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The Shewstone
In the port city of Fortaine, two young girls acquire new families.
Four-year-old Eawynn, the unwanted illegitimate daughter of an ambitious noble, is dumped in the temple. When she is old enough, she will be initiated into its sisterhood of priestesses. Meanwhile Matt, the street urchin, earns a crime lord’s admiration, so much so he adopts her as his daughter and heir to his underworld clan.
Nearly two decades later, their paths cross when Eawynn is appointed custodian of the Shew stone, the mystical orb of prophecy. Unfortunately for her, Matt is on a mission to steal it.
Four-year-old Eawynn, the unwanted illegitimate daughter of an ambitious noble, is dumped in the temple. When she is old enough, she will be initiated into its sisterhood of priestesses. Meanwhile Matt, the street urchin, earns a crime lord’s admiration, so much so he adopts her as his daughter and heir to his underworld clan.
Nearly two decades later, their paths cross when Eawynn is appointed custodian of the Shew stone, the mystical orb of prophecy. Unfortunately for her, Matt is on a mission to steal it.
264 pages, Paperback
First published June 14, 2016
8 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
Jane Fletcher
21 books200 followersJane Fletcher is a GCLS award-winning writer and has also been short-listed for the Gaylactic Spectrum and Lambda Literary awards. She is author of two ongoing sets of fantasy/romance novels: the Celaeno series—The Walls of Westernfort, Rangers at Roadsend, The Temple at Landfall, Dynasty of Rogues, and Shadow of the Knife; and the Lyremouth Chronicles—The Exile and The Sorcerer, The Traitor and The Chalice, The Empress and The Acolyte, and The High Priest and the Idol.
Her love of fantasy began at the age of seven when she encountered Greek Mythology. This was compounded by a childhood spent clambering over every example of ancient masonry she could find (medieval castles, megalithic monuments, Roman villas). Her resolute ambition was to become an archaeologist when she grew up, so it was something of a surprise when she became a software engineer instead.
Born in Greenwich, London, in 1956, she now lives in southwest England where she keeps herself busy writing both computer software and fiction, although generally not at the same time.
Her love of fantasy began at the age of seven when she encountered Greek Mythology. This was compounded by a childhood spent clambering over every example of ancient masonry she could find (medieval castles, megalithic monuments, Roman villas). Her resolute ambition was to become an archaeologist when she grew up, so it was something of a surprise when she became a software engineer instead.
Born in Greenwich, London, in 1956, she now lives in southwest England where she keeps herself busy writing both computer software and fiction, although generally not at the same time.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 2, 2016
Patience is a virtue. This was told to me over and over as a child growing up. Let me tell you me younger self had no time for this. I had places to go, things to do an endless ball of energy. As I have gotten older my patience level has grown leaps and bounds. The Shewstone requires this virtue but I can tell you if you wait it is so very good.
Eawynn Achangrena is the daughter of a nobleman. They only limitation to that birthright is she happens to be his illegitimate daughter. Her father has ideas or grandiose, he wants to increase his standing in society so having a bastard daughter will not do. At the tender age of six, Eawynn is taken by her father to the Temple of Anberith to live and be raised by the priestesses, to become one later down the road. While Eawynn has all of her needs met, her life is dull and she is encompassed by a feeling of detachment and boredom. Her temple job is guarding the Shewstone, which basically means cleaning the room it is housed in all day.
Matt is a street kid, a runaway from a terrible abusive father. She lived on the streets stealing food to keep from starving to death. On day after being chased down in the streets she hides under a cart and breaks into a home. Eating all she can until she is caught red-handed by the home owner. Luckily for Matt, Edmund Fleming, takes her in and hones her natural skill, thievery.
The book can basically be put into two halves. The first is Matt infiltrating the Temple of Anberith, under a false identity to scope out the place and figure out the best course of action to steal the Stewstone. Of course Matt and Eawynn have terrific chemistry and feel pulled towards each other. Life however gets in the way of this romance, both have jobs to do and neither is in a place for any type of romantic encounter. Eawynn is Matt’s ticket to the Shewstone and she holds the very key she needs to unlock it from its gilded cage.
The second half of the book is more fantasy in nature and more of an action adventure. While the romance is still there it definitely takes a back seat to the fantasy elements. Still very good but I found myself missing the character thoughts and relationship push/pull.
