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wyvernfriend's review against another edition
4.0
Cadfael's son Oliver de Bretagne, is captured and there's a refusal to acknowledge where he is and there's no demand for ransom but there are rumours and Cadfael has an opportunity to attend a conference and find out about him. To add to the confusion a contentious nobleman is dead, apparently by Oliver's Brother-in-Law Yves Hugonin, and as usual Cadfael intervenes to help.
Added to that are some serious issues that Cadfael has to deal with about his vocation and his loyalty to the order. I'm sad to see that this is the last in the series, and it's a good end to the series.
Added to that are some serious issues that Cadfael has to deal with about his vocation and his loyalty to the order. I'm sad to see that this is the last in the series, and it's a good end to the series.
rusereviews's review against another edition
4.0
Finally finished this book on my third attempt within three years. I think the main reason it felt like a slog to me at first was because it's the last book in the series, and I always drag my feet on final books in series. I guessed the whodunit pretty early but it was still a pleasant read.
pricklybriar's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
jemimalil's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
rebeccabadger's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
georgieporgiepudding's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
reflective
slow-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? No
5.0
Cadfael reviews news from Hugh of Olivier being missing. A strong premise which has slow in the first 100 pages.
We meet Yves again and he is accused of murder, which adds to Cadfael’s responsibility of free g his son and Yves.
Once I read this book for an hour, I couldn’t out it down - exciting and well written characters, it was very enjoyable.
We meet Yves again and he is accused of murder, which adds to Cadfael’s responsibility of free g his son and Yves.
Once I read this book for an hour, I couldn’t out it down - exciting and well written characters, it was very enjoyable.
deehaichess's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I have just worked my way through a collection of 5 or 6 Cadfael stories - my first Peters books ever. I have enjoyed every one: they're well written, well paced, characters are fleshed out just enough to be interesting, and the mysteries have been robust and good examinations of the darker things that drive people to do what they do.
Central to all these is Cadfael himself, who is of course highly interesting and engaging as a character (the books wouldn't be very good if he wasn't). So, I feel like I would have gotten far more out of this particular story had I been with him through all previous 19 books instead of just 5 of what someone else deemed was the best. Which isn't even a criticism, but perhaps just some advice for other readers new to Ellis Peters - read them all in order, I reckon.
Central to all these is Cadfael himself, who is of course highly interesting and engaging as a character (the books wouldn't be very good if he wasn't). So, I feel like I would have gotten far more out of this particular story had I been with him through all previous 19 books instead of just 5 of what someone else deemed was the best. Which isn't even a criticism, but perhaps just some advice for other readers new to Ellis Peters - read them all in order, I reckon.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War
Moderate: Violence
readingelli's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Siege, period accurate religion and religious thoughtalice_horoshev's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.25