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The Crucible #3
The Crippled Angel
The world that the former monk Thomas Neville knows is crumbling about him. The Holy Mother Church of Rome is losing its power and men are coming to question the nature of religion and the role of those who rule them by sword and cross.
Thomas knows that it is not merely the dawning of a new time for men to try to think and judge for themselves but it is a direct result of the rift in the fabric of the world, where demons have escaped their prison and are trying to breach the very gates of heaven. The great archangel Michael gave Thomas the task to find the demons who now dwell in human form and expose their evil natures.
To accomplish this he had to turn his back on one set of vows and return to his once lofty noble connections. In doing so, his life is caught up with his childhood friend Harold Bollinbroke, the fair young "Prince Hal"--who might be more (or less) than he seems. And he meets the fair young Margaret, an enigmatic beauty who he takes to wife--not out of love, but as a means to discover if she is one of those who would destroy mankind.
Old friends, a new love, and temptations that will try his conscience. And his very soul.
For Thomas is beginning to think that all that he knows may not be true. Faced with mortal love and friendships that he desperately wants and fears, he knows that time is growing short.
And the choice that he makes will reshape the world.
Thomas knows that it is not merely the dawning of a new time for men to try to think and judge for themselves but it is a direct result of the rift in the fabric of the world, where demons have escaped their prison and are trying to breach the very gates of heaven. The great archangel Michael gave Thomas the task to find the demons who now dwell in human form and expose their evil natures.
To accomplish this he had to turn his back on one set of vows and return to his once lofty noble connections. In doing so, his life is caught up with his childhood friend Harold Bollinbroke, the fair young "Prince Hal"--who might be more (or less) than he seems. And he meets the fair young Margaret, an enigmatic beauty who he takes to wife--not out of love, but as a means to discover if she is one of those who would destroy mankind.
Old friends, a new love, and temptations that will try his conscience. And his very soul.
For Thomas is beginning to think that all that he knows may not be true. Faced with mortal love and friendships that he desperately wants and fears, he knows that time is growing short.
And the choice that he makes will reshape the world.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2002
15 people are currently reading
670 people want to read
About the author
Sara Douglass
65 books1,029 followersDouglass was born in Penola, South Australia. She attended Annesley College, in Wayville, a suburb of Adelaide. She studied for her BA while working as a Registered Nurse, and later completed her PhD in early modern English History. She became a lecturer in medieval history at La Trobe University, Bendigo. While there she completed her first novel, BattleAxe, which launched her as a popular fantasy author in Australia, and later as an international success.
Until the mid-2000s, Douglass hosted a bulletin board on her website, with the aim of encouraging creative thinking and constructive criticism of others' work. She maintained an online blog about the restoration project of her house and garden entitled Notes from Nonsuch in Tasmania.
In 2008, Douglass was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She underwent treatment, but in late 2010 the cancer returned. She died on 27 September 2011, aged 54.
She also wrote under her real name Sara Warneke.
Until the mid-2000s, Douglass hosted a bulletin board on her website, with the aim of encouraging creative thinking and constructive criticism of others' work. She maintained an online blog about the restoration project of her house and garden entitled Notes from Nonsuch in Tasmania.
In 2008, Douglass was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She underwent treatment, but in late 2010 the cancer returned. She died on 27 September 2011, aged 54.
She also wrote under her real name Sara Warneke.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 4, 2018
This was a fitting end to The Crucible trilogy. I may not have always liked the main character, Thomas Neville, but I always enjoyed the alternate history feel. The author's use of real life historical figures and events, albeit mashing them up in different ways, made for interesting reading. In this book we get to see the Siege of Harfleur and the Battle of Agincourt though both occur significantly earlier than they did in real life. And for the purposes of this alternate history the character of Hal Holingbroke, aka King Henry IV, is a composite of himself and his real life son, King Henry V, and thus gets to live out his son's exploits (as it was actually Henry V who was at the Battle of Agincourt).
I zipped right through this book. Hal's/Henry's rule at home in England is still not 100% secure but, even so, he's chomping at the bit to invade France. His ambitions are giving second thoughts to Thomas who is himself feeling the pressure of the momentous decision facing him: choose for the angels or for the demons. I strongly suspected early on how Thomas' choice was going to work out and by about the midway point it was all but confirmed for me. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed seeing the characters arrive at the same realization. My own sympathies lay with the women of this story, in this entire trilogy really. Well, maybe not with Isabeau. But Margaret, Mary, Joan, and Catherine are all strong women in their own, individual ways, who struggle to carve out their own destinies as much as the male dominated world they live in allows. Mary especially is a tragic figure. I have no idea what the real life marriage between Hal/Henry and Mary Bohun was like but this Hal never deserved this Mary. Their relationship status wasn't the only reason, however, that my opinion of him ended up doing a total 180 from where it started out in the first book.
All in all, I found this book - and the trilogy as a whole - thoroughly engrossing. So much so that it's put me in the mood to go out and read some more reality based historical fiction. I've had several books by Sharon Kay Penman on my TBR shelf for awhile now. Maybe it's time to take one down.
I zipped right through this book. Hal's/Henry's rule at home in England is still not 100% secure but, even so, he's chomping at the bit to invade France. His ambitions are giving second thoughts to Thomas who is himself feeling the pressure of the momentous decision facing him: choose for the angels or for the demons. I strongly suspected early on how Thomas' choice was going to work out and by about the midway point it was all but confirmed for me. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed seeing the characters arrive at the same realization. My own sympathies lay with the women of this story, in this entire trilogy really. Well, maybe not with Isabeau. But Margaret, Mary, Joan, and Catherine are all strong women in their own, individual ways, who struggle to carve out their own destinies as much as the male dominated world they live in allows. Mary especially is a tragic figure. I have no idea what the real life marriage between Hal/Henry and Mary Bohun was like but this Hal never deserved this Mary. Their relationship status wasn't the only reason, however, that my opinion of him ended up doing a total 180 from where it started out in the first book.
All in all, I found this book - and the trilogy as a whole - thoroughly engrossing. So much so that it's put me in the mood to go out and read some more reality based historical fiction. I've had several books by Sharon Kay Penman on my TBR shelf for awhile now. Maybe it's time to take one down.
July 15, 2012
The final page-turning installment of The Crucible series, The Crippled Angel, sees Thomas Neville, former Dominican, warrior and now King Henry's (Hal's) confidant and conscience, forced to make the choice that will change the world. Understanding what he is and what's expected of him, the role he has no choice but to play, Neville nonetheless struggles with his morals and what he believes he must do, procrastinating endlessly! Despite the apparent wickedness of the angels and deception of those called demons, Neville feels he must search for alternatives or delay the inevitable for as long as possible, bringing everyone and thing to the brink of disaster.
Against a backdrop of war, politics, pestilence, treachery and unbelievable cruelty, moments of kindness, generosity and love shine. It's these, particularly in the form of Hal's misused Queen, Mary, that Neville clings to as the angels and events conspire to force his hand. A strong friendship develops between Neville and Mary which is the woman's only respite as Douglass does not spare the gentle queen any misery and we bear witness to utterly appalling injuries - emotional and physical - inflicted upon this poor soul.
Philip and Catherine also feature as does Joan of Arc and, of course, Neville's wife and child. Relationships grow, transform, suffer and are fulfilled or otherwise. Again, Douglass uses real figures and events to create verisimilitude amd add richness and depth to this complex tale. Dates and places differ as do consequences, but the excitement never abates.
Using a great deal of medieval biblical and religious imagery, Douglass paints a bleak, adventurous and marvellous world where angels and demons tread and manipulate boldly for their own purposes amd where good and evil are no longer black and white but more than fifty shades of grey. The Church as an institution is not let off lightly, and Christianity as preached by Jesus is upheld as a system of faith that's been as brutalized and misinterpreted as Mary by those with their own shocking agendas. I admire Douglass enormously for the themes she tackles in this series and the ideologies and beliefs she places under a daring microscope. For while this rollicking take of good, evil, everything inbetween and those who practice it is set in the past, it still resonates strongly today.
