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The Janna Mysteries #4
Willows For Weeping
Murder at Stonehenge, and a letter that could change the fate of a medieval kingdom at war...
Janna has joined a band of pilgrims en route to Oxeneford. Along their journey she finds a dead man carrying a letter bearing the seal of Henry, Bishop of Winchester, now a supporter of the Empress Matilda. Bernard, the leader of the pilgrims, swears Janna to secrecy, and undertakes to deliver the letter to the empress in Oxeneford, where the empress is making preparations to claim the crown. Will Janna find the answers she seeks in Ambresberie? Dashing newcomer Ralph has promised to help Janna with her quest to find her father - but can he be trusted? And with the empress routed by the queen and her mercenary army, and evidence of Bishop Henry's treachery in Janna's own hand, what does the future hold for the empress and her supporters - and for Janna?
Janna has joined a band of pilgrims en route to Oxeneford. Along their journey she finds a dead man carrying a letter bearing the seal of Henry, Bishop of Winchester, now a supporter of the Empress Matilda. Bernard, the leader of the pilgrims, swears Janna to secrecy, and undertakes to deliver the letter to the empress in Oxeneford, where the empress is making preparations to claim the crown. Will Janna find the answers she seeks in Ambresberie? Dashing newcomer Ralph has promised to help Janna with her quest to find her father - but can he be trusted? And with the empress routed by the queen and her mercenary army, and evidence of Bishop Henry's treachery in Janna's own hand, what does the future hold for the empress and her supporters - and for Janna?
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
111 people want to read
About the author
Felicity Pulman
30 books70 followersI grew up (a long time ago!) in a small bush town in Africa. No TV, iPods, computer games and surfing the internet – you could say I had a very deprived childhood! Not so. Instead, for entertainment I learned to read. Books became my windows to the world: they told me about dragons and fairies and magic. They told me about other countries and other cultures. They told me about myself. And I have never stopped reading, because I love stories.
I guess I always did things back to front – the hard way! In Africa, when I ran out of books to read, I wrote my own. I love writing stories, but I never thought about it as a grownup occupation. As a grownup, I had to go back to school to find out that I really was a writer. After doing the HSC at the age of 40, I went on to do a BA (Communications) degree at UTS. My major was creative writing, and suddenly I found myself experimenting with all sorts of genres and, in particular, writing the sorts of stories that I love to read – crime and timeslip fantasy back into the past.
I guess I always did things back to front – the hard way! In Africa, when I ran out of books to read, I wrote my own. I love writing stories, but I never thought about it as a grownup occupation. As a grownup, I had to go back to school to find out that I really was a writer. After doing the HSC at the age of 40, I went on to do a BA (Communications) degree at UTS. My major was creative writing, and suddenly I found myself experimenting with all sorts of genres and, in particular, writing the sorts of stories that I love to read – crime and timeslip fantasy back into the past.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 7, 2017
Another great Ya read. I would like to know where this series goes with her finding her father and how she grows from that but it seems I have come to end of this series
April 16, 2016
This is the fourth in the Janna mysteries and best to read after the first three (by which time you will already know if you like this sort of thing or not). For me the good is a determined and independent heroine who is no Mary-Sue makes mistakes but honest ones as part of an intelligent tragectory of personal growth. The main question she confronts in this book is who and when to trust. Trust noone? Trust your heart? How do you discern and what is the price of choosing wrong?
There is a mystery with adequate twists for a YA book. I find all the romance a bit irritating. Really? Another sexy young man Janna? I wouldn't judge her in real life but it is not what I want to be reading about: many readers would find that fun though and I do appreciate how independent she is in her femininity and sexuality. I also thought the treatment of class/politics in the midst of an otherwise detailed historical setting was very superficial and somewhat glamorised. But I guess the historical setting in this sort of a book is more a colorful background than anything else. I largely forgave the book its superficiality because of its powerful female characters (although was it maybe verging into liberal-feminism by now...I don't know). The ambivalent love-hate relationship with organised religion I think is one of the more brilliant aspects of the book. The characters do sparkle, and there is a bit of variety among them as well as some moral nuance.
Really this is worth reading a lot more than many things written for a similar age. It's escapist and fun without being brain-dead. three and a half.
There is a mystery with adequate twists for a YA book. I find all the romance a bit irritating. Really? Another sexy young man Janna? I wouldn't judge her in real life but it is not what I want to be reading about: many readers would find that fun though and I do appreciate how independent she is in her femininity and sexuality. I also thought the treatment of class/politics in the midst of an otherwise detailed historical setting was very superficial and somewhat glamorised. But I guess the historical setting in this sort of a book is more a colorful background than anything else. I largely forgave the book its superficiality because of its powerful female characters (although was it maybe verging into liberal-feminism by now...I don't know). The ambivalent love-hate relationship with organised religion I think is one of the more brilliant aspects of the book. The characters do sparkle, and there is a bit of variety among them as well as some moral nuance.
Really this is worth reading a lot more than many things written for a similar age. It's escapist and fun without being brain-dead. three and a half.
August 10, 2017
Ellis Peters Cadfael novels were among the first crime-novels I read. They left me with a fascination for the time-period they are set in (the war between King Stephen and Empress Matilda). This is a fascination few writers of historical fiction seem to share; only a handful of novels set in it (let’s not talk about The Pillars of the Earth. Ever). They also left me with a high standard for historical novels in general. Peters was incredibly good at weaving in the necessary background information in the narration without making it seem like an infodump. Too often in historical fiction, I get the feeling that the author really wanted to share how much they know about certain things; they slip in pages of lectures that stop the flow of the story and don’t care if it is necessary for the reader to know all this to understand the story.
Pulman mentions Peters in her acknowledgments and points out that Janna is an herbalist as an homage to Brother Cadfael. My expectations were accordingly high.
So did the book deliver?
Well…it didn’t fail completely.
The Good
Pulman doesn’t just use the war as window-dressing. The plot could only have happened like this during the time of the Anarchy when people changed their loyalties again and again. Still, there is never a full-blown history lecture. She tells enough that even if somebody isn’t familiar with the details of the period knows what is going on.
The mediocre
The mystery-plot. Unless you have never consumed crime-fiction in any form you will be able to guess the bad guy a while before Janna does. But even with all my love for Ellis Peters, I have to admit that this was also an issue in her books so I won’t complain too much about it.
The bad
I just couldn’t always follow Janna’s reasoning. At one point a valuable relic, the hand of St. John, disappears. Earlier Janna saw a dog playing with some bones that she thinks could have been from a human hand. She immediately jumps to the conclusion that the dog must have taken the relic on his own account. It’s true that it’s unlikely that it’s a completely unrelated hand that just happened to lie around near the relic. Still, she never considers that relics are guarded and/or inside a shrine so that a dog couldn’t have just have taken it without help from a human.
That’s not the only time Janna acts illogically. Whom she trusts or not depends on what the plot demands rather than reason. One man can be trusted with a vital secret that could aid the Empress because he yells loudly enough that he supports Matilda; another because he tells her about his tragic past which just can’t have been a lie. She’s also not the only one to change her opinion in the blink of an eye without reason. One of her fellow travelers goes from disliking Janna to sending someone after her to look out for her. In these cases, the book would have profited from being longer and spending more time on explaining these change of hearts.
Additionally, the book has strange mystical elements like premonitions and visions when everything else is firmly rooted in reality. It seems completely out of place.
In the end, it boils down to ‘I can see the potential’. Pulman writes well, but the ability to write about history without lecturing and to plot an at least solid mystery doesn't help if I can’t connect with the characters. My temptation to check out another book from the series if it does better is rather low.
Pulman mentions Peters in her acknowledgments and points out that Janna is an herbalist as an homage to Brother Cadfael. My expectations were accordingly high.
So did the book deliver?
Well…it didn’t fail completely.
The Good
Pulman doesn’t just use the war as window-dressing. The plot could only have happened like this during the time of the Anarchy when people changed their loyalties again and again. Still, there is never a full-blown history lecture. She tells enough that even if somebody isn’t familiar with the details of the period knows what is going on.
The mediocre
The mystery-plot. Unless you have never consumed crime-fiction in any form you will be able to guess the bad guy a while before Janna does. But even with all my love for Ellis Peters, I have to admit that this was also an issue in her books so I won’t complain too much about it.
The bad
I just couldn’t always follow Janna’s reasoning. At one point a valuable relic, the hand of St. John, disappears. Earlier Janna saw a dog playing with some bones that she thinks could have been from a human hand. She immediately jumps to the conclusion that the dog must have taken the relic on his own account. It’s true that it’s unlikely that it’s a completely unrelated hand that just happened to lie around near the relic. Still, she never considers that relics are guarded and/or inside a shrine so that a dog couldn’t have just have taken it without help from a human.
That’s not the only time Janna acts illogically. Whom she trusts or not depends on what the plot demands rather than reason. One man can be trusted with a vital secret that could aid the Empress because he yells loudly enough that he supports Matilda; another because he tells her about his tragic past which just can’t have been a lie. She’s also not the only one to change her opinion in the blink of an eye without reason. One of her fellow travelers goes from disliking Janna to sending someone after her to look out for her. In these cases, the book would have profited from being longer and spending more time on explaining these change of hearts.
Additionally, the book has strange mystical elements like premonitions and visions when everything else is firmly rooted in reality. It seems completely out of place.
In the end, it boils down to ‘I can see the potential’. Pulman writes well, but the ability to write about history without lecturing and to plot an at least solid mystery doesn't help if I can’t connect with the characters. My temptation to check out another book from the series if it does better is rather low.
January 21, 2018
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
Spies, treachery, a dangerously attractive pilgrim and a murder at Stonehenge test Janna's courage and ingenuity to the limit as she continues the search for her father in the company of pilgrims and jongleurs. She learns the meaning of betrayal, treachery and heartbreak, while her quest brings her ever closer to the royal court and the dangers of the civil war between King Stephen and the Empress Matilda.
This is Book 4 in the Janna Chronicles. I have not read any of the previous books but it had come highly recommended.
This book was definitely hit-and-miss for me. There were two completely different things going on in this story and I liked one of them, the other...not so much.
The historical setting and the details of The Anarchy (the civil war between King Stephen and the Empress Matilda) were done sensationally. At no stage did it ever feel like I was reading a history textbook but, at the same time, I felt like I was learning quite a great deal about the people and the justifications for the war, as well as seeing how easily people could change sides when motivated to do so. I really enjoyed that aspect of the novel.
What didn't work so well for me was the "mystery" aspect of the story. At no point was I ever really guessing at the identity...I think most will guess it long before Janna ever does. It didn't hold my attention as a mystery...and that's just about the only thing I can say to describe how that aspect worked.
One other aspect that bears mentioning is Janna's character - she seems to be incredibly smart at one minute, the next, she is making completely irrational and illogical decisions and, as a reader of a lot of books, I get left with the impression that this is done solely for the sake of the plot, not with the character in mind. It came across as forced and wasn't a good idea (in my opinion, of course!)
Still, I am going to go back and read the rest of the series. There is enough in this book to suggest that it is worth another look.
Paul
ARH
Spies, treachery, a dangerously attractive pilgrim and a murder at Stonehenge test Janna's courage and ingenuity to the limit as she continues the search for her father in the company of pilgrims and jongleurs. She learns the meaning of betrayal, treachery and heartbreak, while her quest brings her ever closer to the royal court and the dangers of the civil war between King Stephen and the Empress Matilda.
This is Book 4 in the Janna Chronicles. I have not read any of the previous books but it had come highly recommended.
This book was definitely hit-and-miss for me. There were two completely different things going on in this story and I liked one of them, the other...not so much.
The historical setting and the details of The Anarchy (the civil war between King Stephen and the Empress Matilda) were done sensationally. At no stage did it ever feel like I was reading a history textbook but, at the same time, I felt like I was learning quite a great deal about the people and the justifications for the war, as well as seeing how easily people could change sides when motivated to do so. I really enjoyed that aspect of the novel.
What didn't work so well for me was the "mystery" aspect of the story. At no point was I ever really guessing at the identity...I think most will guess it long before Janna ever does. It didn't hold my attention as a mystery...and that's just about the only thing I can say to describe how that aspect worked.
One other aspect that bears mentioning is Janna's character - she seems to be incredibly smart at one minute, the next, she is making completely irrational and illogical decisions and, as a reader of a lot of books, I get left with the impression that this is done solely for the sake of the plot, not with the character in mind. It came across as forced and wasn't a good idea (in my opinion, of course!)
Still, I am going to go back and read the rest of the series. There is enough in this book to suggest that it is worth another look.
Paul
ARH
July 17, 2019
In this fourth book of the series, the writing continues to be average, the characterisation takes a turn for the worse. A new love interest is introduced and clumsily disposed of, Janna makes some odd (read: unbelievable stupid, my goodness she's supposed to be incredibly smart and perceptive) choices.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2015
The storyline is not so bad, though the pace seems a little slower than the previous three books in the series and there seems less mystery and intrigue behind the plot. Janna, too, doesn't seem as vibrant and gutsy as she previously has; she repeats too much here to keep the pace and energy going. That said, it is not a bad plot and we move ever closer to Janna meeting up with her long-lost father and finding the peace she seeks.
There are definite hints of where this will go in the next episode - and, if it is the last one, there appears to be the final loose ends on the way to being tied up once and for all, but only if we have the re-entry of some characters from past novels in the series...
Janna is a little bit of a let-down in this novel: she has always been outspoken and possessed a daring that gave her an edge, but she seems to quick to fall for things and some people in particular here, which doesn't echo how she has previously been... she is a bit of a sucker for the menfolk though! There is also less of her skills in this one, possibly because there is no call for it in this part of the saga, but, again, it feels as if something is missing. Playing the part of the high-born lady robs her of her spirit, which is a little sad.
The link to history and the discovery that she actually appears to be descended from the nobility is amusing and provides some elements of events from the past which readers will enjoy reading about and some of the information about the life of pilgrims is informative, though I would still have liked to see more of the over-active imagination and spirited actions of the Medieval teenage Miss Marple in action...
There are definite hints of where this will go in the next episode - and, if it is the last one, there appears to be the final loose ends on the way to being tied up once and for all, but only if we have the re-entry of some characters from past novels in the series...
Janna is a little bit of a let-down in this novel: she has always been outspoken and possessed a daring that gave her an edge, but she seems to quick to fall for things and some people in particular here, which doesn't echo how she has previously been... she is a bit of a sucker for the menfolk though! There is also less of her skills in this one, possibly because there is no call for it in this part of the saga, but, again, it feels as if something is missing. Playing the part of the high-born lady robs her of her spirit, which is a little sad.
The link to history and the discovery that she actually appears to be descended from the nobility is amusing and provides some elements of events from the past which readers will enjoy reading about and some of the information about the life of pilgrims is informative, though I would still have liked to see more of the over-active imagination and spirited actions of the Medieval teenage Miss Marple in action...
July 18, 2016
"Murder at Stonehenge, and a letter that could change the fate of a medieval kingdom at war...
Janna has joined a band of pilgrims en route to Oxeneford. Along their journey she finds a dead man carrying a letter bearing the seal of Henry, Bishop of Winchester, now a supporter of the Empress Matilda. Bernard, the leader of the pilgrims, swears Janna to secrecy, and undertakes to deliver the letter to the empress in Oxeneford, where the empress is making preparations to claim the crown.
Will Janna find the answers she seeks in Ambresberie? Dashing newcomer Ralph has promised to help Janna with her quest to find her father - but can he be trusted? And with the empress routed by the queen and her mercenary army, and evidence of Bishop Henry's treachery in Janna's own hand, what does the future hold for the empress and her supporters - and for Janna?"
This
book is really about weeping. There was a lump stuck in my throat for a whole day after I finished reading the book. What made it worse was that I thought that this was the last book but I just found out that the next book is being released in early 2009 and is going to be called 'Sage for Sactuary'. I can't wait.
Janna has joined a band of pilgrims en route to Oxeneford. Along their journey she finds a dead man carrying a letter bearing the seal of Henry, Bishop of Winchester, now a supporter of the Empress Matilda. Bernard, the leader of the pilgrims, swears Janna to secrecy, and undertakes to deliver the letter to the empress in Oxeneford, where the empress is making preparations to claim the crown.
Will Janna find the answers she seeks in Ambresberie? Dashing newcomer Ralph has promised to help Janna with her quest to find her father - but can he be trusted? And with the empress routed by the queen and her mercenary army, and evidence of Bishop Henry's treachery in Janna's own hand, what does the future hold for the empress and her supporters - and for Janna?"
This
book is really about weeping. There was a lump stuck in my throat for a whole day after I finished reading the book. What made it worse was that I thought that this was the last book but I just found out that the next book is being released in early 2009 and is going to be called 'Sage for Sactuary'. I can't wait.
August 15, 2016
As Johanna's quest to find her father continues we see her travelling with a cast of new and interesting characters for the duration of this instalment of the Janna Chronicles. With no opportunity or means to practice her healing or herblore the focus of this novel is travel, love, longing and uncovering the mysteries associated with a string of deaths. While this novel has a different pace and feel to the first three novels in this series, it is equally enjoyable but in different ways. Looking forward to reading the next book as Johanna gets closer to meeting her Father.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2012
This book finds Janna thrown into the political intrigue between Matilda and King Stephen, ultimately resulting in her making difficult decisions in where exactly her loyalties lie. The story moves along at a quicker pace than the previous two books and the ending brings her closer to her father. New characters are introduced, including a new love interest for Janna. The ending leaves the reader eager for the next book in the series.
December 21, 2015
I liked this book. But if it's the conclusion of the series, I'm not happy. If it is, the author should have made Janna find and speak to her father, and have her at least engaged, if not married! But if there's another on the way, then it's fine, and I look forward to reading the next book.
January 12, 2012
I liked this book. But if it's the conclusion of the series, I'm not happy. If it is, the author should have made Janna find and speak to her father, and have her at least engaged, if not married! But if there's another on the way, then it's fine, and I look forward to reading the next book.
April 14, 2015
I wondered if I would grow tired of this series, but I have not. The plot perks along. The new characters provide depth to the story. I eagerly await the next book in the series! I think this series will have great appeal to middle school and young adult readers.
June 23, 2015
Pilgrim of Death is the fourth installment of The Janna Chronicles. I can't tell how much I enjoy this series. I am pleasantly surprised at how much I have enjoyed it. I just love Janna and look forward to the next book in the series.
A great Young Adult book!
5 stars.
A great Young Adult book!
5 stars.
April 14, 2016
These stories are stretched out by introducing new characters and new mysteries which of course Janna solves. I'm starting to wonder just how many people she can fall in love with at the same time though!
June 11, 2015
I NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW
Seriously, this is being set up so well.
Seriously, this is being set up so well.
December 27, 2011
it was a really really great book but now i'm wondering when exactly will the series continue?
November 16, 2009
I love it, i really want to read the next one.....
April 2, 2012
Cute book! I liked the way the story went along and the characters were portrayed.
April 3, 2017
I am enjoying this series.
I thought this installment was a little more interesting than Book 3 in the series, however, I found this one to be extremely predictable. I also felt the story suffered due to the lack of Godric and Hugh in the story. I do love that we are starting to get more substantive answers as to Janna's parents past.
I thought this installment was a little more interesting than Book 3 in the series, however, I found this one to be extremely predictable. I also felt the story suffered due to the lack of Godric and Hugh in the story. I do love that we are starting to get more substantive answers as to Janna's parents past.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews