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Hawkenlye Mysteries #17
The Devil's Cup
Sir Josse d’Aquin is summoned to assist the beleaguered King John in the 17th – and final – Hawkenlye mystery.
September, 1216. A foreign army has invaded England. The country is divided. Some support the rebel barons and Prince Louis of France; others remain loyal to the king. His rule under threat, King John summons Sir Josse d’Acquin to support him. But can Sir Josse save the king from himself?
Meanwhile, Josse’s daughter Meggie is summoned to Hawkenlye Abbey to attend a sick patient in a very distressed state. The elderly woman is warning of terrible danger unless she can complete her mission. What she learns from her patient will set Meggie on a perilous journey to retrieve a cursed treasure. But will she be in time to prevent a tragedy?
September, 1216. A foreign army has invaded England. The country is divided. Some support the rebel barons and Prince Louis of France; others remain loyal to the king. His rule under threat, King John summons Sir Josse d’Acquin to support him. But can Sir Josse save the king from himself?
Meanwhile, Josse’s daughter Meggie is summoned to Hawkenlye Abbey to attend a sick patient in a very distressed state. The elderly woman is warning of terrible danger unless she can complete her mission. What she learns from her patient will set Meggie on a perilous journey to retrieve a cursed treasure. But will she be in time to prevent a tragedy?
240 pages, Hardcover
First published August 10, 2017
10 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Alys Clare
46 books222 followersAlys Clare is the pen name used by Elizabeth Harris for the Hawkenlye series of historical mysteries.
Alys Clare is the pseudonym of a novelist with some 20 published works to her name. Brought up in the countryside close to where the Hawkenlye Novels are set, she went to school in Tonbridge and later studied archaeology at the University of Kent. She lives for part of the year in Brittany, in a remote cottage deep in an ancient landscape where many past inhabitants have left their mark; on her doorstep are relics that date from the stone circles and dolmens of the Neolithic to the commanderies, chapels and ancient tracks of those infamous warrior monks, the Knights Templar. In England, Alys's study overlooks a stretch of parkland which includes a valley with a little spring. The waters of this spring are similar in colour and taste to Tunbridge Wells's famous Chalybeat Spring, and it was this that prompted Alys's setting of her fictional Hawkenlye Abbey in the very spot where her own house now stands.
Alys Clare is the pseudonym of a novelist with some 20 published works to her name. Brought up in the countryside close to where the Hawkenlye Novels are set, she went to school in Tonbridge and later studied archaeology at the University of Kent. She lives for part of the year in Brittany, in a remote cottage deep in an ancient landscape where many past inhabitants have left their mark; on her doorstep are relics that date from the stone circles and dolmens of the Neolithic to the commanderies, chapels and ancient tracks of those infamous warrior monks, the Knights Templar. In England, Alys's study overlooks a stretch of parkland which includes a valley with a little spring. The waters of this spring are similar in colour and taste to Tunbridge Wells's famous Chalybeat Spring, and it was this that prompted Alys's setting of her fictional Hawkenlye Abbey in the very spot where her own house now stands.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 5, 2020
I have not read any of the books in the Hawkenlyne series. I got attracted to this final book for its mysterious cup, but more for its time period of the 13th century England and its conflict with France.
The story is more for those who are into mystery genre than historical fiction.
Everyone’s journey leading to some evil object surrounded by mystery is not an engrossing read to me.
The story is more for those who are into mystery genre than historical fiction.
Everyone’s journey leading to some evil object surrounded by mystery is not an engrossing read to me.
August 10, 2017
Sins of the fathers!
"The treasure had been above ground for under an hour and already it had claimed three lives. This was how it began."
1216. King John seeks to combine his forces against the invading army of Prince Louis of France supported by disloyal barons. John calls on his loyal supporters, amongst them Sir Josse d’Acquin. Joss sets off with his brother Yves and his son Geoffroi to join the King.
Meggie his daughter, a healer has been called by Abbess Caliste to Hawkenlye Abbey. When the message come Meggie is deep in the forest. She finds strength and knowing here, descended as she is from the Forest People. At the same time Meggie is concerned about her partner's absence, Jehan, the smithy. She's troubled about their relationship and what she wants for her future.
At the Abbey, Meggie becomes involved with a distressed woman and her son, strangers to England and seemingly on an urgent quest. A quest that will involve a cursed treasure.
Thus begins Meggie's gripping race across England trying to save the life of Queen Isabella, wife to King John, and then onto searching for King John himself. All the while gleaning snippets of information about what drives the woman Hadil and her son Faruq.
Based partly on the death of King John, Clare has woven fact and fiction into an exciting landscape of intrigue and treachery with a touch of magic. The nature, the strengths and weaknesses of King John are nicely illuminated.
Evil is very much in ascendency and Meggie's search will take her into an armed camp and into the king's presence, where her father, uncle and brother are, and unknowingly in the same vicinity as her missing lover, Jehan.
This last in the seventeen book series, the Hawkenlye Mysteries draws to conclusion a very satisfying journey.
