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bennought's review against another edition
5.0
A very fun, very enjoyable read. The book initially caught my attention because of the snippet from the Bayeux tapestry used on the cover--and I wasn't disappointed. Rathbone is a good writer, who develops character well and who weaves a vivid, gripping narrative. Although my knowledge of the available documentation on the personalities of the historical characters (William the Bastard/Conqueror and Harold, primarily), I greatly enjoyed the characters Rathbone created for them. His knowledge and recreation of the differing worlds of Anglo-Saxon England and Normandy, especially with respect to cultural practices of oath-giving and hierarchy, are all well-engineered and convincing. It has elements of a rip-roaring adventure (seeing as the culmination of the story is the Battle of Hastings), but spends most of the story fleshing out the people and world within which Hastings occurred. My one gripe is Rathbone's self-acknowledged indulgence in using anachronistic phrases and concepts, mostly through the characters of Quint. While a bit amusing, and certainly befitting of the clever character, they don't fit within the tone of the book and I generally found them jarring me out of the narrative. However, this single flaw does not sink the book. This is a very engaging, fun, and informative read which I would highly recommend. I will definitely be looking to pick up some of his other historical fiction novels.
tomthegreat's review against another edition
3.0
Dodatkowa gwiazdka za średniowiecznego gejowego smuta
eososray's review against another edition
1.0
I have been seriously bogged down with this book. It started out so good but then went off the rails and never picked up again.
Quite a few things bothered me with the story. The disjointed current and past stories that didn't really mesh and weren't told in the same styles. The excessive amount of sexual content was often quite creepy and in general not required for the storyline. Having William the Conqueror say "dashing good fellow" was funny but I'm pretty sure not historically accurate and I found the portrayal of William so different from my own perception of him that I couldn't wrap my mind around it.
So while this may be a great book for details on the life and times of 11th century Britain, that was overshadowed by the problems I had with the story.
Quite a few things bothered me with the story. The disjointed current and past stories that didn't really mesh and weren't told in the same styles. The excessive amount of sexual content was often quite creepy and in general not required for the storyline. Having William the Conqueror say "dashing good fellow" was funny but I'm pretty sure not historically accurate and I found the portrayal of William so different from my own perception of him that I couldn't wrap my mind around it.
So while this may be a great book for details on the life and times of 11th century Britain, that was overshadowed by the problems I had with the story.
katymvt's review against another edition
3.0
It was impossible for me to care about any of these characters, both the historical--Edward, Harold, William, and Tostig, and the original characeters--Walt, and Quint.
The only reason I don't give this a lower rating is because there were some beautifully depicted scenes and imagery and some interesting historical tidbits.
The only reason I don't give this a lower rating is because there were some beautifully depicted scenes and imagery and some interesting historical tidbits.
souljaleonn's review against another edition
challenging
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.5
jennyn52779's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
katherinejayne's review
2.0
After being given this by my OH's Nan, I was determined to finish it, thinking she may want it back.
Unfortunately she didn't. And I have to say, without that imperative to finish the book I did struggle. Luckily the short chapters were easily digested over a bowl of cereal in the morning...
I'm not one for overly fictional historic books- therein lies the problem with this read. However it has interested me enough to try and learn more about the key characters and more about this era of history (where my knowledge is severely weak!)
Unfortunately she didn't. And I have to say, without that imperative to finish the book I did struggle. Luckily the short chapters were easily digested over a bowl of cereal in the morning...
I'm not one for overly fictional historic books- therein lies the problem with this read. However it has interested me enough to try and learn more about the key characters and more about this era of history (where my knowledge is severely weak!)
pussreboots's review
1.0
The historical bits are fascinating but the fictional bits get in the way. I ended up skipping here and there to read the interesting bits.
tenisonpurple's review
adventurous
challenging
informative
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Really gripping story about Harold told in very interesting way as story of his closest housecarls. Very political; almost unputtdownable in the run up to the final battle although the ending was slightly unsatisfying