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english_lady03's review
3.0
From Ash and Stone is the second novel I've read (well, I actually listened to the audio of the other one) by Julie Daines and its quite different from her Regencies.
The reivers: raiders who operated along border between England and Scotland between the 15th to the 17th century are a very unusual subject for a novel in this genre. Most people have not even heard of them. I have, mostly due to some old friends who came from Carlisle, a town very close to the Scottish border, but that's another story.
Overall this was an interesting adventure story, with hints of romance. The supernatural elements with Margaret's 'curse' which allowed her to see a person's thoughts added an interesting edge to the story. Although at times, it seemed inconsistent: like she touched some people and nothing happened, almost as if she forgot.
There were a few things that grated: and some that did not make sense. One was Margaret's pig-headnedness. I understand that she felt she could not be near anyone because of her curse, but at times she was foolhardy. In fact more than at times. The women did not seem to have any capacity to plan: anything let alone survive independently, and her moral scruples about the Reivers seemed to contradict some of the details about her life. Like, the Reivers were bad for stealing, but how else would she have survived on the streets of London for 6 years? Or was it only stealing from certain people that she held to be wrong?
Angus Robson was sweet: perhaps to the point of being too sweet and perfect. His timely interventions were sort of too convenient. Though his love and example is genuine, the way Margaret treats him was frustrating. Despite her obvious reasons.
I also felt that a lot of the actions of the characters, especially the evil characters lacked motivation. So they came over as sort of cartoonish.
Also why did Margaret flee to London? All the way from Northumberland. That's like 500 miles. Somewhere in the range of a two week journey on foot in the 16th century. There are any number of large towns and cities she could have gone to which were much closer. York or Newcastle or Durham.
Maybe I'm over-analyzing things, and London was chosen because its the only city that the mostly American audience will be familiar with.
Whilst some of the general details were well researched, there were a few minor historical details which niggled. Mostly, the miniature or 'half sized' crossbow: apparently small enough to be hidden underneath a dress (without causing an obstruction to the person, you know, trying to walk).
Its doubtful whether such things ever existed: miniature crossbows seem to be more of a sort of convenient trope that authors use as an alternative to guns in any novel set before 1700. Crossbows could be just as cumbersome, and take a long time to load and operate effectively: a pistol would make just as much sense and seem more plausible.
Also, women were never hanged, drawn and quartered as a rule. It just wasn't done. I do have a bit if an issue with how in a lot of novels any old authority figure seems to be able to just summarily order people to be burned as witches for so much as sneezing. That's also totally inaccurate: only a Church court could try and convict a person for witchcraft, because it was a religious offense.
I did appreciate the use of the landscape in this story and the descriptions of how the troubled situation shaped that landscape. Pele towers in which people could take refuge alongside families and livestock and still be found in the Northern Counties of England to this day.
So, From Ash and Stone was an interesting story about the mental and emotional walls that people put up to protect themselves from being hurt, but by doing so, can hurt others. Its enjoyable for fans of Historical Fantasy, even if it didn't always seem the fantasy elements were necessary.
I purchased this title and the audiobook of my own volition after I forgot to download the Netgalley version. I was not required to write a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
The reivers: raiders who operated along border between England and Scotland between the 15th to the 17th century are a very unusual subject for a novel in this genre. Most people have not even heard of them. I have, mostly due to some old friends who came from Carlisle, a town very close to the Scottish border, but that's another story.
Overall this was an interesting adventure story, with hints of romance. The supernatural elements with Margaret's 'curse' which allowed her to see a person's thoughts added an interesting edge to the story. Although at times, it seemed inconsistent: like she touched some people and nothing happened, almost as if she forgot.
There were a few things that grated: and some that did not make sense. One was Margaret's pig-headnedness. I understand that she felt she could not be near anyone because of her curse, but at times she was foolhardy. In fact more than at times. The women did not seem to have any capacity to plan: anything let alone survive independently, and her moral scruples about the Reivers seemed to contradict some of the details about her life. Like, the Reivers were bad for stealing, but how else would she have survived on the streets of London for 6 years? Or was it only stealing from certain people that she held to be wrong?
Angus Robson was sweet: perhaps to the point of being too sweet and perfect. His timely interventions were sort of too convenient. Though his love and example is genuine, the way Margaret treats him was frustrating. Despite her obvious reasons.
I also felt that a lot of the actions of the characters, especially the evil characters lacked motivation. So they came over as sort of cartoonish.
Also why did Margaret flee to London? All the way from Northumberland. That's like 500 miles. Somewhere in the range of a two week journey on foot in the 16th century. There are any number of large towns and cities she could have gone to which were much closer. York or Newcastle or Durham.
Maybe I'm over-analyzing things, and London was chosen because its the only city that the mostly American audience will be familiar with.
Whilst some of the general details were well researched, there were a few minor historical details which niggled. Mostly, the miniature or 'half sized' crossbow: apparently small enough to be hidden underneath a dress (without causing an obstruction to the person, you know, trying to walk).
Its doubtful whether such things ever existed: miniature crossbows seem to be more of a sort of convenient trope that authors use as an alternative to guns in any novel set before 1700. Crossbows could be just as cumbersome, and take a long time to load and operate effectively: a pistol would make just as much sense and seem more plausible.
Also, women were never hanged, drawn and quartered as a rule. It just wasn't done. I do have a bit if an issue with how in a lot of novels any old authority figure seems to be able to just summarily order people to be burned as witches for so much as sneezing. That's also totally inaccurate: only a Church court could try and convict a person for witchcraft, because it was a religious offense.
I did appreciate the use of the landscape in this story and the descriptions of how the troubled situation shaped that landscape. Pele towers in which people could take refuge alongside families and livestock and still be found in the Northern Counties of England to this day.
So, From Ash and Stone was an interesting story about the mental and emotional walls that people put up to protect themselves from being hurt, but by doing so, can hurt others. Its enjoyable for fans of Historical Fantasy, even if it didn't always seem the fantasy elements were necessary.
I purchased this title and the audiobook of my own volition after I forgot to download the Netgalley version. I was not required to write a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
rosannelortz's review
4.0
Six years ago, Lady Margaret Grey had everything taken from her. On one dark night, her home was burned to the ground, her family was murdered by border reivers, and a mysterious curse was placed upon her that gives her unwanted perception and unbearable pain. After scraping by on the streets of sixteenth century London, Margaret has returned to what's left of her home, determined to discover the identity of the man who organized the raid and to execute vengeance on him no matter the cost.
When a sturdy laird saves Margaret from a band of ruffians, she refuses to tell him her name or where she hails from. But Angus Robson is nothing if not persistent. With the help of his mute brother Gillis, Angus provides food, shelter, and protection for Margaret. He draws the line at helping her exact vengeance, however, and Margaret becomes increasingly frustrated by his attempts to thwart her. She doesn't mind that she'll be hanged, drawn, and quartered after her plan succeeds, but it turns out that Angus minds that fact very much. When Margaret runs afoul of the crooked King's Warden, even Angus is hard pressed to save her, and it looks like her curse may remain unlifted as her quest goes unfinished.
Set during the reign of Henry VIII, this book was a tumultuous ride along the wilds of the Scottish border. I have always been interested in the lawless reivers, pirates who preyed on the sheep and cattle of their neighbors, burning, raiding, and killing Scots and English indiscriminately. The fast pacing of this book showed the dangers of the period, although Margaret did seem to lead a charmed life that resulted in Angus happening by every time she got in over her head.
In this novel, Angus Robson is a man who cares for his own with fidelity and constancy, but he's also no milksop when it comes to a midnight melee. His father is a harsh man, blaming Angus for the death of Angus' older brother. But even as Angus tries to live up to his father's expectations, he also continues to have a soft heart toward the helpless. As a damsel in distress, Margaret's green eyes and long black hair draw Angus like a moth to a flame. But Margaret is consumed by her hatred, refusing to consider any thoughts of romance when her family still goes unavenged. In the end, she must break the vicious cycle of vengeance, learning that mercy is a gift more to herself than to her adversary.
