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London 1558. An orphan from a far-off land is renamed “Noah Ames,” and given every advantage the English Crown can bestow. London 1592. Now an experienced barrister, Noah witnesses what appears to be a botched robbery outside the Rose Theater, a crime he soon suspects to be part of a plot against Queen Elizabeth herself. Steadfast in his loyalty to the Queen, Noah must use every bit of his knowledge and skill to lure her most disloyal subject onto the only battlefield where Noah has the advantage ... a court of law – though in doing so he risks public exposure of his darkest secret, a secret so shocking that its revelation could cost him the love of the only woman who can offer him happiness, his livelihood ... even his life.

387 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 28, 2015

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Neal Roberts

11 books64 followers

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5 stars
153 (34%)
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155 (34%)
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96 (21%)
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30 (6%)
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12 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Heather.
257 reviews17 followers
February 24, 2016
I enjoyed the first half, but by the last half I was very much looking forward to the end. Sadly, I won't be continuing on with this series. The story had a lot of potential, but pace seriously lagged by the end and I just stopped caring.

Throughout the book I had some problems with the writing, but the story made up for it for a while. But once the story started developing issue, the writing became more and more a distraction for me. As some others have mentioned, the use of present tense was sometimes jarring. Also, there was a serious overuse of italics. It was rare to find a page without italics. I don't mean italics when reading a characters inner thoughts, which of course is a common use. Rather, italics were often used to emphasis words within quotes. I actually counted 11 in-quote italics on one page. It was a bit much.

Lastly, there were a lot of very simple historical inaccuracies that bothered me. As an avid reader of historical fiction, I'm not a stickler for accuracy. It is called "fiction" for a reason. But, in combination with the writing issues I had, these just got to me. Especially cause they were so simple and unnecessary. Drinking coffee in 1500s England? No. The use of boiling to make potable water? That would mean an understanding of bacteria and disease. No. That's just two examples. These are petty things to be bothered by, but as I said, in conjunction with the writing issues, they seriously nagged at me.

**I received this copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
1 review
February 25, 2016
Couldn't finish the book. Tried and tried but the writing style and frequent use of anachronisms was too much to bear and so I gave up. Very disappointed as Tudor England is one of my favourite literary settings.
Present tense is too distracting in a novel like this and adding in modern day US courtroom terminology to describe proceedings in an English Tudor courtroom was frankly ridiculous.
Profile Image for Rose Collins.
Author 1 book42 followers
February 26, 2017
A spectacular historical page turner!

A Second Daniel is a stunning example of historical fiction based in the era of Elizabeth I.
Probably the best title set in this era that I have read yet.
A strong plot accompanied by humorous, intriguing writing with a meticulous degree of attention to detail.
The book is very well researched and filled with notable personalities of the Elizabethan era.
A narrative brimming with detail vividly breathes life into a world which has been long gone for almost four centuries - with each page reconstituting the key players at the royal court of the final Tudor monarch, complete with a skilful reenactment of its legal processes and even the typical speech patterns, social mannerisms & customs of the age.

Neal Roberts is a writer of the highest calibre and an amazingly skilled author of historical fiction.
This title is the first fiction book I've ever read written in the present tense.
A superbly descriptive narrative, good dialogue and vividly rich three dimensional characterization .
Pacing is perfectly adjusted throughout the book, fast paced for the action scenes and slowed down in other scenes to the savoring of the historical aspects of the work, such as the settings, processes and speech patterns typical of culture long past living remembrance.

A Second Daniel defies all the usual genre classifications.
Its a masterpiece that encompasses so many different genres: fiction, mystery, suspense, crime and historical.

A fabulous read!
172 reviews3 followers
February 23, 2016
A young Jewish boy helping his uncle deliver goods to the castle finds himself in the presence of royalty. Queen Elizabeth places this young boy under Her protection, renaming him Noah Ames. He is given all rights and privileges, eventually becoming a lawyer. Years later, he finds himself at the scene of a murder and befriends the victim's widow. This death is soon followed by the murder of Christopher Marlowe, playwright. With all the intrigue and shifting loyalties of Elizabethan England, this novel follows Noah as he attempts to keep his faith concealed from those who would harm him while still working to defend others accused of wrong-doing.

