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Rhiannon
Fourteen-year-old Rhiannon lives high on the bluff of Clodaghcombe with her healer Mom and grandmother. She helps them tend to the sick and wounded from the town below - a town swirling with controversy ever since the arrival of the Norman gentry and the tragic shipwreck that killed the king's only son and heir to the throne.
Rhiannon finds herself transfixed imagining the horrid disaster that took so many youths near her own age. Then tragedy strikes closer to home with the discovery of a stranger's body near their bluff and accusations of murder leveled at one of their residents. Rhiannon knows she has to do something even though it means standing up to the aristocracy.
But, with help from a young monk and a mysterious pirate from France Rhiannon hatches a dangerous plan to discover the true murderer's identity and sets off on a course that could have stunning consequences and perhaps even reveal an astounding secret that could change history.
Rhiannon finds herself transfixed imagining the horrid disaster that took so many youths near her own age. Then tragedy strikes closer to home with the discovery of a stranger's body near their bluff and accusations of murder leveled at one of their residents. Rhiannon knows she has to do something even though it means standing up to the aristocracy.
But, with help from a young monk and a mysterious pirate from France Rhiannon hatches a dangerous plan to discover the true murderer's identity and sets off on a course that could have stunning consequences and perhaps even reveal an astounding secret that could change history.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published October 18, 2007
8 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Vicki Grove
21 books18 followersVicki Grove lives in a 100-year-old farmhouse on a few acres of land outside of Ionia, Missouri (pop. 118). Her son and daughter, Michael and J.D., attend college, and her husband Mike is a music teacher and directs a bell choir. They have lots of cats and a goldfish pond teeming with bossy, headstrong goldfish. Sharing the pond with that rambunctious crew is one gentle red-eared turtle, Yertle. Behind the house grow three cherry trees, three apple trees, a corn patch, grape vines, and, on a good year, enough strawberries for Vicki to make a dozen jars of jam.
Vicki has written for magazines ranging from Twilight Zone to Reader’s Digest. She received the 1996 SCBWI Magazine Merit Award for a story in American Girl. Altogether, she’s published about 300 articles and short stories. “Because it’s not such a huge time and energy commitment, writing a short story is kind of like eating popcorn,” she says. “Writing a book, on the other hand, is a big deal, sort of like Thanksgiving dinner. You’d get tired of snacking or feasting if you did it all the time, so I alternate!”
Eight of Vicki’s eleven books are middle grade or young adult novels for Putnam. Her most recent are Rimwalkers, Crystal Garden, Reaching Dustin, The Starplace, and Destiny. Reaching Dustin and The Starplace were School Library Journal Best Books of 1998 and 1999.
Vicki writes every day in a tiny white office her dad built in her hayfield. He modeled it on her childhood playhouse, and it has its own birdhouse (where a tree frog named Joop is living). A purple clematis vine snakes up the side of the office, and beneath it grows a white peony bush Vicki transplanted from her grandmother’s farmhouse in Illinois, the setting for Rimwalkers.
Vicki has written for magazines ranging from Twilight Zone to Reader’s Digest. She received the 1996 SCBWI Magazine Merit Award for a story in American Girl. Altogether, she’s published about 300 articles and short stories. “Because it’s not such a huge time and energy commitment, writing a short story is kind of like eating popcorn,” she says. “Writing a book, on the other hand, is a big deal, sort of like Thanksgiving dinner. You’d get tired of snacking or feasting if you did it all the time, so I alternate!”
Eight of Vicki’s eleven books are middle grade or young adult novels for Putnam. Her most recent are Rimwalkers, Crystal Garden, Reaching Dustin, The Starplace, and Destiny. Reaching Dustin and The Starplace were School Library Journal Best Books of 1998 and 1999.
Vicki writes every day in a tiny white office her dad built in her hayfield. He modeled it on her childhood playhouse, and it has its own birdhouse (where a tree frog named Joop is living). A purple clematis vine snakes up the side of the office, and beneath it grows a white peony bush Vicki transplanted from her grandmother’s farmhouse in Illinois, the setting for Rimwalkers.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 15, 2018
"Rhiannon" was an amazing book filled with amazing characters including my too favorites, Thaddeus and Jonah. I wish that the ghostly girl was more engaged in the story, but instead you just got to catch a glimpse of her.
And I wish that they would actually make them go places, and not stay on that island. I thought maybe they would go sailing or something...
All in all, I loved this book, even though the ending was kind of weird.
I would recommend this book to ages 11 and older. Or any age at all.
And I wish that they would actually make them go places, and not stay on that island. I thought maybe they would go sailing or something...
All in all, I loved this book, even though the ending was kind of weird.
I would recommend this book to ages 11 and older. Or any age at all.
September 11, 2013
Wow did I love this book! I'm a bit biased as I love this period of history and this culture. However the book is engaging, moves beautifully and is written so poetically. I loved the characters, I loved the relationship of the granna, mom and daughter, and I loved each of their connection with the changing religions and beliefs of the time. It is obvious that the author has done a ton of research into the period, but she lets it unfold organically as opposed to beating you on the head with it (in contrast I just also finished Dan Browns' Inferno. Lots of head beating there.)
I highly recommend!
I highly recommend!
January 21, 2021
A richly layered, realistic Young Adult historical fiction, set in England shortly after the death of the heir to the throne, William Adelin, who drowned, along with his crew and boatful of guests, when The White Ship sank, November 1120 AD.
Throughout the centuries thereafter, it had been thought that the prince may have survived the wreck yet forbore to return to his previous life, as it had led to so many deaths.
In this novel, the focus is on fourteen-year-old Rhiannon, who lives in a hamlet near Woethersly, a town undergoing great changes since William of Normandy's conquest of Britain in 1066. The subjugated Saxons must deal with uncaring Norman aristocrats, as well as their avaricious clergy.
Rhiannon's mother is a healer, and takes in the sick, the injured, and even the insane or simple. Rhiannon is learning this work even as she longs for somewhat wider horizons. A fourteen-year-old must labor as long and hard as any adult in her time and place. Rhiannon gathers seeds and herbs, feeds the patients, watches her little sister, and helps her mother in all things.
Rhiannon also pays close attention to her Granna, who tells the old tales, reads the future in the flames in the hearth, and heartily hawks lobs of spit at the mention of the Normans.
When one of the hamlet's invalids is accused of murder, Rhiannon determines to prove his innocence. Against steep odds, but there is help from a new monk at the church, and another of their injured patients they call the Pirate. Rhiannon will discover how treacherous are the dealings of the ruling class, how complex her little world actually is, and discover possibilities she never thought would exist in her life, if she can only survive the wrath of the murderer she discovers.
Throughout the centuries thereafter, it had been thought that the prince may have survived the wreck yet forbore to return to his previous life, as it had led to so many deaths.
In this novel, the focus is on fourteen-year-old Rhiannon, who lives in a hamlet near Woethersly, a town undergoing great changes since William of Normandy's conquest of Britain in 1066. The subjugated Saxons must deal with uncaring Norman aristocrats, as well as their avaricious clergy.
Rhiannon's mother is a healer, and takes in the sick, the injured, and even the insane or simple. Rhiannon is learning this work even as she longs for somewhat wider horizons. A fourteen-year-old must labor as long and hard as any adult in her time and place. Rhiannon gathers seeds and herbs, feeds the patients, watches her little sister, and helps her mother in all things.
Rhiannon also pays close attention to her Granna, who tells the old tales, reads the future in the flames in the hearth, and heartily hawks lobs of spit at the mention of the Normans.
When one of the hamlet's invalids is accused of murder, Rhiannon determines to prove his innocence. Against steep odds, but there is help from a new monk at the church, and another of their injured patients they call the Pirate. Rhiannon will discover how treacherous are the dealings of the ruling class, how complex her little world actually is, and discover possibilities she never thought would exist in her life, if she can only survive the wrath of the murderer she discovers.
May 6, 2018
The writing was so awful that I couldn't even make it past the third chapter.
November 5, 2020
An odd little book but I enjoyed it.
February 7, 2017
Listened. Had a hard time finishing this. It just felt so plodding.
November 26, 2010
The sinking of the White Ship wiped out an entire generation of British aristocracy, including the crown prince William. But, how would have happened if he had lived? Would he have claimed his rightful place in line for the crown, or would he have let the world believe he was dead in atonement for his sins?
Rhiannon is set in medieval England, around 1120 (after the sinking of the White Ship), on the western coast near Wales. The title character, Rhiannon, lives high above the nearest town with her mother, who is a healer, and her grandmother. Among those being cared for by the family are Jim, Sally, and a man who is in a coma ("Jonah").
When a vicious murder is carried out not far from their home, as per medieval custom, all those able are to come to town and "lay hands" on the victim (if the murderer lays his hands on the victim, the body will start bleeding). In this manner, Jim is "proven" to be the murderer.
Rhiannon, convinced that he has been unjustly accused, enlists the help of her new friend, a budding monk, Thaddeus, to prove that Jim is innocent.
In all of this, Jonah wakes up, and starts calling Rhiannon by his sister's name (Adela----which also happens to be the name of the Princess who died on the White Ship). Nobody believes Rhiannon when she tells them that he has awoken until he spies something that used to belong to a friend (the murdered man).
