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The Wintergrave Chronicles #1
The Execution
Parallel lives are fated to collide in The Execution, a medieval thriller, dark adventure, and tragic love story set in fourteenth century France.
A young priest enters the prison cell of a condemned mercenary and is shocked to see the face of this murderer is his own—a mirror image of himself. Unknown to each other until now, the twins form a bond of brotherhood, sealed with their darkest secrets. But with only hours until the execution, the priest begins to question which man should truly be condemned. Should it be the ruthless killer—a boy from an orphanage who suffered the unimaginable—or himself, the man of God whose own tormented desires ended in tragedy? As the sun rises, the young priest knows what he must do. Only one man will die…but two men will be free.
A young priest enters the prison cell of a condemned mercenary and is shocked to see the face of this murderer is his own—a mirror image of himself. Unknown to each other until now, the twins form a bond of brotherhood, sealed with their darkest secrets. But with only hours until the execution, the priest begins to question which man should truly be condemned. Should it be the ruthless killer—a boy from an orphanage who suffered the unimaginable—or himself, the man of God whose own tormented desires ended in tragedy? As the sun rises, the young priest knows what he must do. Only one man will die…but two men will be free.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2012
About the author
Sharon Cramer
11 books49 followersSharon Cramer is an aspiring time-traveler, alien princess, and master painter of Halloween faces. In the meantime, she writes from a dank, dark cave, somewhere in Washington State. THE EXECUTION is her breakthrough novel and the first of The WINTERGRAVE CHRONICLES.
Hard at work on her new Sci-Fi, Fantasy series, THE CERULEAN STAR, she also creates children’s picture books, including the multi-award winning MARLOW and the MONSTER.
When not surfing black matter threads and planning historical ruin and perfectly crushed hearts, Sharon can be found wandering around Eastern Washington.
Driven by sleeplessness and an endless draw to the keyboard (and the occasional extra strong coffee), she is inspired by unorthodox friends and extreme weather. Mother to three sons, a good horse, and several dozen fish (most of which have names), she is married to a man who surely has won the Nobel Prize for Extreme Tolerance.
Hard at work on her new Sci-Fi, Fantasy series, THE CERULEAN STAR, she also creates children’s picture books, including the multi-award winning MARLOW and the MONSTER.
When not surfing black matter threads and planning historical ruin and perfectly crushed hearts, Sharon can be found wandering around Eastern Washington.
Driven by sleeplessness and an endless draw to the keyboard (and the occasional extra strong coffee), she is inspired by unorthodox friends and extreme weather. Mother to three sons, a good horse, and several dozen fish (most of which have names), she is married to a man who surely has won the Nobel Prize for Extreme Tolerance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
June 2, 2013
I couldn't put this down! Story of two orphans one of whom is adopted into a rich family and groomed for priesthood; the other sold ...and becomes a mercinary.
The priest falls in love with a farm girl and everything is done to keep them apart which ends in tragedy
Without giving up much of the story line, the two orphans eventually meet only to find they are twin brothers...
This is written so you really fall into the book and the descriptive writing lets you feel like you are living in the 14th century...loved it!
The priest falls in love with a farm girl and everything is done to keep them apart which ends in tragedy
Without giving up much of the story line, the two orphans eventually meet only to find they are twin brothers...
This is written so you really fall into the book and the descriptive writing lets you feel like you are living in the 14th century...loved it!
January 30, 2017
Two young men, strangers in life, discover the one link that will bond them for eternity. They only knew each other a few hours, but at sunrise, they will each make the ultimate sacrifice for one another. THE EXECUTION by Sharon Cramer takes her readers back to the dark times of fourteenth century France, where thousands dies of illness, leaving families broken and children with no one to care if they live or die. The price of a day’s meal can buy a child into servitude, to grow up learning from the school of hard knocks and deception. This was Ravan’s fate. Only by the grace of God will a child be left on the doorstep of the church and welcomed into a family of great power and wealth, but is he really free or will his life also become a prison? This was D’ata’s fate.
