The Academy of Secrets

Giordano Bruno #0.6

by S.J. Parris

A novella following Giordano Bruno as a young, rebellious monk in Naples.

Naples, 1568

A rebellious young monk…
Novice monk Giordano Bruno struggles to follow the strict rules of religious life. He has questions – about God, life, the universe – which could prove deadly… especially at a time when the Inquisition is gaining power and influence.

A secret society…
One night, Bruno’s mentor invites him to a hidden location outside the city where a group of like-minded men meet to discuss forbidden subjects – a secret society. Bruno is captivated – even more so when he meets Fiammetta della Porta, the niece of the society’s wealthy leader, who initiates him into the ways of love.

An enemy who could destroy everything…
But Bruno has enemies, and he has been followed to his assignations. Not only is the heretical society at risk of exposure, but Bruno and his new lover are in grave danger. Keeping his secrets has become a matter of life or death…

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Historical Mystery, Short Stories, Historical, Thriller

87 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 13, 2020

About the author

Pseudonym for author Stephanie Merritt

S.J. Parris began reviewing books for national newspapers while she was reading English literature at Queens' College, Cambridge. After graduating, she went on to become Deputy Literary Editor of The Observer in 1999. She continues to work as a feature writer and critic for the Guardian and the Observer and from 2007-2008 she curated and produced the Talks and Debates program on issues in contemporary arts and politics at London's Soho Theatre. She has appeared as a panelist on various Radio Four shows and on BBC2's Newsnight Review, and is a regular chair and presenter at the Hay Festival and the National Theatre. She has been a judge for the Costa Biography Award, the Orange New Writing Award and the Perrier Comedy Award. She lives in the south of England with her son.

Reviews

[Berengaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

short review for busy readers:
This 2nd novella is even better than The Secret Dead, the 1st novella about iconoclastic Renaissance monk, Giordano Bruno!

Giordano is a very young man and as such, science - and girls - are his primary interests.

When those two things collide in the unconventional, educated niece of an underground scientist, our hero has a hard time concentrating on anything religious.

Which is a problem, as the research this girl's uncle and his group of scientist friends are conducting could land them, and Giordano, in some very deep water with the fanatical Spanish Inquisition, now gaining power in Italy.

Hush hush and you never saw anything.

Except that someone has....

Fast paced, mysterious, fun and more revealing of likeable Giordano's personality than the previous novella. Highly recommended for fans of historical mysteries!

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amongst my binge reading of S.J. Parris’ powerful Elizabethan mystery series comes the second of the novellas, best called another prequel piece before the major novels moved things into England proper. It is Naples in 1568 and a young Giordano Bruno is the rising star at the priory, though his penchant for seeking knowledge outside of the strict role of a monk has become apparent to many. Fra Gennaro, another monk and the local medical professional, takes him under his wing and introduces Bruno to a group of philosophically-minded men, headed by Don Giambattista. These men call themselves the Academy of Secrets, meeting to discuss mental and physical experiments that they have been undertaking, as well as recommending reading—a great deal of which lies outside that permitted by the Church. Bruno takes an especially great interest and Giambattista agrees to grant Bruno access to his libraries. Juggling his time at the priory, and with the help of Fra Gennaro to cover for his absence, Bruno makes his way there to expand his knowledge. His arrival is met with another surprise, the young and attractive niece to Don Giambattista. Bruno’s work is shelved as he and Fiammetta engage in something a tad more carnal. Bruno slips away and heads back to the priory, keeping his secret to himself, but another of the young monks seems to have discovered that there is something amiss. While Bruno continues to make daily trips to the library and to see Fiammetta, the Academy of Secrets is in jeopardy. When Bruno is kept from his daily journey on one occasion, things turn deadly and questions arise. With his weakened connection of the priory already clear, some must wonder if Bruno took matters into his own hands. Another great preface piece to get the reader intrigued about the early life of Giordano Bruno (though its release before the sixth novel will serve as a significant flashback for series fans). It helped solidify some of the sentiments with the other novella and the opening chapter of Book 1, which I appreciate greatly. Recommended to those who enjoy Giordano Bruno as a character, as well as anyone looking for a launching point into a great Elizabethan mystery series that utilises a great protagonist.

I have spent the past two weeks binge reading the books in this series, including the first preface novella that introduced me to Giordano Bruno, the renegade monk. I admit that I was tricked into thinking that this was a piece that would bridge books 5 and 6 of the series (released the month before the latest novel), but should better be labelled as another prequel piece, offering a great deal of monk and priory backstory, perfect for those who wish to take the plunge into this entire series to date. Giordano Bruno is a rising star at the priory, but has long since mentioned his interest in cosmology and philosophical discussions, rather than theological tomes. He has also chosen to keep his carnal thoughts at the front of his mind, rather than stored away, as becomes apparent throughout this piece. Bruno’s thirst for knowledge is clear in this piece, though a theme of renegade actions also shape his character development. A handful of other characters flavour the text and provide the reader with some added backstory into the world of Giordano Bruno. The story moved along well and held my attention throughout, providing some context for the man I have seen grow over his three years and five previous novels. I am eager to see how Bruno’s character might be shaped by the events here, though my sharp memory cannot recall too many mentions of his priory life or those with whom he had regular encounters. Parris pens this single chapter piece and yet keeps things moving well so that the reader could, should they desire, read this in a single sitting. I might recommend those interested in the series to pick this one up before tackling the full novels, though with another novella set to come out in December 2020, waiting until then might be best for the reader who loves a good binge!

Kudos, Madam Parris, for an interesting early piece in the series. I have come to highly enjoy your work and hope others find these mysteries just as exciting.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...

[S. ≽^•⩊•^≼ I'm not here yet · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I make an outward show of obedience, but when I kneel to pray, I am hoping fervently for a time when men –yes, and women too, why not? –who seek knowledge and truth do not have to hide underground in fear of despots who cling to power by keeping people in the dark with their lies and worn-out superstitions. I pray I live long enough to see it."

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Alan (on Stratford hiatus) Teder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fratres in academia secreta
A review of the HarperCollins eBook (March 13, 2020).

As mentioned in my review of the first of the Giordano Bruno prequel novellas The Secret Dead, I was inspired to check these out by GR friend Berengaria's further enthusiastic review. And I couldn't agree more with her summary.

This raises the stakes considerably over the first book's rather tawdry murder and takes us into the world of secret societies, potential heresies and possible condemnation by the Inquisition. And it is the Spanish Inquisition, even though this takes place in Italy, because this was the time of Spain's dominance in the region.

I am rushing right along into the 3rd novella A Christmas Requiem and then a re-read of the 1st full novel Heresy which I first read many years ago without the benefit of the backstory later written in the prequel novellas.

Trivia and Links
S.J. Parris is the penname used by writer Stephanie Merritt for her historical fiction novels featuring Giordano Bruno.

S.J. Parris's fictional character Giordano Bruno is based on the real-life Giordano Bruno (1548-1600) [Note: Potential spoilers if you click through].

Aside from being available as individual eBooks, the Giordano Bruno prequel trilogy is collected in the anthology The Dead of Winter (2020).

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novella grants us a portrait of the young Bruno, apt to explore things forbidden... a dangerous pursuit in the times of the inquisition. Ignoring that threat he is put in a position to receive a threat against his own father through the father of a fellow brother who dies in mysterious circumstances. Will he learn discretion?

[John Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

As anyone who has read my previous notes will know , I am not a great fan of novellas and even the 0.5 in this series, The Secret Dead, didnt change my view indeed it probably strengthened it.
This author is among a select few that I can honestly call my favourites and so, of course, I was still going to read this one.

Maybe I flatter myself but it is almost as if the author read my comments on that previous novella - and addressed them.

I found this story captivating. Although it is 4 years since I read the last full novel, Conspiracy, I was caught up in the atmosphere of this story, almost immediately. I said, of The Secret Dead, that dispite its cover claims, it did not tell us much about the earlier life of Bruno. This one does and not in the itemising way of a flier but in a shorter version of a full story. It explains much about Bruno's worry of once again falling into the hands of The Inquisition and on a totally different theme, it leaves a tract open for a romantic development.

Also previously I said that The Secret Dead wouldnt satisfy either existing fans or encourage new readers. The Academy of Secrets corrects that and is the perfect introduction to the series.
It is also a very appetising 'amuse bouche' before the main course of the next book 'Execution' which I see is due for release in 6 months time.

My marking scheme wont allow a 5 for a novella but it came very close.

[Mark Redman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Academy of Secrets is a short novella featuring Giordano Bruno, set in 1568, before the first main book, Heresy.

Bruno already interested in matters of science and philosophy of which the Church disapproves finds himself invited to meet of fellow intellectuals but in secret. Through this meeting, Bruno finds more than just heretical philosophical ideas but earthy pleasures as well.

Bruno’s absences from the priory of San Domenico Maggiore causes mistrust. It is at this point that Bruno’s future ideas begin to form.

This is a neat little story which shows off the author's skill with the shorter story. It's a tightly woven story, plenty of mystery to keep you reading.

Gripping and atmospheric historical novella.

[Andy Loftus · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Academy of Secrets (Giordano Bruno #0.6) by S. J. Parris is the second short story introducing Giordano Bruno, an eighteen year old who has recently taken his final vows at San Domenico Maggiore and is admitted to the Dominican Order.

Bruno, due to his interests, which are sometimes seen to be bordering on the heretical, is often the focus of attention of the seniors of the order, especially the most reverend Prior, meaning he has learned of the need to tread carefully and to act as inconspicuously as possible.

Set two years after the 1st short story instalment (The Secret Dead) the mentor of the intelligent and inquisitive Bruno invites him to join him to attend the Academy of Secrets which is an exclusive, privileged but highly secretive society of like-minded men who debate and exchange their views on controversial subjects which are outlawed by the Inquisition. Dedicated to learning and expanding their minds despite the risks of censure or worse, the group are led by the enigmatic Don Giambattista della Porta and challenge the conventions of the day, thus piquing Bruno's curiosity and interest immensely.

When Bruno is then introduced to the mysterious and beautiful niece of della Porta; Fiammetta, his intensity grows as he has never met such an exceptional intellect, who also is so stunning. As his feelings for Fiammetta develop and despite being warned of the consequences of the unearthing of the Academy, Bruno becomes careless in his desire to further his relations and opens himself and the group to the risk of discovery by one of his sworn enemies within the Dominican Order. Bruno and the unorthodox society are now at risk of exposure and possibly much worse.

The skill of the storytelling in this series is to set the tale within the historical setting and still make the story's themes seem current and relevant. Too often historical fiction can be enslaved to maintaining the integrity of the period with unnecessary historical detail at the loss of actual good storytelling. This is not the case here.

This is the second read in the series by me and the second ⭐⭐⭐⭐ review. If you've read my review of the 1st instalment you'll know that I have already purchased the entire series, all on offer at 99p each on Amazon. Woo Hoo!!

[David Campton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another prequel novella to the popular Giordano Bruno series, finds the narrator inducted into a secret intellectual society and caught up in some un-monastic activities that inevitably put his new acquaintances and himself at risk from the Inquisition, pressaging what was to happen later in Bruno's controversial career. Again Bruno and the woman he encounters read like characters with 21st century mindsets dropped into the mid-16th century. This obviously gives us a more accessible connection, but I think it might have been more interesting to find someone reflecting a more contemporary mindset/worldview but wrestling with it within him/herself, as much as countering it in others.

[Inge (is ingejanse op Storygraph) Janse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Start de tijd.

Er is een Bruno die als kwajongen toch overal weer mee wegkomt, er is een feministische deerne die zich - zij het indirect - toch weer laat schaken, er zijn een geheime gang én grot, er is een historische inbedding, er is strijd tussen religie en wetenschap, en er is een open einde.

Stop de tijd.

Leuk om te lezen, brandhout voor de annalen. Met een geweer op mijn hoofd zou ik niet met zekerheid kunnen zeggen welke gebeurtenis in welk van de - inmiddels al bijna 10! - boeken van S.J. Parris over Giordano Bruno plaatsvindt. En dat is prima.

[Jane Featherstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second short story introducing Bruno, depicting the medieval world he lived in and the struggle between surviving and integrity, as well as the power of the Catholic Church. We see the choices women face, particularly in terms of control and power. The young Bruno clearly has much to learn, thankfully he has the protection of others around him.

[Mrs. A.A. Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The young Bruno

Giordano Bruno shows the intelligence and determination of his later years, when as a young man he becomes involved in mystery as a member of The Academy of Secrets. An interesting novella but not as exciting as the S J Parris novels.

[Nick Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another insight into the early life of Bruno. Having read several of his later adventures it’s unlikely that the Academy will make another appearance which is a shame since there is a lot of potential there for intrigue but who knows, maybe that’s the subject for another story?

Short but sweet.

[ELzabeth Livingstone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

A good insight into the earlier life which, I thought, did not show him in a good light. Too easily diverted so wonder how he progresses and when he 'escapes' the monastary?

[Ed · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure

Easy enough read , but not sure of the point , , we unless it helps in the incoming novel ,we will see.

[Kayleigh Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, love all of Brunos stories, 🙂 but I especially loved learning about his first love, since learning of her in earlier books 😊

[Johanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice novella featuring a young Bruno, more of a back story filler than a wholly standalone item but enjoyable if you like this series

[Alaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A precursor to the Giordano Bruno novels. Interesting but the only reason for reading it.

[Joanne Pascoe]

Read this as part of The Dead of Winter -- see review there.

[Joyce Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another adventure for Bruno in Naples

[Michael Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second novella is another great story, building Bruno's character and giving glimpses of his future. Fully recommended.

[Bruce Macfarlane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to the next book ..

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

My third time of reading this trilogy, on each occasion I find something different. Humour, which evaded me on previous readings have brought the character Bruno in the novellas really into the fore. His wit is astounding but the humour as a slight of the characters he’s conversing with is wonderful. I’m off to re-read Heresy and the next five books in the series over the winter months. Excellent reading.

[Tracey Sinclair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining look at Bruno's early life.

[Peter Barrass · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book but brunos advetures realy take off when he flees to england.this is just a teaser for the dead of wi nter