Amidst the treachery of the local gentry and church, Rhiannon and her friends plot to save Jim, find the real murderer, and protect the true identity of Jonah.
While there are no curse words or inappropriate situations, I would suggest this book for middle school to high school readers, but only if they have a bit of understanding of British history and the monarchy. All in all, a very enjoyable book.
Rhiannon is set in medieval England, around 1120 (after the sinking of the White Ship), on the western coast near Wales. The title character, Rhiannon, lives high above the nearest town with her mother, who is a healer, and her grandmother. Among those being cared for by the family are Jim, Sally, and a man who is in a coma ("Jonah").
When a vicious murder is carried out not far from their home, as per medieval custom, all those able are to come to town and "lay hands" on the victim (if the murderer lays his hands on the victim, the body will start bleeding). In this manner, Jim is "proven" to be the murderer.
Rhiannon, convinced that he has been unjustly accused, enlists the help of her new friend, a budding monk, Thaddeus, to prove that Jim is innocent.
In all of this, Jonah wakes up, and starts calling Rhiannon by his sister's name (Adela----which also happens to be the name of the Princess who died on the White Ship). Nobody believes Rhiannon when she tells them that he has awoken until he spies something that used to belong to a friend (the murdered man).
Amidst the treachery of the local gentry and church, Rhiannon and her friends plot to save Jim, find the real murderer, and protect the true identity of Jonah.
While there are no curse words or inappropriate situations, I would suggest this book for middle school to high school readers, but only if they have a bit of understanding of British history and the monarchy. All in all, a very enjoyable book.
May 21, 2012
I really wanted to like this book. It has everything I love - an historical setting, a strong female character, murder, and mystery. But, despite having all the elements for an intriguing story, nothing seemed to pull together into a coherent piece.
First of all, the story took place way too quickly. Jim has 40 days of sanctuary in the church, but they seem to solve the murder about three days after he gets in there. I kept thinking more time had gone by, but then a character would make a reference to something that apparently happened only the day before.
When Jonah comes out of his coma or whatever, it takes about two days. During that whole time, he just laid there - didn't he have to go to the bathroom? I don't know why, but that's all I could think - shouldn't they have known he was conscious because he'd have to get up and go to the bathroom ... Anyway, the day after he becomes known to everyone, he's up and doing chores and he's totally fine, acting like he's been there for months. Crazy.
Also, I was never entirely sure of why Beornia was a third companion on Beltane. I assumed it was to get Roderick there, but the way she tells them of her suspicions of the murderer seems so forced. It just really confused me.
Plus, the lepers suddenly showed up, and after we're told that people never get well after going up the bluff, Jim gets well, Daisy gets well, the girl with the infected arm gets well ... what on earth was Mam doing wrong all those previous years?
It just felt like there was too much being crammed in, and nothing fit together nicely.
I did like the historical references and the glimpse into what life was like so long ago, but the rest just didn't work for me. Sorry.
First of all, the story took place way too quickly. Jim has 40 days of sanctuary in the church, but they seem to solve the murder about three days after he gets in there. I kept thinking more time had gone by, but then a character would make a reference to something that apparently happened only the day before.
When Jonah comes out of his coma or whatever, it takes about two days. During that whole time, he just laid there - didn't he have to go to the bathroom? I don't know why, but that's all I could think - shouldn't they have known he was conscious because he'd have to get up and go to the bathroom ... Anyway, the day after he becomes known to everyone, he's up and doing chores and he's totally fine, acting like he's been there for months. Crazy.
Also, I was never entirely sure of why Beornia was a third companion on Beltane. I assumed it was to get Roderick there, but the way she tells them of her suspicions of the murderer seems so forced. It just really confused me.
Plus, the lepers suddenly showed up, and after we're told that people never get well after going up the bluff, Jim gets well, Daisy gets well, the girl with the infected arm gets well ... what on earth was Mam doing wrong all those previous years?
It just felt like there was too much being crammed in, and nothing fit together nicely.
I did like the historical references and the glimpse into what life was like so long ago, but the rest just didn't work for me. Sorry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2008
I enjoyed reading Rhiannon, but it wasn't something I'd necessarily recommend. It took a while to get into it. Very detailed. I liked most of the middle. It didn¹t quite feel like a mystery. More like historical fiction with the drama happening to be a mystery. It took me forever to read. The ending was not great and a bit of a disappointment. It felt like a lot of short events one after another. Tamora Pierce's Lioness Rampant, for instance, was good at having a big climactic scene that, although there were many details and parts to it totally wove to fit into a big picture. Rhiannon ended with many events that were supposed to shock and subdue the nobles from fighting. Each would fail and it would look like all was for naught, then another would happen. They would appear to be saved but it wouldn¹t work. Not very satisfactory. So, parts of the book were better than others.
