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english_lady03's review against another edition
3.0
An interesting installment in the Cadfael series, though somewhat different from the TV adaptation. Ailnoth is more of a larger than life character in that, and so perhaps, more memorable. Benet and Sioned are the correct ages here (teenagers), as I suspected, rather than their counterparts in the TV adaptation who had been aged up, and looked too old.
The Raven in the Foregate is a little plodding in places, and some have complained about the disappointing ending. It wasn't such a big deal for me, because having seen the aforesaid TV adaptation I had a fair idea how it would pan out. Some of the characters were more interesting, especially the ones who didn't make it into the small screen version, but that has its merits too.
Perhaps not the best Cadfael book, but still interesting, and contains some worthwhile discussions about human frailty, sin and compassion.
The Raven in the Foregate is a little plodding in places, and some have complained about the disappointing ending. It wasn't such a big deal for me, because having seen the aforesaid TV adaptation I had a fair idea how it would pan out. Some of the characters were more interesting, especially the ones who didn't make it into the small screen version, but that has its merits too.
Perhaps not the best Cadfael book, but still interesting, and contains some worthwhile discussions about human frailty, sin and compassion.
rscottm182gmailcom's review against another edition
3.0
Pleasantly slow-moving evocation of life in the middle ages. Atmospheric, but not quite atmospheric enough. A simple quickly-solved mystery, not enough every day detail or character building to satisfy. Dialog is sometimes a little off, sounding stilted or contrived.
sandin954's review against another edition
3.0
King Stephen is back on the throne of England but Brother Cadfael and company are more concerned with a local death. This is the first book in the series that I have actually read and, while I did miss Patrick Tull's narration, the mix of history and mystery along with the great characters made it an enjoyable and quick read.
rebeccabadger's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
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
5.0
naylorjj's review against another edition
4.0
The Cadfael books are comfort reads for me, and I enjoyed being with all the characters I’ve grown to love once again. Like previous books, this is taking place during the 12th century English civil war. The tolerance most characters are practicing in this story despite being on separate sides (Queen Maude vs King Stephen, clergy vs lay members of the community) is a nice change of pace from today’s political atmosphere. In a Cadfael story at least, compassion, tolerance, reason, and identifying we are all in this together rule the day.
ridesthesun's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.5
blueshadow's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars - I couldn't decide between 3 and 4
3 stars - Kind of the same as all the other Brother Cadfael mysteries
4 stars - There were several fun moments in the story.
3 stars - Kind of the same as all the other Brother Cadfael mysteries
4 stars - There were several fun moments in the story.
dominic_piacentini's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-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
Christmas in Shrewsbury. Two dead priests: one will be missed, one certainly won’t be.
Empress Maud sat upon her throne less than year before her cousin once again usurped her, reshuffling increasingly wary allegiances. I appreciate the entries in this series whose plots lean into the English Anarchy more deliberately. And here, we see another on-the-run Maud loyalist in disguise as an herbalist-in-training and smuggled into Wales with their newly found lover by none other than Brother Cadfael (This trope might be getting tired.) There are many similarities (and callbacks) to One Corpse Too Many, which is still the strongest in the series, but I don’t care. The pacing on this one is pitch perfect.
Empress Maud sat upon her throne less than year before her cousin once again usurped her, reshuffling increasingly wary allegiances. I appreciate the entries in this series whose plots lean into the English Anarchy more deliberately. And here, we see another on-the-run Maud loyalist in disguise as an herbalist-in-training and smuggled into Wales with their newly found lover by none other than Brother Cadfael (This trope might be getting tired.) There are many similarities (and callbacks) to One Corpse Too Many, which is still the strongest in the series, but I don’t care. The pacing on this one is pitch perfect.