A fabulous conclusion to a terrific series.
Against a backdrop of war, politics, pestilence, treachery and unbelievable cruelty, moments of kindness, generosity and love shine. It's these, particularly in the form of Hal's misused Queen, Mary, that Neville clings to as the angels and events conspire to force his hand. A strong friendship develops between Neville and Mary which is the woman's only respite as Douglass does not spare the gentle queen any misery and we bear witness to utterly appalling injuries - emotional and physical - inflicted upon this poor soul.
Philip and Catherine also feature as does Joan of Arc and, of course, Neville's wife and child. Relationships grow, transform, suffer and are fulfilled or otherwise. Again, Douglass uses real figures and events to create verisimilitude amd add richness and depth to this complex tale. Dates and places differ as do consequences, but the excitement never abates.
Using a great deal of medieval biblical and religious imagery, Douglass paints a bleak, adventurous and marvellous world where angels and demons tread and manipulate boldly for their own purposes amd where good and evil are no longer black and white but more than fifty shades of grey. The Church as an institution is not let off lightly, and Christianity as preached by Jesus is upheld as a system of faith that's been as brutalized and misinterpreted as Mary by those with their own shocking agendas. I admire Douglass enormously for the themes she tackles in this series and the ideologies and beliefs she places under a daring microscope. For while this rollicking take of good, evil, everything inbetween and those who practice it is set in the past, it still resonates strongly today.
A fabulous conclusion to a terrific series.
January 11, 2017
This story will piss off every evangelical and extremist religious holy roller.
September 3, 2024
I really enjoyed this series and I was very pleased with the ending that seemed very fitting to me. What an interesting interpretation all these books have of the angels, Christ, demons, heaven, hell, God, etc. I was engrossed in the story and eager to find out how the author would end the story. I was not disappointed!
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November 14, 20212 copies
September 12, 2022
A different view on history
British history is given an angelic twist.. Jesus is freed and the angels walk amongst us but not for us.
British history is given an angelic twist.. Jesus is freed and the angels walk amongst us but not for us.
December 2, 2007
Okay, so Thomas' dilemma of having to give his soul on a platter to a prostitute gets a *wee* bit irritating when everyone keeps harping, agonizing, and dithering about it in just about every single chapter!
... but apart from that, this book is a very interesting end to a great series.
I must say I felt a bit guilty about being party to the premise of Archangel Michael and the other angels being nothing but cruel petty arrogant beings, and surprisingly, this is what had me holding back from thoroughly enjoying the entire series; yes, this is what had be more than aware that this was all just a work of fiction. Kinda amusing, actually :-)
But overall, this was a great series, and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy, alternative history, and a kick in the spirituality pants every once in a while.
... but apart from that, this book is a very interesting end to a great series.
I must say I felt a bit guilty about being party to the premise of Archangel Michael and the other angels being nothing but cruel petty arrogant beings, and surprisingly, this is what had me holding back from thoroughly enjoying the entire series; yes, this is what had be more than aware that this was all just a work of fiction. Kinda amusing, actually :-)
But overall, this was a great series, and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy, alternative history, and a kick in the spirituality pants every once in a while.
February 18, 2008
I read this in a day. I had to find out the smashing ending to all these people/angels I had come to know over reading the series. I must say, I was not prepared for the ending and the final revealing of my favorite characters. I do admit I did not know too much history of the English Kings, but did recognize some of the them - although they were not described as history played them to be. I like the style of wondering how history would change if you added one character or changed the way that character would be. Infinite choices along a timeline. I really enjoyed this series.
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February 12, 2013I was surprised with how the book ended. I AM glad that it ended the way it did, and I am glad in the choice that Thomas makes in the end. It was satisfying to finish the book, though part of me wishes he had learned his lessons earlier.
The series does have a good message about the importance of loving.
While I realise that it is a work of fiction, and as such, the author is free to mess around with history as she sees fit, it kind of bothered me that she had characters out of their proper timeline. She did say that it was an "alternative reality," so I suppose that's a good disclaimer.
The series does have a good message about the importance of loving.
While I realise that it is a work of fiction, and as such, the author is free to mess around with history as she sees fit, it kind of bothered me that she had characters out of their proper timeline. She did say that it was an "alternative reality," so I suppose that's a good disclaimer.
February 7, 2014
This book had a lot going for it. The characters were enjoyable in both "good" and "evil" camps, and the story interesting as it progressed. But throughout the series, the religious themes were a little bit too shallow (both in the depiction of religion at the time, and in general) as well as a bit overbearing and heavy handed. In the end, there was a fairly contradictory message which didn't jell all that well in an otherwise well laid out story. Overall, it was as good a read as the second book, with an ending that was about as off putting as the first book. It was a bit sad that way.
July 10, 2016
Sara Douglass concludes her Crucible series with this third book that takes place among the royal courts of 14th-century England and France in an altered reality that closely resembles our own, but for the interference of angels in mortal affairs. I didn't fall in love with the series, but this is a very interesting time in English (and French) history, and Douglass definitely has a way with words!
August 7, 2011
Book 3 of 'The Crucible' Trilogy.
I admit that I do have a soft spot for supernatural/religious themed books so I may be a tad biased but I have to say that I absolutely LOVED the Crucible Trilogy.
These were the first books of Sara's that I've read & they sure as hell won't be the last!!
I admit that I do have a soft spot for supernatural/religious themed books so I may be a tad biased but I have to say that I absolutely LOVED the Crucible Trilogy.
These were the first books of Sara's that I've read & they sure as hell won't be the last!!
August 1, 2016
I stayed up past my bedtime reading this book because the ending to it was so good. In this book, Thomas Neville faces his destiny. How will he save his friends from the angels and make sure also that evil, misguided as it is, does not conquer good? or is there even a way? This is a book you can't miss if you like high fantasy combined with parallel universe worlds.
October 9, 2009
Very interesting take on the war between good/evil and the fight for the souls of mankind. Takes place in a semi-historical 14th century Europe which made me go research more of the time. I think the ending could have been a bit more satisfying but it was a thoroughly enjoyable read.
December 20, 2010
Continuing the excellent story launched in the first volume of this series, in books 2 and 3 the characters develop, suspicion and conspiracies abound, and the series marches towards its fascinating conclusion.
May 14, 2013
A lot of mystery in my opinion. It sometimes became a bit confusing between the transitions of scenes. Nevertheless the story itself was marvelous. This would be a great read for any medieval era lover. The rest is for you to find out! Happy Reading!
December 13, 2016
It's a shame we no longer have this wonderful author. She was a brilliant author.
The sheer amount of research that was necessary for this book showed how excellent a writer she was.
Rest in Peace, Sara.
The sheer amount of research that was necessary for this book showed how excellent a writer she was.
Rest in Peace, Sara.
March 23, 2008
A very good trilogy about 14th century religion with a fantasy twist
October 7, 2009
I almost had to take time off work after reading this to let my mind absorb all three novels.
November 7, 2010
Good trilogy.
June 5, 2012
Having now finished the trilogy, I can conclude that the series is an OK read, but nothing spectacular. There are a few neat ideas, but a lot of the writing is rather trite.
February 13, 2012
It was cheap... So I bought it. Better of buying a six pack. To many christians, to many angels...
Jon of Arc . end of discussion
Jon of Arc . end of discussion
December 3, 2012
I absolutely loved this series. Very well written and a definite page turner until the end. I am looking forward to reading her other works.
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February 17, 2014meh
May 22, 2015
The angels have given Thomas Neville two choices: condemn the woman he loves"," or damn mankind. He must now find a third option. Is there any hope?
June 3, 2017
One of my favorite authors. She is missed...
September 6, 2013
The Crucible #3
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September 8, 2015OoPop
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews