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ran_sophia's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Suicide, Blood, Antisemitism, Death, Violence, and Torture
Moderate: Physical abuse
sas_lk's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
In this world, the world greatly expands and our characters find themselves in the middle of highly political environments and situations. I enjoyed it, however, I feel this was the least enjoyable from all the books I've read so far. It was 600 pages of basically not much happening, and then all of a sudden we had a stressful and tense ending.
I will keep reading the series because I love it, but I do hope the pacing and plot in the next sequel are a bit better.
That said, I still love these books and characters, and I believe that the author is very talented and has taught me a lot about England in that era.
Graphic: Death, Suicide attempt, Torture, Suicide, Religious bigotry, Murder, and Ableism
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death of parent, Vomit, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Infidelity, Pregnancy, Cancer, and Confinement
gen_wolfhailstorm's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Narrated by BBC full cast dramatisation
Unabridged
This storyline plot felt too rushed for my tastes and I felt like the character of Shardlake warped from his original air of genuinity. This is probably where I'll dip out from this series now.
I'm glad to have tried it, but I called it when I started that I'd probably just read the first few I had borrowed and leave it at that, and I am still happy to do so.
Moderate: Child death, Murder, Death, Death of parent, Suicide attempt, and Suicide
simon326's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Several key scenes are well written and carry huge emotional impact and, as usual, the book is incredibly difficult to put down. However it's worth noting that unlike the slow-burning tension of the first book or the continous chase of the second, the third contains waves of high drama and calmer moments as it almost feels as though Shardlake is swept away by the events of the book.
We also see significant developments in the personalities and opinions of the main characters, with Shardlake himself showing a very relatable reaction to the events that he finds himself in.
Overall, another exciting addition to the series. I'm looking forward to the next and can't wait until I can read it (though I must wait). However, after the high-stakes drama, part of me would be happy to see a slower-paced story in line with the first book.
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Torture, and Death
Moderate: Sexual content and Cursing
gurofl's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Torture
Minor: Body shaming, Police brutality, Blood, Death, Suicide attempt, Torture, Animal cruelty, Religious bigotry, and Suicide
gwen87's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Excrement, Gore, Murder, Religious bigotry, Torture, Violence, Body shaming, Animal cruelty, Blood, Chronic illness, and Death