Each will know a love that will be ripped from them, each will become a product of the world they belong to, both finding they fit like a square peg in a round hole, misfits in the world forced on them. Yet each will find the meaning of family and what one brother will do for another.
Sharon Cramer brings the heart of her historical fiction to life by allowing her readers to feel the pages fade away and fully understand the dialogue of this tale, No need to struggle over period language, because that isn’t the soul of this tale. It is a tale of cruelty, need, and loss, until two souls find a place to belong. Two parallel tales that merge into one, told with heart, grit and a sense of the violence of the time.
Series: The Wintergrave Chronicles - Book 1
Publisher: B & F Publishing (January 14, 2014)
Publication Date: January 14, 2014
ISBN: 0983943729
Genre: Historical Fiction - Romance
Print Length: 337 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Each will know a love that will be ripped from them, each will become a product of the world they belong to, both finding they fit like a square peg in a round hole, misfits in the world forced on them. Yet each will find the meaning of family and what one brother will do for another.
Sharon Cramer brings the heart of her historical fiction to life by allowing her readers to feel the pages fade away and fully understand the dialogue of this tale, No need to struggle over period language, because that isn’t the soul of this tale. It is a tale of cruelty, need, and loss, until two souls find a place to belong. Two parallel tales that merge into one, told with heart, grit and a sense of the violence of the time.
Series: The Wintergrave Chronicles - Book 1
Publisher: B & F Publishing (January 14, 2014)
Publication Date: January 14, 2014
ISBN: 0983943729
Genre: Historical Fiction - Romance
Print Length: 337 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
October 28, 2014
I mostly kept reading because I was drawn in by Ravan's character. I gave the book 3 stars because it sucked me in at the end and I spent a rainy evening finishing it. The running and action scenes were pretty great. Those are tough to get right.
But I have to say, the editing and the writing made me laugh out loud more than a few times. Why does everyone in this story think to themselves "I'm living in the fourteenth century...". A few of the characters even say this in dialogue. I don't see why the author was so intent on placing this in the fourteenth century. It didn't really do much for the story and really just served to pull me out of it.
On the whole, while I had my issues with it, I enjoyed the book. Sharon Cramer did a great job of creating the tragic hero type in Ravan, though I'd like to see a little more of him at the end. There could be a great scene with the scarred mercenary playing with his infant.
But I have to say, the editing and the writing made me laugh out loud more than a few times. Why does everyone in this story think to themselves "I'm living in the fourteenth century...". A few of the characters even say this in dialogue. I don't see why the author was so intent on placing this in the fourteenth century. It didn't really do much for the story and really just served to pull me out of it.
On the whole, while I had my issues with it, I enjoyed the book. Sharon Cramer did a great job of creating the tragic hero type in Ravan, though I'd like to see a little more of him at the end. There could be a great scene with the scarred mercenary playing with his infant.
December 5, 2013
HOPE THIS MAKES IT INTO A MOVIE. ALL THE BEST AND I CAN'T WAIT TO WATCH IT!
Finished reading it well into the night, just couldn't put it down.
The Execution by Sharon Cramer is a gripping story that will pull you in and refuse to let you go until the end. So be prepared to forget your chores and just read on.
Set in 14th century, France The Execution is a story of two twin brothers who discover each other in the dungeons where one of them is held to be hanged with the first light of the new day. As they tell their lives to one another, we find out about D'ata who was left at the steps of a church as an infant then mercifully adopted by the Baron and Baroness of Cenzanne. The church also took upon itself to see that he is raised and trained in the spirit of the religion and later ordained into priesthood. And he believes this to be his destiny until Julienne comes to the church. Everything he'd been taught is questioned now as love claims his heart and mind. But the church and his parents will not let this love to be. And as always, the forbidden love ends in tragedy...
His twin, Ravan, lived much different and quite violent life. He remained with his family until plague claimed his mother, his sisters were taken away and he was left to die, until the Old One took him into his orphanage and nourished him back to life. There he learned to hunt and the ways of the forest. But as he grew, the time was to move on and he was given to the innkeeper where he was sold to the mercenary king Duval. After a long and exhausting hunt through the forest, he plunged to his death, but something wanted him to live and he survived. Years of fighting for Duval hardened him, but his heart was touched by love more than once, through Old One and the Fat Wife of the innkeeper and finally, Nicolette, and although he preferred solitude, he knew how to make friends.
As the dawn approaches, the two brothers learn about each other's lives and D'ata tricks Ravan to switch places with him. But going willingly under the noose even if it is to save his brother is a suicide and will not take him to the Heaven to his beloved Julienne, Ravan wakes just in time to save his soul from eternal damnation.
The ending, though bitter-sweet, will leave you breathless and wanting more.
Finished reading it well into the night, just couldn't put it down.
The Execution by Sharon Cramer is a gripping story that will pull you in and refuse to let you go until the end. So be prepared to forget your chores and just read on.
Set in 14th century, France The Execution is a story of two twin brothers who discover each other in the dungeons where one of them is held to be hanged with the first light of the new day. As they tell their lives to one another, we find out about D'ata who was left at the steps of a church as an infant then mercifully adopted by the Baron and Baroness of Cenzanne. The church also took upon itself to see that he is raised and trained in the spirit of the religion and later ordained into priesthood. And he believes this to be his destiny until Julienne comes to the church. Everything he'd been taught is questioned now as love claims his heart and mind. But the church and his parents will not let this love to be. And as always, the forbidden love ends in tragedy...
His twin, Ravan, lived much different and quite violent life. He remained with his family until plague claimed his mother, his sisters were taken away and he was left to die, until the Old One took him into his orphanage and nourished him back to life. There he learned to hunt and the ways of the forest. But as he grew, the time was to move on and he was given to the innkeeper where he was sold to the mercenary king Duval. After a long and exhausting hunt through the forest, he plunged to his death, but something wanted him to live and he survived. Years of fighting for Duval hardened him, but his heart was touched by love more than once, through Old One and the Fat Wife of the innkeeper and finally, Nicolette, and although he preferred solitude, he knew how to make friends.
As the dawn approaches, the two brothers learn about each other's lives and D'ata tricks Ravan to switch places with him. But going willingly under the noose even if it is to save his brother is a suicide and will not take him to the Heaven to his beloved Julienne, Ravan wakes just in time to save his soul from eternal damnation.
The ending, though bitter-sweet, will leave you breathless and wanting more.
December 4, 2013
Amazing presentation. This novel took two characters, twins separated at birth, and showed how their specific environments played such a huge role in the social construction of each as individuals. Written in alternating chapters of both the present and flashbacks, I was drawn into their world and able to see how the circumstances of each allowed them both to develop in very different ways. Yet, deep down inside, these twins had a connection that was very well expressed in the "present" chapters. While I would not recommend this novel for children, as an adult I very much enjoyed it and would recommend it any adult who would enjoy intriguing characters and the trials that shape them in the very dark times of 14th century France. If I had to place this novel in a category, I would say it is a piece of historical fiction, interspersed with action and intense love. (I deliberately choose not to use “romance” because that brings to mind the Harlequin style… this was not.)
December 4, 2013
GREAT book! Such an intriguing read...hard to put down!! Hoping there's a sequel.
December 19, 2015
I really enjoyed this.
Lots of reviewers have commented on historical inaccuracies but my focus is on the story line and writing voice. I'd love to get my hands on the next book...
Lots of reviewers have commented on historical inaccuracies but my focus is on the story line and writing voice. I'd love to get my hands on the next book...
June 12, 2013
This started off with an excellent idea and fairly decent writing, but went downhill from there.
