Scan barcode
annathorneby's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
0.75
thecesspit's review against another edition
3.0
Not among the best of the Cadfael series, being much more of a story than an investigation, and relies on a little too much on unknown-to-the-reader facts to be able to resolve the case yourself. But it's sharply written, with interesting characters, and historical details that kept me turning pages.
malus23's review against another edition
4.0
Pretty sure I missed this one the first time around. The overall pattern is still the same. They get overly similar after awhile, but it's a formula I like.
eososray's review against another edition
4.0
A bit more dramatic than I like but with Peters wonderful writing and Brother Cadfael it can never be really bad.
crazygoangirl's review
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
3.5
It was nice to be back in Brother Cadfael’s universe after a break ☺️ This is the eight book in the Cadfael Chronicles by Ellis Peters.
In this one, there is an estranged father-son relationship; a troubled son bent on doing the ‘right’ thing regardless of the harm to himself; a strong sibling bond and treason. An interesting and explosive cocktail of emotions, misinformation and misguided loyalty. Meriet was intriguing but immature (he is only 19 yrs old), and got on my nerves on occasion, but he’s well written and his character arc is strong. My favourite character was Isouda, his childhood friend, staunchly loyal and a very intelligent, sharp-witted girl, who in my opinion is too good for him! I was happy to meet Brother Mark again in an important role - confidante and companion to Meriet, working with his trademark gentleness and intuition to help the troubled boy. As always, Hugh and Brother Cadfael work in tandem to sort out the issues confronting the Aspleys and Linde families when an emissary of the Bishop Henry of Winchester, is found murdered not far from their manors, after a visit.
As always, I enjoyed Peters writing and her plot. I must mention once again how much I enjoy her unusual character names - Meriet, Isouda, Leoric, Janyn…it’s like poetry 😊 I enjoyed my return to the Series and will continue reading in 2024.
In this one, there is an estranged father-son relationship; a troubled son bent on doing the ‘right’ thing regardless of the harm to himself; a strong sibling bond and treason. An interesting and explosive cocktail of emotions, misinformation and misguided loyalty. Meriet was intriguing but immature (he is only 19 yrs old), and got on my nerves on occasion, but he’s well written and his character arc is strong. My favourite character was Isouda, his childhood friend, staunchly loyal and a very intelligent, sharp-witted girl, who in my opinion is too good for him! I was happy to meet Brother Mark again in an important role - confidante and companion to Meriet, working with his trademark gentleness and intuition to help the troubled boy. As always, Hugh and Brother Cadfael work in tandem to sort out the issues confronting the Aspleys and Linde families when an emissary of the Bishop Henry of Winchester, is found murdered not far from their manors, after a visit.
As always, I enjoyed Peters writing and her plot. I must mention once again how much I enjoy her unusual character names - Meriet, Isouda, Leoric, Janyn…it’s like poetry 😊 I enjoyed my return to the Series and will continue reading in 2024.
chartsh's review
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
ridesthesun's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0