A NetGalley ARC
"The treasure had been above ground for under an hour and already it had claimed three lives. This was how it began."
1216. King John seeks to combine his forces against the invading army of Prince Louis of France supported by disloyal barons. John calls on his loyal supporters, amongst them Sir Josse d’Acquin. Joss sets off with his brother Yves and his son Geoffroi to join the King.
Meggie his daughter, a healer has been called by Abbess Caliste to Hawkenlye Abbey. When the message come Meggie is deep in the forest. She finds strength and knowing here, descended as she is from the Forest People. At the same time Meggie is concerned about her partner's absence, Jehan, the smithy. She's troubled about their relationship and what she wants for her future.
At the Abbey, Meggie becomes involved with a distressed woman and her son, strangers to England and seemingly on an urgent quest. A quest that will involve a cursed treasure.
Thus begins Meggie's gripping race across England trying to save the life of Queen Isabella, wife to King John, and then onto searching for King John himself. All the while gleaning snippets of information about what drives the woman Hadil and her son Faruq.
Based partly on the death of King John, Clare has woven fact and fiction into an exciting landscape of intrigue and treachery with a touch of magic. The nature, the strengths and weaknesses of King John are nicely illuminated.
Evil is very much in ascendency and Meggie's search will take her into an armed camp and into the king's presence, where her father, uncle and brother are, and unknowingly in the same vicinity as her missing lover, Jehan.
This last in the seventeen book series, the Hawkenlye Mysteries draws to conclusion a very satisfying journey.
A NetGalley ARC
September 4, 2017
Alys Clare's The Devil's Cup, #17 and the last entry to this series seems as through the first two-thirds of this book is long, redundant, and difficult for me to continue reading. I was constantly putting the book down and reading another book and finishing that book before I went back to the Devil's Cup. This I did 3 times, but I finally during the last third of The Devil's Cup, read it through to the end. All the good info is at the end. One sentence in this section is a true wow! Very clever of the author to have written this. I must admit that I have only read one other book in the series, and possibly that is why it took me so very long to 'get into' this last entry to Hawlenlye Series.
July 12, 2017
This is a novel that can actually be a bedtime story that your grandmother told you many times. It has so many familiar elements from folk tales, superstitious beliefs, magical powers and even a religious curse.
I liked the setting of the story from the beginning, 13th century England in war with France, people on noble missions and fighting for a greater cause. But, it all went down pretty quickly. I feel that all that was told could be summarized in one short story. There were so many repetitive stories and old-school-like twists. For example, person holding crucial information refuses to tell it and when he does, someone interrupts him and we are back to the start.
This is not a deep mystery either. It is obvious what will happen and why is it happening. But, apart from that, I found this novel rather OK. This author has a very pleasant writing style that makes your reading easy and enjoyable.
This edition was provided by Netgalley and I am very grateful for this reading opportunity!
I liked the setting of the story from the beginning, 13th century England in war with France, people on noble missions and fighting for a greater cause. But, it all went down pretty quickly. I feel that all that was told could be summarized in one short story. There were so many repetitive stories and old-school-like twists. For example, person holding crucial information refuses to tell it and when he does, someone interrupts him and we are back to the start.
This is not a deep mystery either. It is obvious what will happen and why is it happening. But, apart from that, I found this novel rather OK. This author has a very pleasant writing style that makes your reading easy and enjoyable.
This edition was provided by Netgalley and I am very grateful for this reading opportunity!
June 25, 2017
Historical fiction set in the time of King John of England, a mysterious relic, a prophecy, a mystery - the makings of an excellent read along the lines of the Brother Cadfael or Owen Archer series.
For me, however, there were sixteen books that had preceded this one - and I, of course, had come late to the party. And I think that this really did detract from my reading enjoyment - I wanted to be immersed in the plot and the characters but it became obvious that I was missing something from not having read the previous books.
I think I will go back and see if I can track down the earlier books and then re-read and review again.
For me, however, there were sixteen books that had preceded this one - and I, of course, had come late to the party. And I think that this really did detract from my reading enjoyment - I wanted to be immersed in the plot and the characters but it became obvious that I was missing something from not having read the previous books.
I think I will go back and see if I can track down the earlier books and then re-read and review again.
April 28, 2017
Disclaimer:
I was provided an eARC by Severn House Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, for which I am not being compensated in any way. All opinions are fully my own.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review
My first response: Book 17 is really late to stumble into a series, but oh well! That didn't hinder me much. I only noticed it once or twice in some asides from the past, I think. This put me in mind of Ellis Peters' Cadfael series a bit with the Abby and the war with kings running around the country fighting. Full review on my blog after the 20th!
My Review:
This is not the same war as Cadfael was involved in. This is King John fighting off the French and dealing with the barons and Welsh. It is a rich and bloody part of British history when you could die at the stroke of a sword with one word from any man in power greater than yours. All anyone had to do was question your past or current loyalty. And King John didn't trust the men around him, so he was always suspicious of everyone. It is a scary setting in which to place a magic cup that is supposed to kill the king.
Alys Clare has integrated her plot into real history very well, though. She has used the natural mistrust and skepticism of people to work in her magic cup and its evil. She creates quite a believable story line with her relic and queen's plotting. Though I'm not sure if the source of the original treasure was brilliant or overdone. I'm still undecided about that.
Things have changed on the political stage, as well as at home around the abbey. The conflict is settling. King John is dead. A successor and regent are chosen. Josse has said that he is staying home from now on. Does this mean the end of the series with this book seventeen? It rather looks like it. But if you, like me, have just found this author and series, there are sixteen other books that came before just sitting on the shelf waiting to be read. I'm rather looking forward to going back to see how it all started.
CORRECTION: This book was supposed to release today 4/28/17, but will now release 8/1/17
Here are the covers of the first five books
of the Hawkenlye Mysteries series.
I was provided an eARC by Severn House Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, for which I am not being compensated in any way. All opinions are fully my own.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review
My first response: Book 17 is really late to stumble into a series, but oh well! That didn't hinder me much. I only noticed it once or twice in some asides from the past, I think. This put me in mind of Ellis Peters' Cadfael series a bit with the Abby and the war with kings running around the country fighting. Full review on my blog after the 20th!
My Review:
This is not the same war as Cadfael was involved in. This is King John fighting off the French and dealing with the barons and Welsh. It is a rich and bloody part of British history when you could die at the stroke of a sword with one word from any man in power greater than yours. All anyone had to do was question your past or current loyalty. And King John didn't trust the men around him, so he was always suspicious of everyone. It is a scary setting in which to place a magic cup that is supposed to kill the king.
Alys Clare has integrated her plot into real history very well, though. She has used the natural mistrust and skepticism of people to work in her magic cup and its evil. She creates quite a believable story line with her relic and queen's plotting. Though I'm not sure if the source of the original treasure was brilliant or overdone. I'm still undecided about that.
Things have changed on the political stage, as well as at home around the abbey. The conflict is settling. King John is dead. A successor and regent are chosen. Josse has said that he is staying home from now on. Does this mean the end of the series with this book seventeen? It rather looks like it. But if you, like me, have just found this author and series, there are sixteen other books that came before just sitting on the shelf waiting to be read. I'm rather looking forward to going back to see how it all started.
CORRECTION: This book was supposed to release today 4/28/17, but will now release 8/1/17
Here are the covers of the first five books
of the Hawkenlye Mysteries series.
September 9, 2017
(Thank you Netgalley for an early reader copy)
I love the Hawkenlye mysteries, and I am sorry that this is the last one, but oh, it's a great story to go out on!
King John has managed to annoy all his lords, and get England invaded by France. Ever his devious self, he manages to put together an army, but many of his nobles have gone to fight against him. He sends Sir Josse d’Acquin a personal note asking for his support, and against the wishes of Helewise he takes himself off to help John. Meanwhile, family and friends, like much of the country, are divided on whether to support John, or anyone but John, including Jehan, the husband of Josse's daughter Meggie. Meanwhile, at Hawkenlye Abbey, Meggie is called upon to help a foreign woman and her son. The woman is very ill, but is on a mission which she won't disclose, except that she and her son must right a great wrong that was done long ago.
Like the other Hawkenlye mysteries, The Devil's Cup is very well written, with wonderful characters, both the usual cast from previous books, and some new ones as well. I just keep reading, wanting to know what was the mysterious wrong that needed to be righted, and how would it be done? The Devil's Cup will keep you reading well into the night to find the answers.
I love the Hawkenlye mysteries, and I am sorry that this is the last one, but oh, it's a great story to go out on!
King John has managed to annoy all his lords, and get England invaded by France. Ever his devious self, he manages to put together an army, but many of his nobles have gone to fight against him. He sends Sir Josse d’Acquin a personal note asking for his support, and against the wishes of Helewise he takes himself off to help John. Meanwhile, family and friends, like much of the country, are divided on whether to support John, or anyone but John, including Jehan, the husband of Josse's daughter Meggie. Meanwhile, at Hawkenlye Abbey, Meggie is called upon to help a foreign woman and her son. The woman is very ill, but is on a mission which she won't disclose, except that she and her son must right a great wrong that was done long ago.
Like the other Hawkenlye mysteries, The Devil's Cup is very well written, with wonderful characters, both the usual cast from previous books, and some new ones as well. I just keep reading, wanting to know what was the mysterious wrong that needed to be righted, and how would it be done? The Devil's Cup will keep you reading well into the night to find the answers.
April 29, 2017
The Devil's Cup by Alys Clare
This is the 17th novel in the Hawkenlye series. The first of the novels take place during the reign of Richard Plantagenet, the later books are set during King John's reign.
King John has sent for some of his more trusted knights as he faces challenges from all sides. Josse d'Aquin answers the summons.
Josse's daughter Meggie also sets off on a journey in hopes of preventing a tragedy.
While I like medieval mysteries, this novel was a little slow and depended on the keeping of secrets. Since the characters keep secrets from each other and from the reader, much of the explanation was kept until the very end. I got tired of the characters telling each other that they couldn't tell.
read in April; blog review scheduled for July ___?
NetGalley/Severn House
Medieval Mystery. August 1, 2017. Print length: 240 pages
This is the 17th novel in the Hawkenlye series. The first of the novels take place during the reign of Richard Plantagenet, the later books are set during King John's reign.
King John has sent for some of his more trusted knights as he faces challenges from all sides. Josse d'Aquin answers the summons.
Josse's daughter Meggie also sets off on a journey in hopes of preventing a tragedy.
While I like medieval mysteries, this novel was a little slow and depended on the keeping of secrets. Since the characters keep secrets from each other and from the reader, much of the explanation was kept until the very end. I got tired of the characters telling each other that they couldn't tell.
read in April; blog review scheduled for July ___?
NetGalley/Severn House
Medieval Mystery. August 1, 2017. Print length: 240 pages
July 4, 2017
I have read almost all of this wonderful series and was sad to find that this, #17, will be the last. At least I have those missed entries to track down and enjoy. This story is set in 1216 and King John has no idea who to trust as invading forces try to take over. Josse d'Acquin is one he does trust and Josh, though battle weary, goes to serve. Leaving his wife and daughter, his story follows one thread and Heloise and Meggie become involved with a very dangerous treasure. Though I think this story can be enjoyed as a stand alone, I would encourage fans of historical mystery series, especially long ones such as this one, to start at the beginning and savor each installment. I wasn't ready to see the series come to a close.
My thanks to Severn House and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
My thanks to Severn House and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 13, 2017
This book combines my two favourite genres of literature, mystery and history and both are carried off brilliantly. Centred round the character of Sir Josse, his wife Helewise and daughter Meggie the story is skillfully woven as each undertakes different tasks, which lead to the same conclusion. Alys Clare brings medieval England to life in a story which is gentle, evocative and a delight to read. I liked a lot about this book and particularly enjoyed the magical elements that are interlaced with the facts, adding to the mystery. More please! Thank you to the publishers and to Netgalley for letting me read and review this book.
November 21, 2017
Such a disappointing end to a fabulous series. I skimmed whole pages to find the thread of the story. I would love to have had a beautifully woven story to pull the threads of these 17 books together. Unfortunately, history intervened ad the King actually died. I will hold these characters in my memory and relish the 16 books that came before.
April 30, 2018
A nice way to wrap up the Hawkenlye series with a mystical quest to undo a trail of evil. Good to be able to imagine the rest of our characters' lives after these events and how they will grow, change and eventually die.
July 30, 2018
I would give the first half of this book one star, but the plot picked up somewhat and I enjoyed the ending, so overall I would give it [barely] two stars. It's been a while since I read the other books in this series and I liked them much more than this one.
August 10, 2017
This was an impressive blunder even by my standards – to find myself reviewing the final instalment in a seventeen-book series – and it is to Clare’s credit that I was able to crash into this world without any undue floundering whatsoever. While I am sure I would have better appreciated the characters and their final outcomes had I read the previous books, there was no stage where I felt unduly adrift. Indeed, the strength of the book for me are the characters and the worldbuilding, which is excellent. Clare manages to evoke the uncertainty of times and I very much enjoyed the way we get an insight into both sides of this conflict. I was particularly impressed with the characterisation of King John, who has always seemed to be an interesting character full of contradictions. The famous scene at The Wash was described with suitable drama and pulled me into the story – I only wish that we had spent more time following the King, rather than other aspects of this tale.
It is also a treat to read a story where religion and its impact on everyday life is fully acknowledged – I get a tad fed up with stories set in these times when it is all about the swordplay and lack of modern amenities, yet somehow omitting how much people prayed and looked to God for guidance throughout the day.
The protagonists in this unfolding story are all well depicted and cover a range of ages – another plus for me, as I rarely get to see my own age group represented as a main character in this type of story. However, one of my misgivings is the huge amount of freedom the main female characters seem to have. Helewise is able to retreat to a small cottage in a wood – despite being the wife of a landowner. She would be responsible for running the house and trammelled by a host of tasks that modern women would not have to consider, even if she had a number of servants performing chores for her – especially if she had a number of servants. Likewise Meggie is also able to wander off on an adventure, leaving the Forge and adjoining home shut up and idle. It simply wasn’t an option. Most households had a pig and chickens, along with a piece of land that would need tending to keep producing food for the table. The Queen’s experience would be the lot of most women of the time – and while she may well have felt frustrated at being so confined, it would not be unusual for high-born women to be kept tucked away in fortified homes and castles, given the custom of kidnapping noble family members and holding them as surety or ransom.
However, the one issue with this book that did compromise my enjoyment of the story is the lack of narrative tension. Due to the title and cover art – the reader already has a very good idea what the cursed object is, while Clare writes the story as if this is part of the mystery. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, as there was much else to enjoy about this tale – but a shame that this fundamental issue wasn’t addressed at some stage during the book’s production process. However, I will be looking out for more books in this series and am pleased to have discovered another talented author.
While I obtained the arc of The Devil’s Cup from the publisher via NetGalley, this has in no way influenced my unbiased review.
7/10
It is also a treat to read a story where religion and its impact on everyday life is fully acknowledged – I get a tad fed up with stories set in these times when it is all about the swordplay and lack of modern amenities, yet somehow omitting how much people prayed and looked to God for guidance throughout the day.
The protagonists in this unfolding story are all well depicted and cover a range of ages – another plus for me, as I rarely get to see my own age group represented as a main character in this type of story. However, one of my misgivings is the huge amount of freedom the main female characters seem to have. Helewise is able to retreat to a small cottage in a wood – despite being the wife of a landowner. She would be responsible for running the house and trammelled by a host of tasks that modern women would not have to consider, even if she had a number of servants performing chores for her – especially if she had a number of servants. Likewise Meggie is also able to wander off on an adventure, leaving the Forge and adjoining home shut up and idle. It simply wasn’t an option. Most households had a pig and chickens, along with a piece of land that would need tending to keep producing food for the table. The Queen’s experience would be the lot of most women of the time – and while she may well have felt frustrated at being so confined, it would not be unusual for high-born women to be kept tucked away in fortified homes and castles, given the custom of kidnapping noble family members and holding them as surety or ransom.
However, the one issue with this book that did compromise my enjoyment of the story is the lack of narrative tension. Due to the title and cover art – the reader already has a very good idea what the cursed object is, while Clare writes the story as if this is part of the mystery. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, as there was much else to enjoy about this tale – but a shame that this fundamental issue wasn’t addressed at some stage during the book’s production process. However, I will be looking out for more books in this series and am pleased to have discovered another talented author.
While I obtained the arc of The Devil’s Cup from the publisher via NetGalley, this has in no way influenced my unbiased review.
7/10
August 17, 2018
This story is the seventeenth and final book in the Hawkenlye mystery series. When I picked this book up at the library, I didn't realise it was part of a series at all. However, this didn't seem to matter, as the story reads as a stand-alone, though there are some references to other characters and books in the series.
Sir Josse d'Aquin is an interesting character; he's a knight of middle age, or maybe between the age of fifty or sixty years old in the year 1216. He finds himself being summoned by his childhood friend, King John, to help him as he tries to drive the invading force of Prince Louis of France out of England. But, while he's travelling with the King, Josse's daughter, Meggie, finds herself on a mission of her own.
Meggie is also an interesting character. She is a healer, working with the nuns at Hawkenlye Abbey as they tend to the sick and infirm. When a mysterious woman who is ill arrives at the Abbey with a warning of danger, Meggie finds herself journeying with the ailing woman's son, Faruq, to locate a relic that is cursed. But, as danger threatens, will they be able to retrieve the relic in time, or will it exact a terrible price?
As I said above, I saw this book in my local library. I love a good mystery, even a historical one, so after reading the synopsis, I decided to read it. I am struggling to write this review, not because it's bad (because it isn't), but because it isn't that good either. It is an okay read for me.
I found myself putting this book down, reading something else, and coming back to it with no problem. It is not a hard read by any means; in fact, it's a pretty easy read. This story told through several character's eyes, should have made it more interesting. However, something is missing from this tale. Maybe other mystery novels have spoilt me, but the plot is missing a crucial element - fast-paced suspense/mystery. This tale plods along at such a slow pace that I lost interest at times, which is why I would put it down and then come back to it. I've read other historical fiction novels that have sucked me in and left me breathless from the wild ride. Unfortunately, this book didn't do that to me. It is only in the last third of the book that the action picks up. The Devil's Cup of the title is an artefact that carries a curse. But the author, instead of using it as a tool to build suspense, focuses on King John and his attempt to forestall Prince Louis's invasion of England, which, I feel, is a shame as the object should have had a more significant role in this fictional tale.
Apart from the slow pace of the story, Alys Clare has written an intriguing story that brought the past to life. I love how she invoked the feeling of being transported into the past with her descriptive writing. The story flow is a little jerky in places where some of the scenes change in my opinion, but other readers may disagree with me, so will leave you to decide for yourselves. Nonetheless, I would consider reading more of this author's books in the future.
Due to some scenes of violence, I do not recommend this book to younger readers. However, I do recommend this book if you love historical fiction, mysteries, and thrillers. - Lynn Worton
Sir Josse d'Aquin is an interesting character; he's a knight of middle age, or maybe between the age of fifty or sixty years old in the year 1216. He finds himself being summoned by his childhood friend, King John, to help him as he tries to drive the invading force of Prince Louis of France out of England. But, while he's travelling with the King, Josse's daughter, Meggie, finds herself on a mission of her own.
Meggie is also an interesting character. She is a healer, working with the nuns at Hawkenlye Abbey as they tend to the sick and infirm. When a mysterious woman who is ill arrives at the Abbey with a warning of danger, Meggie finds herself journeying with the ailing woman's son, Faruq, to locate a relic that is cursed. But, as danger threatens, will they be able to retrieve the relic in time, or will it exact a terrible price?
As I said above, I saw this book in my local library. I love a good mystery, even a historical one, so after reading the synopsis, I decided to read it. I am struggling to write this review, not because it's bad (because it isn't), but because it isn't that good either. It is an okay read for me.
I found myself putting this book down, reading something else, and coming back to it with no problem. It is not a hard read by any means; in fact, it's a pretty easy read. This story told through several character's eyes, should have made it more interesting. However, something is missing from this tale. Maybe other mystery novels have spoilt me, but the plot is missing a crucial element - fast-paced suspense/mystery. This tale plods along at such a slow pace that I lost interest at times, which is why I would put it down and then come back to it. I've read other historical fiction novels that have sucked me in and left me breathless from the wild ride. Unfortunately, this book didn't do that to me. It is only in the last third of the book that the action picks up. The Devil's Cup of the title is an artefact that carries a curse. But the author, instead of using it as a tool to build suspense, focuses on King John and his attempt to forestall Prince Louis's invasion of England, which, I feel, is a shame as the object should have had a more significant role in this fictional tale.
Apart from the slow pace of the story, Alys Clare has written an intriguing story that brought the past to life. I love how she invoked the feeling of being transported into the past with her descriptive writing. The story flow is a little jerky in places where some of the scenes change in my opinion, but other readers may disagree with me, so will leave you to decide for yourselves. Nonetheless, I would consider reading more of this author's books in the future.
Due to some scenes of violence, I do not recommend this book to younger readers. However, I do recommend this book if you love historical fiction, mysteries, and thrillers. - Lynn Worton
May 6, 2017
I received an e-ARC of this novel through NetGalley and Severn House Publishers. Thank you.
Author Alys Clare has created a truly wonderful group of character studies in her Hawkenlye Abby series. I've come to respect and enjoy the main characters and continue to be intrigued by how Ms. Clare involves the time period - in this case 1216 - with the swirling political unrest and the way good people can influence the thinking of others. King John is fighting the French invaders as well as men of his own country who think he is weak enough to be overthrown. Dover Castle, thought to be impregnable, is beginning to suffer because of constant siege by the French and various other elements are coming together to keep John constantly unsettled. Josse d'Acquin and his wife, Helewise, are at home at the House in the Woods but events are soon to intervene and cause dramatic changes in the lives of everyone within this extended family. And it all began over eighty years before because of the actions of an evil man.
This was a particularly strong entry in the Hawkenlye series for me. Maybe it was partially because of the renewed relationship between Josse and his brother Yves. Once again the writing by Alys Clare depicted these characters and the political atmosphere in such a way that they immediately felt like close friends or people I should be wary of. I truly appreciate how Ms. Clare does not try to make me feel the time period simply by discussing the sanitary conditions, instead she uses other information to send me into the medieval world of her novel. By the end of this book there have been great changes in England and in the lives of those at the House in the Woods. Once again I find myself looking forward to the next book in this excellent series.
Author Alys Clare has created a truly wonderful group of character studies in her Hawkenlye Abby series. I've come to respect and enjoy the main characters and continue to be intrigued by how Ms. Clare involves the time period - in this case 1216 - with the swirling political unrest and the way good people can influence the thinking of others. King John is fighting the French invaders as well as men of his own country who think he is weak enough to be overthrown. Dover Castle, thought to be impregnable, is beginning to suffer because of constant siege by the French and various other elements are coming together to keep John constantly unsettled. Josse d'Acquin and his wife, Helewise, are at home at the House in the Woods but events are soon to intervene and cause dramatic changes in the lives of everyone within this extended family. And it all began over eighty years before because of the actions of an evil man.
This was a particularly strong entry in the Hawkenlye series for me. Maybe it was partially because of the renewed relationship between Josse and his brother Yves. Once again the writing by Alys Clare depicted these characters and the political atmosphere in such a way that they immediately felt like close friends or people I should be wary of. I truly appreciate how Ms. Clare does not try to make me feel the time period simply by discussing the sanitary conditions, instead she uses other information to send me into the medieval world of her novel. By the end of this book there have been great changes in England and in the lives of those at the House in the Woods. Once again I find myself looking forward to the next book in this excellent series.
May 12, 2017
This is the 17th and final book in the series - it is not a pre-requsite for the reader to have read all the previous episodes, as the story stands alone adequately.
The narrative holds the readers' attention well, with a distinct sense of the period evoked through descriptions and the characters are well-rounded and likeable from the start - even King John is presented more kindly than in some other pieces of fiction. The pace moves along nicely as the story unfolds, a story with a sense of mystery. The whole narrative covers September 1216 - October 2016, as King John faces rebellion from all sides and cannot decide who to trust. He calls on his old and trusted warriors, one of whom is Josse D'Acquin, now growing old and weary of battle, but loyal nonetheless. One side of the narrative follows the progress of Josse, his brother and his son, through the toils and tribulations surrounding a demanding and unpredictable king, whose tenuous grip on the throne is growing weaker and weaker by the day. Will they be able to help the king adequately, or will their loyalty be tested too far?
Meanwhile a seriously ill and very mysterious woman and her son are on a deadly mission and are racing against the clock to avoid imminent disaster, one which could involve the king himself - both Hellewise, Josse's wife, and Meggie, his daughter, will become embroiled in the mystery and danger lurking amidst this accursed mystery that destroys everyone and everything in its path.
The plot and characterisation work well together to provide an adequate mystery, with some nice touches and attempts to keep the ending under wraps, though at times there are lapses in pace and some of the language could be more engaging. A good overall read for those who like historical fiction.
The narrative holds the readers' attention well, with a distinct sense of the period evoked through descriptions and the characters are well-rounded and likeable from the start - even King John is presented more kindly than in some other pieces of fiction. The pace moves along nicely as the story unfolds, a story with a sense of mystery. The whole narrative covers September 1216 - October 2016, as King John faces rebellion from all sides and cannot decide who to trust. He calls on his old and trusted warriors, one of whom is Josse D'Acquin, now growing old and weary of battle, but loyal nonetheless. One side of the narrative follows the progress of Josse, his brother and his son, through the toils and tribulations surrounding a demanding and unpredictable king, whose tenuous grip on the throne is growing weaker and weaker by the day. Will they be able to help the king adequately, or will their loyalty be tested too far?
Meanwhile a seriously ill and very mysterious woman and her son are on a deadly mission and are racing against the clock to avoid imminent disaster, one which could involve the king himself - both Hellewise, Josse's wife, and Meggie, his daughter, will become embroiled in the mystery and danger lurking amidst this accursed mystery that destroys everyone and everything in its path.
The plot and characterisation work well together to provide an adequate mystery, with some nice touches and attempts to keep the ending under wraps, though at times there are lapses in pace and some of the language could be more engaging. A good overall read for those who like historical fiction.
December 23, 2018
#135
Although I enjoyed this series, it was time for it to end... Bittersweet, but the end.
Josse d'Acquin & his brother Yves set out to help King John in one last battle.
An old woman, Hadil & her son, Faruq, have come to destroy an unleashed ancient evil....
Jahan, Josse's son-in-law & Meggie's husband takes up w/ King John's enemies, who seek to destroy him.
Meggie, Josse's daughter by Forest-woman Joanna has the "gift" and sets off w/ Faruq to put an end to the evil after Hadil is seriously injured & can not continue on. First they visit John's Queen, Isabella, but the evil has already left her presence
Helewise, Josse's wife & former superior of the Hawkenlye Convent stays to help w/ Hadil.
It is an intriguing story, but the parts about everyone's travels & travails while trying to reach King John, is mostly boring, which is why I took off 2 ★.
This was a good place for the series to end.
Although I enjoyed this series, it was time for it to end... Bittersweet, but the end.
Josse d'Acquin & his brother Yves set out to help King John in one last battle.
An old woman, Hadil & her son, Faruq, have come to destroy an unleashed ancient evil....
Jahan, Josse's son-in-law & Meggie's husband takes up w/ King John's enemies, who seek to destroy him.
Meggie, Josse's daughter by Forest-woman Joanna has the "gift" and sets off w/ Faruq to put an end to the evil after Hadil is seriously injured & can not continue on. First they visit John's Queen, Isabella, but the evil has already left her presence
Helewise, Josse's wife & former superior of the Hawkenlye Convent stays to help w/ Hadil.
It is an intriguing story, but the parts about everyone's travels & travails while trying to reach King John, is mostly boring, which is why I took off 2 ★.
This was a good place for the series to end.
July 24, 2017
Not my cup of tea
As much as I love murder mysteries this is not a book I enjoyed at all. Perhaps the fact that this book is part of a series of sixteen previous titles, none of which I have read, has influenced my low rating but I think it is more to do with the lack of pace and the weak plot.
Fans of historical murder mysteries may disagree with me but I could not engage with the characters in this book and found the plot sadly lacking. The writing style seemed very simplistic and did not make me want to rush through each page to reach the conclusion. I always judge a book by the length of time it takes to read and this book took ages to finish. Murder mysteries should engage the reader to such an extent that the reader is dying to turn each page as the mystery unfolds, and this was not the case.
Gillian
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
As much as I love murder mysteries this is not a book I enjoyed at all. Perhaps the fact that this book is part of a series of sixteen previous titles, none of which I have read, has influenced my low rating but I think it is more to do with the lack of pace and the weak plot.
Fans of historical murder mysteries may disagree with me but I could not engage with the characters in this book and found the plot sadly lacking. The writing style seemed very simplistic and did not make me want to rush through each page to reach the conclusion. I always judge a book by the length of time it takes to read and this book took ages to finish. Murder mysteries should engage the reader to such an extent that the reader is dying to turn each page as the mystery unfolds, and this was not the case.
Gillian
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
July 19, 2020
Josse receives a summons from King John to join him as he tries to defend his reign. Josse can't ignore it and so rides off taking his son Geoffroi and brother Yves with him. Meggie, meanwhile, is summoned to Hawkenlye to care for a patient in the infirmary. From what she learns from the patient's son, she is compelled to ride off with him to try to complete the mission, leaving the woman in the care of Helewise. Will the missions be successful?
A fitting conclusion to the series with several references made to earlier installments. A few books ago, I was growing weary with it all but this closes things out in a satisfactory way.
A fitting conclusion to the series with several references made to earlier installments. A few books ago, I was growing weary with it all but this closes things out in a satisfactory way.
July 8, 2017
When the French invade England in September, 1216 Sir Josse d'Acquin is called to the side of King John. Meanwhile his daughter Messie has joined up with Faruq, a man with a mission, on a journey to find the Devil's cup.
Having read the first couple of books in the series some time ago I had hoped to be reading a murder mystery, this was more of a historical thriller with a mystical element. If you have read all the previous books then this is probably a must read.
But as a stand-alone book is was just enjoyable enough, with some decent characters.
A NetGalley Book.
Having read the first couple of books in the series some time ago I had hoped to be reading a murder mystery, this was more of a historical thriller with a mystical element. If you have read all the previous books then this is probably a must read.
But as a stand-alone book is was just enjoyable enough, with some decent characters.
A NetGalley Book.
May 31, 2017
King John summons some of his oldest followers to his side in the battle to keep the throne, and one of these followers is of course Josse D'Acquin, longstanding series character. In a parallel story Josse's daughter Meggie, a healer, is down into a journey with a strange foreigner that leads them into the action.
This is enjoyable and ties up a few elements of the series neatly, but it's not my favourite of the Hawkenlye books. Worth a read to provide a historical fiction fix, but the mystical element is a bit too much for my taste.
ARC received from Netgalley/Severn House in exchange for an honest review.
This is enjoyable and ties up a few elements of the series neatly, but it's not my favourite of the Hawkenlye books. Worth a read to provide a historical fiction fix, but the mystical element is a bit too much for my taste.
ARC received from Netgalley/Severn House in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2018
If I didn't already have so much invested in the characters, I would have found this one really frustrating. I generally have no problems with multiple perspectives in a novel and even enjoy them. But this story was all over the place and it was a little hard to follow as a result, even for me.
That being said, it's a nice addition to the series and if it turns out to be the last one, it's a satisfying ending.
That being said, it's a nice addition to the series and if it turns out to be the last one, it's a satisfying ending.
April 13, 2018
I came to this series late so may have found it harder to identify the characters prologue and final chapter effectively explain the entire plot. During the story little detail is revealed on this key element. As most decent historical faction goes there is some fact and some conjecture which can not be confirmed nor refuted. Good plot device let down by slow central part which fails to develop this until the end.
October 9, 2019
I haven't read any others in this series, although I might now. Despite my lack of familiarity with the characters and previous events, I did enjoy this one. I did feel impatient with what felt like the drawn-out exposition of some things, but the payoff was worth it.
I liked many of the characters, especially Meggy, Helewise, and Hadil. The author even managed to make King John somewhat sympathetic; not an easy feat based on what i know of the history.
I liked many of the characters, especially Meggy, Helewise, and Hadil. The author even managed to make King John somewhat sympathetic; not an easy feat based on what i know of the history.
August 28, 2021
King John is fighting off French invaders and rebels from Wales and Scotland in the fall of 1216. He is also ill and calls for his old loyal knights. Josse d'Acquin answers his summons. His wife Helewise is caring for an injured traveler, Hadil; while Josse's daughter has gone with Hadil's son Faruq are searching for an evil silver cup. I found this last of the Hawkenlye mysteries disappointing.
April 19, 2021
I'm always a little uneasy about the supernatural elements of this medieval mystery series (although I enjoy both fantasy and mystery separately) but it worked quite well here. I enjoyed the finale for the characters of this long running series and the portrayal of King John was interesting and complex.
July 5, 2022
I have read all the books in the Hawkenlye Series and really enjoyed the previous ones. This final book I found a bit tedious, bits of it I loved but especially at the beginning I found it hard going and kept putting it down to read other books.
As it is the final book in the series I think that is just as well.
As it is the final book in the series I think that is just as well.
June 1, 2024
This final book of the series was good like all the rest. Sadly I thought the ending could have been different and not resulted in a death of one of the characters. I don’t feel that it served a purpose and it wouldn’t have changed anything to have had the character injured rather than killed. But overall the series was very good and I did enjoy it very much.
June 27, 2019
Loved it. Just as good as all the previous and love the historical intrigue woven into the story. The characters have grown with the story and gives just enough detail about the surroundings and the people so we can use our imaginations to fill in the rest.
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