kirkw1972's review
5.0
This is the second in the Caitlyn books. The question popped up on a work social intranet site what we were reading and after describing the two books I've read so far I've got 2 people going to pick some copies up :) That made me happy as I have really enjoyed them.
This second story has moved us forward in time 22 years and the future William the Conqueror is looking for a wife. As with the first one the story is steeped in the facts we know about William from history and given the supernatural edge from the myths surrounding his mother. Caitlyn (composed of half of the tales of his mother) herself this time also has a love interest.
I'm really enjoying this mix of history and witchcraft. I remember learning about the Battle of Hastings at school but it wasn't until adulthood I learnt a bit more and not until now I learnt of his mothers potential abilities. It makes for fascinating reading no matter how much it's actually fiction.
It's great to see more development of the characters and we get a return of some old ones. This book also ends on a very intriguing note. Luckily I have book 3 for November.
This second story has moved us forward in time 22 years and the future William the Conqueror is looking for a wife. As with the first one the story is steeped in the facts we know about William from history and given the supernatural edge from the myths surrounding his mother. Caitlyn (composed of half of the tales of his mother) herself this time also has a love interest.
I'm really enjoying this mix of history and witchcraft. I remember learning about the Battle of Hastings at school but it wasn't until adulthood I learnt a bit more and not until now I learnt of his mothers potential abilities. It makes for fascinating reading no matter how much it's actually fiction.
It's great to see more development of the characters and we get a return of some old ones. This book also ends on a very intriguing note. Luckily I have book 3 for November.
reviewsfeedblog's review
4.0
Caitlyn, our sassy protagonist, is back and better than ever! Enthralled to Arlette, former protégé of Herleva, she is bound to serve and protect her only son, the Duke of Normandy. Raising him almost like her own child, she would happily give her life in exchange for his. In the depths of a political minefield, Caitlyn must be careful procuring other’s secrets whilst guarding her own.
Whilst she doesn’t age, Caitlyn has certainly matured since the first book. Her wild hopes of returning to her former self after the death of Herleva are dead. She is more resigned to her fate… but a small ember of hope remains that the power binding her will weaken. She is no longer the naive young girl she was. Adopting a motherly role has changed her… and for the better, in my opinion.
The plot tackles mature themes well; death, witchcraft (obviously) and the odd intimate encounter run throughout the book, but aren’t so graphically detailed so as to put a sensitive reader off. Anyone following my blog will know I’m not a fan of anything detailed by the way of romance or intimacy. I didn’t cringe away from it on this occasion, although it was close. It’s just a personal thing – it can make me feel awkward if I’m honest.
The narrative picks up from the first book really well. Whilst I think it advantageous that I have not long read Three Bloody Pieces, it isn’t essential. There are more than enough hints to remind you of events in the first book if you haven’t read it recently. This is done very well, so it doesn’t clutter the narrative of current events either. I found the pace and flow of the text better developed than the first book. Overall, I found A Stain on the Soul a little easier to read, with a greater depth of historical background.
Whilst she doesn’t age, Caitlyn has certainly matured since the first book. Her wild hopes of returning to her former self after the death of Herleva are dead. She is more resigned to her fate… but a small ember of hope remains that the power binding her will weaken. She is no longer the naive young girl she was. Adopting a motherly role has changed her… and for the better, in my opinion.
The plot tackles mature themes well; death, witchcraft (obviously) and the odd intimate encounter run throughout the book, but aren’t so graphically detailed so as to put a sensitive reader off. Anyone following my blog will know I’m not a fan of anything detailed by the way of romance or intimacy. I didn’t cringe away from it on this occasion, although it was close. It’s just a personal thing – it can make me feel awkward if I’m honest.
The narrative picks up from the first book really well. Whilst I think it advantageous that I have not long read Three Bloody Pieces, it isn’t essential. There are more than enough hints to remind you of events in the first book if you haven’t read it recently. This is done very well, so it doesn’t clutter the narrative of current events either. I found the pace and flow of the text better developed than the first book. Overall, I found A Stain on the Soul a little easier to read, with a greater depth of historical background.
writingwwolves's review
5.0
I can’t believe it, but A Stain on the Soul really did outdo Three Bloody Pieces! A Stain on the Soul was packed full of mystery & twists, & was ridiculously addictive (so much so that I stayed up late on a work night to finish it!!); I’m totally obsessed with Caitlyn & Elizabeth’s writing truly matches up to the authors of my favourite historical fiction/fantasy books. I’m pulling my hair out in anticipation for the next (final?) book.