Margaret's curse brings an element of the paranormal into the book. It added an interesting twist to the book, although it did seem a little too tidy the way that the curse was resolved. All in all, this was a good romance and a page-turning adventure making me interested to read more by Julie Daines.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
When a sturdy laird saves Margaret from a band of ruffians, she refuses to tell him her name or where she hails from. But Angus Robson is nothing if not persistent. With the help of his mute brother Gillis, Angus provides food, shelter, and protection for Margaret. He draws the line at helping her exact vengeance, however, and Margaret becomes increasingly frustrated by his attempts to thwart her. She doesn't mind that she'll be hanged, drawn, and quartered after her plan succeeds, but it turns out that Angus minds that fact very much. When Margaret runs afoul of the crooked King's Warden, even Angus is hard pressed to save her, and it looks like her curse may remain unlifted as her quest goes unfinished.
Set during the reign of Henry VIII, this book was a tumultuous ride along the wilds of the Scottish border. I have always been interested in the lawless reivers, pirates who preyed on the sheep and cattle of their neighbors, burning, raiding, and killing Scots and English indiscriminately. The fast pacing of this book showed the dangers of the period, although Margaret did seem to lead a charmed life that resulted in Angus happening by every time she got in over her head.
In this novel, Angus Robson is a man who cares for his own with fidelity and constancy, but he's also no milksop when it comes to a midnight melee. His father is a harsh man, blaming Angus for the death of Angus' older brother. But even as Angus tries to live up to his father's expectations, he also continues to have a soft heart toward the helpless. As a damsel in distress, Margaret's green eyes and long black hair draw Angus like a moth to a flame. But Margaret is consumed by her hatred, refusing to consider any thoughts of romance when her family still goes unavenged. In the end, she must break the vicious cycle of vengeance, learning that mercy is a gift more to herself than to her adversary.
Margaret's curse brings an element of the paranormal into the book. It added an interesting twist to the book, although it did seem a little too tidy the way that the curse was resolved. All in all, this was a good romance and a page-turning adventure making me interested to read more by Julie Daines.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
bookishcarli's review
2.0
It was pretty much and ehhh book with a few great things (the writing) and a few terrible things (the characters)
plot:
It was a really weak plot. Basically, a girl’s family died in a fire, and she wants revenge. She goes undercover so she can kill the reivers who killed her family, but then, she meets a guy it’s pretty stupid.
characters:
They were all really selfish, and pretty stereotypical, and boring! I hated Margaret. Angus, despite the author’s obvious attempts at making him seem kind and forgiving and semi enemies to lovers, he was just boring. Osanna was okay i guess, but not that memorable. I did really like Gillis, but he wasn’t that memorable either.
romance:
Again, just boring. I didn’t ship Margaret and Angus, they were a complete fail.
the writing:
I LOVED it. I wasn’t sure what it was going to be like coming into it, because this is my fist historical fiction/fantasy and I was pleasantly surprised! It did feel a bit old time-y, but I actually really liked the writing style a lot!
the addictiveness:
It wasn’t addictive, like at all. I enjoyed myself when i was reading it, but when i wasn’t, there wasn’t really a pull to go and read it.
the ending:
ASDFGHJKL WHAT THE WHY OMG I HATED IT AHHHH
Also may i just add that i am very proud of myself because I am the first of my GR friends to have read this book!
plot:
It was a really weak plot. Basically, a girl’s family died in a fire, and she wants revenge. She goes undercover so she can kill the reivers who killed her family, but then, she meets a guy
Spoiler
(who happens to be a reiver)and he convinces her not to get revenge.characters:
They were all really selfish, and pretty stereotypical, and boring! I hated Margaret. Angus, despite the author’s obvious attempts at making him seem kind and forgiving and semi enemies to lovers, he was just boring. Osanna was okay i guess, but not that memorable. I did really like Gillis, but he wasn’t that memorable either.
Spoiler
I didn’t cry when he died, though i was sad, because it got rid of like the only good characterromance:
Again, just boring. I didn’t ship Margaret and Angus, they were a complete fail.
the writing:
I LOVED it. I wasn’t sure what it was going to be like coming into it, because this is my fist historical fiction/fantasy and I was pleasantly surprised! It did feel a bit old time-y, but I actually really liked the writing style a lot!
the addictiveness:
It wasn’t addictive, like at all. I enjoyed myself when i was reading it, but when i wasn’t, there wasn’t really a pull to go and read it.
the ending:
ASDFGHJKL WHAT THE WHY OMG I HATED IT AHHHH
Spoiler
OKAY SO I KNOW I SAID WE NEED MORE AUTHORS WHO WILL GIVE THE SWEET ENDING WITH A MARRIAGE AS LIKE AN EXTRA LITTLE CHAPTER A FEW YEARS AHEAD IN MY IN MY IMAGINE ME REVIEW RIGHT?!?!? WELL I DID NOT MEAN IT LIKE THIS!!!! I DIDN”T EVEN SHIP THEM TO BEGIN WITH, BUT AFTER THAT PART LIKE JUST NO! SHE LITERALLY AGREED TO MARRY HIM JUST BECAUSE SHE THOUGHT IT WOULD KEEP HER SAFE FROM REIVERS, BUT LIKE THEY ACTED LIKE IT WAS THIS SUPER CUTE THING AND THEY WERE ALL IN LOVE AND WHATEVER BUT IT WAS TERRIBLE I JUST HATED ITAlso may i just add that i am very proud of myself because I am the first of my GR friends to have read this book!
katiemayveil's review
4.0
Julie Daines is quickly becoming a favorite author for me. From Ash and Stone takes place on the border of Scotland and England, in the wild untamed area where lands are raided and cattle stolen.
Lady Margaret Grey lost her family to these raiders when they started a fire at her house. 6 years later she has returned to bring justice to her family and to end a curse that has plagued her since. Her plans are foiled when a young man tries to befriend her.
From Ash and Stone is a story of redemption, family, belonging, forgiveness, and love. I loved reading about the area that it takes place in and the loosely based history that the books includes. Lady Margaret is a strong willed character, who meets her match in Angus Robson. If you're looking for a fun, engaging read, this is it.
Lady Margaret Grey lost her family to these raiders when they started a fire at her house. 6 years later she has returned to bring justice to her family and to end a curse that has plagued her since. Her plans are foiled when a young man tries to befriend her.
From Ash and Stone is a story of redemption, family, belonging, forgiveness, and love. I loved reading about the area that it takes place in and the loosely based history that the books includes. Lady Margaret is a strong willed character, who meets her match in Angus Robson. If you're looking for a fun, engaging read, this is it.
noraaecampbell's review
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
thebookscript's review
4.0
4.5 stars. This was just such a fun and sweet story. Anything medieval Scotland is an instant hook for me. Margarette is a brave and stubborn main character who has a hard time letting other in due to a curse she was given in an accident that killed her family. Angus is a loyal and sweet love interest and it was nice to see a character be so honest and straightforward with his feelings. Even though it is a story of revenge, it is also a story of learning when to let go and let others in. I can’t wait to read more from this author!
mirianp's review
3.0
The story sets place in the 16th century on the borderlands of England and Scotland. Lady Margaret lost her family during childhood and vowes revenge.
The book is well written and I enjoyed the story well enough, anything about England, Scotland, Ireland or Wales and you always have my attention. I love medieval times and the grit and grimy feel of it. However, I did feel unconnected to the MC. She was so obsessed with her revenge that she lost her head a lot of times. I would think having been planning your revenge for so long you would develop a more street smart attitude. I did find the supporting cast very interesting and entertaining. I would recommend this book if you are in the mood for a satisfying HEA revenge story about forgiveness, with a bit of the paranormal...
I received a free copy via NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
The book is well written and I enjoyed the story well enough, anything about England, Scotland, Ireland or Wales and you always have my attention. I love medieval times and the grit and grimy feel of it. However, I did feel unconnected to the MC. She was so obsessed with her revenge that she lost her head a lot of times. I would think having been planning your revenge for so long you would develop a more street smart attitude. I did find the supporting cast very interesting and entertaining. I would recommend this book if you are in the mood for a satisfying HEA revenge story about forgiveness, with a bit of the paranormal...
I received a free copy via NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
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