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simon326's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
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
4.5
A thoroughly exciting continuation in the Shardlake saga, which sees the titular lawyer once again taking up the role of an investigator for an important client and finding himself in the midst of the religious chaos that marked the final years of Henry VIII's reign.
If you've read all the books so far, then you're already a fan of the Shardlake series, so there isn't much more to say. The usual care is applied to building the atmosphere and historical accuracy of Tudor London, so much so that one can sometimes smell the streets (it's usually not a good smell, unfortunately); the mystery is intriguing and well put together; and the protagonist is both relatable and lovable for his good nature.
However, the story of Lamentation feels like it has stepped up a level. The mystery was more dynamic and the process that Shardlake made in solving it was both exciting and satisfying. Also, without going into spoilers, there are some wonderfully tense and emotional chapters which sometimes made me not want to continue reading for fear of what was about to happen. However, with thoughts of the story filling my daily life, it was impossible not to see it through to the end.
This may very well be the highest point that the series has reached so far, and I'm not sure how the next book will manage to follow it.
If you've read all the books so far, then you're already a fan of the Shardlake series, so there isn't much more to say. The usual care is applied to building the atmosphere and historical accuracy of Tudor London, so much so that one can sometimes smell the streets (it's usually not a good smell, unfortunately); the mystery is intriguing and well put together; and the protagonist is both relatable and lovable for his good nature.
However, the story of Lamentation feels like it has stepped up a level. The mystery was more dynamic and the process that Shardlake made in solving it was both exciting and satisfying. Also, without going into spoilers, there are some wonderfully tense and emotional chapters which sometimes made me not want to continue reading for fear of what was about to happen. However, with thoughts of the story filling my daily life, it was impossible not to see it through to the end.
This may very well be the highest point that the series has reached so far, and I'm not sure how the next book will manage to follow it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Cursing, Sexism, and Injury/Injury detail
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