Scan barcode
readingelli's review
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Blood
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
zombeesknees's review against another edition
5.0
In working through an epic Cadfael re-read -- the first time I've read the series completely in order -- I discovered that *GASP!* I HAD NEVER READ THIS INSTALLMENT BEFORE.
And not only that: OLIVIER DE BRETAGNE MAKES ANOTHER APPEARANCE AND MEETS HUGH BERINGAR.
Reader, lemme tell you -- I was shrieking with joy. And the rest of the story didn't disappoint, either, with an unusual twist on the revenge/penance theme and some interesting philosophizing on the nature of chivalrous codes and vows of justified vengeance. Of course, this being Cadfael, everything is resolved in a very enjoyable and satisfying manner, with a couple of miracles to sweeten the pot.
My love for Ellis Peters and her creations is legion and eternal.
And not only that: OLIVIER DE BRETAGNE MAKES ANOTHER APPEARANCE AND MEETS HUGH BERINGAR.
Reader, lemme tell you -- I was shrieking with joy. And the rest of the story didn't disappoint, either, with an unusual twist on the revenge/penance theme and some interesting philosophizing on the nature of chivalrous codes and vows of justified vengeance. Of course, this being Cadfael, everything is resolved in a very enjoyable and satisfying manner, with a couple of miracles to sweeten the pot.
My love for Ellis Peters and her creations is legion and eternal.
cascaderose's review against another edition
4.0
WARNING! If you liked this book, DO NOT watch the Cadfael Mysteries version on Amazon, etc. They destroyed it. The plot was almost totally different. The only similarities with the characters who were in the show were most of their names. Olivier and his plot line don’t even appear.
genizah's review against another edition
2.0
Completely interstitial, doesn't stand alone at all. Provides updates on the political situation and two storylines from previous books, along with some nice Cadfael character notes, but utterly fails to have a plot.
cleheny's review against another edition
3.0
The second of the Cadfael mysteries in which Olivier de Bretagne appears, The Pilgrim of Hate is among the darker forays. Peters' mystery centers on the obsessive relationship between Matthew and Ciaran. At least the romantic couple in this book have spent several days together before they appear in the book, which at least gives the illusion that they may have actually gotten to know each other before they fell in love (though Peters strongly suggests that they, once again, fell in love at first glance).
Rhun is unbelievably saintly, but, fortunately, there are enough competing stories--Matthew and Ciarin, Matthew and Melangel, Empress Maud's apparent triumph over Stephen, the four conmen/cutpurses, Hugh and Olivier meeting and becoming nascent friends, Olivier's and Cadfael's second meeting--that Rhun's unparalleled goodness comes in small enough doses that it doesn't become cloying.
Rhun is unbelievably saintly, but, fortunately, there are enough competing stories--Matthew and Ciarin, Matthew and Melangel, Empress Maud's apparent triumph over Stephen, the four conmen/cutpurses, Hugh and Olivier meeting and becoming nascent friends, Olivier's and Cadfael's second meeting--that Rhun's unparalleled goodness comes in small enough doses that it doesn't become cloying.
thatrabbitgirl's review against another edition
4.0
This may be my favorite in the series so far. But, the emotional impact of this story only works if one has read the previous volumes, especially The Virgin in the Ice. When Cadfael sees Olivier in the church...I burst into tears.
tigerlinus's review
3.0
3.75 Enjoyed this Cadfael mystery, more than most, as I liked the primary characters a bit more, and was delighted at the return of Olivier de Bretagne's character. Did guess the outcome, but that doesn't diminish the enjoyment. This is one of my favorite periods for a setting; such unrest during this time in England, which often makes for an interesting read.
These are my go-to stories when I am in between more difficult reads; they are such fun. Everyone should have a Brother Cadfael in their life.
These are my go-to stories when I am in between more difficult reads; they are such fun. Everyone should have a Brother Cadfael in their life.
marystevens's review against another edition
5.0
I just love Brother Cadfael! Takes place in 1140 near Wales. I recommend that you briefly go to Wikipedia to get a rough idea of the politics of King Stephen’s reign.
bowienerd_82's review against another edition
4.0
I love the way that the Cadfael books are not frozen in time, nor do they forget what has gone before. The years march on, and past events still affect the present.
This one refers back to the first book of the series a good bit (A Morbid Taste for Bones), as it involves the festival of St. Winifred, the saint whose bones the first book's plot revolved around.
I love the fact that we get to see Cadfael worrying about whether he has done the right thing. He's so often confidant and in control, it's nice to see the other side of him.
I also very much enjoy the way that the author weaves the plot with the larger happenings at that time in history down to the small human moments of the characters.
This one is quite a bit more mystical/religious than the books sometimes get, but I found the book both compelling and moving (and a good distraction from a long, long plane ride).
This one refers back to the first book of the series a good bit (A Morbid Taste for Bones), as it involves the festival of St. Winifred, the saint whose bones the first book's plot revolved around.
I love the fact that we get to see Cadfael worrying about whether he has done the right thing. He's so often confidant and in control, it's nice to see the other side of him.
I also very much enjoy the way that the author weaves the plot with the larger happenings at that time in history down to the small human moments of the characters.
This one is quite a bit more mystical/religious than the books sometimes get, but I found the book both compelling and moving (and a good distraction from a long, long plane ride).