Dark Fire By C J Sansom

Dark Fire is the second title in the Shardlake series of novels by author C J Sansom, following on from the best-selling Dissolution. The eminently likeable Matthew Shardlake returns in his role of lawyer and detective a few years after the events of Dissolution. If you liked the first book you won’t be disappointed with this second installment, which retains all the historical wonder and feel of 16th Century Tudor England.

This time around Shardlake finds himself defending the niece of a friend accused of murdering her 12 year old cousin, whilst at the same time embarking on another mission for Thomas Cromwell – investigating rumors that the secret to the mysterious ‘Greek Fire’ has been found. This knowledge will confer its possessor with great power, so it is not surprising that other shady groups are also on the trail. Whenever Shardlake finds a clue, someone has beaten him to it and has invariably left a body or two in their wake.

Joining Shardlake in this new adventure is Jack Barack, a companion imposed on our hero by Lord Cromwell. Shardlake initially dislikes Jack, due to his ruffian background and uncouth behavior. Perhaps he is also a little unsettled after the betrayal of his last manservant in the Dissolution book. Soon, however, it is evident that Barack’s street-smarts and familiarity with the less salubrious areas of London will be an advantage in the task ahead.

Building on the success of Sansom’s first novel, Dark Fire cements the author’s standing as an expert in historical fiction, rivaling the greats such as Bernard Cornwell and Ken Follett. The pace is brisker this time around but the Tudor atmosphere and evocative descriptions are all still there, keeping you turning the pages until you reach the end. Reading Sansom is like getting an English History lesson without even realizing it.

Ready for more? In chronological order the remaining three books are: Sovereign, Revelation, and Heartstone.

To summarize, fans of the first book will undoubtedly enjoy the familiar feel of this second installment, with returning characters being further developed alongside the main plot lines, making you wonder what their stories will reveal in future works. Dark Fire can also be read as a standalone novel with no knowledge of the other titles in the series.

By: G Bailey

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