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rebelbelle13's review against another edition
2.0
DNF @ 65%. The first third was fascinating and I found myself really getting invested in this epic, but after that it slowed to a slog and I just wasn't interested anymore. Instead of focusing on the time period and the inner workings of the Knights Templar, we got a story about a scribe sergeant, an aging priest, a blood-thirsty sultan and a pathetic king. There are some good moments, but they are mired down by politics, dirty deals and the addition of unimportant characters. For some reason, even though this should have been exciting and interesting, it just wasn't. I found myself dreading returning to this doorstop and I just couldn't bring myself to do it one more time. This might be a grand adventure for some, but it wasn't for me, sadly.
jellybe4n's review against another edition
2.0
The writing made it a challenge to keep reading. The overuse of -ly words became rather grating. Complex and detailed descriptions poorly placed between short lines of conversation meant constantly having to turn back to remind myself of what was said immediately before the next line. I don't recall noticing either of these issues with the first book.
The story itself was interesting, though a little predictable (historic events aside). Just a shame about the choice of words and placement of descriptions.
The story itself was interesting, though a little predictable (historic events aside). Just a shame about the choice of words and placement of descriptions.
kylearnzen's review against another edition
4.0
Very enjoyable to me, though I'm sure a large part of the appeal is that a big chunk of the book was set in London. Interesting to see both sides of the war, without too much of a bias for either side.
kylearnzen's review against another edition
4.0
Started off a wee bit slow, but it quickly picked up. I love how the author can handle multiple storylines without getting too cluttered, and without showing bias toward one side or the other. Sometimes authors will throw in so many unnecessary characters, perhaps to make their story appear deeper or more engaging, but the way Young focuses on only the major players in the book makes it easy to follow the plots and keep all the names straight.
lordnikon's review against another edition
3.0
Not quite as good as the first volume, and spends a LITTLE too much time on Longshank's villainy. Still good, just not as great as the 1st volume.
salve58's review against another edition
2.0
Poorly written. I have no interest in reading the second book.
ghostmuppet's review against another edition
4.0
I was a little uncertain if i would like this book. I do like the Crusades, but i have never really read anything serious from this era in Historical Fiction.
There were some areas that i was not fully fond of, and sometimes the skipping in time caught me out (mainly due to being an audiobook, rather than reading - i missed the dates occasionally).
I will continue with this series for sure - once i have cut my to be read pile a little.
There were some areas that i was not fully fond of, and sometimes the skipping in time caught me out (mainly due to being an audiobook, rather than reading - i missed the dates occasionally).
I will continue with this series for sure - once i have cut my to be read pile a little.
matthewbird's review against another edition
5.0
This one took me a while to get through but it was well worth it! I'd been looking for a book set in medival times and this came up on alot of lists. The book really highlights the brutality of the crusades. The characters have real depth and I found myself invested them! I can't wait to read the rest of the trilogy.
lulumillie02's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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