I loved it. Building a spy from the ground up, what a brilliant idea! The setting, the characterisation, all top notch.

Please read it if you love the period, you will not be disappointed.

This story is based on a real person - Sir Anthony Standen, who lived in Tudor times, had some early contact with Mary, Queen of Scots, and who then left England to make his fortune and gain redemption and a welcome back in his homeland. He had a passion for languages, and an ability to surround himself with useful people who would teach him various trades and tricks in order to survive.

The book is an interesting read, and if at times I found Anthony to have more lives than a cat, one can forgive some artistic licence in pursuit of a good tale. Anthony meets some historic figures, as well as having endless adventures as he becomes a spy for any nation that will pay him, although his allegiance remains firmly with England. Was he the spy who sank the Armada? Certainly Walsingham's network of spies would have brought information that enabled England to be better prepared, but whether the honour should fall solely to Anthony, well I doubt that.

A good read, and clearly lining itself up for a sequel. Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

‘Who am I? ... What am I doing here?’

In this novel, Mr West imagines the life of Sir Anthony Standen, a 16th century English intelligencer who started his working life as a master of horse to Lord Darnley. Standen, who was first knighted by Mary Queen of Scots, is exiled from England as a consequence of travelling with Lord Darnley (whom Queen Elizabeth had not given permission to leave England). Sir Anthony travels to Paris, with a letter of recommendation from Sir Nicholas Throckmorton to his successor as the English ambassador: Sir Henry Norris. Sir Anthony has a talent for languages, and it is thought his knowledge of those attending the Scottish court may be useful.

And so begins Sir Anthony’s long and eventful employment as a spy. Readers who know this period of English history will recognise many of the names and at least some of the events mentioned. Sir Anthony’s journeys will take him as far as Constantinople. He will meet hardship and danger, find love, make, and lose a fortune.

I found this an interesting novel although the weight of the information included at times overwhelms the story. This is a detailed story. While there is plenty of action, the detail frequently slows the pace. I am intrigued by Mr West’s portrayal of the life and times of Sir Anthony Standen and am looking forward to reading the second book (‘Fire and Earth’) soon.

If you are interested in this period of history, in the machinations of English intelligencers during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, you may enjoy this novel.

Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Books Go Social for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

This is an exciting historical fiction where a young man becomes a spy when he sets out on a new journey to gain wealth, experience and more. Set in Europe it has all the twists and turns of a good book as well as good research so that the stories reads as it should.

The man character, Anthony Standen, is a strong character, smart and keen to do well. But not all goes as planned and his new life has plenty of ups and downs, excitement and thrills and even danger.

A great first book in a new series, although a bit slow at times and a bit over the top with the explanations in some areas. Plenty of good characters most with minor parts. So I look forward to seeing how this all develpos in the next book.

After getting caught up in this vivid story, the book got stuck on page 58 while reading on my mobile..

Unfortunately, I was unable to. close or continue and had to wait till all the battery ran out in order to delete it.

What a pity! this has never happened before. Good luck with the book

I thought The Spy who Sank the Armada was a great read by David West. I will be looking forward to the next installment from his Sir Anthony Standen Adventures series. Five stars.