Erin (Historical Fiction Reader) > Recent Status Updates

Definitely finishing this one today...

Officially in the homestretch!

The trick with retellings and prequels is to create a unique story that complements the source material.

Minus a few minor notes that are wholly absent for chapters at a time, this book feels like a standalone.

Debating if I will push through this one today...

I'd have liked this more if Cornwell hadn't included Jeanette or Eleanor. He doesn't know what to do with them if they aren't being assaulted or almost assaulted.

The Battle of Caen was violent, but the aftermath was rougher reading.

Part II: Normandy

Jeanette has gone from a badass with a crossbow to a mewling annoyance. Wish Cornwell had done better by his Blackbird.

Heading toward the Battle of Caen (1346).

I need Sir Simon or the Duke to cease breathing by the final page.

You're on notice, Cornwell. Make it happen.

The antagonists in this novel feel one-dimensional. The protagonists are less so, but only just.

That said, there is something about the battles and politics that really appeals to me. Something that speaks to the nuance of the Hundred Years' War.

Not important to the narrative, but my old paperback copy also smells AMAZING!

Biked 26 miles while the English laid siege to La Roche-Derrien.

Finished the prologue while drinking my morning coffee.

Flying through this one! Expect to finish today.

I think readers need to take shots every time a character cusses in this book. #FuckingBrilliant #HighlyAmusing #DelightfulRead

I've been really good about reading the books I own, but I couldn't help putting my name on the list when it came across the new release feed on Libby.

Quiet morning with this one and a cup of coffee. #perfection

Slogging.

I don't hate this book, but it doesn't have me in a chokehold.

I honestly wish it were a dual timeline with the characters of Sleepy Hollow discovering the origin of the Horseman. As is, the book feels very disconnected from the source material.

14.71 miles and two chapters this morning.

Chapters have gotten significantly longer and the story seems to be finding its feet.

Fifteen and a half miles on the bike this morning, and a good chunk of Empire.

This chapter is slower than some of the others, but it's enjoyable. Fun callback to Osmund Mason/The Founding as well.

Had hoped to read all of The Unrest today, but overshot and read all the way through The Calm.

On track to finish this one tomorrow. Hell of a ride. Kind of annoyed I let it sit on my shelf for so long.

Glad the novel didn't wander as far from Salisbury as I feared it would.

Have no issue stating Obediah is my least favorite character in the story thus far, and that's saying something as he keeps company with the odious Witchfinder General.

Samuel and Margaret, on the other hand, made The Unrest one of the most memorable chapters in the book.

The Calm is up next. Onward!

Nellie is giving Aelfgifu a run for her money. I admire the latter's brass, but the sass and sensuality of the former have me rolling!

No mileage today. Figure it is time for a rest, but I pushed through the last of The Death and all of The Rose.

The Rose is kind of a bum of a chapter. I feel like nothing particularly interesting happened, and I am not exactly sold on the concept of the next chapter.

A Journey From Sarum indicates we will be leaving Salisbury. Odd for a book literally designed on the history of the place...

Don't have it in me to push through to the next chapter. Gonna sit tight in the aftermath of the Black Death till tomorrow.

The Founding had me thinking of Pillars of the Earth.

Finished the chapter and taking a break before starting The Death.

Have a feeling plague is on the horizon.

12.61 miles and a good chunk of chapter eight in the books.

Up to 1265. The story is more intertwined now that all five families have established lines. Rutherford is also embracing the opportunity to include more history.

Part I, Old Sarum, covered 7500 BC to 1139 AD. This took 433 pages.

Part II, New Sarum, picks up in 1244 and ends in 1985 (a pretty cool year if you ask me). This will take 600 pages.

I understand the reasoning here, but the math amuses me just the same.

The Anarchy!

In all seriousness, the events of this book keep prompting me to thinj of others set in the various times periods in covers. At the moment that means a lot of Chadwick's backlist and I'm definitely NOT complaining.

Ten miles on my bike with this audio this morning.

Aelfwine's fate was gory, and Aelfgifu is a badass.

It seems I'll have to wait another day for the Vikings to arrive. Have to set this aside as I've a production of Little Women to attend. Not sure I'm ready to jump from 877 England to 1860 America...