mareich's review against another edition
3.0
I have read the prior Owen Archer books and enjoyed them. I was happy to read a number of the reviews of "A Gift of Sanctuary" in which reviewers found the novel has too many characters, a very convoluted plot, and a mystery they didn't care much about. Until I read these reviews, I thought it was me, but it turns out it's not me, it's "A Gift of Sanctuary." I always enjoyed the series for it's historical glimpse into the 14th century and the character of Owen Archer, his family, and close associates. This book provided a bit of Archer's back story, but it was so deeply immersed in Wales and Welsh culture, it was impenetrable and very difficult to follow. Even the addition of Geoffrey Chaucer as one of Archer's companions on this journey to Wales didn't really make it more interesting. The cast of characters was huge, difficult to know as individuals, and their Welsh names universally impossible to pronounce. The plot twisted around all those characters and made next to no sense to the modern reader who didn't share the socio-political sensibilities of 14th century England and Wales and France. It was a hard read, and if I hadn't enjoyed all the previous books, I don't think I'd read another. I have hope that soon things will return to fascinating normal with Archer.
gretel7's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
vesper1931's review against another edition
4.0
1370 Owen Archer and Geoffrey Chaucer are sent to St. David's in Wales by the Duke of Lancaster. To recruit archers, inspect fortifications and investigate, John Lascelles, the Duke's steward. But a body discovered causes complications.
An enjoyable historical mystery with a large cast of characters.
An enjoyable historical mystery with a large cast of characters.
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