In the spring of 1541, Henry VIII faced another conspiracy in the north of England. The people and nobles in that region were largely opposed to the 'new religion' and still loyal to Rome. The conspiracy was uncovered, and many of its leaders were imprisoned and executed. In response, Henry and his advisers quickly organized a grand Progress, setting out to York in July to consolidate his authority. This forms the backdrop to the third of C. J. Sansom's Matthew Shardlake mysteries, SOVEREIGN.

The hump-backed barrister of Lincoln's Inn, London, is summoned by Archbishop Cranmer and given a task to help bring petitions for justice from the people to the king in York. Additionally, Cranmer instructs him to ensure the safety of a noble prisoner, a conspirator, who is being transported from York to London to face torture in the Tower. The story begins as Shardlake and his assistant, Jack Barak, arrive in York a few days before the King's Progress. What unfolds is a tale filled with period-specific details, suspense, danger, and political intrigue set in the tumultuous times of Henry's England. A suspicious death, enigmatic last words, a container of secret documents, multiple attempts on Shardlake's life, and his ongoing legal dispute with a formidable adversary, Sir Richard Rich of the King's Privy Council, thrust the lawyer into events larger than he can comprehend, including the tragic fate of Queen Catherine Howard.

Readers who have enjoyed the first two books in this series, "Dissolution" and "Dark Fire," have come to anticipate a genuine portrayal of the intense and perilous atmosphere of early reformation England by Sansom. They will not be disappointed. Sansom has a talent for bringing the characters and the historical period to life, almost making us feel like we are right there. Those who are new to Sansom's work are in for a delightful experience.