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lolatarantula's review against another edition
3.0
I'm putting this one at a 3.5 for various reasons. I still recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the genre.
I had pretty high hopes for this after reading Seven Summer Nights and I wouldn't say I was disappointed, but it was a little lackluster in comparison. Still recommend it, but not as highly as the former. Don't get me wrong, characters were well developed, plot was engaging, but I think I just found the setting less interesting than the last. Again, I wish the magical elements were explained or built upon more.
Spoilers for this AND Seven Summer Nights ahead.
I had pretty high hopes for this after reading Seven Summer Nights and I wouldn't say I was disappointed, but it was a little lackluster in comparison. Still recommend it, but not as highly as the former. Don't get me wrong, characters were well developed, plot was engaging, but I think I just found the setting less interesting than the last. Again, I wish the magical elements were explained or built upon more.
Spoilers for this AND Seven Summer Nights ahead.
Spoiler
Finally, having only read two of Harper Fox's books I've noticed a consistency between the two. I don't know if this is a common thing or not but it sort of rubs me a little bit wrong if that's the case. Harper Fox gives her characters a HEA, which I love. Full stop. However, in both of these novels she straight up erases a disability or physical ailment, or some other intrinsic trait before doing so. It's odd and feels off. I love a happily ever after as much as the next person, but I can't help but feel as though there's a mental block here that's somehow equating disability or infirmity with unhappiness. In Seven Summer Nights especially I found the whole 'trans guy finds love but only after magically transforming into a dude' thing uncomfortable but I really couldn't figure out exactly what it was until now. That's a bad path to walk and I'd like to see one of these end with the characters' physical state not getting in the way of their happiness. I know Fox has the capacity to write flawed characters looking after one another, so I hope deus ex machining character's suffering away isn't her go to plot device for wrapping things up. Anyway, one shouldn't rely on miracles to write happy endings.slee907's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-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? It's complicated
3.0
flosneverendingbookshelf's review against another edition
reading too much at the same time, might pick up again later.
applepie10's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
3.5
mallorypen's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
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
3.25
Took another roll of the free Audible book dice, and stumbled upon an amazing narrator! Hamish Long took what he was given and gave the characters such warmth and life.
For the book itself: as someone who has perhaps a little more knowledge of British Roman monks, early Christian influence in the British isles, and Danish raiders than the average person (if I do say so myself) there was a lot to commend this book on in terms of research. The details the author pulled to make the setting and plot feel anchored in the time period were well used and effective.
Now, having a book from the library of Alexandria that taught ALL of the science that Theo taught? Hmm.
The romance between Fen and Cai was full of tee-hee fingers; tropes galore with enemies to lovers, hurt/comfort, die-for-you and lots of spice. Though, I have to say it was hella weird hearing “Caius” when I’m so used to “Gaius.” The language got a little purple from time to time, but their love was very sweet.
The biggest downside for me was that the plot had a tendency to meander. I found myself getting bored waiting for the next plot point to happen, and some of the reveals weren’t quite as satisfying of a payoff as they could have been. Denan and Addie were … meh.
Overall - between the sweetness of the romance and the masterful storytelling from Hamish Long, I was pleasantly surprised.
For the book itself: as someone who has perhaps a little more knowledge of British Roman monks, early Christian influence in the British isles, and Danish raiders than the average person (if I do say so myself) there was a lot to commend this book on in terms of research. The details the author pulled to make the setting and plot feel anchored in the time period were well used and effective.
Now, having a book from the library of Alexandria that taught ALL of the science that Theo taught? Hmm.
The romance between Fen and Cai was full of tee-hee fingers; tropes galore with enemies to lovers, hurt/comfort, die-for-you and lots of spice. Though, I have to say it was hella weird hearing “Caius” when I’m so used to “Gaius.” The language got a little purple from time to time, but their love was very sweet.
The biggest downside for me was that the plot had a tendency to meander. I found myself getting bored waiting for the next plot point to happen, and some of the reveals weren’t quite as satisfying of a payoff as they could have been. Denan and Addie were … meh.
Overall - between the sweetness of the romance and the masterful storytelling from Hamish Long, I was pleasantly surprised.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide, Murder, and War
triftwizened's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
tense
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? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Violence
Moderate: Religious bigotry and Gore
mxlakritz's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lilybear's review
5.0
An epic and poetic tale in the wild north about faith, lust, and battle. In the time of rising Christianity and Viking raids. Ciaus belongs to a humble monastery in the middle of nowhere called Farrah. A Viking raid forces Ciauss to abandon his peaceful monastic ways and embrace his warrior Roman roots to defend the monastery and his fellow brothers. When a finds a fallen Viking warrior and must choose to offer bloodthirsty vengeance or God's loving mercy. The Viking Fenrir is wild and beautiful and as he recovers in Ciaus's care a bond grows between the two men. Together they must overcome more trials of faith and blood, both on and off the battlefield. The warrior monk and the Viking brother weather the strange trials of life together. Hanging over them is the mysterious treasure of Farrah rumored to have the power to end the Viking raids and bring peace to the people. This book made me scream, cry and laugh all in the same breath. A truly memorable and intense experience.
This was a masterfully done mix of Christian lore and Nordic myth full of bloody battles and emotional intensity. The deep seeded bond between Ciaus and Fenrir is tested by the very gods and sea and I loved every tense moment of it. But what I loved most of all was how Ciaus was constantly pulled by two different parts of his identity. Right and wrong. Faith and science. His heart and his obligation. And each time he finds that the answer is never absolute. He has to find his own way. His own place in the hazy grey border of all those different truths. It just created this beautiful journey full of jagged edges of reality and smeared with some near magical qualities of faith.
This was a masterfully done mix of Christian lore and Nordic myth full of bloody battles and emotional intensity. The deep seeded bond between Ciaus and Fenrir is tested by the very gods and sea and I loved every tense moment of it. But what I loved most of all was how Ciaus was constantly pulled by two different parts of his identity. Right and wrong. Faith and science. His heart and his obligation. And each time he finds that the answer is never absolute. He has to find his own way. His own place in the hazy grey border of all those different truths. It just created this beautiful journey full of jagged edges of reality and smeared with some near magical qualities of faith.