Sovereign | Litsy

Sovereign. C.J. Sansom (Revised) | C J Sansom

#WondrousWednesday @Eggs

1. An all-day cold and gentle rain. Matt and I are in the den with the windows open (of course zero rain would come inside). A warm fire would be blazing while we cozily sit on our wrap-around couch with our two GSD's, Kate & Pip on the couch with us. We'd be drinking hot-buttered rum and would be snuggled under fuzzy blankets. #sigh
2. I'm looking forward to finishing SOVEREIGN with the #ShardlakeSeriesBR.
You're tagged!

Suet624 Sounds delightful. 6h

32 likes1 comment

Daisey

Sovereign | C J Sansom

Sunday morning #BookAndBreakfast

I‘m not getting to read this as often as I would like, but I am thoroughly enjoying it when I do have time to read. #ShardlakeBR #ShardlakeSeriesBR

📷: Eggnog French toast made with pumpkin cinnamon roll bread

dabbe

trifleneurotic I don't know what I love more, the book or that breakfast. 😋 4d

dabbe #ditto what @trifleneurotic said! Happy Sunday! 🧡🍁🤎 4d

Daisey @trifleneurotic @dabbe Together they made for a pretty perfect morning. 3d

49 likes3 comments

Deblovestoread

Sovereign | C. J. Sansom

pick

#WeeklyFavorite

I enjoyed being back in the time of Henry VIII with Matthew and Jack. Matthew has been sent to York to make sure a dissenter of Henry‘s reforms stays in good health to make it to London to be tortured. Along the way other mysteries abound.

@Read4life

Read4life 🧡📚🧡 5d

52 likes1 comment

dabbe

Sovereign. C.J. Sansom (Revised) | C J Sansom

#ShardlakeSeriesBR #ShardlakeBR

Thoughts, Shardlakians?

Daisey, PurpleyPumpkin, Texreader, AnneCecilie, Gissy, Centique, OutsmartYourShelf, jenniferw88, Deblovestoread, Librarybelle, batsy, Chrissyreadit, kwmg40, Mollyanna, curiouserandcurioser, dabbe, Fr3NcHtOaSt, RaeLovesToRead, bthegood, lil1inblue, PageShifter, LiseWorks, The_Book_Ninja, Karisimo, Cheryl_Russell_BookNotes, BookWrym

LiseWorks I feel for Roderick, I don't like the way prisoners are treated. The gaelor I hate. He is cruel and reluctant to listen to Shardlake. I like the older lawer and feel for him as he knows he is dying. I'm not sure about the young girl Barack is involved with. 3w

Mollyanna I like Wrenne, but I feel he‘s hiding more than his illness. I hope I‘m wrong. Tamasin is an interesting character, and a different perspective. Maleverer and Radwinter are bullies 😛 3w

OutsmartYourShelf I wondered if Radwinter was based on John Sage, notorious torturer who worked for Edward I. All round nasty piece of work by all accounts.

Malevever - is that a clue? Mal- meaning evil or bad. Probably overthinking it.

Tamasin - you know if you had a line up of the love interests in these books I'm not sure I'd be able to differentiate between any of them. All very samey in character. 3w

See All 8 Comments

dabbe @LiseWorks Agree 💯. I also wonder if Broderick might be poisoning himself somehow because he knows what's going to happen to him if he makes it to London. And to be in a cell where you look out the window and see your best friend's bones hanging there. How horrific was this society! 3w

dabbe @Mollyanna I like Wrenne, too. I wonder if there's more in that library of his. And it's a necessary plot point (I think) to have Tamasin inside the queen's quarters. I bet we're going to get more of her insider views in the 2nd half of the book. 3w

dabbe @OutsmartYourShelf I have no idea re: Page--interesting idea! Love your thought of “mal“ meaning evil. I'll add to that: his name ends in “ever“ as in evil forever maybe?

So far, the Tamasin-Barak love interest is similar to the one in DISSOLUTION. We'll have to see if that changes in the 2nd half. 🤩 3w

kwmg40 I liked most of these fictional characters, and Sansom is good at making each of them a little bit mysterious, hinting at some interesting backstory that may be revealed as the novel progresses. 3w

AnneCecilie I have the same feeling about Wrenne @Mollyanna I never thought about that regarding Malevever‘s name @OutsmartYourShelf but it makes 3w

33 likes8 comments

dabbe

Sovereign. C.J. Sansom (Revised) | C J Sansom

#ShardlakeSeriesBR #ShardlakeBR
#Sovereign

Thoughts, Shardlakians?
Henry VIII: https://shorturl.at/u2qTe
Catherine Howard: https://shorturl.at/75Mnp
Thomas Culpeper: https://shorturl.at/UBSXb
Richard Rich: https://shorturl.at/frVZU
Lady Rochford: https://shorturl.at/9WTOV

LiseWorks I always felt sorry for Henry as he really wasn't raised to be the king. I think his injury really changed his personality as medical Doctors of the time failed him. He was also surrounded by ambitious men who influenced him. 3w

Mollyanna I find Lady Rocheford intriguing, especially wondering what her true motivations were in the Boleyn affair and after. Was she really against her husband or simply trying to survive as a woman in tumultuous times? 3w

Karisimo Sansom definitely portrayed King Henry completely unlikeable, especially for how he treated his wives as disposable. Could he have had some redeeming quality in real life? It's hard to imagine. 3w

See All 9 Comments

OutsmartYourShelf Henry VIII - really dislikeable in this book & I have a feeling that it may have been close to the truth.

Catherine Howard - felt sorry for her in that she didn't have much of a choice once Henry decided to marry her. Very foolish for keeping Culpepper & Dereham around her.

Lady Rochford - absolute snake in that she gave evidence about Anne Boleyn's supposed dalliances & yet facilitated Catherine Howard's. 3w

kwmg40 Most of the real-life characters are shown to be far from admirable, and I suspect the portrayals are truer than ones I've seen of them in other historical fiction about the Tudor period. 3w

lil1inblue @kwmg40 I agree! There was so much treachery and violence during this period, I cannot imagine that they were warm and fuzzy people. While the era intrigues me, I've never liked Henry VIII. He always seemed like the epitome of the patriarchy to me. 3w

dabbe @kwmg40 🎯!!! 3w

dabbe @lil1inblue And quite a few heads were lopped off during his reign. Yikes! 😱 3w

AnneCecilie To get to the top and to stay at the top, it‘s seems that you had to be ruthless and protect yourself. 3w

37 likes9 comments

dabbe

Sovereign. C.J. Sansom (Revised) | C J Sansom

#ShardlakeSeriesBR #ShardlakeBR
#Sovereign

Thoughts, Shardlakians?

LiseWorks I like Barak, we are getting to know him better but I'm leary of the girlfriend. The women in this era have to attach themselves to men in order to survive. Shardlake has to trust this man to get help solving this case. They make a good team 3w

Mollyanna I‘ve enjoyed the evolution of their relationship. Although not equals they seem to be on similar footing. Barak is beginning to look to the future, something I don‘t think he did before meeting Shardlake. 3w

OutsmartYourShelf In this book it seems to be a replay of Mark Poer (meeting a woman & reconsidering his future). I think that Shardlake & Barak are more friendly, even though Barak works for Shardlake. I think Barak needs to come up with a few more pithy comebacks rather than just “arseholes“ every time. 3w

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dabbe @LiseWorks They do, don't they? I also am leery of Tamasin. She's quite forceful when she wants something, and right now, she wants Barak. 3w

dabbe @Mollyanna And Barak has saved Shardlake's life more than once, and Shardlake is deeply indebted to him. I think he didn't like Tamasin at the beginning because he's jealous and doesn't want to lose his friendship with Barak. 3w

dabbe @OutsmartYourShelf It seems mighty similar, doesn't it? Though for some reason I like Tamasin more--so far anyway. And yes. Let's get beyond “arsehole“ Barak! 😂 3w

kwmg40 I liked very much the development of the relationship between Shardlake and Barak. We see Barak maturing in different ways, but he still has that brashness and toughness that make him such an interesting character. 3w

lil1inblue Love the graphic for this one. 😉 I really enjoy the contrast of Barak and Shardlake's characters. They challenge each other, and that allows growth for both characters. I'm behind, but I am intrigued to see how Tamasin plays in the whole thing. I can see the seeds of conflict being planted... 3w

dabbe @lil1inblue Like a love/bro triangle for sure! 🤩 3w

AnneCecilie I like their relationship, but I hadn‘t thought about the similarities to Mark Poer @OutsmartYourShelf That‘s a good point. But Barak seems to react differently when he and Shardlake disagree 3w

31 likes10 comments

dabbe

Sovereign. C.J. Sansom (Revised) | C J Sansom

#ShardlakeSeriesBR #ShardlakeBR
#Sovereign

Thoughts, Shardlakians?

LiseWorks Everyone is excited in a way about the king's presence but yet terrified by the king's presence . This is a perfect setting for murder 3w

Mollyanna The removal from London and “civilized” society and to the land of the barbarians definitely amps things up. It has taken the entire court (and us) out of their comfort zone. 3w

Karisimo I enjoyed the nuances brought in by the setting in a different region. I enjoyed learning more about the political dynamics too. I think the setting gave Shardlake and others a sense of not being in control- they didn't have their normal connections and colleagues. Even the weather was unsettling. 3w

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OutsmartYourShelf I've been to York several times. It has a lot of small, narrow lanes & it would have been even worse then with how buildings were crammed in together & the smell. The arrival of the Progress & all the hangers-on adds to the feeling of Shardlake being hemmed in with nowhere to escape in the sense that he has been manoeuvred into this job & can't leave. There's also the fact that York was a focal point of dissent as discussed in the book. 3w

dabbe @Liseworks @Mollyanna @Karisimo @OutsmartYourShelf WOWZA I'm blown away by all of your answers! Thanks for giving us a peak into York, @OutsmartYourShelf. 🤩🤩🤩

The gloomy, isolated city of York provides an ideal backdrop for the novel‘s atmosphere of secrecy and danger. The distance from London amplifies Shardlake‘s sense of isolation and vulnerability, making him feel surrounded by possible enemies. 3w

kwmg40 I liked the setting and agree with the earlier comments here. What especially contributed to the sense of danger was the clash in values of the two groups -- the wealthy visitors from the south and the oppressed local people. The latter lacked power but had the numbers and an intense hatred of the southerners. 3w

dabbe @kwmg40 And they almost won! 3w

lil1inblue I agree with @kwmg40. The clash between the locals and the southerners really amps up the danger. Shardlake and the southerners are essentially foreigners, adding an element of the unknown to the suspense. 3w

AnneCecilie Aren‘t they within city walls, so it‘s a closed space as well. With the chaos and all the extra people, it‘s the perfect place to hide within and hard to keep control of. The hanging bodies really shows what happens with people that goes against the king, and adds to the tension 3w

28 likes9 comments

dabbe

Sovereign. C.J. Sansom (Revised) | C J Sansom

#ShardlakeSeriesBR #ShardlakeBR
#Sovereign

Thoughts, Shardlakians?

LiseWorks This poor man is in a bad situation. He wants to do the right thing but literally just can't. 3w

Mollyanna I think Shardlake‘s reluctance shows how his recent past has a large influence on his emotions and thoughts. 3w

Karisimo He wasn't really given a choice in the matter so that puts him on edge. 3w

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OutsmartYourShelf He's caught between a rock & a hard place. He can't afford to offend Cranmer esp now his patron is no more, but I think he finds the secret mission part distasteful, knowing that the prisoner will face torture if Shardlake does his job & keeps him alive. 3w

dabbe @Liseworks @Mollyanna @Karisimo @OutsmartYourShelf 🎯!!! Shardlake is one conflicted lawyer who is at the absolute mercy of Cranmer (and formerly Cromwell). It's literally his life or Broderick's in this secret mission, and he feels horrible at the task that is laid before him. He truly cares about everyone, and that makes us care even more about him and the no-win situations he ends up in. 3w

kwmg40 I think his reluctance shows clearly the lack of freedom that many people experienced in that time period, where one can face execution for disagreeing with powerful people. 3w

dabbe @kwmg40 And always having to watch your back--double problem for Shardlake. 3w

lil1inblue Poor Shardlake - he just can't catch a break. 😂 He wants so badly to do the right thing, but is constantly at the mercy of these power hungry men! He is a man of grey areas and nuance stuck in a culture of black and white thinking. 3w

AnneCecilie He‘s not there on a nice mission so there‘s that, but I also think he knows that Londoners aren‘t liked in the North. 3w

27 likes9 comments

dabbe

Sovereign. C.J. Sansom (Revised) | C J Sansom

#ShardlakeSeriesBR #ShardlakeBR
#Sovereign (Part 1: Chapters 1-24)

Thoughts, Shardlakians?

LiseWorks I'm really starting to not like this Era. There are so many deaths. I feel sorry for King Henry's wives 3w

Mollyanna I am enjoying this one. To me it‘s a little slower than Dark Fire, but still a great read. 3w

Karisimo I'm still enjoying the series! It's similar to Dark Fire in the sense that Shardlake is burdened with knowledge of a dangerous secret. 3w

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OutsmartYourShelf I like the history of the Court, monarchy etc but could do without all the animal cruelty & death. 3w

dabbe @LiseWorks @Mollyanna @Karisimo @OutsmartYourShelf When I was fascinated with Tudor history as a kid, I always wished I'd lived then with all the big, beautiful dresses. Then I learned more as I got older and am THRILLED to live now. What a brutal time period to live in! And being at the literal whim of a demagogue king. 😳 Agree 💯 with all of your thoughts. 3w

kwmg40 I had meant to read just the first half this month but couldn't stop reading once I started and finished the entire book. I really enjoyed this installment, even more than the first two books, probably because I'm finding the development of the characters interesting. I also liked learning more about the history, in this case, the Progress and the politics surrounding it. 3w

dabbe @kwmg40 Agree 💯! I had never heard of the Northern Progress until reading this book. 3w

lil1inblue I'm so behind in my reading - I think I'm only 20% in. But I'm enjoying it. I'm so glad Barak is still around - I love his character and his relationship with Shardlake! I'm also excited to learn more about the Northern Progress - I hadn't heard much about it previously. I am also really appreciating how Sansom doesn't romanticize the era, as movies and tv tend to do. 3w

dabbe @lil1inblue He's starkly realistic, isn't he? I love Barak & Shardlake together, too! 🤩 3w

AnneCecilie I love this book as well. I remembered the scene with the king from the first time I read, but I thought it was more towards the end. Sansom is great at showing how the Tudor era was, and it‘s hard for the working classes and full of intrigue among the nobility 3w

29 likes10 comments

LitsyEvents

Sovereign | C. J. Sansom

Repost for @dabbe

#ShardlakeSeriesBR #ShardlakeBR
#Shardlakians

Just a friendly reminder of tomorrow's chat! Can't wait to read what you're all thinking! 🤩

33 likes

dabbe

Sovereign. C.J. Sansom (Revised) | C J Sansom

#ShardlakeSeriesBR #ShardlakeBR
#Shardlakians
#LitsyEvents
@LitsyEvents

Just a friendly reminder of tomorrow's chat! Can't wait to read what you're all thinking! 🤩

Librarybelle I‘m still behind and still reading Dark Fire. I will catch up one of these days! 😂 3w

PurpleyPumpkin @Librarybelle You are not the only one! I intend to catch up too at some point. 😅 Even though I‘m behind, I‘m thoroughly enjoying the discussions. Thanks for your continued posts @dabbe! 3w

dabbe @Librarybelle @PurpleyPumpkin Absolutely no worries! The questions will still be here! I'm glad you're enjoying the reads. I am, too! It's like I've never read them before! 🤩 3w

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Texreader Great cartoon for this series!! 3w

dabbe 🤩 3w

Daisey I‘m thoroughly enjoying this series reread, but I‘m also behind and only a few chapters into Sovereign because October has been incredibly busy. 3w

dabbe @Daisey No worries at all! The questions will always be here when you're ready. 🖤🧡🖤 3w

lil1inblue OMG, the cartoon. 😂 😂 😂 3w

dabbe @lil1inblue I couldn't resist. 😂 3w

40 likes9 comments

dabbe

Sovereign. C.J. Sansom (Revised) | C J Sansom

#HauntedShelf
@PuddleJumper @Jadams89 #FrightClub
#BookScavengerHunt
#fancyfont

Currently reading this with the #ShardlakeSeriesBR.

