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dr_oligo's review against another edition
3.0
Quite the romp! This was a ton of fun from beginning to end. It was generally much lighter than I had expected when I picked it up but then it goes to some very dark places. It's a bit like an R-rated Princess Bride. Either way it was a terrific page-turner that Kelly me enthused throughout. I'm quite Keen to check out some other titles by C.C Humphreys now.
criminalgrace's review against another edition
4.0
A fast-paced Renaissance epic, full of chivalry and gore. It was predictable at times, but so full of action and compelling characters that it didn't matter.
beetree's review against another edition
4.0
I found this book a bit difficult to get into at first but it grew into quite a page turner and in the end I was surprised that I enjoyed it as much as I did. It's a fast paced action-adventure with a lot of twists and turns, and despite occasional difficulties in trying to keep track of all of its intricacies, it kept me wildly entertained. The characters are fun and likable and make me want to go out and grab a sword and/or a pirate hat!
lpcoolgirl's review against another edition
5.0
Really great book, really enjoyed it, just like I enjoyed the sequel that I read first :) A bit sad that he endured all this book, only to die in the next one. Oh, well.
carolikesbooks's review against another edition
2.0
Originally published at: A Girl that Likes Books
I asked and received this book through NetGalley for free. This review is not sponsored nor influenced in anyway. Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark for the book.
First impression
I am a sucker for historical fiction, particularly for the Tudors. I don't know what it is, but I really enjoy reading about that particular time. I requested this book knowing that Anne Boleyn wouldn't be the main character but rather Jean Rombaud, her executioner. I was utterly disappointed to see that Boleyn barely makes an appearance though.
The book was full of battles and fights, which would've been fine with me if I had a bit more of the historical descriptions that I was hoping from. The story, while interesting, could've been set in any other period of time and it wouldn't change much. This book was unfortunately not for me.
Final thoughts
Don't get me wrong. The book is very well written and the characters had an interesting background...ti was just not what I was expecting from a book with Anne Boleyn in the cover. Jean Rombaud has a compelling back story but for me it was not enough to carry the story and why would he embark on this mission.
The historical part leaves very early in the story and is replaced from more fantastical and action feeling. Once again, this is well developed, but it was not what I was craving from when I read the description of the book.
Removing my disappointment towards the story itself I have to say that it is very well written. If you are looking for adventure you are going to have it; it is fast paced, the sword fighting is vivid, the bad guys are despicable and you will end up cheering for the good guys.
While is not the most accurate historical adventure I've read, the settings are well described and you can feel most of the time as you are in a medieval time piece. Once again, I have to say, the main part of the story could've been taken out of the historical context, and in my opinion, it wouldn't have suffered.
I don't think I will continue with the series, for I felt that it ended on a good note for Jean. If you are looking for an historical, fast pace adventure this might be for you though.
I asked and received this book through NetGalley for free. This review is not sponsored nor influenced in anyway. Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark for the book.
First impression
I am a sucker for historical fiction, particularly for the Tudors. I don't know what it is, but I really enjoy reading about that particular time. I requested this book knowing that Anne Boleyn wouldn't be the main character but rather Jean Rombaud, her executioner. I was utterly disappointed to see that Boleyn barely makes an appearance though.
The book was full of battles and fights, which would've been fine with me if I had a bit more of the historical descriptions that I was hoping from. The story, while interesting, could've been set in any other period of time and it wouldn't change much. This book was unfortunately not for me.
Final thoughts
Don't get me wrong. The book is very well written and the characters had an interesting background...ti was just not what I was expecting from a book with Anne Boleyn in the cover. Jean Rombaud has a compelling back story but for me it was not enough to carry the story and why would he embark on this mission.
The historical part leaves very early in the story and is replaced from more fantastical and action feeling. Once again, this is well developed, but it was not what I was craving from when I read the description of the book.
Removing my disappointment towards the story itself I have to say that it is very well written. If you are looking for adventure you are going to have it; it is fast paced, the sword fighting is vivid, the bad guys are despicable and you will end up cheering for the good guys.
While is not the most accurate historical adventure I've read, the settings are well described and you can feel most of the time as you are in a medieval time piece. Once again, I have to say, the main part of the story could've been taken out of the historical context, and in my opinion, it wouldn't have suffered.
I don't think I will continue with the series, for I felt that it ended on a good note for Jean. If you are looking for an historical, fast pace adventure this might be for you though.
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