⚠️ This book contains sex scenes, violence, attempted rape & bewitched possession ⚠️
I received this book in return for an honest review as part of a blog tour organised by Rachel’s Random Resources
Extended Review: https://wp.me/p8MbIo-2D8
⚠️ This book contains sex scenes, violence, attempted rape & bewitched possession ⚠️
I received this book in return for an honest review as part of a blog tour organised by Rachel’s Random Resources
Extended Review: https://wp.me/p8MbIo-2D8
jessbookishlife's review
4.0
Since this is the second book, it follows the previous book, but it can be read as as standalone. Time as gone by and Caitlyn still maintains here magical aspects that captivated me when I read the first book.
She's still a witch's familiar and working as a spy, but now the historical aspect of the series gets deeper as the plot to get William to be on the throne. And once again I found myself enjoy the balance of historical events and the paranormal aspects. I don't know a lot about the real historical facts, but I can see the tone that Elizabeth uses to talk about it and how she connect it with the obvious fictional/paranormal aspects, and that makes the story fantastic and intriguing.
I like Caitlyn and through out the all book I was cheering for her, for her to find love, for her to find a way to break the curse, to be free. She deserved that. There has been some character development and that was great to see because that made me even more curious about her future. And I'm enjoying the series, because I feel that connection and empathy with her.
And of course, I was at the edge of my seat while reading the book, and now I have to wait for the next book to know more about her story, and see what else will happen. I won't go into details because I feel like you guys should go read the book. If you like Historical books mixed with Paranormal, then this is the book for you.
She's still a witch's familiar and working as a spy, but now the historical aspect of the series gets deeper as the plot to get William to be on the throne. And once again I found myself enjoy the balance of historical events and the paranormal aspects. I don't know a lot about the real historical facts, but I can see the tone that Elizabeth uses to talk about it and how she connect it with the obvious fictional/paranormal aspects, and that makes the story fantastic and intriguing.
I like Caitlyn and through out the all book I was cheering for her, for her to find love, for her to find a way to break the curse, to be free. She deserved that. There has been some character development and that was great to see because that made me even more curious about her future. And I'm enjoying the series, because I feel that connection and empathy with her.
And of course, I was at the edge of my seat while reading the book, and now I have to wait for the next book to know more about her story, and see what else will happen. I won't go into details because I feel like you guys should go read the book. If you like Historical books mixed with Paranormal, then this is the book for you.
kimchi84's review
4.0
This is the second book I have read in this series and boy it did not disappoint! You’ll be able to find my review of Book 1 here.
Once more we are back with Caitlyn who is a witches familiar. The story of how she got here is told in Book 1. I love the fact that these books are based on some form of truth. This is being told in the time before Duke William became William the Conqueror. I love this little spin on it. This book is actually set 25 years into the future and Caitlyn hasn’t changed one bit!
Caitlyn really is the general dogs body, there to do whatever her mistress commands and of course William. I just wanna go and give her a hug, she didn’t ask for this and certainly doesn’t want any part of whatever people have cooked up for scheming and plotting. But do it she must unfortunately.
This instalment threw in a curve ball… Caitlyn falls in love, she knows she can’t stay with him because of who, or more to the point what she is. I knew she would have to give him up but I was really rooting for her to get her happy ending.
This time round I pretty much liked all the characters and the part they played in Caitlyn’s life. At the end I was hoping she would get her freedom, but it just wasn’t meant to be. I guess I’ll have to wait for the next book to find out what happens next!
I’m giving this book a 4/5 rating. It really did flow well once again although the book was written over a shorter time scale than the last. It was still fast paced and again I say this would be perfect for young adults as it may have a bit of truth to the history it still has witchcraft and the supernatural to keep them interested. I can’t wait for the next one!!
Once more we are back with Caitlyn who is a witches familiar. The story of how she got here is told in Book 1. I love the fact that these books are based on some form of truth. This is being told in the time before Duke William became William the Conqueror. I love this little spin on it. This book is actually set 25 years into the future and Caitlyn hasn’t changed one bit!
Caitlyn really is the general dogs body, there to do whatever her mistress commands and of course William. I just wanna go and give her a hug, she didn’t ask for this and certainly doesn’t want any part of whatever people have cooked up for scheming and plotting. But do it she must unfortunately.
