The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown
 

First line: I must have died, the woman thought.

Summary: Robert Langdon is in Prague for a presentation by the esteemed noetic scientist and girlfriend, Dr. Katherine Solomon. Everything seems to be going well until the brutal murder of another prominent scientist and the disappearance of Katherine Solomon. Robert finds himself entangled in the murder investigation and is being hunted by a secret organization bent on destroying the work of Dr. Solomon. Robert needs to find her before they do. As he navigates the streets of Prague he discovers that there is another force from the city’s history that may also be lurking in the background and seeking revenge.

My Thoughts: I was very excited when I learned that there was going to be a new Robert Langdon book coming out in 2025. I love the thrilling rides through Europe and deep dives into symbolism and history. This one was no different.

While this one centers more on science and the study of consciousness it was no less thrilling. I may not have understood all of the theories I was still able to grasp the main theme and driving force behind the plot. There were times when I felt the plot did slow down while the research was explained but then the pace would ramp up again. At the end my head hurt from clenching my teeth with the suspense.

I loved the addition of the mystical creature of the Golem. It is one of the best known stories in the history of Prague and gave another twist to the adventure. Plus, we get a fascinating tour through this historic city and its many landmarks. I have visited Prague once but unfortunately for only a few hours but now I definitely want to make it a stop on my next trip.

If you have loved Brown’s other works in the series than you should definitely read the newest one. I came away from it entertained and intrigued by the science behind the story.

The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
 

First line: I could hear a roll of muffled drums.

Summary: Mary Boleyn comes to the court of Henry VIII as a young woman who is dazzled by the splendor and the man at the center, the king himself. As she catches the king’s eye she finds the adoration of the court and her family all centered on her. But the glamor wanes as the king starts to lose interest and she has to step aside for her sister, the elegant Anne Boleyn. Now as the second best Boleyn girl she finds that her life has always been as a pawn in her family’s play for power. Taking her life in her own hands she decides that she is going to find happiness no matter the cost.

My Thoughts: Since first reading this book it has been my absolute favorite! I have re-read it multiple times and never tire of the story. Having just finished Philippa Gregory’s new book, The Boleyn Traitor, I felt like it was time to revisit it.

This book is what sparked my interest in the Tudor era and was my first of Gregory’s books. I loved the intrigue and drama of the history. Of course through my world history class in high school I had heard the name of Anne Boleyn but knew little of her and definitely nothing about her sister Mary. I went into it with a blank slate and afterwards I was hooked on the topic.

Philippa Gregory brought to life the woman that was pushed aside for her sister that changed the course of English history. Every time I read this I am just so drawn to Mary and her story. I love seeing her choose for herself and survive the upheaval surrounding her family. In the end though it is Anne who stole my continued interest in the period. Gregory shows us an Anne who is strong willed and determined to be treated as the equal of the men around her.

While this is fiction it gives the casual reader a peak into the history of the Tudor world. If you love a historical fiction about real women, especially ones that have been forgotten, then I would always recommend this one.