PuddleJumper 🎉🎉 4w

dabbe @PuddleJumper 🖤🧡🖤 4w

41 likes1 stack add2 comments

kwmg40

Sovereign | C. J. Sansom

pick

I loved this installment of the Shardlake series, set in the later years of Henry VIII's reign. It's an excellent historical mystery with great characters (both real and fictional) and lots of political intrigue. I'm looking forward to discussing with the #ShardlakeSeriesBR group. @dabbe

kwmg40 #HauntedShelf #Flerken @PuddleJumper
#AfterDarkBingo #BodyCountBingo #GottaCatchEmAllSpooky
#GottaCatchEmAll (Corviknight: Third book in a series)
#Spookoween @TheSpineView
#31by31 @Catsandbooks
#BookSpinBingo #DoubleSpin #PromptMaze @TheAromaofBooks
#HalloweenAtoZReadathon @Texreader
#RedTaylorsVersion @Emilymdxn 4w

Texreader Shardlake is awesome! 4w

dabbe I'm savoring it and limiting myself to only 2 chapters a day just to enjoy it all the more! The 30th will be here soon! 🤩 4w

See All 11 Comments

kwmg40 @dabbe I tried to read only half of it this month, so I could be more in sync with the buddy read, but once I got going, I couldn‘t stop! 4w

kwmg40 @Texreader I couldn‘t agree more! I love this series. 4w

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 4w

TheSpineView Fantastic! 4w

dabbe @kwmg40 Did you like it more than DARK FIRE? 4w

kwmg40 @dabbe I liked Dark Fire very much, but I do think I like this one better, probably because I'm really warming up to Barak as a character. 4w

dabbe @kwmg40 He is adorable, isn't he? 🤩 4w

Catsandbooks 👏🏼👻🧡 4w

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LiseWorks

Sovereign. C.J. Sansom (Revised) | C J Sansom

#BoddyDoubleReadaton #CozyReadathon #HauntedShelf #FrightClub Not a very good reading weekend, only managed 250 pages of Sovereign @Jadams89 @PuddleJumper @Bookwormjillk

PuddleJumper 🎉🎉 You're doing great! 1mo

23 likes1 comment

LiseWorks

Sovereign | C J Sansom

#HauntedShelf #WordSearch #FrightClub the word unearthly in Sovereign @PuddleJumper @Jadams89

18 likes

LiseWorks

Sovereign | C J Sansom

#HauntedShelf #WordSearch #FrightClub the word harvest @PuddleJumper @Jadams89

PuddleJumper Wahoo! 1mo

20 likes1 comment

dabbe

Sovereign. C.J. Sansom (Revised) | C J Sansom

#HauntedShelf
@PuddleJumper @Jadams89 #FrightClub
#BookRecommendation
#autumn
+31 points

Set in the autumn of 1541, this Tudor mystery describes the fictional events surrounding Henry VIII's 'Progress' to the North (a state visit accompanied by the royal court and its attendants, the purpose of which was to accept the formal surrender from those who had rebelled during the Pilgrimage of Grace). If you love Tudor history, this is for you!

PuddleJumper They are chonky books! 1mo

dabbe @PuddleJumper 🎯!!! 1mo

44 likes2 comments

LiseWorks

Sovereign. C.J. Sansom (Revised) | C J Sansom

Found the word bitter in Sovereign #WordSearch #HauntedShelf #FrightClub @PuddleJumper @Jadams89

PuddleJumper 🎉🎉 1mo

19 likes1 comment

LiseWorks

Sovereign | C J Sansom

I plan to attack these 3 #differentBuddyReads for #CozyReadathons #DoubleBodyCount This weekend. @Bookwormjillk @PuddleJumper #HauntedShelf #FrightClub @Jadams89 @dabbe @StayCurious

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks This one is so good!!

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches

1mo

dabbe Go, SOVEREIGN, go! I gotta catch up with that one! 🖤🧡🖤 1mo

PuddleJumper 🙌🙌 1mo

20 likes3 comments

Blueroseis

Sovereign | C. J. Sansom

pick

The 3rd in the Shardlake series and full of interesting facts. I did find the book repetitive in parts, there are only so many times that you can talk about the weather or visit your horse in the stables. It's quite amazing how trouble finds Shardlake or he finds trouble himself. Due to the similarities between the first three books, at this stage I don't feel inclined to carry on reading anymore in the series. It's a good 16thcentury period read.

19 likes

Texreader

Sovereign | C J Sansom

I ❤️ the Shardlake series and this one‘s on sale today. Highly recommended for any lover of English historical fiction.

Deblovestoread Done! Thank you! 3y

Texreader @Kdgordon88 It‘s a fast read chunkster. Enjoy!! 3y

47 likes2 comments

Valiseb

Sovereign. C.J. Sansom (Revised) | C J Sansom

3 likes

SaraFair

Sovereign | C. J. Sansom

Glad to be back in Shardlake‘s world! Great for winter.

17 likes

Lucy_Anywhere

Sovereign | C J Sansom

pick

I've finally relaxed into the shutdown 📚 I've been reading my way through the Shardlake series of historical thrillers and they're great! I always love a clever protagonist, and the turmoil of Tudor drama makes the perfect backdrop. Sovereign is my favourite so far, due in no small part to its Yorkshire setting 🐑

15 likes

Texreader

Sovereign | C J Sansom

This cover caused the most consternation (this painting is on probably countless covers so it was really really hard) and was never guessed in the Guess the Cover #wintergames. So here you are, a book by one of my top five authors! @kezzlou85 @wanderinglynn @AnneCecilie @Bookwormjillk

#tmskellington @crimson613 @clwojick @staycurious

Andrew65 Loved this book! My favourite in this series. (edited) 5y

Freespirit I also love this series of books. Matthew Shardlake is such a great character! 5y

AnneCecilie I love this series, but none of my covers look like this 5y

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Bookwormjillk Now I‘ll have to read it! 5y

Texreader @Bookwormjillk I recommend reading them in order. The author does a tremendous job of allowing the main character to evolve in his own philosophy about life in an incredibly dangerous and volatile period in history. This is the first in the series:

Dissolution: A Shardlake Novel

Texreader @Andrew65 @freespirit @AnneCecilie The series and Shardlake are brilliant. I have seen different covers for his books, but I have a set of the books with the same style (particularly the calligraphy titles), and so I am waiting for Tombland to come out in paperback to match the rest of my set. So egads! I haven‘t read it yet! 5y

Bookwormjillk @Texreader thank you! 5y

Texreader @Bookwormjillk Happy reading! I always know I‘m in for something special when I settle down with a book from this series. 5y

Andrew65 @Bookwormjillk I second @Texreader It is a great series that only gets better as the series progresses. 5y

Bookwormjillk @Andrew65 @Texreader I am so excited to start this series now. I love Louise Penny‘s series but I have a whole year to wait until the next one. 5y

Texreader @Bookwormjillk I‘m only two books in on her series. So I happily have a lot to go! 😁 5y

kezzlou85 Thanks for the tag, will have to check it out. 5y

Andrew65 @Bookwormjillk This one will certainly help you while away your time in the meantime. 5y

wanderinglynn Thanks for sharing! 5y

coffees 1pt!! 12-23 5y

23 likes15 comments

beaconhillbooks

Sovereign | C J Sansom

pick

If you are a historical fiction fan, you must read this series.

That is all.

#historicalfiction #matthewshardlake

8 likes

stephfafahh

Sovereign | C. J. Sansom

pan

⭐️⭐️

AlaMich

Sovereign | C. J. Sansom

FINALLY!!!!‘ A rainless morning warm enough to sit out and read. I‘m in the home stretch with Sovereign and enjoying some homemade cold brew...life is good! 😊
#patiomornings #finallyitssummer #sovereign

39 likes1 stack add

EadieB

Sovereign | C. J. Sansom

pick

3rd book of the Shardlake series and a favorite. King Henry VIII and his 5th wife, Catherine Howard progress from London to York. Shardlake and Barak are transporting a conspirator from York to London and come across a secret concerning the monarchy. Someone is attempting to kill Shardlake to protect the secret. Hard to put down book with excellent plot, characters and intrigue. Highly recommended to those who love 16th century Tudor England.

EadieB #sovereign #Shardlake 6y

EadieB #SovereignBuddyRead 6y

AlaMich @EadieB I‘m still plugging away...but what is up with the stupid feather in Shardlake‘s special new dressy cap?! It keeps being mentioned and I‘m starting to wonder if it‘s going to turn out to be a murder weapon or something...🙄 @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads Having said that, I am enjoying it. I know you guys have all finished it, right? (edited) 6y

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EadieB @AlaMich The feather doesn‘t really have any importance only the fact that Shardlake wanted the feather for dressing up for Henry‘s appearance. Yes we have finished. Glad you are enjoying it. (edited) 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Watch out for that feather when he meets Henry! @AlaMich 6y

AlaMich @Andrew65 Yeah, I just read that bit. Poor Matthew! 6y

Andrew65 @AlaMich Yes! Shame on Henry! Comment well below the belt, can you imagine the press if a monarch said something like that today! (edited) 6y

AlaMich @Andrew65 Ha!! Here in the States, it‘s turning out that we DO have a self-styled monarch who HAS said much worse!! 😫 6y

Andrew65 @AlaMich hmm, yes unfortunately true., and in his spare time tries to create a trade war! 😔 6y

AlaMich @Andrew65 Yes, among his many other unfortunate endeavors. 6y

Andrew65 @AlaMich So much for that special relationship he talks about with the U.K.! 6y

AlaMich @Andrew65 The only special relationship that man has is with himself. Can you tell I‘m not a fan? 6y

Andrew65 @AlaMich No I thought you hid it quite well! 😂 6y

EadieB @andrew65 @AlaMich no comment! 6y

AlaMich @Andrew65 @EadieB *sigh* I must go do my calming yoga breaths now. Any mention of he-who-must-not-be-named raises my blood pressure. 6y

70 likes4 stack adds15 comments

Andrew65

Sovereign | C. J. Sansom

pick

I enjoyed the first two books in the Shardlake series, but this one is just in another class compared to those. This is a stunning story that keeps you wanting to read despite being a #Chunkster. The overarching theme of the book is based on a known mystery and revolves around Henry VIII and his right to be king, Henry doesn‘t really come off well in this book! Amongst this mystery murder and attempted murder, and intrigue are all over the place.

Tove_Reads, EadieB

Andrew65 #YearOfTheChunkster #Shardlake #SovereignBuddyRead 6y

62 likes3 stack adds1 comment

Andrew65

Sovereign | C. J. Sansom

Finished the third section. Feel free to leave any comments about this section and the book @EadieB and @Tove_Reads but mark it as a spoiler so we don‘t spoil anyone else‘s enjoyment of the book.

If anyone hasn‘t read the book I would strongly recommend it on what I have read so far. 😊

#SovereignBuddyRead #Shardlake

Andrew65 Well a lot happened in that section. Were you surprised to find out Jennet Marlin was behind the murder attempts? Had you suspected her? 6y

Tove_Reads Can‘t wait to get a new phone... takes up to 1h to post a message now 😩 Tagging is almost impossible. 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads Definitely sounds like you need a new phone! 6y

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EadieB @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads I need a couple more hours. I have 100 pgs to go. I was reading piranha this morning. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB I‘m reading Piranha now. 😊 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 I only got to chapter 3 of Piranha because I had wash to do and I‘m preparing to go to graduation party tomorrow and a Jewish wedding on Sunday. So I am a little behind today. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB A busy weekend, just starting Chapter 2. 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads finally finished section 3. So Jennet Marlin was behind the murder attempts. But we still don‘t know why? I‘m not too surprised because she was nasty but there has to be more to the reason why. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Don‘t forget to put a spoiler on the last comment. 😊 I was surprised by that, everything seemed to indicate it was a man. I have a feeling there is more to this. I still suspect Wrenne of some involvement although could be off base here. Also something about Tamasin too! I wonder who her father will turn out to be. 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads I think Maleverer seems suspicious to me. Maybe Wrenne is her father. He seems to like being around her. (edited) 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Her father, that could be a possibility. Maleverer does seem strange, certainly something going on there. It‘s a book where quite hard to put anything on anybody. 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 Are some of those sites mentioned in York still there? 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Yes don‘t have great knowledge of York but many places mentioned still exist. 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 Just found Holme and Hull on the map and St. Anne‘s Church and the York Minster has a roof now. (edited) 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Also had a major fire some years ago. Fulford is still a named part of York as is Boothberry that I think was mentioned. Some of the Castle is still there, as is Cliffords Tower where the Jews were killed as was mentioned in the book. 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 Interesting and so old. We don‘t have places as old as those in the US. (edited) 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Plenty Of very old places here! Strange to see cathedrals and minsters and think of how they were built over decades as illustrated in The Pillars Of The Earth. 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 There must be very old things buried in the ground too. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Along with a lot of secrets! 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 So true! Google seems to know a lot of the secrets but I‘m sure there are a lot more. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB 😂😂😂 So many secrets we‘ll never know the truth off or that there is even a secret! 6y