I found this novel quite entertaining. It is just a convoluted as things were at that time in history. I would recommend this book to others and I anxiously await the next novel in this series.
1,139 reviews2 followers
February 25, 2018
A very interesting political mystery/thriller that takes place in London during the time of William Shakespear, Christopher Marlow and Francis Bacon. Great characters and drama in a historical context with of details that add a lot to the pleasure of reading.
Profile Image for Bethany Swafford.
Author 43 books90 followers
December 24, 2015
When he witnesses a murder, Noah Ames embarks on an investigation into what he suspects is a plot against the Queen. He uses the skills he’s learned as a barrister to find the truth, risking everything to do so.

What I really liked about this was that the hero was not young. He’s had years of experience and uses it to his advantage. The interactions he has between his friends and younger barristers are witty. While there are MANY characters, the opening list was helpful in keeping them straight, and most of them are memorable in their own way, bringing something of importance to the story.

The level of historical detail was impressive and is something I always look for when reading a historical piece. The end note that explains exactly what was fiction and what was true was interesting and I’m glad it’s there.

There were only two points which I disliked. The first is that it’s written in the present tense, but I will admit that once I began reading and became caught up in the story I didn’t notice it as much. Secondly, the use of italicized words for emphasis and inflection is overused just a bit, in places where the words could have been allowed to stress the point without italization.

Overall, this was a fantastic intrigue and one I would recommend to those who enjoy mystery, intrigue, and history.

I was provided with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Alexandra.
54 reviews2 followers
March 30, 2016
I thought this book was quite entertaining, especially the first half. It's a crime mystery meets historical fiction in the land of the Tudors, so it's a combination of various genres that I typically enjoy. It did get quite slow in the end and I felt like it ended rather abruptly. I understand that the author didn't want to wrap up the whole Essex affair to leave room for a sequel, but he could have better developed the resolution to the plot. I didn't like the title, I felt like calling Noah a "second Daniel" for escaping "the lion's den" was rather pushed. I also thought that Marie's character would have been far more interesting if she had been in league with Essex like I originally thought. Additionally, "Jessica" was not a popular name in 16th century England; the first written account of the name was in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, which was published after the events in the novel take place. I might read the sequel, but I'm certainly in no hurry to do so.
Profile Image for Patricia.
728 reviews6 followers
December 6, 2016
Neal Roberts writes that historical fiction provides a "what if" and "fill in the blank" look at history and is meant to amuse, entertain, and enlighten the reader. This first book in the series does all three in a delightful mix of well-known men during the reign of Elizabeth I [Earl of Essex, Lord Burghley and his son Robert Cecil, Francis Bacon, Roderigo Lopez] and the fictional Jewish barrister, Noah Ames. Good historical fiction has always inspired me to go back to the history books to refresh my memory but this story was so interesting that I hated to take a moment to google some of the details [the murder of the playwright Christopher Marlowe and the execution of the physician Roderigo Lopez] so I took a few notes and checked later.

The book is well researched and the author's notes are helpful. He also recommends the C. J. Sansom series about another lawyer in Tutor England, Matthew Shardlake. I recommend them too.

No graphic sex or violence
Profile Image for Deborah.
520 reviews40 followers
April 1, 2016
This is the story of Noah Ames (a Jew) and the Duke of Essex. Although Essex is intent on killing Ames as he has been the unwitting witness to a murder which Essex supposedly saw although he couldn't possibly have seen it happen, when Ames has the chance of seeing Essex's hand cut off he fights in the legal way - the only way he knows - and sees that Essex retains his hand at least for the time being.
I enjoyed this story and would like the chance to read the second book. Although the story is long there was no event that didn't have a bearing on the story and I chose it for its historic values. I was glad to see these explained at the end of the novel as it made clear to me what was real and what really was fiction.
ARC from NetGalley.
Profile Image for Kristine .
1,794 reviews12 followers
October 13, 2015
This is a good, solid story from debut author, Neal Roberts. I enjoyed the characters, as well as the setting. I thought the story interesting and engaging. If you're a fan of historical fiction, you'll enjoy this book.

I received an advanced reader's copy from PageCurl Publishing and Promotion in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Susan.
7,191 reviews69 followers
December 16, 2015
It's 1558 and a orphan acquires the patronage of Elizabeth I. Over thirty years later 'Noah Ames' is a barrister. He becomes embroiled in a murder and unfortunately comes to the attention of the Earl of Essex. What is the Earl plotting and can Ames uncover it.
Although an interesting tale, I did not like that the story was written in the present tense.
Profile Image for Bonnie.
2,359 reviews8 followers
February 17, 2016
This was a really entertaining book and I will read more in this series. I liked the author's notes at the end that explained what characters and events area real and which fictional. I was glad that he explained his trial scene as I knew that at it was anachronistic since people on trial at that time had no access to counsel.
Profile Image for Eileen Hall.
1,073 reviews
April 17, 2016
Set in Elizabethan London, this is a riveting story about a barrister, Noah Ames, a loyal subject of Elizabeth, who discovers a plot to kill the Queen.
Noah must bring this person to justice, but in turn his past may come back to bring him down also.
Great read!
I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher Booktrope via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review.
14 reviews
May 20, 2016
An Excellent Book.

