This book was very well written and far more emotionally engaging than I expected. I was drawn into Thomas’ world and immersed in his struggles. Love him or hate him Cranmer was a powerful and fascinating man and this book does him justice.

'Books became his most precious possessions, and he collected numerous tomes during his time at Cambridge, filling his room with piles upon piles of academic texts.'

Born in 1489, Thomas Cranmer lived in one of the most tumultuous times in English history. This 515 page historical novel follows his life which saw him become the first Protestant Archbishop of Canterbury and ultimately, in 1556, the first of that position to burn at the stake.
An horrific end for the man who played a huge part in the Reformation of Tudor England.

The book is incredibly well researched. Thomas Cranmer, along with all the usual well known figures from those times including King Henry the Eighth and his wives are brought vividly to life.
Despite so many people having the same names back then (Thomas, Edward, Anne and Catherine in particular appear in their multitude), it never gets confusing thanks to the immersive and straightforward writing.

I really felt like I lived Thomas' life with him during the few days I spent reading this book and grew to admire him greatly which made for an incredibly emotional ending. We know from the outset how it ends but it's still heart wrenching.

If you like historical fiction or have an interest in Tudor history or simply want a good story told well then I can completely recommend this book.

You might not like Thomas
Cranmer but the poor guy didn't deserve to die the way he did....A refreshing look at his life and the many mistakes he made on his way to the very fiery stake upon which one of the biggest idiocies ever committed by the Tudors went up in flames.

Meticulously researched and elegantly written, this absorbing and compelling look at the life & ultimate fate of one the greatest archbishops of England is also a very insightful look at probably the greatest century in English history.
Highly recommended and to be enjoyed without any moderation whatsoever!

Many thanks to Netgalley and Cranthorpe for this terrific ARC.