I was originally captivated by the story of the twin boys, one a priest and one a mercenary, and the way the tale unfolded as they told their stories to one another in the dungeon. I was willing to accept one serendipitous occurrence—the fact they discovered one another in the dungeon, but too many unrealistic occurrences followed from that one, which is why I labeled this book a fantasy. If the reader allows that this story is a fantasy and not a historical novel, perhaps much can be forgiven. For my part, I prefer even my fantasy to be realistic within its own world. For example, both main characters fall literally madly in love at first sight, and all further actions lead from this premise. I would have been more satisfied if I had been led from the beginning that this story was to be a romantic fantasy.
The dialogue is more suitable to modern times than to fourteenth century, which brings me to another point of contention. In her introduction the author states that she has interpreted "certain events, timelines, characteristic and people in a loose manner that may not coincide with the actual historical course of events." She has done so thoroughly, which makes me wonder why she set the story in this period at all. Why not make this story a fantasy in the first place?
Authors do sometimes move a timeline a little in order to make a story more interesting in historical novels, but generally this is a move of a week or a month, or perhaps having someone die later or earlier than is historically correct, which is mentioned in a foreword or afterword.
This author has moved the invention of the printing press an entire century earlier than was the case.
In spite of all, I hung in there because there was something about the story and the character development that would not let me go—for the first half of the book. Then the editing problems, the cliches, the word repetitions and over-writing began to pile up. I managed to get three-quarters of the way and could take no more.
It would be eas for me to say, "I didn't like it" and forgetaboutit. But. I think there is enough possibility in this author that something good could be made of this story—with more maturity and much better editing. And by editing, I don't mean merely line editing, I mean copy and developmental editing.
I was originally captivated by the story of the twin boys, one a priest and one a mercenary, and the way the tale unfolded as they told their stories to one another in the dungeon. I was willing to accept one serendipitous occurrence—the fact they discovered one another in the dungeon, but too many unrealistic occurrences followed from that one, which is why I labeled this book a fantasy. If the reader allows that this story is a fantasy and not a historical novel, perhaps much can be forgiven. For my part, I prefer even my fantasy to be realistic within its own world. For example, both main characters fall literally madly in love at first sight, and all further actions lead from this premise. I would have been more satisfied if I had been led from the beginning that this story was to be a romantic fantasy.
The dialogue is more suitable to modern times than to fourteenth century, which brings me to another point of contention. In her introduction the author states that she has interpreted "certain events, timelines, characteristic and people in a loose manner that may not coincide with the actual historical course of events." She has done so thoroughly, which makes me wonder why she set the story in this period at all. Why not make this story a fantasy in the first place?
Authors do sometimes move a timeline a little in order to make a story more interesting in historical novels, but generally this is a move of a week or a month, or perhaps having someone die later or earlier than is historically correct, which is mentioned in a foreword or afterword.
This author has moved the invention of the printing press an entire century earlier than was the case.
In spite of all, I hung in there because there was something about the story and the character development that would not let me go—for the first half of the book. Then the editing problems, the cliches, the word repetitions and over-writing began to pile up. I managed to get three-quarters of the way and could take no more.
It would be eas for me to say, "I didn't like it" and forgetaboutit. But. I think there is enough possibility in this author that something good could be made of this story—with more maturity and much better editing. And by editing, I don't mean merely line editing, I mean copy and developmental editing.
March 10, 2012
Sharon Cramer's The Execution giveaway @ Crazed Mind. Go now & enter to win. It will be well worth it! http://ning.it/wOpN1i Drawing on 3-19-12.
My next book was given to me by the author herself. Sharon Cramer is not new to the book world. But she is known for her children's series of Cougar Cub Tails. She now has ventured off into new territory with The Execution. I so loved the warning. WARNING: Do not read in public, or they may think youʼve gone mad with demons of your own!
Now this is not something you would expect from a children's story teller. No instead we have gone all the way over to the other side of life. I have to say this was not a single tub book. Instead I was up out of the tub and long into the night to finish up. Not that it is a hard read but instead one that I wanted to hang on too. You can check out chapter one for yourself! And in the meantime here is a lil teaser.