This is a tightly scripted, fast moving story that captivates the imagination. Even with the disclaimers to the contrary, it is difficult to believe this story did not happen. A very good job, Neal Roberts.
Profile Image for Ariel C.
38 reviews18 followers
January 28, 2017
High calibre Tudor historical fiction from debut author Neal Roberts.
Vividly rich descriptions of Elizabethan London and the legal environment of the era.
A relaxed pace read that make use of the present tense.
Profile Image for Sarah.
449 reviews22 followers
April 20, 2018
Starting out as your regular Elizabethan murder/mystery, this novel quickly diverged into an examination of Elizabethan intrigues and Jewish identity in the Tudor period. It developed into something so much more than I was expecting, to my infinite pleasure. While I had some issues throughout the work with other aspects, the overall storytelling and themes explored I enjoyed to my fingertips.

I was not expecting the depth of politics Roberts incorporates. The push and pull of ambition with the Earl of Essex and his cronies against the remnants of Walshingham’s spy ring with ambassadors, spies, lawyers, and ordinary folk caught in the middle made for gripping suspense. I loved the intricacies and power plays used to push the different agendas around. Even with all of those details, I never felt lost in whom was loyal to who. The author has a real gift for this aspect of storytelling.

I also didn’t expect how Judaism was examined in an era when to be such was dangerous. While not as bad as being Jewish it Inquisition Spain, it still didn’t pay to be it in Elizabethan England. From small details like lighting a candle in remembrance of those lost to overt displays of anti-Semitism such as actual attacks in the street, Roberts examines what it meant to be Jewish in such dangerous times.

I’ve also got to give props for the author’s depth of research and usage of historical details. He uses real people and events to give his story weight. He’s also got a firm grasp on the atmosphere of Elizabethan England with all its court pageantry, both royal and law, and the details of everyday life for a lawyer or minor nobleman.

He’s got an extensive author’s note which I always appreciate in my historical fiction. At first after going through this, my enjoyment of the historical details wained a bit. It almost felt like some of the historical integrity was compromised needlessly in the pursuit of characterization. Yet, after reflecting, I feel that the license used by the author to build his characters through the court procedures of the day and other details were justified. They accomplish the goal so at the end of the day, it all worked out.

Noah’s character, as a result of the historical detail licenses and the author’s skill, was very well-rounded. I love how we got to explore his intelligence and courage in the face of scary, political odds. Even at the end when his big climactic ending occurred and all the weight of English law could be brought to bear on it, he never faltered in his pursuit of justice for his client or his loyalty to Queen Elizabeth. There were times where he could read is too perfect, but they were few in number.

The only part of this book I had a hard time getting behind was the Noah/Marie relationship. It felt very forced with no chemistry between the partners. It read as love at first sight with no development nor build up to show how the relationship got so deep. Every time they had a scene together I got bored fast. Thankfully, the rest of the book was great so it was a trade-off.

Ultimately, this is a great start off to a series following Noah and his adventures in Elizabethan law and intrigue. The author has a firm grasp on the times and Noah’s character, developing both to a fantastic degree. Even though I couldn’t get behind Noah/Marie thing, I still found this a great start. Sometime in the future when life gets a bit less crazy, I’ll definitely be checking out other books from the series.

Note: Book received for free from author/representative in exchange for an honest review.
24 reviews1 follower
May 23, 2017
5/23/17
A SECOND DANIEL
Neal Roberts

This is a wonderful book filled with humor, suspense an all the joys and sorrows about living in England in the 16th century. It is the story of Noah Ames a barrister who is blessed or cursed with the gift of wit. This does not always help in in court but usually helps him accomplish what he sets out to do.
He was present in town when a beautiful woman’s husband is murdered and she turns to him for help. As the case progresses, the murder spans more murders and, to put it mildly, the plot thickens. Add the fact that he has a secret he must guard at the expense of his life and all he holds dear. Actually, the more things change, the more they stay the same. The twist and turns begin to sound like politics in current day Washington D.C.
This is a fascinating book with many plots and sub-plots that always keep you on the edge of your seat. I have seen some reviews complaining about the fact that the historical facts are not always accurate, but I loved the book and was not looking to get an education, just reading enjoyment which I received, in spades! If you like blockbuster historical fiction you will love this book.

Profile Image for Bonnie.
919 reviews6 followers
April 2, 2018
The only thing I didn't like about this book is that it's written in the present tense, sort of like a play. Other than that, it's a fascinating tale about a Jewish boy who's given a boost by Elizabeth just prior to her becoming queen. The story then jumps some thirty years to the point where he's a middle aged widower and a barrister, who gets involved in some court intrigue. The setting is very well described and the characters believable but not as important as the plot. To me the most interesting part, and maybe the author's aim, was the vivid description of what it was like to be a Jew in Europe in the middle ages. There's quite a bit of action, much to the hero's dismay, but it all fits in well with the plot.

Luckily the author gives a detailed account of what he invented and what events and which characters were historical, more than I expected while reading the book. They were difficult times for most people.
Profile Image for hCharles Obert.
44 reviews9 followers
May 16, 2017
Noah Ames is not what he seems to be... He seems to be a barrister whose career to this point has been rather ordinary and who is likely to remain one of hundreds practicing law long before the Miranda rights and investigative police we take for granted today... Little did he realize that what he saw happen outside the Rose Theater after the matinee performance of one of Christopher Marlowe has the ability to change everything for Noah and his benefactor (Queen Elizabeth herself) to their complete destruction.
4 reviews
January 24, 2018
A rare and enthralling book providing just enough real-world descriptions of life as it was in Elizabethan England. But where this book truly shines and what makes it most memorable and enjoyable, is the depth of its characters. Heroes are flawed and conflicted and even the worst villain evokes a smidge of sympathy for his miserable self. A truly funny book also, and reading it provides the same sense of adventure that Tolkien's Trilogy did - although these books are set in the real world. The kind of book that keeps you turning the pages, even though you don’t want it to end!
Profile Image for Janice.
11 reviews1 follower
November 9, 2017
Excellent historical fiction set during the reign of Elizabeth I. Noah Ames is a barrister who started life as an orphan and had some royal assistance along the way. The story details Noah's focus on justice, despite an evil antagonist who attempts to stop him. The plot starts a little slow, but builds to a crescendo, with well thought out and developed characters, including many pulled from history. A thoroughly enjoyable read. I am looking forward to starting the second book in the series.
Profile Image for BookAddict.
1,194 reviews4 followers
January 8, 2021
Not sure what to make of this. It was at its heart a good story/plot & memorable characters - it was very short on real history and took forever to get there - since the history was kind of light there really was little need for pages and pages and pages of narrative that added little to nothing to the plot.

I loved Noah, Jonathan, Henry, Marie & "The Jesters" I'm just not sure that I'm ready for another series right now. This was good, just not good enough.
637 reviews5 followers
January 11, 2018
I will give this 3.5. It started off very slowly and I almost gave up but I had already tried a few books (probably a bit jaded after a 600+ pages book) but I persevered and eventually enjoyed it, but it isnt a particularly easy read, though it is more light than you expect. Had a look at book 2 but it did not appeal.
Profile Image for Adrian.
236 reviews2 followers
March 11, 2018
Well-researched historical legal thriller, set during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Written by an experienced US lawyer, the novel expires themes and procedures at the core of English law and justice, in a fascinating tale, embracing a host of characters, both historical and fictional. A very worthwhile read.
23 reviews1 follower
July 2, 2017
Was well-written. Took a while to get into it, since the language was more modern than usual for historical fiction set in Elizabethan England (at least compared to other books I've read). Was my first foray into England's legal system at that time.
83 reviews
July 13, 2017
Enjoyable Read

I really enjoyed reading thisbook and the way the author developed the characters. I did feel some of the story didn't't feel quite right with the times of it's occurance.
114 reviews2 followers
September 11, 2017
I enjoyed A Second Daniel very much and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. The perspective of the legal practice of the Elizabethan Era gave me a different view of some of the historical characters of the period.
10 reviews
November 25, 2017
Outstu

Wonderfully written and surprisingly accurate to the period. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series. The additional historical clarification at end are a testament to the authors attention to detail and determination to create a great work.
3 reviews
November 11, 2018
All I want in a book!

Suspense, intrigue, plots and counter-plots, a little humor and romance, all in an historical setting.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend to anyone who likes historical novels.
467 reviews2 followers
February 29, 2020
This was well written historical fiction. Mostly the story was about the politics of the time and how they affected the main character. There is a little bit of romance but this is not a large part of the story. I enjoyed this book, but my mind did wander occasionally.
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