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chris_sanny's review
4.0
I felt the ending not as satisfying as I expected, and some of the plot stretched believability for me a bit, but it was certainly gripping and fun overall! I like what publisher weekly said:
“The narrative has the excitement of a good fantasy novel, a vivid historical setting and a lengthy, credible and satisfying plot”
“The narrative has the excitement of a good fantasy novel, a vivid historical setting and a lengthy, credible and satisfying plot”
eososray's review
2.0
I have had to spend some time deciding how to describe why I didn't like this book other than just writing that I found it boring.
It is not the kind of book that you would imagine as boring, once you get though the first 20 chapters, it never stops moving you through people and places. From sea wolves to emperors, forest to desert and country to city, there is always another place to be and more people to meet.
Alot of the story seemed implausible and did there really have to be so much praying?
What I finally came up with as a reason....is that I felt like I was being talked at, instead of entertained. I wasn't drawn into the story but was rather left on the outside being preached at by an Irish monk telling me his fantastical life story so I would convert.
It was okay but I feel like I've lost time that I could have used to read something better.
It is not the kind of book that you would imagine as boring, once you get though the first 20 chapters, it never stops moving you through people and places. From sea wolves to emperors, forest to desert and country to city, there is always another place to be and more people to meet.
Alot of the story seemed implausible and did there really have to be so much praying?
What I finally came up with as a reason....is that I felt like I was being talked at, instead of entertained. I wasn't drawn into the story but was rather left on the outside being preached at by an Irish monk telling me his fantastical life story so I would convert.
It was okay but I feel like I've lost time that I could have used to read something better.
gadsdenlee's review against another edition
Didn't grab me, have read a lot of Lawheads works but this one just didn't do it.
nucleareaction's review against another edition
1.0
I got more out of this book learning about how books are bound than the story. That's how shitty the quality of the book was. Are you fucking kidding me, people? 4+ stars?
slash's review
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Easy reading but heavy in the religious undertones (naturally as the main character is a monk). The timeline of events is a bit rushed.
house_full_of_books's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
westcoastchelle's review against another edition
4.0
It was ok... I haven't read anything particularly mind boggling and this one falls into the "just ok" category. Felt like a lot all crammed into a single story and at times seemed to move very quickly. Also never been a huge fan of stories written in first person. Was alright though, defo worth a read.
rojo25's review against another edition
4.0
Good piece of writing. Well researched. Love the setting.
salve58's review
2.0
Waaaay too long! The editor did a poor job on this one. Also never really got into the characters.
nadoislandgirl's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a tome! Despite being a hefty book, I was always glad to pick it up again. It is one of those books that doesn't keep me up into the wee hours, but it does keep me coming back, little by little, to finish the story.
It chronicles a monk's voyage from Ireland to Constantinople and beyond with the Book of Kells. Along the way he is slave and advisor to kings. He visits the north (Skania) and Arab countries.
Worth a read, but not sure I will ever reread.
It chronicles a monk's voyage from Ireland to Constantinople and beyond with the Book of Kells. Along the way he is slave and advisor to kings. He visits the north (Skania) and Arab countries.
Worth a read, but not sure I will ever reread.