This instalment threw in a curve ball… Caitlyn falls in love, she knows she can’t stay with him because of who, or more to the point what she is. I knew she would have to give him up but I was really rooting for her to get her happy ending.
This time round I pretty much liked all the characters and the part they played in Caitlyn’s life. At the end I was hoping she would get her freedom, but it just wasn’t meant to be. I guess I’ll have to wait for the next book to find out what happens next!
I’m giving this book a 4/5 rating. It really did flow well once again although the book was written over a shorter time scale than the last. It was still fast paced and again I say this would be perfect for young adults as it may have a bit of truth to the history it still has witchcraft and the supernatural to keep them interested. I can’t wait for the next one!!
zooloo1983's review
5.0
Well, we are back with my favourite cat lady Caitlyn and the pickles she has gotten into this time around! We are on the go, and we have had a time jump from the last book where we left Arlette and Caitlyn. I am truly captivated by Caitlyn and her story, I wonder sometimes if there is witchcraft on these pages!
I will begin off saying you will need to read the first book Three Bloody Pieces so you can grasp what is going on, as events follow on from the first book and obviously the history behind all the characters.
So, we have a time jump and we now are introduced to new Duke of Normandy, William. He has his eyes set on a wife, and his eyes fall on Matilda, and if it is anything like the first book then you know witchcraft will be involved.
This book was intense, as you are with Caitlyn, trying to get her freedom and identity back, fighting against the black magic, never ageing a day! And to whether she will be caught out for who she is. I loved that we finally get to go home and that there is hope for her…But will she be free? Arlette, nowhere near as good as her Step-mother, is just as controlling and acts like a petulant child! And you have got to love all the plotting and scandals that happen in the book! Intensifying everyone’s storyline, who was going to be backstabbed next!
I love all the historical elements of this book, I did get confused at times but that’s not because of the author’s writing but my head was fuzzy. There is a lot to take in, but the research done is amazing! You hear the “stories” of families of wealth having a person doing “witchcraft” and it is no different here. I love the supernatural element too, and I particularly love Caitlyn and her dual life she leads. The afterword in the book too tells you about some characters and it adds to the world that has been created, making them real.
I am so glad that I have signed up for all three books, as I need to know what happens to Catilyn. This book is a little gem and I was not too sure what to expect when I signed up. Like normal, the book cover just kept calling to me, and I think the intrigue around the book too because I did not have a blurb when I first heard about it. I am so glad I found this book as I am heavily invested and adore everything about the trilogy. I just don’t want it to end!
I will begin off saying you will need to read the first book Three Bloody Pieces so you can grasp what is going on, as events follow on from the first book and obviously the history behind all the characters.
So, we have a time jump and we now are introduced to new Duke of Normandy, William. He has his eyes set on a wife, and his eyes fall on Matilda, and if it is anything like the first book then you know witchcraft will be involved.
This book was intense, as you are with Caitlyn, trying to get her freedom and identity back, fighting against the black magic, never ageing a day! And to whether she will be caught out for who she is. I loved that we finally get to go home and that there is hope for her…But will she be free? Arlette, nowhere near as good as her Step-mother, is just as controlling and acts like a petulant child! And you have got to love all the plotting and scandals that happen in the book! Intensifying everyone’s storyline, who was going to be backstabbed next!
I love all the historical elements of this book, I did get confused at times but that’s not because of the author’s writing but my head was fuzzy. There is a lot to take in, but the research done is amazing! You hear the “stories” of families of wealth having a person doing “witchcraft” and it is no different here. I love the supernatural element too, and I particularly love Caitlyn and her dual life she leads. The afterword in the book too tells you about some characters and it adds to the world that has been created, making them real.
I am so glad that I have signed up for all three books, as I need to know what happens to Catilyn. This book is a little gem and I was not too sure what to expect when I signed up. Like normal, the book cover just kept calling to me, and I think the intrigue around the book too because I did not have a blurb when I first heard about it. I am so glad I found this book as I am heavily invested and adore everything about the trilogy. I just don’t want it to end!
stephbookshine's review
5.0
*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author and Rachel Gilbey at Rachel’s Random Resources blog tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
A Stain on the Soul is the second book in the Caitlyn series, and I definitely think it best to read them in order, as much of the plot and characterisation here leads on directly from events in the previous book and much would be missed by reading it as a standalone story.
