Reviews

3.5 stars. Not as good as the first, but still interesting. This one suffers a lot from failing to center around the mystery, though at least it better places the climax than the first book.

crazygoangirl's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

4.0

This has become one of my favourite series! It is immersive, intelligent and highly entertaining. Peters writes her characters with equal parts nuance and drama. They are strong, loyal, honourable, conflicted, spirited, intelligent, fearless and willing to sacrifice for a righteous cause once committed - men and women both! There’s romance in every book and although I’m not a fan of romance, she keeps it real, not sappy. Although, I am partial to her women ☺️ They come in a close second to Brother Cadfael who has my ♥️

In this book, Brother Cadfael, the Abbey and Shrewsbury itself is entangled in the war between Stephen and Maud, niece and nephew of Henry, King of England, whose only legitimate heir drowns. Stephen declares himself King, in England and is fighting vassals of Maud, who is in Normandy. This book illuminates the vagaries of war - how it changes people through the impossible choices they are forced to make, the senseless loss of innocent lives and the ultimate futility of the entire enterprise. There is a graphic scene after Stephen sacks Shrewsbury Castle and orders the members of its garrison hanged - all ninety-four of them 😱 It was hard to read that.

Cadfael has a young boy Godric under his care in the Abbey who is not quite what he seems. Complications follow, and there are several subplots involving treasure, murder, revenge, love and loyalty that he must unravel before all can end satisfactorily for those involved. I love that Peters writes layered characters. They are often challenged with finding the right path, making the right choices and standing by them. I find them very believable and very human. Hugh Beringar was my favourite character in this story after Cadfael. I started off disliking & distrusting him, but his arc was so wonderfully redeeming 😊 The banter and bond between him and Cadfael was delightful. Peters is a pro at banter!

Once again, Peters wins me over with her excellent prose and fantastic plots. She has a way of presenting concepts and writing dialogue that is impeccable for the period she’s writing about. Loved this one and I hope I meet Hugh Beringar again soon ☺️

luciamarier's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious

3.0

katiedidwhat's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

lisajh5858's review against another edition

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mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Diverse cast of characters? No

4.5

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