I was gifted a free copy of this book by Netgalley in return for a review. 

I chose The Dangerous Kingdom of Love as I have always been fascinated by how gay historical figures have been written out of the history books and stayed for the playful writing style. Neil Blackmore creates a playful character out of Sir Francis Bacon and a rich display of what life was like under the rule of James VI and I — yes, I am Scottish, go figure. I frequently find historical fiction unapproachable but Blackmore has written something luscious and easily read. In fact I plowed through the whole book in a matter of hours, hardly noticing where the time went. Without sanitisation, it turns out the past is a very interesting read.

We start the book with an ageing Bacon, to him, of course. He feels jilted by his peers, mostly because they jilt him. It seems times have never changed with the views of those born posh to those born not. He never fails to hold back his thoughts, though, not even the ones about his king. In fact, he is downright derisive and all the more loveable for it. I found myself grinning along to Bacon’s disparagement of the King’s works, calling them rightfully out on their nonsense.

Interestingly, though none of the characters could be described as likeable they certainly could not be described as unlikeable either. Each brings a certain edge to the story, never shying away from the truth of their actions but still somehow charmingly endearing. Bacon is the pinnacle of this, his most reprehensible actions contrasted against his plea and worthy narrations. When he finally finds himself a leg up we find ourselves cheering him on despite it being at the cost of someone else. After all, why should Bacon not succeed after being an outsider on account of both his birth and sexuality? Surely we should want him to have some wins after all these years.

The discussions on the notion of power are fascinating. The way Carr holds power over the King despite his less than noble beginnings, for one, or how, despite his years of service, Bacon has little respect put onto his name. Boys rule over the men that love them and those who plant the boys have rule over everyone. There are no friends in power, after all.

As the once unloveable Bacon falls in love we get a true taste of his self worth. It is painful to watch him reject what her wants for the greater plan, moreso as he dresses his love up for a lamb to slaughter. So too does his view of his own sexuality ring true within the homosexual experience, even to this day. He has taught himself not to want, to force it down unless impossible, and I ask what gay person has not had the same thoughts.

Bacon's downfall being inevitable does not make it any less painful. Just as you think he has won you are hit with the realisation it was all for naught. The betrayal is so well written that, despite any reader being able to see it from a mile away it still takes you by surprise. 

All in all, this has to be the best historical fiction book I have ever read. Blackmore, by both focussing on that which has been written out of our history books and not sanitising the rest has created an evocative tale around the Royal courts. It's an easy four star review from me.