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loki728's review
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
holtfan's review
4.0
Dear Christian Romance Writers,
THIS is what you need to be reading. MacDonald combines some of the great in all genres, offers some fabulous spiritual truths, and creates a charming male hero who is strong and Godly without alienating the reader. It's pure genius. True, he is overtly fond of the adjective "manly"...but why shouldn't manly become more of our vocabulary? Why shouldn't there be a wholesome hero? Its encouraging and should be taken note of.
Loved The Fisherman's Lady. I can't wait to read more by MacDonald.
THIS is what you need to be reading. MacDonald combines some of the great in all genres, offers some fabulous spiritual truths, and creates a charming male hero who is strong and Godly without alienating the reader. It's pure genius. True, he is overtly fond of the adjective "manly"...but why shouldn't manly become more of our vocabulary? Why shouldn't there be a wholesome hero? Its encouraging and should be taken note of.
Loved The Fisherman's Lady. I can't wait to read more by MacDonald.
booklearner's review
4.0
I think every Christian needs to try reading at least one George Macdonald story. Whether one of his children's books or one of his romance novels, a lot of theology gets packed into the story and characters and it does good for one's soul. I appreciated the old-fashioned sense and virtues found in the character of Malcolm. I recommend the edited version by Michael Phillips if you cannot slog your way through archaic Scots dialect.
So... a Christian gothic romance? Hmmm, interesting combination. Christian, --or at least Inspirational genre,-- yes. Gothic, most certainly. Very little romance. Big plot twist. Yes, I saw part of the twist coming, but not the half of it!!
I got some very good quotes and I definitely plan on finishing the sequel, and reading even more by Macdonald. However, I would not say I agree with his all of his theology --even as respected as he is. It is very surprising once you read about it. Christian writers Michael Phillips and Madeleine L'Engle also subscribe to similar beliefs. However, I would not say that they surface so much in the story for a person to recognize such a big difference between it and orthodox Christianity.
I mostly just loved the atmosphere. The crackly, firelit, Scottish countryside; shadows, leaves, and forest; spooky attics. It is such sensory fodder for a vivid imagination! And, I had fun brushing up on my best Scottish accent.
Wanting to travel far away to another time and place while sitting in your armchair safe at home? Grab a cozy blanket and this novel... I'm sure it will be just the thing for you! (*Side note: please ignore the popular book cover that's out there of a watercolor painting featuring boy and a very mature Florimel. It makes it look so outdated and uninteresting.)
So... a Christian gothic romance? Hmmm, interesting combination. Christian, --or at least Inspirational genre,-- yes. Gothic, most certainly. Very little romance. Big plot twist. Yes, I saw part of the twist coming, but not the half of it!!
I got some very good quotes and I definitely plan on finishing the sequel, and reading even more by Macdonald. However, I would not say I agree with his all of his theology --even as respected as he is. It is very surprising once you read about it. Christian writers Michael Phillips and Madeleine L'Engle also subscribe to similar beliefs. However, I would not say that they surface so much in the story for a person to recognize such a big difference between it and orthodox Christianity.
I mostly just loved the atmosphere. The crackly, firelit, Scottish countryside; shadows, leaves, and forest; spooky attics. It is such sensory fodder for a vivid imagination! And, I had fun brushing up on my best Scottish accent.
Wanting to travel far away to another time and place while sitting in your armchair safe at home? Grab a cozy blanket and this novel... I'm sure it will be just the thing for you! (*Side note: please ignore the popular book cover that's out there of a watercolor painting featuring boy and a very mature Florimel. It makes it look so outdated and uninteresting.)
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