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english_lady03's review against another edition
2.0
An American narrator doesn't fit a novel set in Medieval Wales. She couldn't handle the accents at all. They just ended up sounding ham Scottish.
Historically..... meh. Gwen was a bit of a Mary Sue, although I understand this novel has been rewritten and improved several times. I will probably read a few of the others in the series, and see how it goes. Its no Cadfael, but its OK.
I felt the revelation of the mystery was an anti climax.
Historically..... meh. Gwen was a bit of a Mary Sue, although I understand this novel has been rewritten and improved several times. I will probably read a few of the others in the series, and see how it goes. Its no Cadfael, but its OK.
I felt the revelation of the mystery was an anti climax.
sallyan's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
joypouros's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.5
Not my cup of tea but it is a quick, cozy, medieval mystery.
It has a surprising amount of historical fact to it, but it is a light tone that betrays its research.
It has a surprising amount of historical fact to it, but it is a light tone that betrays its research.
ssionainn's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
This started out as a murder mystery and later got more into court politics. I liked the cast of characters as well as the twists and turns. I would consider reading more in the series.
colorfulleo92's review against another edition
3.0
A murder mystery set in medieval times this one follows Gareth and Gwen as their trying to solve a murder in court, but as Gareth gets accused for the murder Gwen has to solve it and save him from doom. Not quite the entertaining mystery and the history was questionable but it was alright. Not rushing to listen to the next one if it's available though
amyappy's review against another edition
3.0
A fun read, but weirdly modern? The tone of the narration and dialogue felt a bit off. Also I still can't decide if I like the female protagonist. She is smart and determined but she spends large chunks of the narrative helpless and/or sick. I may read more of the series eventually, but it's not at the top of my list right now.
bored_chloe's review against another edition
3.0
I read this as something different to read, I'm not usually a fan of thrillers, lets alone historical thrillers but it was okay. It dragged and got a little boring sometimes and the plot meandered a little, probably due to the historical events it was based on, but it was okay. A decent read with some interesting characters. I did like the twist at the end involving Prince Hwyel since he was my favourite in the book but overall it was okay.
aoifeleah's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
cpjeanz's review
2.0
This was an incredibly mixed experience. There were moments of a solid historical fiction, but also a lot of moments that were all over the place and a bit contrived. The characters were a mix of historical figures that felt historical, and more modern feeling characters too which would take you out of the story. I didn't really believe in the romance as well. The two characters didn't not have chemistry, but I never got the feeling there was a real connection there. The writing quality was good, there wasn't moments where the prose felt odd or clunky, and was engaging overall. But frankly, it just wasn't a good experience. The plot meanders many times, and there's multiple moments you will say "what?" out loud when something seemingly odd happens. Personally, that really affects my reading experience and certainly brought down my experience. I really can't recommend this to anyone who isn't already a fan of the author's many series. But that's okay, on to the next!
Quick hits:
+ The plot is interesting.
+ The time period is well drawn.
+ The historical figures felt real.
- Many of the plot points feel contrived. Much of what happens to Gareth in particular is quite ridiculous and unbelievable.
- The motivations of the villain make no sense for most of the book.
- The end of the book and the way one of the characters accepts it is kind of...odd? Like it isn't bad, but seems kind of out of character.
- The real motivation of the villain at the end is hypocritical.
As you can see, I had issues with this book. I wanted to like it, but too much I didn't enjoy. That's okay, not every book is for me! If you like the author's other books, you'll probably like this too. But I'm on to the next!
Quick hits:
+ The plot is interesting.
+ The time period is well drawn.
+ The historical figures felt real.
- Many of the plot points feel contrived. Much of what happens to Gareth in particular is quite ridiculous and unbelievable.
- The motivations of the villain make no sense for most of the book.
- The end of the book and the way one of the characters accepts it is kind of...odd? Like it isn't bad, but seems kind of out of character.
- The real motivation of the villain at the end is hypocritical.
As you can see, I had issues with this book. I wanted to like it, but too much I didn't enjoy. That's okay, not every book is for me! If you like the author's other books, you'll probably like this too. But I'm on to the next!