39 likes21 comments

Andrew65

Sovereign | C. J. Sansom

Now finished Thursday‘s section, and this is turning out to be an excellent and in-depth read. For me this is the best of the first 3 in the series. @Tove_Reads @EadieB
#SovereignBuddyRead #Shardlake

EadieB @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads I just finished second section. Oh my! It‘s getting really good! 6y

Tove_Reads Phone working poorly 😩 I have problems concentrating. So many characters. 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads There is quite a number of different characters, and trying to keep right who is on what side! @EadieB Sorry to hear about the phone problems, can be so frustrating! (edited) 6y

See All 36 Comments

Andrew65 @EadieB Definitely got me hooked! 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads So it seems Catherine Howard had an affair with her secretary Dereham, when she was younger and currently an affair with Culpepper. Bad, bad! (edited) 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB @Tove_Reads Not only bad but incredibly stupid and dangerous given what happened to his previous wives. 😳😱 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads Well they did say she was brain dead and out to sea! (edited) 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads I know Eadie tends to write down a list of characters and I somethings do this to help keep clear who is who? @EadieB 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB If she‘s not careful her head (and brain) will be out to sea but her body will still firmly be on land! (edited) 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads Yes I do have my list and it has come in handy. 6y

Andrew65 I always thought Oldroyd‘s last words were inferring Catherine Howard was having an affair, So was too surprised by this revelation. @EadieB @Tove_Reads (edited) 6y

Tove_Reads Sounds like a good idea@9 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads who would want to be near Henry when his leg smelled so bad? 6y

AlaMich I didn‘t know there was a buddy read for Sovereign...I just started a couple of days ago! 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads So Catherine‘s affairs may be the secret that Archbishop Canmer and Broderick know. 6y

EadieB @AlaMich You should join us. @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads (edited) 6y

Andrew65 @AlaMich Feel free to join in, where are you up to Chapter Wise? Very informal. We read book 2 a couple of months ago. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Very interesting the difference between Henry as a young King and him towards the end of his reign. Sounds quite repulsive in a number of ways! @Tove_Reads (edited) 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Could we‘ll be but I wonder what other secrets are known. What was in those papers that Shardlake didn‘t get to read! @Tove_Reads 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads I think mainly they want to keep quite about Richard III linage‘s claim to the throne. (edited) 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB That is interesting and wasn‘t aware of that previously, and wasn‘t aware or didn‘t remember that Henry VII only had a linkage through his wife! 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 Yes she was Elizabeth of York. Richard III was the last King of York from Plantagenet family. (edited) 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB So close run a thing the Battle Of Bosworth which saw his defeat, mainly because of treachery at the last minute on his side. 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 Then they claimed his kids were illegitimate. Wicked people! 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB yes, as I said yesterday the Tudors annihilated Richard‘s reputation as they were the victors and got to write the history, then Shakespeare finished him off! 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 These Kings and Queens throughout history have been problems. They should do away with the Royals as of now they are not the right people in there anyway what with all the killing in the past history. I may end up in the tower for saying so. lol (edited) 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB lol! I will visit you, due in London one day next week for a conference so could combine the two! They certainly been responsible for some interesting decisions! (edited) 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 They would have to come and get me as I‘m not coming to London. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB i think they have people that do that for them. 😂 6y

AlaMich @EadieB I‘ve never done a buddy read like this; does that schedule mean people will have read those chapters by those dates? 6y

AlaMich @Andrew65 I‘m on chapter 8 I think. I am a super slow reader. 6y

EadieB @AlaMich just read at your own pace and if you comment tag us and we were respond to you. @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads 6y

AlaMich @EadieB Okay, thanks! 😊 6y

Andrew65 @AlaMich @EadieB I second all that Eadie says, we will always respond to any tags. 😊 (edited) 6y

Tove_Reads @EadieB @Andrew65 Will buy a new phone tomorrow. Almost done with today‘s chapters! 6y

AlaMich @Tove_Reads @Andrew65 @EadieB Is there a post for Wednesday‘s chapters? Or am I confused?😊 6y

49 likes36 comments

Andrew65

Sovereign | C J Sansom

Finally getting a chance to start Sovereign, book 3 in the Shardlake Series by C J Sansom. Doing this as a #buddyread with @Tove_Reads and @EadieB .

All welcome to join. We aim to read it over the next four days with a target of the end of Chapter 11 today.

Tove_Reads Reads faster than the first two, methinks. 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads I would agree especially as you get into the story. Interesting how long it took to get to a death! Currently on Chapter 8. 6y

EadieB @andrew65 @Tove_Reads I agree it was a quicker read than the other 2. 6y

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Tove_Reads

Sovereign | C. J. Sansom

I‘m back! My tablet died and then my phone wouldn‘t work, so have not been able to be on Litsy 😔 Phone is finally working again, just in time for my buddy read with @EadieB and @Andrew65 😊 I just made dandelion “honey”, isn‘t it pretty? 😍

Cinfhen Looks delicious 😋 6y

Tove_Reads Nice cliffhanger at the end of chapter 11. I knew @Andrew65 was up to something while choosing the daily chapters... 6y

julesG It's called 'bumblebee honey' here. My friend makes it every year. 6y

47 likes1 stack add3 comments

AlaMich

Sovereign | C. J. Sansom

1. It‘s been a long time since I read Dark Fire so I thought it was time to head back to Tudor England.
2. Working til 3 then home to relax on the patio if isn‘t scorching hot 🔥
3. I love homemade potato salad. And hot dogs.
#manicmonday @JoScho

JoScho 💙❤️ 6y

36 likes1 comment

Tove_Reads

Sovereign | C. J. Sansom

My library got me Sovereign as an ebook, yay! When will we start reading it? @Andrew65 @EadieB Also, Eadie, when is it time for And Ladies of the Club?

EadieB @Tove_reads I have a bunch of library books to finish by May 29 so I can do The Ladies of the Club in June. I also have sovereign too so can start that one whenever @Andrew65 is ready. 7y

Andrew65 @EadieB I would suggest anytime from 26th May onwards, won‘t have the time to get to it until then with work commitments. Week of 26th May - 3rd June I am off work. 7y

EadieB @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads Those dates are good for me too. 7y

See All 79 Comments

Tove_Reads @Andrew65 @EadieB I‘m waiting, first in line. Will get it within 2 weeks. 7y

EadieB @Tove_Reads @Andrew65 ok just let us know when you are ready. 7y

Andrew65 Happy to start tomorrow (Sunday ) or Monday. @Tove_Reads @EadieB 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads I‘m in Maryland at my beach house so can‘t start until Monday evening when I get home. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Sounds lovely, how about starting Tuesday then. @Tove_Reads 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads Are we reading straight through or reading sections? 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB @Tove_Reads I think we read sections over about three days last time. 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads So how far should we read on Tuesday? 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB I will check the book. @Tove_Reads 6y

Tove_Reads @Andrew65 @EadieB Don‘t have it yet 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 We haven‘t heard from @Tove_Reads whether she got her ebook yet. She said within the next 2 weeks. 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads I thought you had it from the library. In that case let us know when you get it. 😊 @EadieB 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads ok put on hold until we hear from Tove. 6y

Tove_Reads @Andrew65 @EadieB Someone got it now, but should get it within some days, I hope. An ebook 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads My library have just bought one of the books I think you recommended.

Cold Courage

Tove_Reads @Andrew65 👍🏽 6y

Tove_Reads @Andrew65 @EadieB I think I should get it in about four days. At least I hope so. 6y

Tove_Reads Gooooo!!! @Andrew65 @EadieB 6y

EadieB @Tove_Reads @Andrew65 You got it! 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB So when do you want to start? @Tove_Reads 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 Did you find time to break the book down into the sections? 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB My copy has 658 Pages. Do you want to break this down over 3 or 4 days? @Tove_Reads 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads i think we should do 4 days. 6y

Andrew65 In that case can I suggest. Wednesday Chapters 1-11, Thursday Chapters 12-22, Friday Chapters Chapters 23 - 35, Saturday Chapters 36 - 48 and Epilogue. Is that okay with everyone? @EadieB @Tove_Reads 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads Fine with me. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB @Tove_Reads Sounds like a plan then. 👍 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 👌👍 6y

Tove_Reads On it! @EadieB @Andrew65 6y

EadieB @Tove_Reads @Andrew65 👍 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB @Tove_Reads 👍 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads I finished chapter 11. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB I just finished it too. @Tove_Reads Any thoughts as to who just hit Shardlake over the head or what he found in the box signifies? 6y

Andrew65 https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titulus_Regius @EadieB @Tove_Reads (edited) 6y

Andrew65 http://www.historyfiles.co.uk/FeaturesBritain/Medieval_EdwardIV_01.htm @Tove_Reads @EadieB 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads I would say that the descendants of Richard III would be legal heirs. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Most Definitely but it is the victors that write the history, would be so interesting to know the truth about Richard III not the story the Tudors created about him. @Tove_Reads (edited) 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 Just was reading what you posted about Blaybourne 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB very interesting! 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads Hard to keep all these heirs straight especially when you have Edward and Edmund 2 similar names. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Yes I was confusing Edward IV and Edward VI! @Tove_Reads 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads What culprits hit him on the head? Radwinter? Wrenne? Do you trust Simone Craike? What is the secret that Cranmer and Broderick know? (edited) 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB I‘m short of suspects at the moment. Could it be Craike? Also puzzled by the actions of Tamasin. What‘s she up to? 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 yes she was being very sneaky too. 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads I wonder if Tove‘s phone is acting up again. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Or possibly doing other things . 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 we can continue more discussion after we hear from her. What do you think? 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Yes, I‘d agree. 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 ok I got other books to read and I‘m sure you do too so until we can wait to hear from her. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Yes back to

Dead If You Don't

Tove_Reads @andrew65 @eadieb I have no clue who it could be and why, but I‘ll guess we‘ll figure it out soon enough. Didn‘t have time to read before work today, so I have to wait forever to get back to it 😭 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads Work So gets in the way of our reading! 😡 6y

Tove_Reads @Andrew65 work is the curse of the reading class. 6y

EadieB @Tove_Reads We can start Ladies of the Club after we are done with Sovereign. 6y

EadieB @AlaMich I think this is Wednesday‘s section 1 read. 6y

AlaMich @EadieB Super! Thank you! 6y

EadieB @AlaMich Hasn‘t been a big discussion as Tove‘s phone is not working but maybe you can add something and it can become more livelier. @Andrew65 6y

