I am not sure exactly what went wrong with this piece of historical fiction for me, but it failed to capture my interest in any meaningful way. This was a surprise for me as Victorian times usually are a time that interests me. The character of James Falconer proved to be less than compelling to me too. All this meant that at 35% I gave up on reading further. This might just be me feeling rather out of sorts and not in the mood. Shame as I had had been so looking forward to it.

Master of His Fate is the first book in a new historical saga by the amazingly talented Barbara Taylor Bradford.

This story is set in Victorian England and the writing was superb. This book is a winner! This will be on everyone's TBR!

Great read!!!

I'm a big fan of Barbara Taylor Bradford and this book did not disappoint!
This novel transports you to Victorian England where you follow a very charming, likeable main character.
I think this book will be liked by all of BTBs fans, well worth a read.

Bradford has been a household name since she published A Woman of Substance, I have read all of her books since, but none have compared to that first series. But this book comes close, I’m happy to say. The story of a young boy determined to claw his way to the top in Victorian England has plenty of similarities to Taylor’s first book. James is similar to Emma in that he refuses to let his lowly beginning determine his fate. I was reluctant to try this after Bradford’s last series, which I found to be rather lifeless, but I’m glad I read this and I believe the author’s fans will be delighted as wel