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A review by nadiamasood
The Story Spinner by Barbara Erskine
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This is an atmospheric novel that weaves together romance, history, and supernatural elements that will keep you turning pages!
Cadi, a modern-day poet, stumbles across the ancient story of Elen, a Welsh princess from 382 AD who was married to the Roman general Macsen. But when Cadi starts writing, her pen seems to move on its own, as if Elen’s spirit is guiding her! To make things even weirder, she keeps hearing the marching of soldiers... but no one's there.
Erskine's writing is gorgeous, and I loved the supernatural elements in the story. Along with the eerie sound of invisible marching soldiers and the psychic link between Cadi and Elen through the pen, there’s also a mysterious timeslip or wormhole and ghostly apparitions.
The plot is rich with atmosphere, starting in a small Welsh village where Cadi lives, and spans back to the ancient Roman-British world. I loved Elen's story!
Unfortunately, by the time I was at 60%, Cadi’s storyline—the creepy and obsessive ex-boyfriend, her struggling with writer’s block, and the development project on the land—started to feel tiring. I just wanted to skip-read Elen’s story, which I found far more captivating and exciting.
Who is this book for? If you love time-slip novels, historical fiction with strong female leads, or stories with a touch of the paranormal, The Story Spinner is a must-read. It’s perfect for readers who like their history with a side of mystery and a sprinkle of the supernatural.
Cadi, a modern-day poet, stumbles across the ancient story of Elen, a Welsh princess from 382 AD who was married to the Roman general Macsen. But when Cadi starts writing, her pen seems to move on its own, as if Elen’s spirit is guiding her! To make things even weirder, she keeps hearing the marching of soldiers... but no one's there.
Erskine's writing is gorgeous, and I loved the supernatural elements in the story. Along with the eerie sound of invisible marching soldiers and the psychic link between Cadi and Elen through the pen, there’s also a mysterious timeslip or wormhole and ghostly apparitions.
The plot is rich with atmosphere, starting in a small Welsh village where Cadi lives, and spans back to the ancient Roman-British world. I loved Elen's story!
Unfortunately, by the time I was at 60%, Cadi’s storyline—the creepy and obsessive ex-boyfriend, her struggling with writer’s block, and the development project on the land—started to feel tiring. I just wanted to skip-read Elen’s story, which I found far more captivating and exciting.
Who is this book for? If you love time-slip novels, historical fiction with strong female leads, or stories with a touch of the paranormal, The Story Spinner is a must-read. It’s perfect for readers who like their history with a side of mystery and a sprinkle of the supernatural.