Overall, I loved this book. I was hooked on the plot and the characters are absolutely delightful. This is a really good book. Sometimes I felt it was a little slow but I was far from bored. I can promise you that you will love Eawynn and Matt.
ARC provided by Netgalley & Bold Strokes Books
My review blog: https://theromanticreaderblog.com
Eawynn Achangrena is the daughter of a nobleman. They only limitation to that birthright is she happens to be his illegitimate daughter. Her father has ideas or grandiose, he wants to increase his standing in society so having a bastard daughter will not do. At the tender age of six, Eawynn is taken by her father to the Temple of Anberith to live and be raised by the priestesses, to become one later down the road. While Eawynn has all of her needs met, her life is dull and she is encompassed by a feeling of detachment and boredom. Her temple job is guarding the Shewstone, which basically means cleaning the room it is housed in all day.
Matt is a street kid, a runaway from a terrible abusive father. She lived on the streets stealing food to keep from starving to death. On day after being chased down in the streets she hides under a cart and breaks into a home. Eating all she can until she is caught red-handed by the home owner. Luckily for Matt, Edmund Fleming, takes her in and hones her natural skill, thievery.
The book can basically be put into two halves. The first is Matt infiltrating the Temple of Anberith, under a false identity to scope out the place and figure out the best course of action to steal the Stewstone. Of course Matt and Eawynn have terrific chemistry and feel pulled towards each other. Life however gets in the way of this romance, both have jobs to do and neither is in a place for any type of romantic encounter. Eawynn is Matt’s ticket to the Shewstone and she holds the very key she needs to unlock it from its gilded cage.
The second half of the book is more fantasy in nature and more of an action adventure. While the romance is still there it definitely takes a back seat to the fantasy elements. Still very good but I found myself missing the character thoughts and relationship push/pull.
Overall, I loved this book. I was hooked on the plot and the characters are absolutely delightful. This is a really good book. Sometimes I felt it was a little slow but I was far from bored. I can promise you that you will love Eawynn and Matt.
ARC provided by Netgalley & Bold Strokes Books
My review blog: https://theromanticreaderblog.com
June 4, 2016
Provided by the Publisher through Netgallery for an honest review.
Okay, when I received this book I was overjoyed, it has been far too many years since I last read a new Jane Fletcher novel and I admit that my expectations were through the roof.
When finally my greed hands were on the book (after a fair number of mishaps, blame my technical ignorance), I launched myself into this new world fully prepared to totally fan girl over what would be a charming and entertaining journey in the imagination of one of my favourite author's. Perhaps my expectations were too high.
While there is much to like about this novel, I did not find myself falling in love with it as I have almost all of the author's other works. All the elements were present but failed to fully gel for me. Individual scenes worked well and displayed both humour and a talent for description that puts many other Lesfic writers to shame. However, the pacing and world building seemed rushed and lacking in the depth that we have seen in pervious works. Was this a much larger book that has been edited down to fit into the publisher's requirements, I don't know?
The book also seemed to fall into two halves, in the temple and then on the quest. The first half in the temple was far more satisfying and enjoyable. The second half, involving the quest to recover the Shrewstone, less so. The wider world outside of the temple seemed to appear very two dimensional, the "Empire" presented in very broad strokes, the baddies barely had time to be bad before moving on and consequently you had no emotional investment in hoping that their endeavours were thwarted.
Finally, and I a forgive me if this is a slight spoiler, but there is a complete deus ex machina moment that left me going WTF!
Damn, just re-read my review so far and if I seem overly negative about this book then apologies - this is not a bad book at all. It just could have been so much better. Jane Fletcher is one of my favourite author's for a reason.
I just hope that she was shaking out the wrinkles with this work and that there are very many more great books to come.
Okay, when I received this book I was overjoyed, it has been far too many years since I last read a new Jane Fletcher novel and I admit that my expectations were through the roof.
When finally my greed hands were on the book (after a fair number of mishaps, blame my technical ignorance), I launched myself into this new world fully prepared to totally fan girl over what would be a charming and entertaining journey in the imagination of one of my favourite author's. Perhaps my expectations were too high.
While there is much to like about this novel, I did not find myself falling in love with it as I have almost all of the author's other works. All the elements were present but failed to fully gel for me. Individual scenes worked well and displayed both humour and a talent for description that puts many other Lesfic writers to shame. However, the pacing and world building seemed rushed and lacking in the depth that we have seen in pervious works. Was this a much larger book that has been edited down to fit into the publisher's requirements, I don't know?