AlaMich I didn‘t think leaving that box just sitting out on the table was a good idea in the first place. And who even knew it was there? @EadieB @andrew65 (edited) 6y

Andrew65 @AlaMich I thought that was a crazy idea, why would you even think of doing that after going to the effort (at great personal risk) of getting it in the first place! @EadieB @Tove_Reads (edited) 6y

EadieB @AlaMich @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads I would have taken it with me or possibly dug a hole in the dirt and buried it until I got back. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB I don‘t know why they just didn‘t take it with them. @AlaMich @Tove_Reads 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 @AlaMich @Tove_Reads I think they were afraid that someone would try to rob them or kill them. Shardlake should have locked the door after Barak left to get the pliers. (edited) 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Or Gone with him! Surprised they were able to creep up on Shardlake. @AlaMich @Tove_Reads (edited) 6y

Tove_Reads @andrew65 @EadieB @AlaMich Is it just me or does something like this always happen in the books in this series? Something that makes no sense to the reader. Something quite small, but still. 6y

Tove_Reads Done! Hopefully I‘ll have a functioning phone soON 6y

AlaMich @Tove_Reads @EadieB @Andrew65 It‘s been almost 10 years since I read Dark Fire and longer since Dissolution so...🤷🏻‍♀️. But I think a lot of mysteries rely on things like this to keep the story moving forward. I try not to think too much about it because it would annoy me if I did. (edited) 6y

EadieB @AlaMich @Andrew65 @Tove_Reads I agree we just have to go along for the ride as the author has his reasons for moving the plot along. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB If it wasn‘t for stupid actions in books where would we all be, even if it leaves us annoyed and shouting at books at times. @AlaMich @Tove_Reads 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 I‘ve only got 50 pages to the end. Have to finish before reading Piranha. 6y

Andrew65 @EadieB Ditto, I‘m just starting Chapter 45. 6y

Andrew65 And I‘m finished. @EadieB @Tove_Reads 6y

EadieB @Andrew65 now we know all the secrets! 6y

Tove_Reads @EadieB @andrew65 I have a new phone!!! 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads 🎉🍾🎉🥂🍾🎉🥂🎉😍😊🤩😎 6y

Tove_Reads @Andrew65 Feels so weird. It‘s like magic, I write and it appears on my phone. What a feeling! 🤣 6y

Andrew65 @Tove_Reads Ride that wave! 😎 6y

EadieB @Tove_Reads Fantastic! 6y

27 likes79 comments

janeycanuck

Sovereign | C J Sansom

pick

I started yelling “It‘s ***********, you idiots” about halfway through this (number of letters changed to protect the guilty.) It felt so obvious to me, though, while I was right on the who, I didn‘t get all the connections. I‘m really enjoying these Shardlake books, they are so full of history, exploring them in new ways and I just love the characters. On to the next one!

Daisey I agree, this series is fantastic! 7y

24 likes1 comment

janeycanuck

Sovereign | C J Sansom

It‘s almost 8:30 and I‘m still in bed - I think Penny is fake-sleeping to avoid having to go out in the storm. So I guess ice storms aren‘t all that bad!

Reviewsbylola Lol I don‘t blame her. 7y

janeycanuck @Reviewsbylola I won‘t lie, it‘s glorious. I can‘t remember the last time I stayed in bed this late! 7y

29 likes2 comments

Oblomov26

Sovereign | C J Sansom

pick

It is official, I find mysteries more enjoyable on audiobook. In this story Matthew Shardlake is sent north by Archbishop Cramer a supporter of Henry VIII's reform project. While in York, Shardlake is drawn into a conspiracy whose mystery stretches back to the War of the Roses. I cannot say that the mystery fooled me by the end, but I find I enjoy the characters portrayal and interactions with each other and the historical accuracy of this series.

AlaMich I love C.J. Samson! ❤️ 8y

LauraBrook I've been meaning to start this series for ages! What's the first one? 8y

Dragon Great book 📚 8y

60 likes3 comments

Texreader

Sovereign | C. J. Sansom

Sansom's books whose main character is a hunchback lawyer/detective invariably are about the #royals, King Henry VIII and his court. ❤️❤️❤️ these books. #readjanuary

RealLifeReading

Libby1 My favourite of the series so far is Dark Fire, though I've yet to read Heartstone and Lamentation. I think Dissolution is not as strong as the others but I still loved it!

Dark Fire: A Shardlake Novel 2

Dragon 👍❤️🐉 8y

Texreader @Libby1 I'm not sure which is my fave but there were some I liked more than others. I'll have to reread then (in order this time)!! 😁 8y

Texreader @Dragon I know, right? 8y

81 likes4 stack adds4 comments

Texreader

Sovereign | C. J. Sansom

My vacation book. It's a good one! And a nice "escape" from all these wizards and superheroes at Universal Studios. ? Some HP trivia: ? whose umbrella does this belong too?

MamaGina Such a good series! 8y

22 likes1 stack add1 comment

Texreader

Sovereign | C. J. Sansom

pick

Another fine book in attorney Matthew Shardlake's continuing quest to live a peaceful life but lacking the fine editing of previous books. Some phrases repeated so often to become tedious. Is King Henry VIII the rightful king? This is one take on one theory.

9 likes

Book_Gnome

Sovereign | C. J. Sansom

pick

Really upset that you can't add books that aren't listed in the database!!!! This is a well know series!!!! But only one book is listed 😕 this is the first book and a great, thought provoking historical read

Texreader About to start on this one. Can't wait. I really enjoy this author. 8y

Texreader I'm starting Sovereign. You are so right. How come we can't write about it? Dissolution was good too. High praise for all his books. 8y

Texreader I am struggling to get into this one. A first with this author. But I'm going to stick it out. So glad the Litsy gods added the book itself to the app though. 8y

2 likes1 stack add3 comments

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