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cortney9812's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
english_lady03's review
2.0
'The Kindling' was a good installment of in the Age of Faith series with a somewhat unconventional and unexpected heroine. Many parts were well-told with less 'insta-love' then there was in other installments, and even the possibility of a serious alternative love interest (Sir Durand!) making it uncertain who the heroine would end up with. I did enjoy seeing the developing relationships between the characters, but as another reviewer mentioned- the later books in the series give the impression of being a little overdone. Too much angst and a little too melodramatic.
There were also several aspects that were just not plausible. The Wulfriths were meant to be the foremost warriors in the Kingdom, and Abel their most warlike member. Yet he was constantly practicing his swordsmanship without armour. Not even a padded jacket or a leather jerkin. Zilch. I mean why, its just totally unrealistic.
Knights wouldn't go into battle without armour, so why would not have any protection when training? Especially since Abel seemed to believe a skilled fighter should not get wounded all the time, and he was constantly getting cut for being foolish enough to spar with someone in only a woolen tunic.
All the silliness about witchcraft at the end did nothing to help either. The era of the witch- hunts and paranoia was four to five hundred years after this novel is set. The church in the twelfth century took the general view that those who claimed to be witches were delusional and to be pitied. There's no evidence that female healers were treated with any real suspiction, let alone one who was trained in a Abbey, and known for her religious observance.
This silly trope about everyone in the Middle Ages being a superstitious idiots who saw witches 'round every corner is one I'm getting rather tired off.
There were also several aspects that were just not plausible. The Wulfriths were meant to be the foremost warriors in the Kingdom, and Abel their most warlike member. Yet he was constantly practicing his swordsmanship without armour. Not even a padded jacket or a leather jerkin. Zilch. I mean why, its just totally unrealistic.
Knights wouldn't go into battle without armour, so why would not have any protection when training? Especially since Abel seemed to believe a skilled fighter should not get wounded all the time, and he was constantly getting cut for being foolish enough to spar with someone in only a woolen tunic.
All the silliness about witchcraft at the end did nothing to help either. The era of the witch- hunts and paranoia was four to five hundred years after this novel is set. The church in the twelfth century took the general view that those who claimed to be witches were delusional and to be pitied. There's no evidence that female healers were treated with any real suspiction, let alone one who was trained in a Abbey, and known for her religious observance.
This silly trope about everyone in the Middle Ages being a superstitious idiots who saw witches 'round every corner is one I'm getting rather tired off.
rosannelortz's review
4.0
Helene of Tippet is a healer by trade, and unbeknownst to the world, the illegitimate daughter of a nobleman. When Abel Wulfrith nearly loses his life at her brother’s hands, she journeys to be near him, to help him, to heal him. The fiercest of the Wulfrith brothers, Abel has saved Helene’s life once before, but crippled by his injuries, he now feels that he has nothing left to live for. How can he take a wife that his injured swordhand can never protect? And what will he think of Helene when the secret of her parentage is revealed?
Abel was a relatable but frustrating character. Devolving into self-pity after his injury, he needs the quiet grace of Helene to incite him to rise from his sickbed. But at the same time, he needs a different kind of grace to help him forgive the faults of her father and brother instead of visiting them on her own head. Interestingly, Sir Durand comes into this story once again, this time able to redeem himself from his sin with Gaenor, and although Abel wins Helene, the stage is set for Durand to find a bride of his own in a future book.
Abel was a relatable but frustrating character. Devolving into self-pity after his injury, he needs the quiet grace of Helene to incite him to rise from his sickbed. But at the same time, he needs a different kind of grace to help him forgive the faults of her father and brother instead of visiting them on her own head. Interestingly, Sir Durand comes into this story once again, this time able to redeem himself from his sin with Gaenor, and although Abel wins Helene, the stage is set for Durand to find a bride of his own in a future book.
betherin02's review
5.0
Complete series review on Faithfully Bookish.com
Who can resist a tale of knights in shining armor and damsels in distress?! Medieval times are often romanticized but if it's wrong, I don't want to be right!
While wounded warrior Sir Abel Wulfrith harnesses his fury into determination to regain his health and strength, Helen of Tippet must guard her secret and her heart for the sake of her son. The Kindling tackles bitterness with unconditional love and faith.
I have immensely enjoyed reading and rereading the Age of Faith series over the last few years and highly recommend it for delightful binge reading. One of my favorite aspects of this series is the way each plot is skillfully intertwined with the other installments. The characters' lives interconnect in genuine relationships forged by struggle, strife, and love. Tamara Leigh's stories are guilty pleasure reading without the guilt and are among my all-time favorites.
These books were either purchased by me or borrowed through the Kindle Unlimited program. The opinions expressed are my own.
Who can resist a tale of knights in shining armor and damsels in distress?! Medieval times are often romanticized but if it's wrong, I don't want to be right!
While wounded warrior Sir Abel Wulfrith harnesses his fury into determination to regain his health and strength, Helen of Tippet must guard her secret and her heart for the sake of her son. The Kindling tackles bitterness with unconditional love and faith.
I have immensely enjoyed reading and rereading the Age of Faith series over the last few years and highly recommend it for delightful binge reading. One of my favorite aspects of this series is the way each plot is skillfully intertwined with the other installments. The characters' lives interconnect in genuine relationships forged by struggle, strife, and love. Tamara Leigh's stories are guilty pleasure reading without the guilt and are among my all-time favorites.
These books were either purchased by me or borrowed through the Kindle Unlimited program. The opinions expressed are my own.
abigailkayharris's review
Due to content I do not recommend this book. Personally... Most will be fine with them however I just didn't really like how descriptive or suggestive they were at points.
I read the whole of the series and I liked them but may places I skimmed or skipped due to sexual content, fade to black scenes, or too many details.
I read the whole of the series and I liked them but may places I skimmed or skipped due to sexual content, fade to black scenes, or too many details.
jennereads's review
4.0
This is probably my least favorite in the series so far, although it is still a great read.
nicole1's review
4.0
As always I was wisked away to another time! I love how this author weaves drama, faith and the beauty of forgiveness.
tonishiloh's review
4.0
I was right, this one is better than the last. I love how all the books tie together and are a continuation of one another though each Wulfrith sibling gets their own spotlight.
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