The book also seemed to fall into two halves, in the temple and then on the quest. The first half in the temple was far more satisfying and enjoyable. The second half, involving the quest to recover the Shrewstone, less so. The wider world outside of the temple seemed to appear very two dimensional, the "Empire" presented in very broad strokes, the baddies barely had time to be bad before moving on and consequently you had no emotional investment in hoping that their endeavours were thwarted.
Finally, and I a forgive me if this is a slight spoiler, but there is a complete deus ex machina moment that left me going WTF!
Damn, just re-read my review so far and if I seem overly negative about this book then apologies - this is not a bad book at all. It just could have been so much better. Jane Fletcher is one of my favourite author's for a reason.
I just hope that she was shaking out the wrinkles with this work and that there are very many more great books to come.
May 16, 2016
Despite its fantasy trappings, The Shewstone is more of an old-fashioned adventure romance at heart. Well, at least, I enjoyed the action/romance parts much more than the fantasy elements.
The main characters Matt and Eawynn, are a study in contrasts. Matt is a street urchin. A life of want and deprivation has toughened and sharpened her instincts. An audacious attempt to steal food lands her in the den of the king of thieves, Edmund, who promptly adopts the promising tyke as his protege.
Eawynn, on the other hand, has led a life of privilege and comfort as the bastard daughter of an important noble. But her existence is an inconvenience and hindrance to his ambitions, so he hands her off to the local temple for priestess 'training'. The temple hosts an artifact called the Shewstone that acts like an oracle--worshippers can consult it for questions regarding their future--helpfully interpreted by the chief priestess who is called appropriately as 'Insightful Sister Oracle'. ;) Eawynn is officially the 'Dutiful Sister Custodian' of the Shewstone.
The two ladies' paths cross when Matt is entrusted with stealing the Shewstone. Matt quickly determines that the easiest way to the secret artifact is through Eawynn's heart.
The first half of the book deals with events and happenings leading up to the heist. And these are the best parts of the book, imho. The pacing is brisk and the tone is light to...almost campy, as who can resist a smile at pompous priestesses named 'Assiduous Sister Treasurer' or 'Redoubtable Sister Door Warden'. The language is accessible for non-fantasy readers (ex. bullshitting, bugger) . In fact, up to the mid point, the book might well have been just a romantic adventure, and it would have been perfect. Chalk that up to excellent lesfic drama between the lead characters. I loved the Eawynn POV. All that vulnerability--crushing hopelessly on someone who we know is just going to betray her completely. It was so deliciously sexy and angsty. And too good to last. :(
The world-building and the fantasy elements are more deeply explored in the second half of the book. Unfortunately, it's at the expense of further character development, especially Matt. It was like, let's put these two ladies' emotions on hold for a while and talk about the world around them and the social issues of the day. There was an entire stretch where Matt's POV was completely ignored even though she was in the thick of the action. Eawynn fared better as we see her come into her own, but it didn't have the depth of the first half. I don't think I would have minded at all if the difference in tone from the first half to the second wasn't so jarring. It wasn't even the lack of action, as a lot goes on during this stretch. But it didn't hook me in as much as the earlier heist story. Perhaps it was the lack of involvement of the two protagonists. Also, I was expecting some kind of wider arc that would lead to a series. It was starting to look that way, and then suddenly, it didn't. The last third of the book fared better, because the focus again shifted to Matt/Eawynn.
Overall, if you're a romantic adventure or fantasy or Jane Fletcher fan, don't miss this. God knows how rare these things are in lesfic. Especially the good ones. And this is undoubtedly one. It's just not the best. I'm shelving it on my favorite 2016 pile though, because I just need to relive the first half again.
4.4 stars
ARC from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books
The main characters Matt and Eawynn, are a study in contrasts. Matt is a street urchin. A life of want and deprivation has toughened and sharpened her instincts. An audacious attempt to steal food lands her in the den of the king of thieves, Edmund, who promptly adopts the promising tyke as his protege.
Eawynn, on the other hand, has led a life of privilege and comfort as the bastard daughter of an important noble. But her existence is an inconvenience and hindrance to his ambitions, so he hands her off to the local temple for priestess 'training'. The temple hosts an artifact called the Shewstone that acts like an oracle--worshippers can consult it for questions regarding their future--helpfully interpreted by the chief priestess who is called appropriately as 'Insightful Sister Oracle'. ;) Eawynn is officially the 'Dutiful Sister Custodian' of the Shewstone.
The two ladies' paths cross when Matt is entrusted with stealing the Shewstone. Matt quickly determines that the easiest way to the secret artifact is through Eawynn's heart.
The first half of the book deals with events and happenings leading up to the heist. And these are the best parts of the book, imho. The pacing is brisk and the tone is light to...almost campy, as who can resist a smile at pompous priestesses named 'Assiduous Sister Treasurer' or 'Redoubtable Sister Door Warden'. The language is accessible for non-fantasy readers (ex. bullshitting, bugger) . In fact, up to the mid point, the book might well have been just a romantic adventure, and it would have been perfect. Chalk that up to excellent lesfic drama between the lead characters. I loved the Eawynn POV. All that vulnerability--crushing hopelessly on someone who we know is just going to betray her completely. It was so deliciously sexy and angsty. And too good to last. :(
The world-building and the fantasy elements are more deeply explored in the second half of the book. Unfortunately, it's at the expense of further character development, especially Matt. It was like, let's put these two ladies' emotions on hold for a while and talk about the world around them and the social issues of the day. There was an entire stretch where Matt's POV was completely ignored even though she was in the thick of the action. Eawynn fared better as we see her come into her own, but it didn't have the depth of the first half. I don't think I would have minded at all if the difference in tone from the first half to the second wasn't so jarring. It wasn't even the lack of action, as a lot goes on during this stretch. But it didn't hook me in as much as the earlier heist story. Perhaps it was the lack of involvement of the two protagonists. Also, I was expecting some kind of wider arc that would lead to a series. It was starting to look that way, and then suddenly, it didn't. The last third of the book fared better, because the focus again shifted to Matt/Eawynn.
Overall, if you're a romantic adventure or fantasy or Jane Fletcher fan, don't miss this. God knows how rare these things are in lesfic. Especially the good ones. And this is undoubtedly one. It's just not the best. I'm shelving it on my favorite 2016 pile though, because I just need to relive the first half again.
4.4 stars
ARC from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books
May 28, 2017
Eawynn an illegitimate daughter of a nobleman was raised in a temple. She grew up and become a priestess in charge of the Shewstone. Matt was adopted by the head of a gang. Her task was to steal the Shewstone.
I enjoyed learning about both Eawynn and Matt. The first parts of the book about the stealing of the stone was more interesting than the later parts. I lost interest in them trying to get the stone back. Overall I still liked the book.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books for honest review.
I enjoyed learning about both Eawynn and Matt. The first parts of the book about the stealing of the stone was more interesting than the later parts. I lost interest in them trying to get the stone back. Overall I still liked the book.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books for honest review.
May 22, 2016
One word description of this book? Slow. Veryslow...
There's a bit of an action/adventure plot here and I wish there was more of it, because those scenes are well paced and balanced.
I remember the Celeano series fondly, but have never read her fantasy series. I think this belongs into that world, but it doesn't say so specifically so I can't be sure. The amount of world-building here might indicate it's a separate thing, but I'm not sure.
That the characters didn't grow on me is probably the greatest weakness of the novel. Character development definitely has to take a back burner to world-building. Never good in a formula romance.
There's a bit of an action/adventure plot here and I wish there was more of it, because those scenes are well paced and balanced.
I remember the Celeano series fondly, but have never read her fantasy series. I think this belongs into that world, but it doesn't say so specifically so I can't be sure. The amount of world-building here might indicate it's a separate thing, but I'm not sure.
That the characters didn't grow on me is probably the greatest weakness of the novel. Character development definitely has to take a back burner to world-building. Never good in a formula romance.
August 3, 2016
I enjoyed the story as much as I enjoyed the Celaeno and Lyremouth series. Eawynn and Matt had life altering experiences as young girls that in some way made both women stronger in the end. Eawynn seems to struggle most with the life she's been thrown into by her father and has a harder life than Matt, who strives in her life as a thief and the daughter of a crime Lord. Their adventure is eye opening for both women and brings them closer together. The priestess definitely need to work on their names, they were pretty funny.
March 20, 2017
It's been a few years since I've read any Fletcher and I think my expectations were a bit too high. Don't get me wrong, I liked the two main characters and thought the story was interesting and fun but there was so much history, description, and general world building that I didn't get to spend as much time engrossed in the action as I wanted. If this is the first book in a new series, then I can see the need for all of that but if this is a stand alone, then I think it was too much.
I think fans of Jane Fletcher's novels will enjoy The Shewstone.
Thanks to BSB and NetGalley for the review copy.
I think fans of Jane Fletcher's novels will enjoy The Shewstone.
Thanks to BSB and NetGalley for the review copy.
December 25, 2021
3.5 star rating
The book started with the childhood background of the two protagonist and that was good for us readers to understand the characters but it really did exercise my patience a bit. Then we have a really prolonged time to reaching the intimacy stage which when reached was just speed racer from then on...so basically I didn't feel there were moments enough for me to feel the building intimacy. On the upside I really liked the philosophy on race and slavery.... initially I started to feel upset by it but ruminated and found it nice pondering.
The book started with the childhood background of the two protagonist and that was good for us readers to understand the characters but it really did exercise my patience a bit. Then we have a really prolonged time to reaching the intimacy stage which when reached was just speed racer from then on...so basically I didn't feel there were moments enough for me to feel the building intimacy. On the upside I really liked the philosophy on race and slavery.... initially I started to feel upset by it but ruminated and found it nice pondering.
January 3, 2020
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a new book by Jane Fletcher so I was excited to read this one. It got off to kind of a slow start but picked up speed after the introduction to the characters and world was done. Matt was adopted by a master thief while Eawynn was given to a temple by her father when he tired of her. Eawynn’s life was dull but safe; Matt genuinely loved her rescuer.
Matt is tasked to steal the shewstone which sets off the adventure. This changes both their lives and starts them on a journey to a different land with its own perils. In the meantime, a romance is slowly developing between the two women, but it takes them awhile to express their feelings to each other. Lots of things happen, good and bad, but the women do what they need to and we get a good ending.
Matt is tasked to steal the shewstone which sets off the adventure. This changes both their lives and starts them on a journey to a different land with its own perils. In the meantime, a romance is slowly developing between the two women, but it takes them awhile to express their feelings to each other. Lots of things happen, good and bad, but the women do what they need to and we get a good ending.
May 28, 2016
Edmund reached out and gently brushed the hair from Matt's forehead. " The world is an unfair place. Bad things happen to good people, while it can seem like bad people have all the luck. But sometimes even bad people have accidents."
2 1/2 stars. I really thought this was going to be a four, maybe even five star book. The premise was interesting, the backstories were engrossing and the writing style appealed to me. Unfortunately this book never made up for what it lacked, but we'll get to that in a second.
Meet Matt and Eawynn, our two heroines. Matt is a thief, a street urchin, and the adopted daughter of a gang leader. Eawynn is a priestess, abandoned by her prestigious father at a young age. Matt is Thraelas, a lower class of people who work as slaves in parts of the kingdom. Eawynn is a Rhitcynn, which is essentially a group of redhead aristocrats. What do these two characters have in common? A ball of rock and bad character development.
I was really looking forward to some character growth in Eawynn. Here we have a cold and snarky priestess who has been looked down upon time and time again, first by her father and then by her fellow companions. Noble lineage is clearly important to her and yet, her morals are put into question when she witnesses the brutal treatment of the Thraelas. It could have worked, but it didn't. It seemed like Matt was a more developed and likable character in contrast.
Not only this but...insta love? Matt tricked Eawynn in the first half of the book as part of the plot to steal the Shewstone. Mind you, Eawynn didn't even know Matt's real name and the two characters had only seen each other a handful of times, yet, Eawynn somehow managed to stay hurt over the whole incident for...the better part of the book.
Matt treated theft as a game. She treated me as a game too. Eawynn closed her eyes. Tears could still catch her by surprise. The memory of how Matt used to make her feel was still so powerful. She cheated me. She used me. She tricked and trapped me. She is utterly untrustworthy. I hate and despise her.
Like woah, alright there Eawynn. Cool your jets.
Either way, I don't regret reading this book. The plot was alright, even if it was a bit simplistic but overall I just don't think it was for me.
* I was provided with a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2016
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
+Representation.
+Fleshed out world - the religions, the unrest and the backstory to it seemed thought out and made the world belieavable.
+Moral and ethics discussion- Eawyn starts out as an idealistic priestess born into the upper world, when meeting Matt and the adventures they share she starts to see the world a bitt differently, learning what she once thought maybe wasn't right. The musings on morality and what not were interesting.
+ Nice adventure bits.
+- Detailed. Explanations to the world and society were provided, giving flesh to the story but
- too slow. It took me almost a month to read this, which is slow for being me. There were too much details, too much text, and maybe it didn't flow that well. The author provided history lessons and even poems, stuff that felt like it needed be there.
- Slow start. The real interesting things that happen until almost 40-50% into the book, and having my question if I should carry on or not.
- Respect the no - when Eawyn told Matt no and that she didn't want to be touched, Matt ignored it and caressed her cheek against Eawyn's will.
- Chemistry - the relationship between Eawyn and Matt provided to be the most boring parts, beside all the unnecessary explanations. They had to real chemistry, to me, and although I can see that going through what they did together could form some sort of relationship, I don't think a romantic one felt believable, with Eawyn feeling hurt and betrayed in the beginning of their relationship, hating her and thinking about turning her in.
+Representation.
+Fleshed out world - the religions, the unrest and the backstory to it seemed thought out and made the world belieavable.
+Moral and ethics discussion- Eawyn starts out as an idealistic priestess born into the upper world, when meeting Matt and the adventures they share she starts to see the world a bitt differently, learning what she once thought maybe wasn't right. The musings on morality and what not were interesting.
+ Nice adventure bits.
+- Detailed. Explanations to the world and society were provided, giving flesh to the story but
- too slow. It took me almost a month to read this, which is slow for being me. There were too much details, too much text, and maybe it didn't flow that well. The author provided history lessons and even poems, stuff that felt like it needed be there.
- Slow start. The real interesting things that happen until almost 40-50% into the book, and having my question if I should carry on or not.
- Respect the no - when Eawyn told Matt no and that she didn't want to be touched, Matt ignored it and caressed her cheek against Eawyn's will.
- Chemistry - the relationship between Eawyn and Matt provided to be the most boring parts, beside all the unnecessary explanations. They had to real chemistry, to me, and although I can see that going through what they did together could form some sort of relationship, I don't think a romantic one felt believable, with Eawyn feeling hurt and betrayed in the beginning of their relationship, hating her and thinking about turning her in.
July 26, 2018
I usually enjoy Fletcher's work but this one she tries a little too hard to create a rough and tumble character in Matt. Matt is just a little too much, and often times, I felt like Fletcher was pushing the narrative that Matt is a womanizer, then Matt is mysteriously drawn to Eawynn. It just doesn't feel quite natural enough for me to believe their relationship.
I loved the word building, though. And despite all the focus on the very literal names of the priestesses in Eawynn's convent, I thought it worked. Bringing in some wind spirits and combining them with the pantheon of the other gods was great. Without revealing too much, when Matt and Eawynn find the prophecy involving the titular stone, the book turns from a meandering fantasy into a tight, exciting thriller. I just wish Fletcher had gotten to it just a tad bit sooner.
I loved the word building, though. And despite all the focus on the very literal names of the priestesses in Eawynn's convent, I thought it worked. Bringing in some wind spirits and combining them with the pantheon of the other gods was great. Without revealing too much, when Matt and Eawynn find the prophecy involving the titular stone, the book turns from a meandering fantasy into a tight, exciting thriller. I just wish Fletcher had gotten to it just a tad bit sooner.
March 1, 2019
I'd love to read at least four more books in the same setting, with the two mains. I knew I wouldn't be disappointed by a Fletcher book, though, even if it's a standalone.
As expected, Matt and Eawynn were interesting and funny, and though I admittedly rolled my eyes a couple times at Eawynn's lovesick denials, I rather preferred that it took the two a while to get together. Though, again as usual, I'm frustrated that the book ended soon after that event.
Toward the end, maybe the last 25% or so, there were a few bumps in the pacing, and I felt the end was a little too neatly wrapped up, but overall it was really quite fun.
As expected, Matt and Eawynn were interesting and funny, and though I admittedly rolled my eyes a couple times at Eawynn's lovesick denials, I rather preferred that it took the two a while to get together. Though, again as usual, I'm frustrated that the book ended soon after that event.
Toward the end, maybe the last 25% or so, there were a few bumps in the pacing, and I felt the end was a little too neatly wrapped up, but overall it was really quite fun.
March 7, 2023
4.5 stars
I've liked all the Jane Fletcher books I've read so far and this one is no exception. The plot was pretty straightforward, but gripping, and the characters were very likable. I especially liked the heist scenes. The worldbuilding was very good; inspired by the Roman empire I think.
The ending was great, but I wouldn't have minded another book following these characters and their crazy adventures.
I've liked all the Jane Fletcher books I've read so far and this one is no exception. The plot was pretty straightforward, but gripping, and the characters were very likable. I especially liked the heist scenes. The worldbuilding was very good; inspired by the Roman empire I think.
The ending was great, but I wouldn't have minded another book following these characters and their crazy adventures.
May 15, 2017
I always enjoy the works of Jane Fletcher, and this was no exception, but there was something a bit predictable about this novel that keeps me from rating it as highly as some of her others -- I could generally predict what was going to happen well before it did. There are definitely things to like here, including an interestingly Celtic-flavored world, but I thought it lacked some of the inventiveness and originality which characterized most of her other books.
August 1, 2018
Could have been marginally okay-er than the author's two series, except for the overly superficial handling of the slavery theme, and my actively disliking both of the very flat main characters almost all the way through. I didn't, however, find it unbearably slow, as some have pointed out; I actually think it was possibly the only book's strength.
April 22, 2019
Brilliant
Such an adventure, from the first page to the last. A good paced book with an original plot, good well written characters you could believe in and a blossoming love story at the heart.
I could picture my self along with Matt and Eawynn on their adventure
Just brilliant, I loved ever page.
Such an adventure, from the first page to the last. A good paced book with an original plot, good well written characters you could believe in and a blossoming love story at the heart.
I could picture my self along with Matt and Eawynn on their adventure
Just brilliant, I loved ever page.
June 10, 2019
I don't think Jane Fletcher's writing is my cup of tea. I just could not get into this book. I love f/f romance and fantasy so this seemed like it would be right up my alley. Instead I stopped reading not even 1/4 of the way into the book. Three stars because I am convinced that others will like this.
July 4, 2025
I initially picked this up for the sapphic element, but I came to appreciate it more for the fantasy aspect of it. There was a lot of heist elements to it, and a heist story is always fun. I think the strongest aspect is in the first story arc, at the temple.
I think it starts off strong in the romance department. The whirlwind 'seduction' of Eawynn, even the fact that it was left uncompleted, was both fun to read, and it felt like a strong start. The transition from an initial 'forbidden lover' to 'enemy-to-lovers' I thought was really promising. The problem for me is that after that initial transition... it feels like they have the exact same dynamic for the next... 70% of the book or so? One side is like, "She's hot, but I guess there's no chance of anything happening now", and the other side is like "She's hot, but I should hate her", and that's kind of it for a lot of the story. I also felt like the payoff wasn't worth having waited all that time. In the end to me it ended up feeling very secondary, or like a sub-plot.
Also, I know Eawynn was raised as a noble's daughter until she was passed off to the church at age 6, and she's been living at the church ever since then. In that sense, it does make sense that she's sheltered and naive, and I'm pretty sure the book brings that up possibly from both of their perspectives. But at the same time, I did find it frustrating how naive she was, or how black/white her thinking could be. Like Matt turned to thieving because she ran away at a young age, and it was basically that or starve. Eawynn just spent a couple of days starving, enough that she was already considering turning to prostitution, but she still thinks of Matt as just a low-class thief who was totally in the wrong. I was like "Uhhhh..." and then the later scene with the slave. From Matt's POV we see a female slave get beaten and almost lose her life because she spilled a bit of water on somebody's shoe. The slave was saved because some guards show up, who only showed up to see what was happening, and even crack a joke with the guy beating the woman. And then like in the next chapter or two, Eawynn is laughing to herself because Matt is going to have to pretend to be her slave. Seemingly a position that opens Matt to any amount of abuse, or even possibly death, just for being there, and to Eawynn it's just a joke.
Summing it up, I thought it was an interesting world, and at least the first little heist was fun to read. But, even though there were still fun moments later, it ended up kind of dragging at some point. Matt was interesting, but Eawynn could be frustrating. The romance early on was good, but it lost steam, never really hitting those initial highs again, and was kind of disappointing in the end. It was a fun, interesting, read, but ultimately didn't quite deliver what I was looking for.
I think it starts off strong in the romance department. The whirlwind 'seduction' of Eawynn, even the fact that it was left uncompleted, was both fun to read, and it felt like a strong start. The transition from an initial 'forbidden lover' to 'enemy-to-lovers' I thought was really promising. The problem for me is that after that initial transition... it feels like they have the exact same dynamic for the next... 70% of the book or so? One side is like, "She's hot, but I guess there's no chance of anything happening now", and the other side is like "She's hot, but I should hate her", and that's kind of it for a lot of the story. I also felt like the payoff wasn't worth having waited all that time. In the end to me it ended up feeling very secondary, or like a sub-plot.
Also, I know Eawynn was raised as a noble's daughter until she was passed off to the church at age 6, and she's been living at the church ever since then. In that sense, it does make sense that she's sheltered and naive, and I'm pretty sure the book brings that up possibly from both of their perspectives. But at the same time, I did find it frustrating how naive she was, or how black/white her thinking could be. Like Matt turned to thieving because she ran away at a young age, and it was basically that or starve. Eawynn just spent a couple of days starving, enough that she was already considering turning to prostitution, but she still thinks of Matt as just a low-class thief who was totally in the wrong. I was like "Uhhhh..." and then the later scene with the slave. From Matt's POV we see a female slave get beaten and almost lose her life because she spilled a bit of water on somebody's shoe. The slave was saved because some guards show up, who only showed up to see what was happening, and even crack a joke with the guy beating the woman. And then like in the next chapter or two, Eawynn is laughing to herself because Matt is going to have to pretend to be her slave. Seemingly a position that opens Matt to any amount of abuse, or even possibly death, just for being there, and to Eawynn it's just a joke.
Summing it up, I thought it was an interesting world, and at least the first little heist was fun to read. But, even though there were still fun moments later, it ended up kind of dragging at some point. Matt was interesting, but Eawynn could be frustrating. The romance early on was good, but it lost steam, never really hitting those initial highs again, and was kind of disappointing in the end. It was a fun, interesting, read, but ultimately didn't quite deliver what I was looking for.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2017
Eawynn was brought to a temple where she would grow up to be a priestess. Meanwhile Matt is adopted by a crime lord.
Eawynn and Matt meet almost 20 years later, their paths cross when Matt's mission is to steal the Shewstone while Eawynn is its custodian.
I preferred the first half of the story rather than the second one. I enjoyed the lingering glances and other parts leading up to their first kiss. I wanted more romance but sadly it was not very dominant in this book.
This is the first book I've read from Jane Fletcher and reading from other comments that this is not her best work makes me curious to read her previous works.
Review also posted here: http://wp.me/p4Pp9O-Bq
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Eawynn and Matt meet almost 20 years later, their paths cross when Matt's mission is to steal the Shewstone while Eawynn is its custodian.
I preferred the first half of the story rather than the second one. I enjoyed the lingering glances and other parts leading up to their first kiss. I wanted more romance but sadly it was not very dominant in this book.
This is the first book I've read from Jane Fletcher and reading from other comments that this is not her best work makes me curious to read her previous works.
Review also posted here: http://wp.me/p4Pp9O-Bq
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2018
I usually love Jane Fletcher’s books, but I couldn’t warm to this one. In fact, I found myself not really caring what happened to them in the end. The world is very different from others created by the author, and not a place where I’d like to spend a while. It had a very dystopian feel to it, and no real light to bring warmth or hope.
August 12, 2016
This is a perfectly good, rather classic, action/adventure romance, with the Master Thief seducing the Nun. The seedy underbelly roils with machinations, the nunnery also roils (but with conflict more directly related to the artistocracy/nobility), and between it are two star-crossed lovers overcoming their own betrayals & feelings for each other. Both main characters are girls, which is why I picked it up in the first place; it's fun to revisit old tropes but with ladies. :) So, it's pulpy, but certainly a fun afternoon read if you wanna go back to some low fantasy basics.
October 22, 2016
This is a solid and entertaining story. It is a stand alone novel, not part of a series. So it reads slightly different from her other works, but it is a quality read. Like her other novels, it is plot driven with well developed characters. There is some romance, but it is not the main focus of the tale. I thought the pacing fit the story line, and nothing felt too slow or rushed. If you've enjoyed Fletcher's other stories you will, most likely, enjoy this one.
Read
March 14, 2024first half is good, the second half is terrible
dnf
April 3, 2025DNF 46%
I just stopped reading and didn't start again
I just stopped reading and didn't start again
August 27, 2016
A very solid Fletcher novel.
April 25, 2017
Fun book. I enjoyed the mystery and the adventure and I really loved the two main characters. I enjoyed watching them struggle with their feelings and learn and grow together.
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