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miraclemarg's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
newtdc's review against another edition
adventurous
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
marilynsaul's review against another edition
3.0
This book is entirely too repetitious. It's rare that a Cadfael book is single-topic. There's usually at least SOME mention and update on the war between Stephen and Maud(Matilda). But not this one. Just a rehash by various characters of the fate of the jongleur in sanctuary for being accused of killing and robbing a local merchant. Yawn.
charlotte_owl's review against another edition
4.0
I am a bit undecided when it comes to this series of books. I have been reading them in order.
I do like this series. I really like Brother Cadfael as a character, and I believe the author does a wonderful job in making this time period and setting alive. I really like reading about the daily life of the town and the monastery. Brother Cadfael's knowledge on medicine and herbs is interesting. The mysteries are not super complicated, but they are enjoyable, and I usually do feel a bit of surprise by the end.
The one thing I don't like is that there are lots of repetitive tropes. I myself don't like romance much and I thought reading a series like Brother Cadfael would mean there wouldn't be much romance. Well, Cadfael himself is not involved in romance, but the characters around him are. Every single book there is usually a young man who is accused of murder. He is innocent of course. Brother Cadfael must work hard to prove his innocence. During this time, the young man falls in love with some maiden, who during some point in the story must be saved by the young man in question. By the end of the story they are in love. The sheer repetitiveness of this plotline is getting a bit annoying. It happens over and over again. I just want some variety.
I do like this series. I really like Brother Cadfael as a character, and I believe the author does a wonderful job in making this time period and setting alive. I really like reading about the daily life of the town and the monastery. Brother Cadfael's knowledge on medicine and herbs is interesting. The mysteries are not super complicated, but they are enjoyable, and I usually do feel a bit of surprise by the end.
The one thing I don't like is that there are lots of repetitive tropes. I myself don't like romance much and I thought reading a series like Brother Cadfael would mean there wouldn't be much romance. Well, Cadfael himself is not involved in romance, but the characters around him are. Every single book there is usually a young man who is accused of murder. He is innocent of course. Brother Cadfael must work hard to prove his innocence. During this time, the young man falls in love with some maiden, who during some point in the story must be saved by the young man in question. By the end of the story they are in love. The sheer repetitiveness of this plotline is getting a bit annoying. It happens over and over again. I just want some variety.
elizafiedler's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
zombeesknees's review against another edition
5.0
I've come late to the Cadfael series, having first watched the television adaptations starring the magnificent Sir Derek Jacobi. Though this is the seventh in the Cadfael series, it was the first I read, since this particular adaptation was probably my favourite.
Peters has an amazing eye for historical detail, and her knowledge of such varied things as botany, criminology, psychology and the human heart is as impressive as it is extensive. Brother Cadfael is a medieval Gil Grissom in a habit, but with more humanity and emotion than that modern counterpart.
The religious aspect of the novel is never heavy-handed or overpowering, every character -- even the minors -- is three dimensional and believable, and the love stories at the heart of the mystery will pull at your heartstrings in an entirely sincere fashion.
A wonderful read for anyone who's interested in history, Medieval Britain, mystery, and the television adaptations.
A+ in my book, Ms. Peters. Brava.
Peters has an amazing eye for historical detail, and her knowledge of such varied things as botany, criminology, psychology and the human heart is as impressive as it is extensive. Brother Cadfael is a medieval Gil Grissom in a habit, but with more humanity and emotion than that modern counterpart.
The religious aspect of the novel is never heavy-handed or overpowering, every character -- even the minors -- is three dimensional and believable, and the love stories at the heart of the mystery will pull at your heartstrings in an entirely sincere fashion.
A wonderful read for anyone who's interested in history, Medieval Britain, mystery, and the television adaptations.
A+ in my book, Ms. Peters. Brava.
readingelli's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder and Pregnancy
slferg's review against another edition
4.0
I always enjoy these books. Brother Cadfael is such a caring person, with a firm sense of who he is and a shrewd reader of other people.