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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
I loved the first book in this series, The Expected One. I know that some people think it is some sort of Dan Brown rip off, but I always thought the characters and quality of writing and research made it superior. So I was looking forward to starting this book, buying it days after I finished The Expected One.
It took me about five attempts to start the book, it was slow and boring and many times it just returned to the book case to maybe be read again at another time. It was due to illness that I picked the novel up again, forcing myself through the slow start and beginning the story of Matilda.
This book is different from the first, and in reflection I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. I found myself in love with Matilda's story and bored when it reverted back to Maureen and the present day.
I felt the ending was rushed for both Matilda, her last years summed up in only a few lines and the end of the book regarding Maureen seemed rushed too.
I have a lot of mixed feelings towards this book, but over all, I did enjoy it. The Matilda story in particular, and I did like the ending, even if it was rushed. I do tend to appreciate novels where a lot of research has went into it and that was definitely evident here. I get the impression it may have been better had it been edited better? Possibly?
It is only getting 3 stars as it didn't grip me the way I expected it too, my interest was mostly to Matilda and as a result, I probably will not read it again, and, at the minute, I don't think I'll buy/read the next book of the series.
It took me about five attempts to start the book, it was slow and boring and many times it just returned to the book case to maybe be read again at another time. It was due to illness that I picked the novel up again, forcing myself through the slow start and beginning the story of Matilda.
This book is different from the first, and in reflection I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. I found myself in love with Matilda's story and bored when it reverted back to Maureen and the present day.
I felt the ending was rushed for both Matilda, her last years summed up in only a few lines and the end of the book regarding Maureen seemed rushed too.
I have a lot of mixed feelings towards this book, but over all, I did enjoy it. The Matilda story in particular, and I did like the ending, even if it was rushed. I do tend to appreciate novels where a lot of research has went into it and that was definitely evident here. I get the impression it may have been better had it been edited better? Possibly?
It is only getting 3 stars as it didn't grip me the way I expected it too, my interest was mostly to Matilda and as a result, I probably will not read it again, and, at the minute, I don't think I'll buy/read the next book of the series.
This is book #2 of the "Magdalene Line Trilogy", I finished book #1 last week (The Expected One) and really enjoyed it, this one I didn't quite love as much. The first book had a good pace to it and the balance between present day story and past was perfect. Book #2 was much slower paced and the present day story really took a backseat in this book, I would have preferred more character development on that front. That being said I did really enjoy the story of Matilda, so not as good as the first in the series, but good enough that I will definitely be picking up book #3 when it comes out!!
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Although the parts about Matilda were fascinating and I really enjoyed them, the parts about Maureen absolutely bored me. The last 100 pages were hard to get through because it was all Maureen. I skimmed through the majority of the last bit just because my interest in the storyline itself was gone. I will not be reading the third book in the series.
adventurous
challenging
informative
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Such an amazingly well-researched piece of fiction! I was constantly (and surprisingly) inspired while reading, and I can't wait to dive into Kathleen's website for more reading. The entire concept is fascinating, especially if you grew up with one foot in the Lutheran church, one in the Catholic church, and the rest of your body stretching as far away from any church as possible. I can hardly wait to see where else Kathleen leads us.
This is book #2 of the "Magdalene Line Trilogy", I finished book #1 last week (The Expected One) and really enjoyed it, this one I didn't quite love as much. The first book had a good pace to it and the balance between present day story and past was perfect. Book #2 was much slower paced and the present day story really took a backseat in this book, I would have preferred more character development on that front. That being said I did really enjoy the story of Matilda, so not as good as the first in the series, but good enough that I will definitely be picking up book #3 when it comes out!!
I loved the content and the message, but had trouble with the in between.
This book proved a disappointment to me because, despite the fact that the content is fascinating and very richly detailed, the writing style is rather poor. Regardless of whether describing scenes of pathos or joy, it reads resolutely like a trashy airport novel. Still, some may find it worth reading for the interesting information regarding Cathar history in France and Italy. And also, of course, for the alternative views on Christian history and doctrine.
The continuation of the first book, Maureen's journey continues as the Arc Gospel is in the hands of Rome. Her encounters with Matilda of Canossa and their shared history and journey create a great story and it was nice to learn about a women who has been mostly forgotten about in history and the deeds she did; I didn't enjoy this book as much. Especially the end... The fact that McGowan tries to make us believe that Maureen encounters at the cathedral is the same man who stabbed Jesus on Good Friday is just absolutely ridiculous! I'm all for suspending belief for some good historical fiction and mysteries but that is just beyond ridiculous to try to get us to believe that it's the same man.