbt
State of Treason by Paul Walker
“A gripping and evocative page-turner that vibrantly brings Elizabeth’s London to life.” -Steven Veerapen, author of A Dangerous Trade
London 1578 – a cauldron of conspiracy, intrigue and torture.
The might of Spain and the growing influence of the Catholic League in France all threaten the stability of Queen Elizabeth and her state.
William Constable, a physician and astrologer, is summoned to the presence of the Queen’s spymaster, Sir Francis Walsingham. He is charged to assist a renowned Puritan, John Foxe, in uncovering the secrets of a mysterious cabinet containing an astrological chart and coded message. Together, these claim Elizabeth has a hidden, illegitimate child who will be declared to the masses and serve as the focus for an invasion.
Constable must uncover the identity of the plotters, unaware that he is also under suspicion.
A connection to his estranged mentor, Doctor Dee, comes under scrutiny.
Pressured into taking up a position as a court physician, Constable becomes a reluctant spy.
Do the stars and cipher speak true, or is there some other malign intent in the complex web of scheming?
Constable becomes an unwitting pawn, in a complex game of thrones and power.
State of Treason is the first in a series of Elizabethan thrillers featuring William Constable.
Recommended for fans of C.J. Sansom, S J Parris and Rory Clements.
Available on Amazon US and Amazon UK
This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
William Constable, a physician and notable astrologer, finds himself woken up and taken to Whitehall in the middle of the night. Summoned by the Queen of England’s principal secretary, the notorious Spymaster himself, Sir Francis Walsingham.
Walsingham’s ruthless zeal to counter any uprise of Catholicism, sanctioned the torture and killings of Catholic priests and any who were suspected conspirators.
Walsingham knows the might of Spain and the growing influence of the Catholic League in France, and the continuous threat to the Queen Elizabeth herself, and the stability of her state. Walsingham, directs William Constable and John Foxe, with the task of deciphering aromatic text and the meaning of the star charts depicted on and around and ornate decorated box.
John Foxe is a notable English historian and martyrologist, renowned author of Actes and Monuments. A horrific detailed accounts of the entire history of persecution in the church up until the mid 1550’s, starting with Jesus.
Paired together by Walsingham, this unlikely duo form a warm and kindred friendship. Working together they are tasked to uncover a plot to discredit the Queen and to divide the nation.
Together they uncover a treasonous plot of conspirators that claims Queen Elizabeth has illegitimate child. This would be disastrous to Protestants and the Queen, but would be critical for Roman Catholic sympathizers, who could be use it to spear head a revolution.
As this suspenseful novel takes off, I was immediately intrigued and completely immersed in this complex, political and captivating historical drama.
Paul Walker, masterly sets this absorbing character driven plot line with just enough amount of tension and mystery to keep you on the edge of your seat.
The incredible dialogue of this story should be noted upfront, it really is amazing! I really enjoyed the rich, descriptive language that is realistic to the time period. The prose is seamless, and eloquent, allowing me, as a reader, to feel like I was alongside the main protagonist, William Constable
The supporting characters are just as well developed and fleshed out and very interesting. Constable is wonderful character who is sympathetic to his mother and show empathy toward his fellow man. The budding romance makes for added depth to this book. I look forward to reading more developed in next book.
I really enjoyed the authors creative invention of the shadow staff, a ships navigation device, that coincides with development of this time period. Creative invention were being developed, in response for the increasing push toward exploration.
Overall this was engaging book, with brilliant executed narration was brilliant. I loved the way the plot unfolded. I was completely invested in the storyline.
This stunning, atmospheric historical fiction with the most illustrious characters, coded messages, espionage, and star charts made for a riveting read.
Giveaway Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on February 6th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback giveaway is open internationally.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.
https://gleam.io/CBtK0/state-of-treason
About the Author
Paul Walker inherited his love of British history and historical fiction from his mother who was an active member of the Richard III Society.
State of Treason is the first in a planned series of Elizabethan spy thrillers. The plot is based around real characters and events in London of the 1570s. The hero, William Constable, is an astrologer and also a skeptic. He is also a mathematician, astronomer and inventor of a navigational aid for ships. The distinction between astrology and astronomy was blurred in the sixteenth century.
The second book in the series, A Necessary Killing, was published in November 2019.
Paul is married and lives in a village 30 miles north of London. His writing is regularly disrupted by children and a growing number of grandchildren and dogs.
Twitter | Goodreads
Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, January 20
Review at Donna’s Book Blog
Tuesday, January 21
Review at Books and Zebras
Wednesday, January 22
Excerpt at Jathan & Heather
Thursday, January 23
Feature at I’m Into Books
Review at Historical Graffiti
Friday, January 24
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit
Monday, January 27
Review at DFW’s Historical Fiction + Adirondack Spirit Blog
Wednesday, January 29
Feature at The Book Junkie Reads
Saturday, February 1
Excerpt at booknook2020
Monday, February 3
Review at YA, It’s Lit
Tuesday, February 4
Review at Passages to the Past
Wednesday, February 5
Interview at Passages to the Past
Thursday, February 6
Review at Nursebookie
Review at Tales from the Book Dragon
Giveaway
During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a paperback copy of State of Treason! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.
Giveaway Rules
Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on February 6th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
Paperback giveaway is open to US residents only.
Only one entry per household.
All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.
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Gwendalyn’s Books 
I’m so glad you enjoyed State of Treason! Thank you for being on the tour!
Amy
HF Virtual Book Tours
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