Scan barcode
A review by madeleine_grace
Devil's Brood by Sharon Kay Penman
5.0
Let's be real....I'd read anything that Sharon Kay Penman wrote even if it's like her grocery list....not trying to sound creepy at all. I JUST REALLY REALLY REALLY LOVE HER!
That being said, I feel conflicted about this book....I did not think it was the strongest of the series or even her strongest book in general but I felt it also contained some of the best scenes in the Penman canon...the scene when Henry learns of Hal's death was heart-breaking and chilling, when Constance and Geoffrey care for Aenor in the nursery and when RANULF FINALLY GOES HOME AND STAYS WITH RHIANNON....guys, I wept like a small child which was unfortunate as I was on a plane at the time. However, the beauty of these scenes is partially derived from the fact that I have gotten to know these characters over three (very long) books and have become really attached to them.
There some things that were really well-done:
Rosamund Clifford.....fabulous lady. Loved her in this...she really matured more and came alive in this novel
Constance....loved her shrew-like nature and her lack of sentimentality. Great character.
Will Marshall---Will Marshall was boss in this. I loved him and found a great amount of respect for his character.
I do have some criticisms however.
The first being.... WHERE WAS MY HOMEBOY RANULF???????????????
Ranulf, my literary husband, I missed you a lot. I have maintained that I would be happy if the books were jut about Ranulf. I understand the character was older and not as active but even when he was there, he wasn't really important and I missed him a great deal.
I also wished that Alys was given more emotion, she was very 2-dimensional.
The portrayal of the mercenaries were also weirdly unsympathetic and bordered cartoonish.
Geoffrey and Constance's relationship---don't me wrong I loved the two of them together but it was too easy. I understand that Penman couldn't waste a lot of time but still...she's done "he's not that bad because he doesn't rape you" ploy before and it has become a cliché.
Also...what's with all the happy marriages??? There's like two unhappy marriages in all three books. Anyway....
It was a mixed bag though I do have Lionheart at home....SO PUMPED!
That being said, I feel conflicted about this book....I did not think it was the strongest of the series or even her strongest book in general but I felt it also contained some of the best scenes in the Penman canon...the scene when Henry learns of Hal's death was heart-breaking and chilling, when Constance and Geoffrey care for Aenor in the nursery and when RANULF FINALLY GOES HOME AND STAYS WITH RHIANNON....guys, I wept like a small child which was unfortunate as I was on a plane at the time. However, the beauty of these scenes is partially derived from the fact that I have gotten to know these characters over three (very long) books and have become really attached to them.
There some things that were really well-done:
Rosamund Clifford.....fabulous lady. Loved her in this...she really matured more and came alive in this novel
Constance....loved her shrew-like nature and her lack of sentimentality. Great character.
Will Marshall---Will Marshall was boss in this. I loved him and found a great amount of respect for his character.
I do have some criticisms however.
The first being.... WHERE WAS MY HOMEBOY RANULF???????????????
Ranulf, my literary husband, I missed you a lot. I have maintained that I would be happy if the books were jut about Ranulf. I understand the character was older and not as active but even when he was there, he wasn't really important and I missed him a great deal.
I also wished that Alys was given more emotion, she was very 2-dimensional.
The portrayal of the mercenaries were also weirdly unsympathetic and bordered cartoonish.
Geoffrey and Constance's relationship---don't me wrong I loved the two of them together but it was too easy. I understand that Penman couldn't waste a lot of time but still...she's done "he's not that bad because he doesn't rape you" ploy before and it has become a cliché.
Also...what's with all the happy marriages??? There's like two unhappy marriages in all three books. Anyway....
It was a mixed bag though I do have Lionheart at home....SO PUMPED!