ganitsirk's review against another edition
5.0
I want to write a wonderful, glowing review for this book but nothing could do it justice. It's beautiful and enthralling and amazing and I am crestfallen that it's over.
firerosearien's review against another edition
4.0
This book starts pretty slow, but then when it picks up it does so in a Game of Thrones-esque manner (okay it's not *quite* as graphic, but there are still a LOT of dead people)
The main character is a bit mary sue-ish, but the surrounding plot is well crafted, and even though the novel is explicitly a historical fantasy se in a pseudo 12th-century England, the author clearly had a good understanding of both 12th century history and politics.
The first part of the book is likely going to make you want to stop reading it, so I might even suggest just starting with part two - I found the payoff to be worth it.
The main character is a bit mary sue-ish, but the surrounding plot is well crafted, and even though the novel is explicitly a historical fantasy se in a pseudo 12th-century England, the author clearly had a good understanding of both 12th century history and politics.
The first part of the book is likely going to make you want to stop reading it, so I might even suggest just starting with part two - I found the payoff to be worth it.
davidlz1's review against another edition
2.0
Not a book I would have picked up nor is it a book I would whole heartedly recommend. The story was not bad but it was much longer than necessary. The author is masterful at surprising the reader but there was just too much extraneous material. I hear her other works are more impressive so I will reserve complete judgment until I have sampled another one of her novels. Though I dare not hazard a guess as to when that will be....
bearlienktc's review
4.0
The story took a few chapters to get in to. At first I thought it was just going to be a pedestrian historical novel set in a slightly altered world. But the pace and characters began to draw me in and the story revealed itself as more and more surprising and interesting as the chapters followed along. Definitely a story worth picking up to see if you get as pulled in as I was. I'd love to read more about Hugh, a character only briefly met toward the end of the tale.
aaaaalyssia's review against another edition
4.0
I wanted to give it 5 stars but it dragged a little too much at the end. But otherwise it was all I wanted from a fantasy standalone I could ever want. I picked it up based mostly on the cover and I'm so glad I did!
mrsjenniferwheeler's review against another edition
5.0
I love SD's style. Years ago I read, and loved, both her Axle, and Wayfarer Redemption series. I had forgotten SD amidst other authors/books I have since read, and was delighted to stumble across this novel by happenstance. I will now endeavor to purchase the rest of her works, even though I already have many books on my TBR shelf awaiting my attention, lol.
shanireads's review against another edition
4.0
This book was such an amazing tale and so close to being one of my favorites if it wasn't for that ending.
juulna's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic and immersive. Amazing storyteller. Definitely surprised me; not what I expected when I started to read. Not even what I expected when I was halfway through it. I love books that throw me a curveball. I have always enjoyed Douglass' work and this made it that much better.
lsneal's review against another edition
2.0
Maybe 2.5 stars. Some interesting story elements, but a little thin on the plotting and a little obvious with the "I am now explaining to you how life was in the 12th century" stuff.