February 21, 2009
Set around the year 1100 in England, this well-written historical murder mystery takes place shortly after the ill-fated White Ship sinking in the English Channel, and Grove asks the question, What if Prince William Aethling had not actually drowned? What if he lived and was taken to a mother and daughter with the gift of healing? Grove deals with the false piety of the church at this time, the social class system, and some legal issues surrounding the church and king's power. The characters-- which span three generations-- are used to show the changing religious and political scenery of the day. A fun read with a good look at post-WIlliam-the-Conqueror England.
September 19, 2008
Excellent historical fiction. Rhiannon, at 14, is just learning the way of the world. Then a murder sets a whole chain of events into motion, including the accusation of her friend Jim. Somehow she must prove his innocence, but she won't be able to do it alone. At a time when Christianity is just overtaking paganism, and the Normans have come to England to stay, Rhia's loyalty and courage are tested to the limit. Grove manages to weave time and place into the story seamlessly, along with genuine characters and an interesting plot.
February 10, 2009
I'm having a really hard time getting into this book. The language is trying too hard to be "lyrical" or something. I'm going to give it another day or so, but if it doesn't pick up, I might drop it.
***
Okay, I dropped it. I tried very hard. But I just couldn't get past the language and I couldn't connect with the main character, Rhia. She seemed too idyllic, not like a real person with real thoughts, but someone who said or did things to make a lovely picture. Which means that sometimes she seemed almost dazed or half-baked. Oh well.
***
Okay, I dropped it. I tried very hard. But I just couldn't get past the language and I couldn't connect with the main character, Rhia. She seemed too idyllic, not like a real person with real thoughts, but someone who said or did things to make a lovely picture. Which means that sometimes she seemed almost dazed or half-baked. Oh well.
May 4, 2009
A combination historical fiction (early English--1120's) and murder mystery. The creative starting point is a tragic stem of a true story about a shipwreck in which the heir to the throne of England was lost.
The writing was not awful but the wording seemed to have a lot of anachronisms. Sometimes it was artifically archaic, and sometimes the Reeve (sheriff) talked in quite a modern way about suspects and alibis.
The writing was not awful but the wording seemed to have a lot of anachronisms. Sometimes it was artifically archaic, and sometimes the Reeve (sheriff) talked in quite a modern way about suspects and alibis.
April 5, 2010
This book is set in 12th century England and is based on the tragic loss of the heir to the throne and a possible solution to what may have happened to him. I thought it slow at first but grew to really like the book, intrigued by description of life in that time period and also by the tale that the author weaves including superstition and murder. I'd recommend this book for anybody who likes reading about medieval times.
September 7, 2012
Fourteen-year-old Rhiannon lives on a high mountain bluff with her mother and grandmother. The three women care for those villages so ill and/or injured that they most likely will die. When one of those in their care is accused of a murder Rhiannon and her family are driven to prove his innocence.
February 26, 2008
This book was set in early Ireland/England. I thin that date is like 1067 or something close to that. It was a murder mystery, but not gruesome, but it wasn't soley that. It was also a charming life story.
July 25, 2015
I love this book. I read it almost yearly. I love the superstitions of country folk. The goodness of people in the dark ages. It is fiction but I enjoy it each time I read. If you liked the Goose Girl by Shannon Hale, then this book would be up your alley.
December 22, 2008
Very good story. Some plot elements are very predictable, but there is enough of a twist to make it interesting. A little slow in the beginning
March 26, 2008
Books like these are why I love to read and why I love historical fiction. A great book.
September 4, 2008
started out slow, sped up a little by the end.
even though its a YA book, i don't think many YAs will read it.
even though its a YA book, i don't think many YAs will read it.
November 10, 2008
Couldn't get into it...and I am not sure why. I usually love Irish/Celtic folktales.
January 7, 2009
Just didn't like the writing style, so I couldn't get into the story.
July 29, 2009
YA Read for school
January 3, 2016
Could not finish listening to it.
April 18, 2013
It's a nice story. I took my time reading it though. I didn't feel the urgency or need to rush through it.
July 26, 2013
This is a really interesting book. I really liked how it felt like it fantasy, but really wasn't.
March 17, 2008
Reminded me of the Brother Cadfael mysteries.
December 7, 2008
Good, very detailed.
And Thaddeus sounds so cool! ThaddeusXRhiannon forever!
And Thaddeus sounds so cool! ThaddeusXRhiannon forever!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews