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Crowning Mercy #1
A Crowning Mercy
Fleeing from her strict Puritan household and an unbearable arranged marriage, Dorcas seeks her fortune in 17th century London and falls in love with a charming aristocrat. Left an intricately wrought seal by her unknown father, she must follow the course of her father's legacy to find her destiny.
434 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1983
605 people are currently reading
1583 people want to read
About the author
Bernard Cornwell
536 books19.1k followersCornwell was born in London in 1944. His father was a Canadian airman, and his mother, who was English, a member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. He was adopted and brought up in Essex by the Wiggins family, who were members of the Peculiar People, a strict Protestant sect who banned frivolity of all kinds and even medicine. After he left them, he changed his name to his birth mother's maiden name, Cornwell.
Cornwell was sent away to Monkton Combe School, attended the University of London, and after graduating, worked as a teacher. He attempted to enlist in the British armed services at least three times but was rejected on the grounds of myopia.
He then joined BBC's Nationwide and was promoted to become head of current affairs at BBC Northern Ireland. He then joined Thames Television as editor of Thames News. He relocated to the United States in 1980 after marrying an American. Unable to get a green card, he started writing novels, as this did not require a work permit.
As a child, Cornwell loved the novels of C.S. Forester, chronicling the adventures of fictional British naval officer Horatio Hornblower during the Napoleonic Wars, and was surprised to find there were no such novels following Lord Wellington's campaign on land. Motivated by the need to support himself in the U.S. through writing, Cornwell decided to write such a series. He named his chief protagonist Richard Sharpe, a rifleman involved in most major battles of the Peninsular War.
Cornwell wanted to start the series with the Siege of Badajoz but decided instead to start with a couple of "warm-up" novels. These were Sharpe's Eagle and Sharpe's Gold, both published in 1981. Sharpe's Eagle was picked up by a publisher, and Cornwell got a three-book deal. He went on to tell the story of Badajoz in his third Sharpe novel, Sharpe's Company, published in 1982.
Cornwell and wife Judy co-wrote a series of novels, published under the pseudonym "Susannah Kells". These were A Crowning Mercy, published in 1983, Fallen Angels in 1984, and Coat of Arms (aka The Aristocrats) in 1986. (Cornwell's strict Protestant upbringing informed the background of A Crowning Mercy, which took place during the English Civil War.) In 1987, he also published Redcoat, an American Revolutionary War novel set in Philadelphia during its 1777 occupation by the British.
After publishing eight books in his ongoing Sharpe series, Cornwell was approached by a production company interested in adapting them for television. The producers asked him to write a prequel to give them a starting point to the series. They also requested that the story feature a large role for Spanish characters to secure co-funding from Spain. The result was Sharpe’s Rifles, published in 1987, and a series of Sharpe television films staring Sean Bean.
A series of contemporary thrillers with sailing as a background and common themes followed: Wildtrack published in 1988, Sea Lord (aka Killer's Wake) in 1989, Crackdown in 1990, Stormchild in 1991, and Scoundrel, a political thriller, in 1992.
In June 2006, Cornwell was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's 80th Birthday Honours List.
Cornwell's latest work, Azincourt, was released in the UK in October 2008. The protagonist is an archer who participates in the Battle of Agincourt, another devastating defeat suffered by the French in the Hundred Years War. However, Cornwell has stated that it will not be about Thomas of Hookton from The Grail Quest or any of his relatives.
Cornwell was sent away to Monkton Combe School, attended the University of London, and after graduating, worked as a teacher. He attempted to enlist in the British armed services at least three times but was rejected on the grounds of myopia.
He then joined BBC's Nationwide and was promoted to become head of current affairs at BBC Northern Ireland. He then joined Thames Television as editor of Thames News. He relocated to the United States in 1980 after marrying an American. Unable to get a green card, he started writing novels, as this did not require a work permit.
As a child, Cornwell loved the novels of C.S. Forester, chronicling the adventures of fictional British naval officer Horatio Hornblower during the Napoleonic Wars, and was surprised to find there were no such novels following Lord Wellington's campaign on land. Motivated by the need to support himself in the U.S. through writing, Cornwell decided to write such a series. He named his chief protagonist Richard Sharpe, a rifleman involved in most major battles of the Peninsular War.
Cornwell wanted to start the series with the Siege of Badajoz but decided instead to start with a couple of "warm-up" novels. These were Sharpe's Eagle and Sharpe's Gold, both published in 1981. Sharpe's Eagle was picked up by a publisher, and Cornwell got a three-book deal. He went on to tell the story of Badajoz in his third Sharpe novel, Sharpe's Company, published in 1982.
Cornwell and wife Judy co-wrote a series of novels, published under the pseudonym "Susannah Kells". These were A Crowning Mercy, published in 1983, Fallen Angels in 1984, and Coat of Arms (aka The Aristocrats) in 1986. (Cornwell's strict Protestant upbringing informed the background of A Crowning Mercy, which took place during the English Civil War.) In 1987, he also published Redcoat, an American Revolutionary War novel set in Philadelphia during its 1777 occupation by the British.
After publishing eight books in his ongoing Sharpe series, Cornwell was approached by a production company interested in adapting them for television. The producers asked him to write a prequel to give them a starting point to the series. They also requested that the story feature a large role for Spanish characters to secure co-funding from Spain. The result was Sharpe’s Rifles, published in 1987, and a series of Sharpe television films staring Sean Bean.
A series of contemporary thrillers with sailing as a background and common themes followed: Wildtrack published in 1988, Sea Lord (aka Killer's Wake) in 1989, Crackdown in 1990, Stormchild in 1991, and Scoundrel, a political thriller, in 1992.
In June 2006, Cornwell was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's 80th Birthday Honours List.
Cornwell's latest work, Azincourt, was released in the UK in October 2008. The protagonist is an archer who participates in the Battle of Agincourt, another devastating defeat suffered by the French in the Hundred Years War. However, Cornwell has stated that it will not be about Thomas of Hookton from The Grail Quest or any of his relatives.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
December 15, 2018
A beautiful young woman is bathing nude in a stream (against the rules of her dour and punitive Puritan father) , when a strange cavalier, Toby Lazender comes across her and gives her a new name, deciding that Dorcas Slythe is too ugly for her loveliness and names her Campion.Instantly they become lovers
Dorcas is beaten and tortured by her father, her psychopathic brother Ebenezer and their housekeeper the cruel Goodwife.
she is forcibly betrothed to a man she despises. Heres where the plot thickens and the mystery comes in as her inheritance known as the covenant made up of four seals, leads her gain and again into danger and abuse. and the villainous Ebenezer and the evil sir Grenville plot her demise and is rescued by good people several times, while the English Civil War rages and all are swept up in it's tide.
Great background to the Civil War and Puritan tyranny and misogyny of the time. Gripping romance and thriller, keeps you engaged until the end.
Dorcas is beaten and tortured by her father, her psychopathic brother Ebenezer and their housekeeper the cruel Goodwife.
she is forcibly betrothed to a man she despises. Heres where the plot thickens and the mystery comes in as her inheritance known as the covenant made up of four seals, leads her gain and again into danger and abuse. and the villainous Ebenezer and the evil sir Grenville plot her demise and is rescued by good people several times, while the English Civil War rages and all are swept up in it's tide.
Great background to the Civil War and Puritan tyranny and misogyny of the time. Gripping romance and thriller, keeps you engaged until the end.
June 25, 2022
One afternoon during the 1640's when King Charles I of England's Royalist forces are at war with Parliament's Roundheads a pretty young girl, illicitly swimming naked in a stream, is surprised a passing stranger. Her parents call her Dorcas, but he calls her Campion and she immediately falls in love with him.
So when an unbearable prospective husband is forced upon her, Dorcas flees to seek her lover, taking with her the one gift left to her by her unknown father- a golden seal.
There are four of these jewels, each owned by a stranger. If one person can gather them all then that person will have access to great wealth and power. This is Campion's inheritance.
I am normally a great fan of Bernard Cornwell's books and this one was supposedly written in collaboration with Susannah Kells (which I believe is the pen-name of Cornwell's wife). I rather suspect that it was she who did most of the writing and the publishers cynically exploiting her husband's fame. The historical background was well researched and the plot if rather absurd moved along at a decent pace, but the characterisation was poor and stereotypical, whilst I wasn't ever tempted to throw in the towel the final supposed twist so transparent I found it laughable.
All in all I found this one a dud and I won't be rushing out looking for any more in the series.
So when an unbearable prospective husband is forced upon her, Dorcas flees to seek her lover, taking with her the one gift left to her by her unknown father- a golden seal.
There are four of these jewels, each owned by a stranger. If one person can gather them all then that person will have access to great wealth and power. This is Campion's inheritance.
I am normally a great fan of Bernard Cornwell's books and this one was supposedly written in collaboration with Susannah Kells (which I believe is the pen-name of Cornwell's wife). I rather suspect that it was she who did most of the writing and the publishers cynically exploiting her husband's fame. The historical background was well researched and the plot if rather absurd moved along at a decent pace, but the characterisation was poor and stereotypical, whilst I wasn't ever tempted to throw in the towel the final supposed twist so transparent I found it laughable.
All in all I found this one a dud and I won't be rushing out looking for any more in the series.
July 4, 2012
I’ve been looking forward to this book for some time. I love Bernard Cornwell. I think he writes excellent historical fiction, intriguing male characters, and exciting action. One of his weakness though is his female characters are usually not very well rounded. Consequently, I figured with his wife writing with him that would change. I also wanted to see Bernard write a love scene and a romance. They’re so short in his other books. So I sat down to read this with excited anticipation.
Did this book answer my high hopes? Well, not really. This is definitely no bodice ripper and the romance between Campion and Toby is pretty lackluster. There’s lots of other intrigue going on though with a slew of colorful bad characters. Ebenezer was my favorite. He’s this grim and bitter Puritan with a gimpy leg, who’s wonderfully clever and underhanded. I almost wish I could have read a book on him. As a protagonist Ebenezer would probably be as entertaining as Sand Dan Glotka is in the First Law series.
I also like the mysterious Kit Aretine. He’s mean and badass and definitely fearless. I enjoyed learning his secret and his history. I would have loved to read more about him too.
As always, Cornwell brings history to life and makes you feel like you’re right there. This was an enjoyable historical fiction, but it wasn’t much of romance. I think I’ll read the next one in this series though.
Did this book answer my high hopes? Well, not really. This is definitely no bodice ripper and the romance between Campion and Toby is pretty lackluster. There’s lots of other intrigue going on though with a slew of colorful bad characters. Ebenezer was my favorite. He’s this grim and bitter Puritan with a gimpy leg, who’s wonderfully clever and underhanded. I almost wish I could have read a book on him. As a protagonist Ebenezer would probably be as entertaining as Sand Dan Glotka is in the First Law series.
I also like the mysterious Kit Aretine. He’s mean and badass and definitely fearless. I enjoyed learning his secret and his history. I would have loved to read more about him too.
As always, Cornwell brings history to life and makes you feel like you’re right there. This was an enjoyable historical fiction, but it wasn’t much of romance. I think I’ll read the next one in this series though.
April 7, 2014
This is an exciting story, as Dorcas, aka Campion, races to achieve the quota of jewelled seals that will allow her to claim her vast inheritance, against the machinations of various slimeballs who also want the fortune and the vicissitudes of the Civil War; and to be reunited with her true love, of course.
BUT ... quite honestly, I can see bits where Bernard Cornwell's writing shows through, especially near the end when the bizarrely named Vavasour Devorax is speaking; but it shows all the signs of being mostly the work of a second-rate writer, with a plodding prose style and not a clue about creating characters. Dorcas/Campion herself is just a beautiful stock heroine, her true love a handsome stock hero and all the villains are stereotyped Puritans (and ugly with it). Vavasour Devorax and Lady Margaret are the only characters who stand out at all as real people. It looks to me as though BC had only a little to do with the book, but they put his name first in large type for marketing purposes.
Another reviewer has said that this is not a bodice-ripper, but it certainly is - Dorcas/Campion's bodice gets ripped all the time (and so do some others); and I was really quite uncomfortable with all the prurient detail we're given of her physical and sexual abuse at the hands of the evil Puritans. It seems to be a book for people who like to think they want sparky, independent heroines, but who really like to read about beautiful virgins being flogged, groped, publicly stripped and humiliated and in constant danger of rape.
I'm suspicious of the historical accuracy, too: I don't know much about the social history of the C17th, but I do know that 'Miss' hadn't yet come into use as a title for single women; that 'Goodwife' was a title, not a name; and that a gibbet was a different thing from a gallows. I also doubt that there were regular stagecoach services at this period, even under the name of 'stage wagons'. And 'Dorcas' doesn't mean 'doer of good deeds', but 'Gazelle', as the heroine ought to have known if she was that much of a Bible-reader.
So yes, it was a good yarn and I don't count the time I spent reading it as wasted. But I'm glad I got it cheap from a charity stall and will be quite happy to let them have it back.
BUT ... quite honestly, I can see bits where Bernard Cornwell's writing shows through, especially near the end when the bizarrely named Vavasour Devorax is speaking; but it shows all the signs of being mostly the work of a second-rate writer, with a plodding prose style and not a clue about creating characters. Dorcas/Campion herself is just a beautiful stock heroine, her true love a handsome stock hero and all the villains are stereotyped Puritans (and ugly with it). Vavasour Devorax and Lady Margaret are the only characters who stand out at all as real people. It looks to me as though BC had only a little to do with the book, but they put his name first in large type for marketing purposes.
Another reviewer has said that this is not a bodice-ripper, but it certainly is - Dorcas/Campion's bodice gets ripped all the time (and so do some others); and I was really quite uncomfortable with all the prurient detail we're given of her physical and sexual abuse at the hands of the evil Puritans. It seems to be a book for people who like to think they want sparky, independent heroines, but who really like to read about beautiful virgins being flogged, groped, publicly stripped and humiliated and in constant danger of rape.
I'm suspicious of the historical accuracy, too: I don't know much about the social history of the C17th, but I do know that 'Miss' hadn't yet come into use as a title for single women; that 'Goodwife' was a title, not a name; and that a gibbet was a different thing from a gallows. I also doubt that there were regular stagecoach services at this period, even under the name of 'stage wagons'. And 'Dorcas' doesn't mean 'doer of good deeds', but 'Gazelle', as the heroine ought to have known if she was that much of a Bible-reader.
So yes, it was a good yarn and I don't count the time I spent reading it as wasted. But I'm glad I got it cheap from a charity stall and will be quite happy to let them have it back.
October 17, 2011
I picked this up at a going out of business sale as soon as I saw Bernard Cornwell's name. Little did I know that the co-author was his wife and the book was actually published in 1983. I also had no idea that this story would be as much or more historical romance rather than straight historical fiction.
All of that notwithstanding, after I started it and got through the first hundred pages or so the plot picked up and not without some serious foot dragging, I was able to finish it. While reading the book, I became very impatient with the sometime dunder-headed heroine. Dorcas or Campion depending on who was addressing her.
I also had a little trouble with the love at first sight scenario but then remembering other books, I realized that this was often a staple of novels written about this period, the English Civil War. There is a great deal of plotting by all the characters and mysterious personages who are not what they seem to be. The entire plot revolves around four pendants, one of which was left to her by her father and ownership of three of the four will give the possessor access to unimaginable wealth and power.
There are many twists and turns and far too many coincidences that either threaten or save the heroine but I had to see what eventually happened while hoping some of Cornwell's battle descriptions would occur. I was disappointed to find out that my curiosity was not to be satisfied as there are two more volumes in what turns out to be a trilogy. However, I was rewarded with Cornwellian Descriptions of battles and violent confrontations.
My biggest disappointment though was the stereotypical characters who were either unremittingly evil or flawlessly good. There is, however, a certain satisfaction when the evil-doers get their comeuppance and the goodies get their rewards, but the lack of realism palls after a while.
I'm tempted to get my hands on volume two in order to discover "what happens next" but I'm not sure I can stomach the sugary road I would have to take to get there.
All of that notwithstanding, after I started it and got through the first hundred pages or so the plot picked up and not without some serious foot dragging, I was able to finish it. While reading the book, I became very impatient with the sometime dunder-headed heroine. Dorcas or Campion depending on who was addressing her.
I also had a little trouble with the love at first sight scenario but then remembering other books, I realized that this was often a staple of novels written about this period, the English Civil War. There is a great deal of plotting by all the characters and mysterious personages who are not what they seem to be. The entire plot revolves around four pendants, one of which was left to her by her father and ownership of three of the four will give the possessor access to unimaginable wealth and power.
There are many twists and turns and far too many coincidences that either threaten or save the heroine but I had to see what eventually happened while hoping some of Cornwell's battle descriptions would occur. I was disappointed to find out that my curiosity was not to be satisfied as there are two more volumes in what turns out to be a trilogy. However, I was rewarded with Cornwellian Descriptions of battles and violent confrontations.
My biggest disappointment though was the stereotypical characters who were either unremittingly evil or flawlessly good. There is, however, a certain satisfaction when the evil-doers get their comeuppance and the goodies get their rewards, but the lack of realism palls after a while.
I'm tempted to get my hands on volume two in order to discover "what happens next" but I'm not sure I can stomach the sugary road I would have to take to get there.
August 3, 2010
I was a little disappointed by this book, especially with the fairly predictable stereotyping of the people on the Parliament side. I grant that the English Civil War is not an easy subject for the modern novelist not least because of the attitudes of the time that often seem extreme and bigoted to us. However extremism and bigotry was not confined to one side of the conflict.
I also found the plot a bit contrived and artificial, and the heroine, despite being abused and tortured by the eeeevil Puritans and the invitable eeeevil Cornwell clergyman, not particularly interesting or sympathetic.
If you want a novel about the ECW check out Rebels and Traitors by Lindsey Davis or Wife to Mr Milton by Robert Graves, either of which is vastly superior to this one.
I also found the plot a bit contrived and artificial, and the heroine, despite being abused and tortured by the eeeevil Puritans and the invitable eeeevil Cornwell clergyman, not particularly interesting or sympathetic.
If you want a novel about the ECW check out Rebels and Traitors by Lindsey Davis or Wife to Mr Milton by Robert Graves, either of which is vastly superior to this one.
February 13, 2016
Can't believe this was written by Cornwell....had to go read another of his (Harlequin)to reassure myself that the Warlord series wasn't just a one-off!
The plot was unbelievable, the writing style gauche at best and stereotyping abounded. The characters, therefore, were implausible and I certainly couldn't care less what happened to them. The book is readable but I almost didn't bother to finish it. I see there is a sequel - I won't bother reading it!
I give it a resounding Barely Adequate as a read.
The plot was unbelievable, the writing style gauche at best and stereotyping abounded. The characters, therefore, were implausible and I certainly couldn't care less what happened to them. The book is readable but I almost didn't bother to finish it. I see there is a sequel - I won't bother reading it!
I give it a resounding Barely Adequate as a read.
June 30, 2017
Well, for most of this book, I was going to give it a 3 star rating - but the last few chapters were absolutely amazing, and it is has lifted it up my ratings!
The story centres around Dorcas, a young girl, brought up as a Puritan around the time of the English Civil Wars. When her father dies, she learns of a mysterious covenant and, not wanting to marry the person picked out for her, she flees to London to learn more. Betrayed, befriended, almost burned at the stake, it's a rollercoaster ride as she tries to find out who she really is.
If I was perfectly honest, I found the characters were all a bit stereotypical - the idea of a poor little person finding out they're something else entirely, is not really new. However, like all Cornwell's books, the characters are written well, so you can enjoy their adventures even thought they are somewhat familiar.
And Vavasour Devourax? Love the name - love the character! Tempted to call my first born Vavasour! A not so lovable rogue that may be slightly familiar to fans of the Sharpe books. Again, no real surprise as to who he turns out to be, but I loved the heart racing moments that lead up to the revelations.
Looking forward to reading the next one.
The story centres around Dorcas, a young girl, brought up as a Puritan around the time of the English Civil Wars. When her father dies, she learns of a mysterious covenant and, not wanting to marry the person picked out for her, she flees to London to learn more. Betrayed, befriended, almost burned at the stake, it's a rollercoaster ride as she tries to find out who she really is.
If I was perfectly honest, I found the characters were all a bit stereotypical - the idea of a poor little person finding out they're something else entirely, is not really new. However, like all Cornwell's books, the characters are written well, so you can enjoy their adventures even thought they are somewhat familiar.
And Vavasour Devourax? Love the name - love the character! Tempted to call my first born Vavasour! A not so lovable rogue that may be slightly familiar to fans of the Sharpe books. Again, no real surprise as to who he turns out to be, but I loved the heart racing moments that lead up to the revelations.
Looking forward to reading the next one.
January 26, 2009
I read this when it was relatively new, and had no idea that the author was Bernard Cornwell (it has since been revealed that he co-wrote this trilogy with his wife). I like books about the English Civil War but seem to recall several graphic torture scenes endured by the heroine, which I found distasteful (although perhaps inevitable once she became a spy).
November 15, 2020
Disappointing. I like Bernard Crowell and I like a rattling good yarn but this is too silly for words. The plot is absurd, the characters two dimensional and the story unfolds on an entirely predictable way.
Glad it’s finished
Glad it’s finished
January 19, 2019
Abandoned - predictable. In its defence, it is well written (grammatically) as you'd expect but it doesn't surprise or delight and life is too short to read bad books, even by decent authors
Read
June 9, 2022Interesting in parts
Civil war background quite informative but Cornwell seems fond of repetition in his novels.
The protagonists were a couple of wet blankets, Campion should have had much more fight about her, and given her brother the push ab initio. Pretty obvious who Kit was from the first appearance of the fake Colonel.
Civil war background quite informative but Cornwell seems fond of repetition in his novels.
The protagonists were a couple of wet blankets, Campion should have had much more fight about her, and given her brother the push ab initio. Pretty obvious who Kit was from the first appearance of the fake Colonel.
January 6, 2022
Characters are as bland as an unsalted rice cake. If you're good, then boy howdy you're a good egg- not only physically, flawlessly beautiful but without temptation and ALWAYS choosing the moral good.
And if you're bad, that's it- you're bad. No depth, no internal struggles, just an asshole. Oh you're also physically repulsive- grossly fat, limping, diseased, sallow, scrawny, etc.
So: good people are beautiful, and bad people are ugly.
And the action mostly centers on bad guys leering/pawing/stripping our beautiful, flawless, and incredibly, indescribably boring heroine as she mews in distress for someone to save her.
There is only one reason this gets 2 stars, and that reason is Lady Lazendar, who was entertaining enough to slog through this mess.
I will end with this: I really enjoy Bernard Cornwell books, and I'm just going to pretend this one (and its sequel that's somehow worse) doesn't exist in his credits
And if you're bad, that's it- you're bad. No depth, no internal struggles, just an asshole. Oh you're also physically repulsive- grossly fat, limping, diseased, sallow, scrawny, etc.
So: good people are beautiful, and bad people are ugly.
And the action mostly centers on bad guys leering/pawing/stripping our beautiful, flawless, and incredibly, indescribably boring heroine as she mews in distress for someone to save her.
There is only one reason this gets 2 stars, and that reason is Lady Lazendar, who was entertaining enough to slog through this mess.
I will end with this: I really enjoy Bernard Cornwell books, and I'm just going to pretend this one (and its sequel that's somehow worse) doesn't exist in his credits
June 10, 2021
Page turner for me. Historical background of Englands Charles II, Round heads vs Cavaliers, Royalists vs Parliamentarians. I liked the background about the beginning of the war being about taxes, power of the king, and how it transitioned to a war about the fanatical puritans and religion. Then, the love story and intriguing mystery! Another background story of life as a woman In the 1600s in England. Not a pretty story. More insight about how far the puritans Wanted to go. Seems so ludicrous, hateful, sad all in the name of God.
July 31, 2018
Not the usual standard
A bit weak story with a implausible plot line, finished it but almost gave up several times. Not recommended reading.
A bit weak story with a implausible plot line, finished it but almost gave up several times. Not recommended reading.
January 25, 2020
Avoid it.
December 14, 2017
Torture in the name of religion? Absolutely, in the 17th century.
I’m a fan of Bernard Cornwell. This book, written in 1983, is just as readable today.
It is England in 1643. A young girl, Dorcas Slythe, very daringly goes for a swim at an isolated spot near her home. Daring because her father is a strict Puritan and she knows she will be beaten if caught. Sure that she is alone, she strips then enters the water. Suddenly she hears a movement. She panics, scrambles out of the water and quickly throws on her petticoat and dress. A young man, Toby Lazender, approaches. He is the son of a neighbouring landowner and MP. Despite herself, Dorcas is captured by his charm and wit. They arrange to meet in church the following Sunday, but Dorcas’s brother, Ebenezer, has seen them. There will be no meeting in the church on Sunday because Ebenezer has told his father what he has seen and Dorcas is beaten, both in the body and in spirit.
Dorcas renamed Campion by Toby, is promised in marriage to an older man, Samuel Scammell. Her father dies on the eve of the wedding and she finds a Covenant seal and some gold coins hidden in his room. She is able to make her escape to London and goes in search of Toby, plus answers to the Covenant.
Cornwell is a master storyteller and he weaves a tale of England during the Civil War. There are crossings and double-crossings galore, swashbuckling adventure and downright devious doings in the name of religion – and in the name of the law.
This is not a book I could read in one sitting. At 550+ pages, it is a weighty tonne by modern standards. It is, however, a fascinating snapshot of life during the Civil War and, as all good storytellers should, Cornwell has planted a few surprises along the way.
A worthy 4-star book.
Mr Bumblebee
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
I’m a fan of Bernard Cornwell. This book, written in 1983, is just as readable today.
It is England in 1643. A young girl, Dorcas Slythe, very daringly goes for a swim at an isolated spot near her home. Daring because her father is a strict Puritan and she knows she will be beaten if caught. Sure that she is alone, she strips then enters the water. Suddenly she hears a movement. She panics, scrambles out of the water and quickly throws on her petticoat and dress. A young man, Toby Lazender, approaches. He is the son of a neighbouring landowner and MP. Despite herself, Dorcas is captured by his charm and wit. They arrange to meet in church the following Sunday, but Dorcas’s brother, Ebenezer, has seen them. There will be no meeting in the church on Sunday because Ebenezer has told his father what he has seen and Dorcas is beaten, both in the body and in spirit.
Dorcas renamed Campion by Toby, is promised in marriage to an older man, Samuel Scammell. Her father dies on the eve of the wedding and she finds a Covenant seal and some gold coins hidden in his room. She is able to make her escape to London and goes in search of Toby, plus answers to the Covenant.
Cornwell is a master storyteller and he weaves a tale of England during the Civil War. There are crossings and double-crossings galore, swashbuckling adventure and downright devious doings in the name of religion – and in the name of the law.
This is not a book I could read in one sitting. At 550+ pages, it is a weighty tonne by modern standards. It is, however, a fascinating snapshot of life during the Civil War and, as all good storytellers should, Cornwell has planted a few surprises along the way.
A worthy 4-star book.
Mr Bumblebee
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
December 10, 2022
A crowning mercy has everything you would expect from a Bernard Cornwell novel i.e. non stop action and a twisting plot.
Dorcas Slythe has been brought up in the countryside, daughter to a dour and devout Puritan father and sister to a crippled brother, twisted in his body and his mind. Although her mother has long since died, she does have female companionship in the form of the housekeeper. A person who catalogues every misdemeanour and suspected infringement of the hard rules they live by so that she can watch Dorcas being viciously beaten by her father. Yet Dorcas never loses hope that one day her life will be better.
One day while she is meant to be gathering rushes from the stream, she decides to indulge in her secret pleasure and go swimming. Imagine her embarrassment when she discovers she has been observed by a young man. Over the course of the afternoon, Dorcas, renamed Campion, by her companion, Toby Lazenby, fall in love.o her return to the house, Campion discovers that more horror awaits her. Her father has found her a suitor, a fat, flabby excuse for a man. The wedding seems set to go ahead and then her father suddenly dies. It is the reading of the Will that first brings to Campion’s attention the existence of a mysterious Covenent. When her brother, Ebeneezer, announces that the wedding should now go ahead, Campion runs away to London to find answers and to find Toby, if she can. The quest is on. With the backdrop of the early days of the English Civil War, the course of the true love that exists between Campion and Toby is anything but smooth.
Although I enjoyed the plot very much, I foresaw all of the twists before they happened. Also, I found Campion and Toby a little unbelievable. After her upbringing, Campion’s preternatural goodness stretched my credibility I’m afraid.
Dorcas Slythe has been brought up in the countryside, daughter to a dour and devout Puritan father and sister to a crippled brother, twisted in his body and his mind. Although her mother has long since died, she does have female companionship in the form of the housekeeper. A person who catalogues every misdemeanour and suspected infringement of the hard rules they live by so that she can watch Dorcas being viciously beaten by her father. Yet Dorcas never loses hope that one day her life will be better.
One day while she is meant to be gathering rushes from the stream, she decides to indulge in her secret pleasure and go swimming. Imagine her embarrassment when she discovers she has been observed by a young man. Over the course of the afternoon, Dorcas, renamed Campion, by her companion, Toby Lazenby, fall in love.o her return to the house, Campion discovers that more horror awaits her. Her father has found her a suitor, a fat, flabby excuse for a man. The wedding seems set to go ahead and then her father suddenly dies. It is the reading of the Will that first brings to Campion’s attention the existence of a mysterious Covenent. When her brother, Ebeneezer, announces that the wedding should now go ahead, Campion runs away to London to find answers and to find Toby, if she can. The quest is on. With the backdrop of the early days of the English Civil War, the course of the true love that exists between Campion and Toby is anything but smooth.
Although I enjoyed the plot very much, I foresaw all of the twists before they happened. Also, I found Campion and Toby a little unbelievable. After her upbringing, Campion’s preternatural goodness stretched my credibility I’m afraid.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2020
This book, along with its sequel (memo: start reading it later today), has the coronavirus plague to thank for my finally moving it from the TBR stack to the Finally Reading It stack! It seems publishers are reluctant to put out new books this Summer which means the TBR pile will decrease in size. Good grief, I've had this book for at least 10 years! Finally! The thing is, I wish I hadn't waited so long because it's a thoroughly enjoyable book with enough twists and turns in it to keep you turning the pages.
This is early Bernard Cornwell, written along with his wife Judy under the pseudonym of Susannah Kells. For a person who has read a number of Cornwell's books, it's easy to tell which parts were written by him and which parts were written by her since the writing styles aren't exactly the same. However, in the long run, that makes no difference since the book flows smoothly and is a rousing romantic adventure.
No spoilers here other than what was mentioned earlier about the twists and turns. It will keep your attention. If you aren't a Cornwell fan, or haven't read any of his other works - which will fill several bookcases - this would be a good place to start. And, if you are a Cornwell fan and haven't read this one because you didn't know about it, pick up a copy and the follow-up "The Fallen Angels." In this, the Summer of not many worthwhile books being published because of the plague to which we've all been subjected, this would be a worthwhile way to spend some idle time which most of us have quite a bit of. It's 530 pages in length, but reads fast - primarily because it's difficult to put down!
This is early Bernard Cornwell, written along with his wife Judy under the pseudonym of Susannah Kells. For a person who has read a number of Cornwell's books, it's easy to tell which parts were written by him and which parts were written by her since the writing styles aren't exactly the same. However, in the long run, that makes no difference since the book flows smoothly and is a rousing romantic adventure.
No spoilers here other than what was mentioned earlier about the twists and turns. It will keep your attention. If you aren't a Cornwell fan, or haven't read any of his other works - which will fill several bookcases - this would be a good place to start. And, if you are a Cornwell fan and haven't read this one because you didn't know about it, pick up a copy and the follow-up "The Fallen Angels." In this, the Summer of not many worthwhile books being published because of the plague to which we've all been subjected, this would be a worthwhile way to spend some idle time which most of us have quite a bit of. It's 530 pages in length, but reads fast - primarily because it's difficult to put down!
March 22, 2025
This is a book that I thoroughly enjoyed, so different from all of the authors previous books that I have read but still full of gripping excitement, of dread and fear and gripping tension.
Dorcas is a beautiful 20yrs old young woman who has grown up in a Puritan family and who's father lives by the good book and the word of God. It is the time when the land is divided by the Roundheads and the Royalists. Dorcas often succumbs to her fathers wrath and takes many a beating, he hates her as do the rest of the family. Her father has kept a secret from her a secret that when she is twenty five, she will inherit a vast fortune from her real father but there are others who would who seek to prevent her from realising her inheritance.
Apart from all this she is a lovely girl who has her own views on life and is quite innocent and sweet. One afternoon she meets a young man when she is secretly swimming in a stream and falls in love, but her love is doomed right from the start.
The author weaves a heart rending story of hope and betrayal, of happiness and also great treachery. It had me hooked right from the first pages and if it wasn't for the authors name on the book I don't think that I would have picked it up but what a surprise. A really great read, full marks 5/5.
Dorcas is a beautiful 20yrs old young woman who has grown up in a Puritan family and who's father lives by the good book and the word of God. It is the time when the land is divided by the Roundheads and the Royalists. Dorcas often succumbs to her fathers wrath and takes many a beating, he hates her as do the rest of the family. Her father has kept a secret from her a secret that when she is twenty five, she will inherit a vast fortune from her real father but there are others who would who seek to prevent her from realising her inheritance.
Apart from all this she is a lovely girl who has her own views on life and is quite innocent and sweet. One afternoon she meets a young man when she is secretly swimming in a stream and falls in love, but her love is doomed right from the start.
The author weaves a heart rending story of hope and betrayal, of happiness and also great treachery. It had me hooked right from the first pages and if it wasn't for the authors name on the book I don't think that I would have picked it up but what a surprise. A really great read, full marks 5/5.
February 6, 2024
So who wrote this book? In one Amazon listing it is "by Bernard Cornwell (Author) , Susannah Kells (Author)," but another one only lists Kells as the author. I am a fan of Cornwell, and have read all of his series. Should I blame the lameness of this work on Kells or Cornwell's age?
The worst flaw is that the heroine, Dorcas Slythe aka Campion, starts out as a spirited, rebellious girl and matures into a complete milksop. We've gotten used to strong women in historical fiction, who are equal partners to, or challenging to, men. She is anything but that; because she's boring and naively stupid. The second flaw is that the resolution to the great mystery will be obvious to the experienced and discerning reader way too early in the story. The big reveal is not a surprise.
Don't waste your time with this one; instead enjoy Cornwell's other wonderful series, Sharpe, English Archer, and Uhtred.
The worst flaw is that the heroine, Dorcas Slythe aka Campion, starts out as a spirited, rebellious girl and matures into a complete milksop. We've gotten used to strong women in historical fiction, who are equal partners to, or challenging to, men. She is anything but that; because she's boring and naively stupid. The second flaw is that the resolution to the great mystery will be obvious to the experienced and discerning reader way too early in the story. The big reveal is not a surprise.
Don't waste your time with this one; instead enjoy Cornwell's other wonderful series, Sharpe, English Archer, and Uhtred.
November 19, 2018
A novel written when England was tearing itself apart in bloody civil war all in the name of religion, a fascinating period which makes you realise humanity never learns from its mistakes.
The characters are stock. In 'A Crowning Mercy', if the characters are good, they are very, very good-and beautiful. If they're bad, they're very, very bad. Oh, and probably fat or deformed, too. Dorcas, our heroine, definitely belongs to the former camp. Her erstwhile brother, Ebeneezer, or the arch villain, Sir Grenville Cony, to the other.
Don't want to spoil things for those of you who haven't read the novel but in true 'Mills and Boon' style the heroine finds her good, handsome, faithful, brave, aristocratic, Royalist love of her life and...you can guess the rest!
An undemanding, predictable read.
The characters are stock. In 'A Crowning Mercy', if the characters are good, they are very, very good-and beautiful. If they're bad, they're very, very bad. Oh, and probably fat or deformed, too. Dorcas, our heroine, definitely belongs to the former camp. Her erstwhile brother, Ebeneezer, or the arch villain, Sir Grenville Cony, to the other.
Don't want to spoil things for those of you who haven't read the novel but in true 'Mills and Boon' style the heroine finds her good, handsome, faithful, brave, aristocratic, Royalist love of her life and...you can guess the rest!
An undemanding, predictable read.
January 1, 2023
I am usually a fan of Cornwell's books. He is a prolific writer, and has written historical novels set in a variety of times. In particular, I found his book about the American Revolution ("The Fort") and the book about Agincourt to be surprisingly educational and gripping. Never got into the endless "Sharpe" series and I think he's written out on the Saxon Chronicles (which I see are re-named) though I can't resist picking up the next one. This book, the start of a different series set in the English Civil War, was insipid from the get-go, a real disappointment. And sadly not even particularly well written. The characters are thinner than the pages written, the plot stupid, and I (uncharacteristically) gave up at page 50. I long for Elizabeth Gouge's "The White Witch" that I read as a child, and sadly is out of print. A much better book about the same period.
April 29, 2024
Only complaint is that I wasn’t able to ignore life & jobs to just read this one cover to cover. More twists & turns, greedy bastards & double crossers than any one person could ever expect in a lifetime! Each as unexpected as the next altho, the final twist was one I was hoping for except a shame in how it unfolded. If the second book is anything like the first then I am very pleased I already have it & don’t have to wait to buy or loan it from somewhere. Despite all the action & drama it is essentially a love story which I’m not a major fan of but was super fitting for this young lady’s life story.
March 4, 2022
I'm not sure why this is credited here to Bernard Cornwall as I can find no reference to him on my copy, but hey-ho.
This is my first re-reading in many years and I'd forgotten how good this is. Enthralling.
Both sides of the Civil War (English) are represented, the characters understood and thoroughly believable on both sides. The imagery draws you into the 1600s, bringing sights, sounds and scents to life.
I've had a strange fascination with writing 1600s ish style stories for years and I think this story might be the reason!
This is my first re-reading in many years and I'd forgotten how good this is. Enthralling.
Both sides of the Civil War (English) are represented, the characters understood and thoroughly believable on both sides. The imagery draws you into the 1600s, bringing sights, sounds and scents to life.
I've had a strange fascination with writing 1600s ish style stories for years and I think this story might be the reason!
May 3, 2023
Doesn't read like anything Bernard Cornwell would have written. Must have been a ghost writer.
Poor. Tried to wade through 20%. Gave up. Uncomfortable. Saw everything coming. Graphic cruelty was not realistic. Love Bernard's work. Don't recognize this as one. Trying to help some budding author out by letting them get published under his name seemed like. Don't like it. He had to earn his place. So should they. Just my opinion. I never wrote any books. He has written some great ones. Just not this one (If it was him who wrote it).
Poor. Tried to wade through 20%. Gave up. Uncomfortable. Saw everything coming. Graphic cruelty was not realistic. Love Bernard's work. Don't recognize this as one. Trying to help some budding author out by letting them get published under his name seemed like. Don't like it. He had to earn his place. So should they. Just my opinion. I never wrote any books. He has written some great ones. Just not this one (If it was him who wrote it).
April 21, 2024
My goodness. I want to start by saying that I love Bernard Cornell. I’ve loved the last kingdom series, the winter king series.
I honestly can’t believe this was written by him. It is awful. The person who wrote this cannot write from a female perspective.
Just awful.
I want to know what the crack is with the covenant etc but I just can’t deal with the drivel any longer! Giving up on 40% and placing firmly on my did not finish like. I’m just glad it was on prime reading and that I didn’t pay for this awfully written piece of yawn.
I honestly can’t believe this was written by him. It is awful. The person who wrote this cannot write from a female perspective.
Just awful.
I want to know what the crack is with the covenant etc but I just can’t deal with the drivel any longer! Giving up on 40% and placing firmly on my did not finish like. I’m just glad it was on prime reading and that I didn’t pay for this awfully written piece of yawn.
June 13, 2024
PREDICTABLE
I have loved and enjoyed so many of Bernard Cornwell’s books. This book and its sequel are disappointing overly romantic drivel. Susannah Kells, his wife’s pseudo name, has dragged this wonderful story teller into a genre that is commonplace and predictable! If you are a lover of romantic historical fiction you’ll not be disappointed. If you are hoping for the Bernard Cornwell you have known and avidly read through multiple series, you will be bored and sadly disappointed.
I have loved and enjoyed so many of Bernard Cornwell’s books. This book and its sequel are disappointing overly romantic drivel. Susannah Kells, his wife’s pseudo name, has dragged this wonderful story teller into a genre that is commonplace and predictable! If you are a lover of romantic historical fiction you’ll not be disappointed. If you are hoping for the Bernard Cornwell you have known and avidly read through multiple series, you will be bored and sadly disappointed.
November 4, 2018
This story has all of the elements that make Bernard Cornwell’s novels so interesting, history, deception, strong characters, and vivid descriptions. In this book though the main character is female. Her experiences take her from the virtual slavery of Puritan adolescence to the possibility of becoming one of the wealthiest people in Europe. Her lowest point came as a prisoner in the Tower of London awaiting execution. I look forward to reading the sequel, The Fallen Angels.
July 12, 2020
More romantic melodrama than his later historical fiction, there are clear signs of a female hand on this early Cornwell novel written originally under a pseudonym in partnership with his wife. The lower rating is simply because it doesn't have the page turning draw of his later works, but it does contain his telltale eye for historical detail including the sectarian factionalism of the parliamentary supporters.
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