Eight stars
Reaching for the latest in the Ben Hope series, I was intrigued by the title chosen by Scott Mariani. Long a fan of all things Tudor, I was curious to see how Mariani would address the English monarchy and how truths can sometimes be in the pen of the playwright. As Ben Hope finds himself pulled into the middle of a centuries-old mystery, he is also fueled by revenge for the attack on a recent acquaintance. Told with all the details series fans have come to expect, Mariani dazzles and enriches history with his own spin.
Recently retired from the British Military, 2005 proves fruitful for Ben Hope. He's living in Ireland and using some of his SAS skills to open a K&R (Kidnap and Ransom) business, specialising in missing children. He is pushed to the limits when Ben is asked to locate two young boys who have been missing for many years. How long, Ben will soon find out, and regret his helpful nature.
Learning that the missing boys are from the era of Richard III, Hope walks away, scoffing at the elderly historian who sought his help. That dismissal has not been noticed by some, who stage an attack that will severely injure someone Hope has come to care about a great deal. When the elderly historian is also killed, Hope knows that he will not be able to ignore things, as his sense of justice and vengeance is high.
Connecting with others in the historical world, Hope discovers that the truth about the missing princes is not entirely what the history books would have many believe. Spun by the writings of William Shakespeare, the Tudor era rose to prominence based on an apparent falsehood. Hope tries to learn the truth and discovers that a rightful claim to the English Throne may be part of the reason the attack was so targeted and brutal. Hope finds himself travelling across Europe for answers, while he is still being targeted by a man whose personal wealth and honour will fuel future attacks. But, what Hope discovers could turn things on their head and leave the lineage of the English monarchy impacted a great deal, while rewriting the history books. Mariani provides a great story that keeps the reader on edge throughout.
Scott Mariani has always kept things on edge when it comes to his novels, with this series proving to be more than simply entertaining. Mariani uses history to fuel a great narrative that finds itself gaining momentum as the truth blossoms. Filled with action, brutality, and even some humour, Mariani helps shape the stories to educate the reader while entertaining them throughout. There is something for everyone and Ben Hope has surely added depth as the series keeps moving. Great complementing characters help add flavour to the story as well, a typical going-on for Mariani. With no anticipated ending, Mariani will have to keep the stories coming and pushing Ben Hope into additional danger.
Plot points are key to this series, as history offers many interesting forks that Mariani can utilise to his advantage. Ben Hope tends to gravitate towards trouble and finds himself making many odd decisions, all of which help add flavour to the stories. I am eager to see where this are headed and how Ben Hope will find new and ancient events to keep him active.
Kudos, Mr. Mariani, for keeping me impressed throughout.
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