A young, tormented priest must see those to be executed. It is a thankless job, one D'ata dreads. Nevertheless, he does it kindly and with compassion. He gives them a chance at eternal life, listening to their confessions and offering absolution before they go to the gallows. Tonight, however, nothing can prepare him for what he finds when he goes to the dungeons to see the last one, the mercenary—the murderer. On this night, he is forced to recount the design of his own torment and fate. His own redemption is at stake and the sins he'd tried so desperately to forget are laid naked before his grief-stricken eyes. When morning breaks, he has a decision to make...
Set in fourteenth century France, it is an epic, two-sided tale, woven amidst the cataclysms of that magnificent and wretched time. Cramer is superb at taking your heart into her hands. Gripping and poignant, this story will surprise you, making you remember what perfect love and absolute hate truly feel like, for what is the cost of true freedom?
My next book was given to me by the author herself. Sharon Cramer is not new to the book world. But she is known for her children's series of Cougar Cub Tails. She now has ventured off into new territory with The Execution. I so loved the warning. WARNING: Do not read in public, or they may think youʼve gone mad with demons of your own!
Now this is not something you would expect from a children's story teller. No instead we have gone all the way over to the other side of life. I have to say this was not a single tub book. Instead I was up out of the tub and long into the night to finish up. Not that it is a hard read but instead one that I wanted to hang on too. You can check out chapter one for yourself! And in the meantime here is a lil teaser.
A young, tormented priest must see those to be executed. It is a thankless job, one D'ata dreads. Nevertheless, he does it kindly and with compassion. He gives them a chance at eternal life, listening to their confessions and offering absolution before they go to the gallows. Tonight, however, nothing can prepare him for what he finds when he goes to the dungeons to see the last one, the mercenary—the murderer. On this night, he is forced to recount the design of his own torment and fate. His own redemption is at stake and the sins he'd tried so desperately to forget are laid naked before his grief-stricken eyes. When morning breaks, he has a decision to make...
Set in fourteenth century France, it is an epic, two-sided tale, woven amidst the cataclysms of that magnificent and wretched time. Cramer is superb at taking your heart into her hands. Gripping and poignant, this story will surprise you, making you remember what perfect love and absolute hate truly feel like, for what is the cost of true freedom?
April 8, 2015
The Execution by Sharon Cramer... Set in the backdrop of 14th century of France, two orphans one leading a celestial life and the other being abused to become a mercenary meet at the prison. they share their life stories at the prison one to redeem the other. The final ploy was the realization of brotherhood between them and switch their places during execution... A plot well deployed by the author brings the 14th century belief system into paragraphs of the book. The reader will be drawn to the realistic French countryside of the bygone era... Great read.
March 6, 2014
Words cannot describe how AMAZINGLY GOOD this book was. I wont lie, it was very slow at first and hard to get into, but once you do, it is well worth it! The characters were just awesome, and totally kick-a**! I am in love with Ravan. I definitely could not say what was going to happen next, because Sharon threw a lot of curve balls. It was brilliant! Just beautiful and FANTASTIC! I would reccomend it to anyone!
April 12, 2012
I downloaded this from amazon for .99 cents cuz I'd read a galley review of this awesome kids book she wrote and I was wondering what she could do in the adult game. I was prepared to be disappointed. I don't think authors easily make that crossover. I was stunned. What a gripping tale! I have not often felt so much raw emotion, and had the sense that I was in the story. CRAZY! LOVED IT!
August 26, 2012
I have read Sharon's children's books and couldn't wait to read this one! Sharon has such a descriptive mind when put to pen and paper, the details of the story put the reader in the middle of the book. By the end, I was empathizing with the characters. You really do love, laugh, cry and live through the characters! Great book!
July 23, 2013
I was captivated as soon as I started reading the book. I am a big fan of historical novels and this didn't disappoint. Sharon's details and character development are great. It is a story of twin brothers in 14th Century France who don't discover one another until circumstances unite them in a prison. This is an excellent book and one I couldn't put down.
October 30, 2013
Started well but finished badly due to poor writing. Dialogue did not always match period within which it was set.
It was glad to reach the final chapter to end the torture.
