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branch_c's review against another edition
4.0
Reading this, I had to wonder why I'd never heard of it or its author before, given that it was originally published almost twenty years ago. It's an evocative and meticulously written historical fantasy, with impressive authenticity in the descriptions of its High Medieval setting and characters. At the same time, the realism shades seamlessly into the fantastical aspects, subtle at first, then more pronounced throughout the story. Although I'm a long time fantasy reader, I guess I haven't read much in this exact genre - maybe there's a large pool of books of this type that I simply haven't come across. As far as what I have read that seems similar, this reminded me most of Harrison's The Hammer and the Cross. The political and military machinations of the factions vying for control of central Europe are vividly conveyed, and the humanity of the individuals caught up in the strife comes through powerfully as well.
There's a surprising depth to the presentation of the supernatural in 12th century Europe, with undercurrents of pagan beliefs and superstitious fears running beneath the near universal dominance of Christianity. Of course in this world, the actual existence of the woodland veela and other arcane elements creates a stronger counterpoint to the powers of the church than likely existed in the real world - but even so, the conflict is brilliantly portrayed here. Protagonist Karelian's alliance with the mystical sorceress Raven is encouraged by his existing skepticism about the validity of the dominant religion, and the philosophical arguments he raises ring true, I would hope both in his time and ours. In fact, the book presents a solid takedown of both the biblical case for Christianity and the hypocritical ambitions of its worldly representatives - could this be one reason why the book hasn't become more widely known?
The story alternates between a third person narration of Karelian's POV and the first person POV of his erstwhile squire Paul, who represents the religious perspective - and it's the latter sections that bring the book down ever so slightly in my estimation. Paul's story intertwines with that of Karelian in ways that absolutely make sense for the story, but for me I'm afraid he came across in his sections as even more whiny and pathetic than the author had likely intended.
But the writing is polished, the action is engaging, and this is a fine example of its genre; highly recommended and I'd certainly be interested in reading more by Jakober.
There's a surprising depth to the presentation of the supernatural in 12th century Europe, with undercurrents of pagan beliefs and superstitious fears running beneath the near universal dominance of Christianity. Of course in this world, the actual existence of the woodland veela and other arcane elements creates a stronger counterpoint to the powers of the church than likely existed in the real world - but even so, the conflict is brilliantly portrayed here. Protagonist Karelian's alliance with the mystical sorceress Raven is encouraged by his existing skepticism about the validity of the dominant religion, and the philosophical arguments he raises ring true, I would hope both in his time and ours. In fact, the book presents a solid takedown of both the biblical case for Christianity and the hypocritical ambitions of its worldly representatives - could this be one reason why the book hasn't become more widely known?
The story alternates between a third person narration of Karelian's POV and the first person POV of his erstwhile squire Paul, who represents the religious perspective - and it's the latter sections that bring the book down ever so slightly in my estimation. Paul's story intertwines with that of Karelian in ways that absolutely make sense for the story, but for me I'm afraid he came across in his sections as even more whiny and pathetic than the author had likely intended.
But the writing is polished, the action is engaging, and this is a fine example of its genre; highly recommended and I'd certainly be interested in reading more by Jakober.
jamieh2024's review against another edition
4.0
Believe it or not I almost put this book down several times. This is one of those books that tells the story from the POV of a misogynistic male character... in fact, I found myself struggling through the first bit. That being said, the story definitely takes off and becomes quite a quick and enjoyable reading experience. Jakober uses writings of "holy men" as epigrams to her chapters and most, if not all, are related to the subjugation of women (for their own good since evidently they cannot help being the evil creatures that they are).
At times I would literally find myself, jaw agape, rereading these little tidbits of venom trying to comprehend the level of antipathy towards other people one must have to be able to produce such bile.
Jakober is a new writer to me and I hope to acquire more of her work as soon as I winnow down Mt. TBR a bit.
At times I would literally find myself, jaw agape, rereading these little tidbits of venom trying to comprehend the level of antipathy towards other people one must have to be able to produce such bile.
Jakober is a new writer to me and I hope to acquire more of her work as soon as I winnow down Mt. TBR a bit.
breeperscreepers's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
jch2022's review against another edition
4.0
Believe it or not I almost put this book down several times. This is one of those books that tells the story from the POV of a misogynistic male character... in fact, I found myself struggling through the first bit. That being said, the story definitely takes off and becomes quite a quick and enjoyable reading experience. Jakober uses writings of "holy men" as epigrams to her chapters and most, if not all, are related to the subjugation of women (for their own good since evidently they cannot help being the evil creatures that they are).
At times I would literally find myself, jaw agape, rereading these little tidbits of venom trying to comprehend the level of antipathy towards other people one must have to be able to produce such bile.
Jakober is a new writer to me and I hope to acquire more of her work as soon as I winnow down Mt. TBR a bit.
At times I would literally find myself, jaw agape, rereading these little tidbits of venom trying to comprehend the level of antipathy towards other people one must have to be able to produce such bile.
Jakober is a new writer to me and I hope to acquire more of her work as soon as I winnow down Mt. TBR a bit.
kristi_asleep_dreaming's review against another edition
5.0
Wonderful book.
Amazing how justified Pauli seems in his record and how jarring it is to see a different perspective on events. Even at the end of the book I was still being ambushed by things he had said that I had accepted too unquestioningly.
Amazing how justified Pauli seems in his record and how jarring it is to see a different perspective on events. Even at the end of the book I was still being ambushed by things he had said that I had accepted too unquestioningly.
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