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annikabc's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Torture, Violence, Religious bigotry, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Child death
simon326's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
The second installment in the Shardlake series starts with us seeing some of the fallout of the first, followed by a tense and exciting persual of two very time sensitive cases. When compared to the first book, the pace and tension are both higher, with a little less considered investigation and more action-oriented scenes - perhaps reflecting the higher stakes involved in the cases. Regardless, it is a book which is difficult to put down as one always wants to know what revelation is next.
Again, the book represents a fascinating and well researched delve into life and politics in Tudor period London, with the connections with historical events even stronger than in the first book. The author does not shy away from the darker aspects of life at that time, but the thoughts and progress of the main characters, both of whom I thoroughly warmed to in this book, give one hope.
Overall, a great read and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Again, the book represents a fascinating and well researched delve into life and politics in Tudor period London, with the connections with historical events even stronger than in the first book. The author does not shy away from the darker aspects of life at that time, but the thoughts and progress of the main characters, both of whom I thoroughly warmed to in this book, give one hope.
Overall, a great read and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cursing, Sexism, Sexual content, and Alcohol