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georgiealdridge's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
dani_luff's review against another edition
dark
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
jmyodafriend's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
testaroscia's review against another edition
4.0
This was a re-read for me for a series I think I want to start up, especially after having enjoyed Wolf Hall so much.
lavinia_speaks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
cecile87's review against another edition
4.0
Engaging murder mystery with intriguing commentary on religion and human nature
Well done storytelling during the Tudor age. At times, I didn't like the misguided Shardlake, but understood his situation. I did like his idealist assistant and was sad Shardlake didn't appreciate his points of view and values. Shardlake, though indeed reflective and somewhat open, toed the King's line for better or for worse.
I enjoyed the flashes of commentary on the disingenuousness behind some people's religious beliefs. As stated in the book more as an aside, religion may merely be a coping mechanism of man's--finding patterns in the air to cope with the uncertainties of life.
Human nature has been the same for centuries, of course. Greed, lust, corruption, power-hunger, racial prejudice, and sexism will alway be with us. Sad to say. Also, rationalizing one's own behavior, no matter how brutal.
I might continue this series. I appreciated this story, especially the inclusion of "outsiders"... a man with a hunchback and a black monk physician, and a gay monk as well. As a black person, I wasn't expecting to read about the very interesting Brother Guy.
Well done storytelling during the Tudor age. At times, I didn't like the misguided Shardlake, but understood his situation. I did like his idealist assistant and was sad Shardlake didn't appreciate his points of view and values. Shardlake, though indeed reflective and somewhat open, toed the King's line for better or for worse.
I enjoyed the flashes of commentary on the disingenuousness behind some people's religious beliefs. As stated in the book more as an aside, religion may merely be a coping mechanism of man's--finding patterns in the air to cope with the uncertainties of life.
Human nature has been the same for centuries, of course. Greed, lust, corruption, power-hunger, racial prejudice, and sexism will alway be with us. Sad to say. Also, rationalizing one's own behavior, no matter how brutal.
I might continue this series. I appreciated this story, especially the inclusion of "outsiders"... a man with a hunchback and a black monk physician, and a gay monk as well. As a black person, I wasn't expecting to read about the very interesting Brother Guy.
michael_levy's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
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? Yes
4.25