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bllowns's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
rebcamuse's review against another edition
3.0
One of the earlier books in Tremayne's Sister Fidelma series, Suffer Little Children reflects a certain lack of finesse found in later books. We don't feel emotionally connected to Fidelma and she seems more of an archetype of a fiery red-headed rebel-nun.
Although there is a technical reading order, the books can stand alone. The problem is that every book recaps the same information (for new readers). For this reason, readers of the series may find elements like Fidelma's guilty pining for Eadulf--well, tedious.
The mystery itself, however, is very good. Tremayne throws twists and turns right up to the end. My frustration with this particular book is the dependency on code (Ogham, Irish language), making it impossible for the reader to even try to figure it out. I prefer his later works, like Act of Mercy.
Although there is a technical reading order, the books can stand alone. The problem is that every book recaps the same information (for new readers). For this reason, readers of the series may find elements like Fidelma's guilty pining for Eadulf--well, tedious.
The mystery itself, however, is very good. Tremayne throws twists and turns right up to the end. My frustration with this particular book is the dependency on code (Ogham, Irish language), making it impossible for the reader to even try to figure it out. I prefer his later works, like Act of Mercy.
eososray's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't find this mystery as good as the last couple (or first couple depending on your perspective). I miss having Brother Eadulf in the story and am hoping that when he returns to the story, the books will return to their former promise.
roshk99's review against another edition
4.0
Another fantastic Fidelma mystery, the complexity of the plot, the excellent characters, and the occasional humorous quips make the book a pleasure to read.
jpwoodruff's review
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Child death, Death, Fire/Fire injury, and Blood
Moderate: Torture and Injury/Injury detail
katiekot81's review against another edition
4.0
Not my usual read. I love mysteries and I love Ireland so I thought I would give it a try. I found it on a used book rack at a gas station in Colorado.
This book seems very historically accurate! In fact, there was so much to learn in the beginning I got a little frustrated and put it down for a while. Once I got a little ways in and became more familiar with the new vocabulary I was able to get more into the story.
Fidelma is very clever and it was interesting to follow her on this journey. Not sure I will read any more about Fidelma, at least not until the semester is over.
This book seems very historically accurate! In fact, there was so much to learn in the beginning I got a little frustrated and put it down for a while. Once I got a little ways in and became more familiar with the new vocabulary I was able to get more into the story.
Fidelma is very clever and it was interesting to follow her on this journey. Not sure I will read any more about Fidelma, at least not until the semester is over.
jbleyle63's review against another edition
3.0
The strength of this series continues to be the historical 6th century setting. This third volume in the Sister Fidelma series is the first time we find our traveling protagonist actually within her native Ireland which is the chief pleasure of this novel. Disappointing ending to this one though as plot resolution seems very forced and left me wincing a little as Sister Fidelma seems a bit heartless and out of her previously established character in seeming to value a tidy wrap-up as the tonic to grief for the many lives lost in this volume [yes, the book's title is more than a little appropriate]. I will read on though in this series and hope Tremayne returns to the better plotting found in the earlier novels.
therome's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
this was honestly more sad than the other two books. suffering little children indeed.
vexedfox's review against another edition
dark
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
So dark!
tigerlinus's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 This is the best of the first three books in the Sister Fidelma series. This series has become my new, fun, not-too-serious, historical fiction set in Ireland in the late 5th century, complete with pagans, Christians, Latin, Romans, religieuse, government, and the church, that I can pick up between classics and other more cerebral reads. I am such a fan of the medieval setting - early, high, late - doesn't matter.
Sister Fidelma is more flawed in this third book, which I appreciated, and the cruel actions from those with self-serving goals are more grim than found in the first few stories.
This particular copyright had a character list, but I would have appreciated, and often referred to, a pronunciation guide for the Irish names and language found throughout the book. With special thanks to my daughter for keeping me from completely bungling the Irish language, as it is important to me to respect and attempt the correct pronunciation. I would have been grateful had a map been included as well. Ah, I do love a map.
Sister Fidelma is more flawed in this third book, which I appreciated, and the cruel actions from those with self-serving goals are more grim than found in the first few stories.
This particular copyright had a character list, but I would have appreciated, and often referred to, a pronunciation guide for the Irish names and language found throughout the book. With special thanks to my daughter for keeping me from completely bungling the Irish language, as it is important to me to respect and attempt the correct pronunciation. I would have been grateful had a map been included as well. Ah, I do love a map.