Would not recommend to anyone.
It was glad to reach the final chapter to end the torture.
Would not recommend to anyone.
October 3, 2015
This was a very well writen adventure story. I gave it three stars because I would have liked to have seen more character development. This might be a bit of a spoiler. I would have liked to have known what happened during the "lost" years of the main characters.
May 20, 2013
Did not know what to expect from this book but it turned out to be wonderful.
May 28, 2013
The book kept me reading and interested. It got a little too "romance novelish" as it progressed, but I enjoyed it. There were a few word and editing errors.
June 2, 2013
A great book. The only issue for me was a lack of detail enough to keep the story in period. The story could have been in most any century.
October 15, 2017
Read this review (and others) at: https://literatureislife.com/2017/10/...
The Execution was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of The Execution is pretty interesting; twin brothers separated at childhood reunited under strange circumstances. Ravan, sold into the life of a mercenary, is set to be executed the next morning for murder. D’ata, raised in the priesthood and sent to give last confession to the convicted. Separated by the Black Death in 14th century France, the brothers learn of each other’s life stories.
Having the story told from two different perspectives, over two different lifetimes, made The Execution a unique story. It jumps back and forth between the two, so we see each brother’s story at the same point in time. Ravan’s story follows his start as a boy with a penchant for survival to life as a slave mercenary. These portions of the book are filled with action and adventure. Some parts feel more like a fantasy novel with Ravan’s unnatural skills, being almost superhuman in the feats he performs. Ravan’s story is both exciting and sad, showing how even demons will run when a good man goes to war.
D’ata’s portion of The Execution is a story of romance. Left on the steps of a church, he is raised into the priesthood by a rich family. His new family caring more for prestige than love, D’ata’s suffering is more emotional where Ravan’s was primarily physical. Falling head over heels for a young farmgirl, D’ata finds his faith tested between familial bonds and true love. These portions of the story were not as action-packed, but still exciting in their own way. There was not as much physical danger so much as the sense of loss D’ata and his love will feel. Of the two brothers, D’ata’s ending also felt more satisfying (though that could change in the rest of the trilogy).
Despite the lives of Ravan and D’ata being very different, there are common themes between the two. Both brothers are forced into lives they neither chose nor wanted. Both will find true families in people they trust, not necessarily those who raise them. Both will experience love and loss on their life paths. And both will end up in the dungeon the morning before the execution, telling their stories and pondering their fates. The dynamic woven between two different genres makes The Execution a fantastic read and shows how different lives can intertwine.
The Execution was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of The Execution is pretty interesting; twin brothers separated at childhood reunited under strange circumstances. Ravan, sold into the life of a mercenary, is set to be executed the next morning for murder. D’ata, raised in the priesthood and sent to give last confession to the convicted. Separated by the Black Death in 14th century France, the brothers learn of each other’s life stories.
Having the story told from two different perspectives, over two different lifetimes, made The Execution a unique story. It jumps back and forth between the two, so we see each brother’s story at the same point in time. Ravan’s story follows his start as a boy with a penchant for survival to life as a slave mercenary. These portions of the book are filled with action and adventure. Some parts feel more like a fantasy novel with Ravan’s unnatural skills, being almost superhuman in the feats he performs. Ravan’s story is both exciting and sad, showing how even demons will run when a good man goes to war.
D’ata’s portion of The Execution is a story of romance. Left on the steps of a church, he is raised into the priesthood by a rich family. His new family caring more for prestige than love, D’ata’s suffering is more emotional where Ravan’s was primarily physical. Falling head over heels for a young farmgirl, D’ata finds his faith tested between familial bonds and true love. These portions of the story were not as action-packed, but still exciting in their own way. There was not as much physical danger so much as the sense of loss D’ata and his love will feel. Of the two brothers, D’ata’s ending also felt more satisfying (though that could change in the rest of the trilogy).
