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drey72's review against another edition
4.0
Published on drey's library: http://www.dreyslibrary.com/2013/04/12/blog-tour-58-nancy-bilyeaus-the-chalice/
Oh, wow. I’ll nitpick first, because it’s such a small thing, but I noticed. It’s called The Chalice, and there is a chalice, but holy wow did we have to wait to get there…
Ok, I’m done. The rest of the book – from the characters to the intrigue to the political wrangling, is pretty darn fabulous! I got sucked in from the prologue, wondering just who this Joanna Stafford was, what she was doing, and what would happen to her. What I got from The Chalice are the answers, embedded into a well-told story set during a time most of us have read about, but with more well-known casts of characters.
Joanna’s quiet life as a Dominican nun is interrupted by a King’s whim, when all the monasteries are disbanded, its inhabitants turned out, and its treasures relocated to the King’s treasury. Now she has to figure out how to live out there, where monks and nuns are viewed with suspicion and derision. She isn’t doing too badly, having figured out what she needs to be able to set up her own income, but life throws a surprise in Joanna’s path – this one in the form of nobility who insist on Joanna’s living with them.
She accepts, and finds that life can be a lot more dangerous than uncertain.
Joanna is quietly strong, and stubborn. Well, mostly quietly, because sometimes her mouth opens and words pour out at inopportune times… She’s fiercely loyal, and tries to do what she thinks is right, not letting anyone – even the ever-capricious fates – push her around. Forget prophecy, she’s in control of her own destiny!
Then politics rears its ugly head, and Joanna finds herself dragged into schemes conspiring against the King.
Nancy Bilyeau packs a lot of information into The Chalice, yet it all flows together smoothly. I loved that Joanna is a non-player in the court by choice, and is insignificant enough to get away with it yet just important enough to have a few of the powerful in her corner. I liked the intrigues, but the story was focused more on prophecy than the back-stabbing power plays you usually find in historical fiction set in Henry’s court – it’s still there, but it was a side dish instead of the main course – which is a refreshing take on the genre and time.
I really enjoyed The Chalice, now I have to go pick up The Crown to catch up on Joanna Stafford’s past… Pick this one up (or win a copy!) if you love historical fiction!
drey’s rating: Excellent!
Oh, wow. I’ll nitpick first, because it’s such a small thing, but I noticed. It’s called The Chalice, and there is a chalice, but holy wow did we have to wait to get there…
Ok, I’m done. The rest of the book – from the characters to the intrigue to the political wrangling, is pretty darn fabulous! I got sucked in from the prologue, wondering just who this Joanna Stafford was, what she was doing, and what would happen to her. What I got from The Chalice are the answers, embedded into a well-told story set during a time most of us have read about, but with more well-known casts of characters.
Joanna’s quiet life as a Dominican nun is interrupted by a King’s whim, when all the monasteries are disbanded, its inhabitants turned out, and its treasures relocated to the King’s treasury. Now she has to figure out how to live out there, where monks and nuns are viewed with suspicion and derision. She isn’t doing too badly, having figured out what she needs to be able to set up her own income, but life throws a surprise in Joanna’s path – this one in the form of nobility who insist on Joanna’s living with them.
She accepts, and finds that life can be a lot more dangerous than uncertain.
Joanna is quietly strong, and stubborn. Well, mostly quietly, because sometimes her mouth opens and words pour out at inopportune times… She’s fiercely loyal, and tries to do what she thinks is right, not letting anyone – even the ever-capricious fates – push her around. Forget prophecy, she’s in control of her own destiny!
Then politics rears its ugly head, and Joanna finds herself dragged into schemes conspiring against the King.
Nancy Bilyeau packs a lot of information into The Chalice, yet it all flows together smoothly. I loved that Joanna is a non-player in the court by choice, and is insignificant enough to get away with it yet just important enough to have a few of the powerful in her corner. I liked the intrigues, but the story was focused more on prophecy than the back-stabbing power plays you usually find in historical fiction set in Henry’s court – it’s still there, but it was a side dish instead of the main course – which is a refreshing take on the genre and time.
I really enjoyed The Chalice, now I have to go pick up The Crown to catch up on Joanna Stafford’s past… Pick this one up (or win a copy!) if you love historical fiction!
drey’s rating: Excellent!
bepisaun's review against another edition
5.0
A fantastic historical fiction book surrounding Henry VIII's fourth wife and the intrigue there. The novice, Joanna Stafford not only is constrained by the ties that bind a woman in the 15th century, she also has to follow a strict morale compass that had me guessing at every turn. Very well put together and I can't wait to read the next one!
eschaalman's review against another edition
2.0
I was eager to read the sequel to The Crown , which I really enjoyed, but somehow this one fell flat. It felt like too much was happening - and too fast. Joanna is seemingly torn amongst the men in her life- despite having taken a vow of chastity which she took seriously. The mystery of the prophecy was engaging, until the final part is revealed and completed. I felt like things moved too rapidly and Joanna did not really feel or experience them properly, but rather raced onto the next.
nruth's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
beckylej's review against another edition
5.0
It's been just one year since the dissolution of Dartford Priory. Joanna and some of the other nuns have made their home in the neighboring village but the transition hasn't been easy. The attitude towards the Catholic Church and their old order is hostile at times, thanks to the current political climate, but they're determined to move on. Then Joanna is offered a chance to visit her cousins in London. The invitation comes at an opportune time for Joanna and her ward, but soon turns out to be the first step in fulfilling a prophecy Joanna has long feared. This prophecy, set in motion when Joanna was just a teen, would have her on a course that could change history and restore the Catholic Church. But at what cost?
More political intrigue with a twist of the mysterious for Joanna! TTHE CHALICE takes us beyond Dartford and and England as a whole, exploring the next piece of British history following the events of THE CROWN.
Joanna evolves quite a bit in this second book. While she'd never be described as a character who stood by and accepted her fate, she did make an attempt to accept what had happened at the start of THE CHALICE. That soon changes, and her willingness to once again take an active role in preventing what's happening comes about once again (admittedly her motives in THE CROWN have more to do with protecting her loved ones than herself).
She also has to face changes in herself that result from no longer being part of a holy order. Since the priory was dissolved before she was able to take vows, she was never officially a nun. Her feelings for both Geoffrey and Brother Edmund presented interesting new aspects of the story.
Fans of historical fiction, suspense/thrillers, and what I like to call literary puzzles will love this series. Bilyeau has another installment due out late next year called THE COVENANT.
More political intrigue with a twist of the mysterious for Joanna! TTHE CHALICE takes us beyond Dartford and and England as a whole, exploring the next piece of British history following the events of THE CROWN.
Joanna evolves quite a bit in this second book. While she'd never be described as a character who stood by and accepted her fate, she did make an attempt to accept what had happened at the start of THE CHALICE. That soon changes, and her willingness to once again take an active role in preventing what's happening comes about once again (admittedly her motives in THE CROWN have more to do with protecting her loved ones than herself).
She also has to face changes in herself that result from no longer being part of a holy order. Since the priory was dissolved before she was able to take vows, she was never officially a nun. Her feelings for both Geoffrey and Brother Edmund presented interesting new aspects of the story.
Fans of historical fiction, suspense/thrillers, and what I like to call literary puzzles will love this series. Bilyeau has another installment due out late next year called THE COVENANT.
unabridgedchick's review against another edition
4.0
It's no secret the Tudor era is not a favorite of mine but Nancy Bilyeau makes me sing a different tune: first, with her fabulous novel The Crown and again this year with the sequel, The Chalice.
Returning to the 16th century and her ex-nun Joanna Stafford, this novel delves more into Joanna's life and past as well as the drama Henry VIII's decisions were wrecking on the country. As with The Crown, Bilyeau opens her novel with another fantastic first sentence -- When preparing for martyrdom on the night of December 28, 1538, I did not think of those I love. -- and the story races from there.
Joanna struggles to make sense of her life and the rapid changes she's endured: once a dedicated nun, she's now living a secular life due only to a decree of the King and by no choice of her own. Raising her cousin's child -- a woman burned at the stake for treason -- Joanna hopes to make a living weaving tapestries when conspiracy and danger find her again. Brought to London with the promise she won't be forced to go to court, Joanna instead is embroiled in a plot to return England to the Catholic Church when she factors into three prophesies, including one by Elizabeth Barton, the Mad Maid of Kent. (Which, if there's going to be religious conspiracies, give me an oracle nun, and I'm in heaven.)
Although from a noble family, Joanna is hardly a typical courtier, which makes Bilyeau's novels such a refreshing entry in the Tudor genre. Bilyeau articulates what it might have been like for those who took religious vows, forced by edict to abandon their life and their beliefs. While the dissolution of those institutions might have ferreted out those who weren't truly religious, for those who were devoted -- like Joanna -- the world has upended. She still believes Henry VIII is divinely ordained, for example, and is rocked to the core when those around her suggest he isn't.
There are some hints of romance in this book, but there's a twist: Henry VIII banned former clergy, nuns, and monks from ever marrying. Still, Joanna feels some attraction to men now -- a monk she's known, a sheriff she just recently met -- and she has to navigate this new tension as well.
I'm not super familiar with this era, so I can't say how many liberties Bilyeau has taken (if any) but I loved the mix of historical and fiction. Joanna is able to move through two worlds -- court life and religious life -- comfortably, and as an educated woman, has a smart 'voice' through which to tell her story. (Although I will admit, she maddened me at times with her choices!)
For Tudor fans, I think this is a must (I've read a few reviews by folks who say this one can be read as a fine standalone, but I encourage you to start with The Crown), and for those tired of Tudor novels, but interested in meaty hist fic, pick up these two. Joanna Stafford might be one of my top ten favorite heroines and I'm dying for the third book.
Returning to the 16th century and her ex-nun Joanna Stafford, this novel delves more into Joanna's life and past as well as the drama Henry VIII's decisions were wrecking on the country. As with The Crown, Bilyeau opens her novel with another fantastic first sentence -- When preparing for martyrdom on the night of December 28, 1538, I did not think of those I love. -- and the story races from there.
Joanna struggles to make sense of her life and the rapid changes she's endured: once a dedicated nun, she's now living a secular life due only to a decree of the King and by no choice of her own. Raising her cousin's child -- a woman burned at the stake for treason -- Joanna hopes to make a living weaving tapestries when conspiracy and danger find her again. Brought to London with the promise she won't be forced to go to court, Joanna instead is embroiled in a plot to return England to the Catholic Church when she factors into three prophesies, including one by Elizabeth Barton, the Mad Maid of Kent. (Which, if there's going to be religious conspiracies, give me an oracle nun, and I'm in heaven.)
Although from a noble family, Joanna is hardly a typical courtier, which makes Bilyeau's novels such a refreshing entry in the Tudor genre. Bilyeau articulates what it might have been like for those who took religious vows, forced by edict to abandon their life and their beliefs. While the dissolution of those institutions might have ferreted out those who weren't truly religious, for those who were devoted -- like Joanna -- the world has upended. She still believes Henry VIII is divinely ordained, for example, and is rocked to the core when those around her suggest he isn't.
There are some hints of romance in this book, but there's a twist: Henry VIII banned former clergy, nuns, and monks from ever marrying. Still, Joanna feels some attraction to men now -- a monk she's known, a sheriff she just recently met -- and she has to navigate this new tension as well.
I'm not super familiar with this era, so I can't say how many liberties Bilyeau has taken (if any) but I loved the mix of historical and fiction. Joanna is able to move through two worlds -- court life and religious life -- comfortably, and as an educated woman, has a smart 'voice' through which to tell her story. (Although I will admit, she maddened me at times with her choices!)
For Tudor fans, I think this is a must (I've read a few reviews by folks who say this one can be read as a fine standalone, but I encourage you to start with The Crown), and for those tired of Tudor novels, but interested in meaty hist fic, pick up these two. Joanna Stafford might be one of my top ten favorite heroines and I'm dying for the third book.
mrlzbth's review against another edition
4.0
I loved the first Joanna Stafford book, The Crown, and I think this one is even better! Bilyeau delivers an entertaining mix of action, romance, and historical detail that made for a VERY enjoyable snow day read today. Though the prophecy-centered storyline would not normally be to my taste (I'm not usually up for too much supernatural content in my historical fiction), Bilyeau handled it in such a way that the story still felt very plausible throughout. Joanna is likable and strong without being too perfect (though she is one of those heroines whom no man seems to be able to resist), and she responds to events in a way that feels historically accurate for someone still experiencing the trauma of having had their entire way of life destroyed without their consent. Her perspective on Henry VIII and the other key players of the time period is fascinating, and I can't wait to find out what the next book will hold for her!
michaeldrakich's review against another edition
5.0
An engrossing tale into old England during the realm of Henry VIII.
I picked up this book at my local book store. I had not read the previous book, The Crown, prior to reading this one, but did not have any difficulty with the story as being stand alone.
I found the characters engaging. The settings and the lifestyles very successfully portrayed what I expect the time period to be like.
The story, with the various sub-plots, moved along well enough. I think a couple of the sub-plots got lost along the way near the end, but as there is a third novel, I will reserve my judgement on that.
The author's style and writing skills are enjoyable and made the reading experience an enjoyable one.
If there was any complaint, I found the ending a tad underwhelming, but not enough to take away from a thoroughly enjoyable book.
I picked up this book at my local book store. I had not read the previous book, The Crown, prior to reading this one, but did not have any difficulty with the story as being stand alone.
I found the characters engaging. The settings and the lifestyles very successfully portrayed what I expect the time period to be like.
The story, with the various sub-plots, moved along well enough. I think a couple of the sub-plots got lost along the way near the end, but as there is a third novel, I will reserve my judgement on that.
The author's style and writing skills are enjoyable and made the reading experience an enjoyable one.
If there was any complaint, I found the ending a tad underwhelming, but not enough to take away from a thoroughly enjoyable book.
vlynnk89's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
It had been quite some time since I read The Crown, but The Chalice picked it up quickly enough for me to remember where the story had stopped.
Joanna was set to become a Dominican nun. However, with all the monasteries dissolved, she is content to live her life with her friends close to the priory. When her family comes calling, Joanna only wants a promise that she won't have to return to court. Unfortunately, her service to Lady Mary & her Spanish heritage make her a perfect target to help a plot to save Christendom.
Bilyeau's writing is engaging and witty. I like Joanna though she can occasionally cause some minor frustrations. Her love life is a hot mess, which only adds to her problems.
I look forward to the next book.
It had been quite some time since I read The Crown, but The Chalice picked it up quickly enough for me to remember where the story had stopped.
Joanna was set to become a Dominican nun. However, with all the monasteries dissolved, she is content to live her life with her friends close to the priory. When her family comes calling, Joanna only wants a promise that she won't have to return to court. Unfortunately, her service to Lady Mary & her Spanish heritage make her a perfect target to help a plot to save Christendom.
Bilyeau's writing is engaging and witty. I like Joanna though she can occasionally cause some minor frustrations. Her love life is a hot mess, which only adds to her problems.
I look forward to the next book.