This is just a quick post to let you know that Issue 10 of Shiny New Books is out today!
If you haven’t come across it yet, Shiny New Books is an online recommendations magazine for book lovers and is packed with reviews and other features. I was happy to provide a review of The Sun King Conspiracy by Yves Jégo and Denis Lépée for this edition.
This is what the book is about:
“This fascinating and complex historical thriller is set in 1661 at the court of France’s Sun King, Louis XIV. As the novel opens, Cardinal Mazarin, Chief Minister to the young king, is dying. Having effectively ruled France alongside Anne of Austria throughout Louis’ early years, the balance of power is set to change with his death. When a fire breaks out in Mazarin’s palace, some incriminating coded documents are stolen from the dying Cardinal – documents which must be prevented from falling into the wrong hands. The theft sparks a power struggle among rival factions, with political figures as prominent as Nicolas Fouquet and Jean-Baptiste Colbert drawn into a race to find the mysterious papers.
Also drawn into this dangerous game – much against his will – is Gabriel de Pontbriand, an aspiring young actor who has come to Paris to pursue his dream of a career in the theatre. Mazarin’s stolen documents unexpectedly come into Gabriel’s possession and, to his horror, he recognises the signature at the bottom of one of the papers. Caught between the schemes of unscrupulous politicians on one side and a secretive religious brotherhood on the other, Gabriel finds himself at the heart of a conspiracy which has the potential to change the future of France and its monarchy forever…”
You can read the rest of my review here – and don’t forget to explore the rest of the new issue!
She Reads Novels 
Is it new that you’re posting for Shiny New Books? I have been following it for a while, but I didn’t realize you reviewed for it. This book looks interesting.
I don’t have reviews in every issue – just when I’m offered a book by one of the editors. I think I’ve reviewed four or five books for them so far.
That’s cool! I don’t actually have anyone offering me books yet, although many will send me ones when I ask.
I popped over and saw your full review on Shiny New Books – Great review Helen! I am going to have to put this on my wish list. You’ve also inspired me to get back to the D’Artagnan novels, as I’ve only read The Three Musketeers even though I loved it!
Thanks! This book is a sort of cross between Dumas and Dan Brown, so I think you might enjoy it. 🙂
Dumas and Brown! Sounds like I’d definitely enjoy it 😀
Great review! I had to go and read the whole review. It reminds me of Lord Aragon in LOTR and D’ Artagnan. I am adding this to the TBR
Thank you. I think it’s definitely worth adding to the TBR.
A lovely review, Helen. I really need to read more Dumas, and I have Maurice Druon’s books lined up, but I’ll ass this to the ‘maybe one day’ list.
Thanks. There are a few flaws, but also some fascinating ideas so I definitely think it’s worth reading.
Love to see bloggers branching out and reviewing in other places.
I love blogging here at my own blog, but it’s nice to share my reviews on other sites sometimes too. 🙂