Dominion by C. J. Sansom is the fourth novel in the internationally bestselling Matthew Shardlake historical fiction series. Set in Tudor England and featuring a lawyer by the name of Shardlake, the novel begins in 1539 as the Lord Chancellor of England, Thomas Cromwell, is attempting to achieve a union between England and Scotland.
As six-fingered lawyer Matthew Shardlake is appointed to Cromwell’s secret commission, he is quickly immersed in the struggle between church and government, life and death. With a forged signing of the Act of Union, the tragedy of Queen Jane Grey, the arrival of an enigmatic ecumenical envoy and secrets buried in the depths of Scotland, Shardlake must plumb the depths of a sinister secret to uncover a deep-rooted conspiracy or forfeit his life.
The gripping story opens with Matt's return to London, as he seeks to leave behind his dark past and the death of his lover. The reunion with his friend and old mentor, the seer and diviner, Barak, soon leads Matt to a new case. When Cromwell needs a lawyer who is adept at solving puzzles, Matt is chosen to join his commission to forge a union between England and Scotland.
The union is meant to be a legal document that claims the rights of Englishmen over the people of Scotland, allowing evidence to reveal the truth. Cromwell has his own motives in this, however, and Shardlake is soon implicated in the treachery of a possible false signing of the Act. Tensions in the court run strong and Shardlake soon learns that his fate lies in the hands of his enemies.
Meanwhile, a mysterious figure arrives in west Scotland, calling for a one-world faith, and rumors persist of a secret group that is loyal only to themselves. Retreating to west Scotland, Shardlake unites with his former companion, Barak, to follow clues that lead him to the corridors of power in London, where secrets and danger await.
In Dominion, Sansom paints a vivid landscape of Tudor England-from the poor, desperate masses to the highest levels of power. With an eye for the political machinations of 16th century England, Sansom delivers a thriller packed with suspense, intrigue, and thrilling action. Shardlake's quest to unravel a dangerous plot involving international politics, religion and crime will take him to the brink of despair and back.
As Shardlake navigates the cat-and-mouse game of his enemies, he begins to unravel the true state of England's government, a government that has attempted to mold the fate of an entire nation. Rich in historical detail and fast-paced, this novel is the perfect adventure for readers looking for a thrilling ride through a tumultuous time in England's history.
