The Invention of Fire (John Gower #2) by Bruce Holsinger

Final Rating: 4.3/5

A rewarding tale of returns and the dangers of playing with fire...

   This savory historical series continues to claim my attention and to be a solid recommendation to other readers who may have been searching for a literary experience that quickly immerses them into embattled lanes of survival in 14th-century London and beyond the realm. That not only holds brilliantly noted facets of historical research that ties everything together by the final page but offers the chance to follow a shrewd narrator into the very depths of intrigue, greed and betrayal that courses through 14th-century Europe. And believe me when I say, this can become quite the ride if the reader is patient enough to find out what will happen next.

   In The Invention of Fire, Mr. Holsinger takes us on a fascinating journey that begins with a ghastly discovery of mass murder. The story then slinks into the voice of John Gower who seizes the opportunity to find out the ultimate reasons and motive behind such cruel acts. From there this tale then spreads into the darkest reaches of London to over the guarded gates and walls to the four corners of England and to even across the sea. This is accomplished with a huge cast of characters that range from the genteel standing to ambitious founders, desperate criminals and even a familiar lane of maudlyns makes a brief appearance. With each passing chapter another point of view and distinct locale is visited and where it all leads is whether the reader believes in happy endings or a bleak uncertain future.

   For this reader, The Invention of Fire was a complex gripping mystery/thriller that although asked for some patience and was a little confusing with the shifting chapters and multiple viewpoints- it was still well worth it by the final page. This was one read that once the foundation of the story was firmly set it became very hard to put down and engaged so many different subjects in a very clever manner. The historical details in this novel were just perfect to set to a murder mystery and it is assured the curious will learn something new about the 14th century. Whether the reader is interested in military history, literary, metalwork, medical or even daily life in 1386, The Invention of Fire (John Gower, #2) has a hidden joy just waiting for you to find. Overall, a fine choice for those readers who love a stand-alone novel chocked full of distinct personalities, gritty realism and a truly intricate plot that could never be considered predictable.
 
* I would like to thank William Morrow and Edelweiss for the opportunity to read and enjoy The Invention of Fire: John Gower, #2

Also in this series:

A Burnable Book (John Gower #1)

by Bruce Holsinger