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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I really enjoyed this one! Definitely into the series!
I'm just going to say it: these books are uneven. Oh, don't look here for "fine fiction", and I am just fine reading some books that almost melt on your tongue they're so transient on the brain pan, but either I am starting to show signs of dementia or some of these books are instantly forgettable. I have read the series before and enjoyed it. I'm just saying don't look here for depth and challenge.
And there is nothing wrong with skipping either of those things. I find I do like the setting, and some of the character depictions: some are very cardboard, and Peters doesn't appear to like to have anything truly bad happen to her characters (and depending on the day, I'm fine with that as well. I don't read murder mysteries set in the 12th century for their realism or grittiness). But I am glad it's only 20 books because I feel she is running out of things to say about this world, on this level. Obviously, this is not a review solely about this first book in the series. IMO, the best in the series so far as been Virgin in the Ice, but again, I may be forgetting a few. I'm on #16...
I hold with my take that they're uneven, but when they're good, they're good. I am liking that I am reading them in order; it helps the story.
And there is nothing wrong with skipping either of those things. I find I do like the setting, and some of the character depictions: some are very cardboard, and Peters doesn't appear to like to have anything truly bad happen to her characters (and depending on the day, I'm fine with that as well. I don't read murder mysteries set in the 12th century for their realism or grittiness). But I am glad it's only 20 books because I feel she is running out of things to say about this world, on this level. Obviously, this is not a review solely about this first book in the series. IMO, the best in the series so far as been Virgin in the Ice, but again, I may be forgetting a few. I'm on #16...
I hold with my take that they're uneven, but when they're good, they're good. I am liking that I am reading them in order; it helps the story.
Was so disappointed by this. Barely readable. So long and drawn out. I hated every character. Was expecting to love it as I love 1) medieval England 2) ecclesiastical history 3) murder mysteries
How bitterly disappointed I was…
How bitterly disappointed I was…
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
3.8 wonderful narration. A fun medieval murder mystery with Welsh surroundings.
This was quite a disappointment for me. Maybe my expectations were way too high. I was looking forward to almost "Pillars of the Earth" type of scheming and strong medieval atmosphere. Instead this was just quite an ok story with only couple of memorable characters. 2,5 stars.
I discovered Brother Cadfael through Derek Jacobi and I'm happy to report that I like the books as much, although I keep hearing Jacobi speak Brother Cadfael's words. This was a great start to the series, and I look forward to reading future books. They're fairly short, and each book completes the mystery so that you're not left hanging (at least from what I can tell). I discovered these books thanks to Goodreads and I'm thankful to friends here who recommended it. Definitely worth reading!
This was an interesting little mystery but it doesn't have any suspenseful elements to give it a motive force. It got a bit boring in the middle.