Despite the lives of Ravan and D’ata being very different, there are common themes between the two. Both brothers are forced into lives they neither chose nor wanted. Both will find true families in people they trust, not necessarily those who raise them. Both will experience love and loss on their life paths. And both will end up in the dungeon the morning before the execution, telling their stories and pondering their fates. The dynamic woven between two different genres makes The Execution a fantastic read and shows how different lives can intertwine.
May 16, 2020
This book was so deeply terrible, it is hard for me to find words.
My biggest complaint is that the characters and plot are both deeply underdeveloped. Things just sort of happen, and the characters move through them. Many characters are simply caricatures, acting as we might expect, say, a mercenary to act. When characters do experience a change of heart, they feel undeserved, given at the drop of a hat. Characters realize they were wrong simply because of poor consequences, and they fall in love after a single conversation. There is some sense of what the two protagonists want, but they are static characters and uninteresting to read. This is partially due to the dialogue, which is sparse and cliched, and partially due to the story being mainly told and not shown. There are information dumps, and we are told explicitly what characters are like and what motivates them.
Beside being uninteresting to read, the information dumps are also unhelpful to the overall story. The book ostensibly takes place in 14th century France. I say ostensibly for two reasons. First, there is information given that is straight up wrong, such as the idea that Norsemen are from the Netherlands or that a place called "The Netherlands" existed at this time. Secondly, many of the characters display thoughts that are anachronistic. The most blatant example is a daughter calling her father "so thirteenth-century." Bleh. Another example is how a lord pledges his only son, in fact, his only child, to the Church, which would have been unthinkable due to the importance of stability and inheritance.
And on top of all of that, the ending is straight up bonkers.
My biggest complaint is that the characters and plot are both deeply underdeveloped. Things just sort of happen, and the characters move through them. Many characters are simply caricatures, acting as we might expect, say, a mercenary to act. When characters do experience a change of heart, they feel undeserved, given at the drop of a hat. Characters realize they were wrong simply because of poor consequences, and they fall in love after a single conversation. There is some sense of what the two protagonists want, but they are static characters and uninteresting to read. This is partially due to the dialogue, which is sparse and cliched, and partially due to the story being mainly told and not shown. There are information dumps, and we are told explicitly what characters are like and what motivates them.
Beside being uninteresting to read, the information dumps are also unhelpful to the overall story. The book ostensibly takes place in 14th century France. I say ostensibly for two reasons. First, there is information given that is straight up wrong, such as the idea that Norsemen are from the Netherlands or that a place called "The Netherlands" existed at this time. Secondly, many of the characters display thoughts that are anachronistic. The most blatant example is a daughter calling her father "so thirteenth-century." Bleh. Another example is how a lord pledges his only son, in fact, his only child, to the Church, which would have been unthinkable due to the importance of stability and inheritance.
And on top of all of that, the ending is straight up bonkers.
August 1, 2020
I’m kind of surprised by how much I actually enjoyed this. I had such sympathy for both Ravan and the priest, D’ata. It was dark, and the characters also had dark pasts, but you felt for them. Not one was wholly good or wholly evil; both were perfectly human with dark and light inside them and you felt such sympathy. Ravan : he had a nice happy life as a child at the Inn but then he was sold and made into a killer, but you could still see innocence in him despite that. D’ata : he fell in love with a young woman, but because he was a priest, it was essentially forbidden, however, you could tell he really did love her. It was a very tough situation and you wanted him to find happiness, but it was sort of......doomed I guess. They were really good characters and their respective backgrounds/stories were both hopeful but heartwrenching as well. Also, that ending.....I really wasn’t sure what was gonna happen, but it was also both sad and a little bit hopeful
March 15, 2019
Many authors have wonderful ideas; some have great voices; others have insight that pulls readers into new worlds. Rarely does an author put it all together. Sharon Cramer does just that with The Execution. An errant priest confronts himself in the visage of a hardened murderer who just happens to be his twin. With the complex reunion occurring the night before his execution, both brothers explore the depths of loyalty, betrayal, love, depravity, murder and forgiveness.
