1610

Book Description

Critics

• The Best Reviews: Mary Gentle, A Sundial in a Grave: 1610

  "Terrific historical thriller" In 1610 England, astrological mathematician Robert Fludd concludes that if current trends continue, a comet will crash into the earth in five centuries killing every living organism. Robert knows he must alter the calcu ... (read full critics)

  thebestreviews published on Thu, 16 Sep 2010

• 1610: A Sundial in a Grave

  Coerced into engineering the assassination of King Henri IV, Valentin Raoul Rochefort must either leave France or be silenced by his own assassination. While preparing to leave, he is intercepted by the androgynous Dariole, a young duellist of superl ... (read full critics)

  infinityplus published on Tue, 31 Aug 2010

1 Review

• 

  Review

  According to the mathematic calculations of the Hermetic astrologer Robert Fludd, 1610 is the pivotal year in deciding the world’s future. It is the year that the King of England must die. And as his assassin he picks Valentin Rochefort, spy and duellist of no-little fame in France. He is also respo ... (continue)

  According to the mathematic calculations of the Hermetic astrologer Robert Fludd, 1610 is the pivotal year in deciding the world’s future. It is the year that the King of England must die. And as his assassin he picks Valentin Rochefort, spy and duellist of no-little fame in France. He is also responsible for the death of King Henri IV of France.
  That however was an accident of sorts, and now Rochefort is on the run. Already burdened with Dariole, a young arrogant duellist, Fludd’s interference is not what Rochefort wants.

  Told from Rochefort’s point of view, with the odd historical document added to give a different perspective, this book has almost everything you could want. Violence, sword fights, duellists, conspiracies, sex, death, Samurai swordsmen, and the prospect of altering the future.

  If you’ve read Gentle’s Ash: A Secret History then you’ll have an idea of the style of this book. Although here there is much less fantasy, and most of the novel is more of an historical one rather than a fantasy.

  As with most books that I really love the characters here are utterly engaging and well-drawn. Rochefort and Dariole as the main characters are of course stars in the book, but the supporting cast are all excellent too. And the blending of historical fact with fiction is more than believable. This was a reread for me, but I only really noticed that King James of England is the son of Mary, Queen of Scotland and the Isles, whose memoirs (by Margaret George) I read a while ago.

  Not only is this a great fantast/historical read, but there is also the issue of gender. And of sexuality. And of course honour and when it is utterly ridiculous.

  Believable, engaging and entertaining. Why haven’t you read it yet?

  Is this helpful?

  Dee said on Oct 27, 2006 | Add your feedback

Book Details

• Rating:
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• English Books
• Paperback 720 Pages
• Edition: New Ed
• ISBN-10: 057507552X
• ISBN-13: 9780575075528
• Publisher: Gollancz
• Pub date: Nov 25, 2004
• Dimensions: 1290 mm x 839 mm Just how big is that?
• Also available as: Hardcover

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