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simon326's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
A more regulation adventure greets Master Shardlake in hearstone, as a non-criminal court case brings him South close to Portsmouth, just as the climax of the 1544-1546 war with France provides a tense backdrop to proceedings. Naturally, the case is not as simple as it initially seems, and it gives the reader plenty to think over and digest, which provides more than enough motivation to keep reading.
However, this time sees our hero fighting not only with his legal adversaries, but coming to terms with his own character flaws. The fact that we share in the frustrations expressed by supporting roles such as Barack when confronted with the decisions made by Shardlake, show us just how deeply involved we have become with our hunchback lawyer. However, it makes the moments of revelations all the more satisfying, and leaves us with much hope for the future.
However, this time sees our hero fighting not only with his legal adversaries, but coming to terms with his own character flaws. The fact that we share in the frustrations expressed by supporting roles such as Barack when confronted with the decisions made by Shardlake, show us just how deeply involved we have become with our hunchback lawyer. However, it makes the moments of revelations all the more satisfying, and leaves us with much hope for the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and War
Moderate: Cursing, Xenophobia, Rape, and Sexism
Minor: Ableism
merlin_2110's review
adventurous
dark
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
3.75
I didn't realise this was part of a series when I starting reading it but luckily, you can read it as a standalone book and it all makes sense. I enjoyed the story, lots of twists that kept it interesting. There are quite a few sub-plots so at times it's a bit tricky to remember which characters are involved in which one. I understand what the other reviewers mean when they say there is a lot of travelling and renting rooms - but I guess in the period the book is set, it did take days/weeks to travel to different places, but at times it does slow down the book. Overall, a decent read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: War
Minor: Child death
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