This time around there is more intrigue, greater danger and some quite steamy sex scenes. Caitlyn may not be aging naturally but she is certainly growing up from the naive girl-Queen she was when we first met her! She has settled into her slave role with her usual grace: accepting life as it is, but with a keen eye for changes in her favour. Likewise she forges bonds with those around her even as she is aware that she cannot trust anyone and will most likely outlive everyone. Ever the pragmatist.
I love that Davies mingles historical fact, fiction and rumour so seamlessly here that I have to do actual research to uncover which parts of her novels did, or may have, happened. For example, the courting of Matilda by William was clearly invention to fit with the witchcraft element of the story here. Except it wasn’t, rumour has it that things happened almost as Davies has described, and in fact her plot gives a more plausible basis for the events than was found in real life!
One aspect I was slightly less keen on in this novel was Caitlyn’s vacillating love life. She is put into a terrible dilemma and I didn’t envy her one bit for the decisions she had to make, but I found her constant worrying at the subject a little bit repetitive and was glad when she flung herself back into the espionage game and regained some of her legendary composure.
The plot here is packed with peril and the reader is genuinely in fear for Caitlyn at numerous points in the text. We are also brought full circle as she returns to Wales and some old faces, like Wulfstan, reappear pitting their old motivations against this newly hardened heroine. The ending is superb: a shocking cliffhanger that really left me wondering how Caitlyn would manage her next challenge…
Luckily I’ll find out when I join the blog tour for Book 3 on 1st November! I recommend you join me, as if you enjoy historical fiction with a capable heroine and a witchy twist then you will adore Caitlyn.
Arlette hissed at him, sounding remarkably like a cat herself, and Herluin paled and lowered his foot, then turned away from me. I cocked my head at her in mock appreciation, though it was for the noise she had made and not because of her intervention, for I was more than capable of taking care of myself. She hissed again, at me this time, and I gazed back at her without blinking. Maybe I should suggest we swapped places? I would dearly love to take a turn at playing mother to the most powerful man in Normandy, rather than playing familiar to a witch.
– Elizabeth Davies, A Stain on the Soul
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/2018/10/04/blog-tour-a-stain-on-the-soul-elizabeth-davies/
A Stain on the Soul is the second book in the Caitlyn series, and I definitely think it best to read them in order, as much of the plot and characterisation here leads on directly from events in the previous book and much would be missed by reading it as a standalone story.
This time around there is more intrigue, greater danger and some quite steamy sex scenes. Caitlyn may not be aging naturally but she is certainly growing up from the naive girl-Queen she was when we first met her! She has settled into her slave role with her usual grace: accepting life as it is, but with a keen eye for changes in her favour. Likewise she forges bonds with those around her even as she is aware that she cannot trust anyone and will most likely outlive everyone. Ever the pragmatist.
I love that Davies mingles historical fact, fiction and rumour so seamlessly here that I have to do actual research to uncover which parts of her novels did, or may have, happened. For example, the courting of Matilda by William was clearly invention to fit with the witchcraft element of the story here. Except it wasn’t, rumour has it that things happened almost as Davies has described, and in fact her plot gives a more plausible basis for the events than was found in real life!
One aspect I was slightly less keen on in this novel was Caitlyn’s vacillating love life. She is put into a terrible dilemma and I didn’t envy her one bit for the decisions she had to make, but I found her constant worrying at the subject a little bit repetitive and was glad when she flung herself back into the espionage game and regained some of her legendary composure.
The plot here is packed with peril and the reader is genuinely in fear for Caitlyn at numerous points in the text. We are also brought full circle as she returns to Wales and some old faces, like Wulfstan, reappear pitting their old motivations against this newly hardened heroine. The ending is superb: a shocking cliffhanger that really left me wondering how Caitlyn would manage her next challenge…
Luckily I’ll find out when I join the blog tour for Book 3 on 1st November! I recommend you join me, as if you enjoy historical fiction with a capable heroine and a witchy twist then you will adore Caitlyn.
Arlette hissed at him, sounding remarkably like a cat herself, and Herluin paled and lowered his foot, then turned away from me. I cocked my head at her in mock appreciation, though it was for the noise she had made and not because of her intervention, for I was more than capable of taking care of myself. She hissed again, at me this time, and I gazed back at her without blinking. Maybe I should suggest we swapped places? I would dearly love to take a turn at playing mother to the most powerful man in Normandy, rather than playing familiar to a witch.
– Elizabeth Davies, A Stain on the Soul
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/2018/10/04/blog-tour-a-stain-on-the-soul-elizabeth-davies/
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