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inkspots's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
izzyclouty's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
phrust's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
aoc's review against another edition
3.0
Continuing where we left off in Harlequin, Vagabond follows Thomas of Hookton on his adventures to figure out what's the big deal about his family legacy and their connection to the Grail. Very much like the first book this actually gets a surprisingly small amount of time dedicated to it as we're once again embroiled in the events of the war(s) between England and France, and this time Scotland throws the gauntlet into the ring as well because historically they counted on England being too busy with the continental campaign to protect their northern border. This is mainly just the first chapter though, and after recruiting additional help Thomas quickly swings back south to follow through after the events of Calais where Frenchmen got demolished by the English longbows. Along the way story also kinda drags the whole “what we do about the Grail question?” matter out and gives it more of a spotlight as that appears to be the arc we're most likely going after in the last book. Book also kept me guessing if it'll stick to history or just go screw it and unfold the finale as it sees fit, but it stays true.
Vagabond also introduces a recurring villain for our protagonist, or at least one not protected by historic accounts and who manages to survive the book with promise of future problems later down the road. I have to admit it was overall very nice to see couple of familiar characters make a return even if it was heartbreaking for one particular figure after you see what happened to him in the fallout of the final engagement in Harlequin. I cared less for some like Jeanette and her drama, but Robbie was a great addition to the cast as through him we get to see the Scottish nobility a bit, and in general average nobility unlike the main character who stands out.
Honestly, biggest problems with Vagabond are probably A) it's the middle book so nothing there really seems to be that relevant, aside from plot dumps necessarily to lay simply advance the story, especially as some key players get relegated to backstage for good and B) the pace is kinda off in that last dozen or so pages seem to really pick up the pace at the expense of detail and mood I kinda got used to from Cornwell. It is by no means bad or rushed like some works feel as they're speeding toward a conclusion, but it was definitely felt.
If you ever wanted to read a two-page description on how trebuchet works you'll walk away a happy reader, though.
Vagabond also introduces a recurring villain for our protagonist, or at least one not protected by historic accounts and who manages to survive the book with promise of future problems later down the road. I have to admit it was overall very nice to see couple of familiar characters make a return even if it was heartbreaking for one particular figure after you see what happened to him in the fallout of the final engagement in Harlequin. I cared less for some like Jeanette and her drama, but Robbie was a great addition to the cast as through him we get to see the Scottish nobility a bit, and in general average nobility unlike the main character who stands out.
Honestly, biggest problems with Vagabond are probably A) it's the middle book so nothing there really seems to be that relevant, aside from plot dumps necessarily to lay simply advance the story, especially as some key players get relegated to backstage for good and B) the pace is kinda off in that last dozen or so pages seem to really pick up the pace at the expense of detail and mood I kinda got used to from Cornwell. It is by no means bad or rushed like some works feel as they're speeding toward a conclusion, but it was definitely felt.
If you ever wanted to read a two-page description on how trebuchet works you'll walk away a happy reader, though.
leafhead's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
An enjoyable read for anyone with a passion for history. Can be a bit too slow if you aren’t interested in the minutiae of medieval life.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Murder, Racism, Religious bigotry, Bullying, Classism, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, War, Sexual violence, Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Sexism, Torture, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Mental illness, Xenophobia, and Antisemitism
Minor: Rape, Kidnapping, Excrement, Sexual content, Animal death, Vomit, and Animal cruelty
misterjay's review against another edition
4.0
Thomas of Hookton is traveling through England when he stumbles into a battle between the English and the Scots. He makes new friends and new enemies and soon sees himself setting off again, back to France in pursuit of the men who have killed his friends.
Like its predecessor, The Archer's Tale, Vagabond is quick, full of lengthy descriptions of battles, the blackest humor, matter of fact death and horror, religious epiphany and justification, and more than a little suffering on the part of our hero.
Well written and hard to put down but not for those who shy away from rape, murder, and dismemberment.
Like its predecessor, The Archer's Tale, Vagabond is quick, full of lengthy descriptions of battles, the blackest humor, matter of fact death and horror, religious epiphany and justification, and more than a little suffering on the part of our hero.
Well written and hard to put down but not for those who shy away from rape, murder, and dismemberment.
sandin954's review against another edition
3.0
The second book in the Grail Quest series covers quite a bit of ground and does a great job of weaving The Battle of Neville's Cross and the Battle of La-Roche Derrien into the plot. Another very enjoyable historical fiction tale.
felipebarnabe's review against another edition
4.0
Começou devagar, achei que não seria tão bom quanto o primeiro, mas o terço final do livro é muito bom. Os primeiros dois terços não são ruins, só não são tão empolgantes.