The depth of characterization is a nice break from the constant shallow adventure stories that flood the market today. Still, The Execution has enough adventure to keep interest without resorting to gratuitous sex or violence, though it remains an adult novel. As a former editor, I am always heartened by a well-written book.
The depth of characterization is a nice break from the constant shallow adventure stories that flood the market today. Still, The Execution has enough adventure to keep interest without resorting to gratuitous sex or violence, though it remains an adult novel. As a former editor, I am always heartened by a well-written book.
July 14, 2018
This book was wonderfully written. Two men meet in a dark prison and share their life stories. Both are similar in their path and they seem to entwine around each other. Ravan and D'ata are both well written characters in a world that was beautifully written. Each man finds that he shares his path with the other, they are bound through their trials and the familiarity of love and loss.
I was surprised at just how much I loved this book. I was not expecting it to take me on this journey with each of these characters. I would happily read this book again and may look into the others in the series. However, I feel like it ended on a note that does not require you to read another book to finish the story.
I was surprised at just how much I loved this book. I was not expecting it to take me on this journey with each of these characters. I would happily read this book again and may look into the others in the series. However, I feel like it ended on a note that does not require you to read another book to finish the story.
January 9, 2017
The execution is a rare story that both captivated the mind and the heart. The fate of the twin brothers was unpredictable and perfectly destined; the way all good stories are meant to be. The characters seemed familiar and relateable from a time long past, though each had an unusual independence and mystery. Every set back and triumph felt like your own. As the first book in the series, I was captivated and hungry for the next installment with the characters I grew to love. Sharon Cramer is an excellent writer and a very talented story teller. Her style of writing is like butter to read. I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to the rest of the series.
April 28, 2020
One of my most favorite books ever. This is a wonderful story of love, family, heart, passion, greed and how identical twins, separated at birth and unaware of the other, grew up living completely different lives, yet both ended up in the same prison cell. But one is a priest, giving last rites to the mercenary brother he never knew he had, who is set to be executed in the morning for his crimes. Through the night, they share the stories of what led each other to the place they are now with an ending you never saw coming.
August 25, 2022
Finished Reading September 5, 2013
1 star
I hated this book. It kept me thinking that there was something GREAT going to happen.
Mostly it was 'Yadda Yadda' in my head.
If fact, I hated it so much that to this day, 9 Years Later! I still remember how much I hated it and how much it disappointed me.
Massive UGH!
Prch Amz September 4, 2013
P.S. NO SEX SCENES but leads you to believe there will be. And NOT Dark. Just a lot of yakking. Talk talk talk
1 star
I hated this book. It kept me thinking that there was something GREAT going to happen.
Mostly it was 'Yadda Yadda' in my head.
If fact, I hated it so much that to this day, 9 Years Later! I still remember how much I hated it and how much it disappointed me.
Massive UGH!
Prch Amz September 4, 2013
P.S. NO SEX SCENES but leads you to believe there will be. And NOT Dark. Just a lot of yakking. Talk talk talk
March 10, 2018
14th Century. One baby, found on the church steps and given to an important family and destined for the church. Another baby, briefly kept by his mother, ending in an orphanage with rare perception and skills.
We follow the fascinating stories of the two separate men as children, young men, and adults, until their lives intercept.
Excellent story!
We follow the fascinating stories of the two separate men as children, young men, and adults, until their lives intercept.
Excellent story!
September 4, 2018
A Haunting Tale
A haunting tale of love and loss. A tale of times long past. Rich descriptions with unforgettable characters and an ending you won't believe. Star crossed lovers? Fate? You decide.
A haunting tale of love and loss. A tale of times long past. Rich descriptions with unforgettable characters and an ending you won't believe. Star crossed lovers? Fate? You decide.
May 21, 2021
A first class, real unputdownable book.
Well constructed, well written book which I have now read three times, and recommended to many. What more can be said, a thundering great read that you will want to read many times, congratulations Sharon.
Well constructed, well written book which I have now read three times, and recommended to many. What more can be said, a thundering great read that you will want to read many times, congratulations Sharon.
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