Elizabeth > Recent Status Updates

Nearly done with this one and I've enjoyed it all the way. Can be read on the surface like a traditional UK saga, but there are many more depths and layers. Heading for a 5 star at the moment.

Lots going on. It's enjoyable and pacy. You can tell the villains because they all have yellow or missing teeth.

I've settled into the writing style and there have been some exciting moments - although not sure about the back-story for the King's spymaster - East End bare knuckle fight arranger?

Hmmm, so old King Edward is dying and the only person in the room with him as he's on his way to breathing his last (but not quite dead yet) is his mistress who is putting his armour on for him. Really???

Hmmm, so old King Edward is dying and the only person in the room with him as he's on his way to breathing his last (but not quite dead yet) is his mistress who is putting his armour on for him. Really???

'They were alive. In the hands of the enemy and the man I'd sworn to kill, but alive nonetheless.'
I never doubted it!

"Plumes of smoke and ash billowed in the breeze, blowing in my face, choking my lungs, the heat and the dust stinging my eyes and forcing an unwelcome tear..."

'Their faces were lined with the scars of battle; scars that spoke of faded glories, of victories long-forgotten, of kingdoms stolen and birthrights denied.

'Their faces were lined with the scars of battle; scars that spoke of faded glories, of victories long-forgotten, of kingdoms stolen and birthrights denied.

I began reading this earlier in the year but didn't get any further down to other commitments. I am now reading it again in depth.

Remarks in the review column.

Improving, and I am getting a good sense of Becket prior to being Archbishop of Canterbury. Henry II is not being painted in a flattering light at all. (no bad thing) I am still noticing areas being glossed over and smoothed out. Keeping things popular and easy for readers does mean missing nuances and fudging a few details.

This is wonderful thus far - terrific, muscular use of language and imagery.

This is wonderful thus far - terrific, muscular use of language and imagery.

Improving, and I am getting a good sense of Becket prior to being Archbishop of Canterbury. Henry II is not being painted in a flattering light at all. (no bad thing) I am still noticing areas being glossed over and smoothed out. Keeping things popular and easy for readers does mean missing nuances and fudging a few details.

And now he tells us that Henry II's mother was dragged out of a convent to be married. But that controversy was over Henry's grandmother, not his mother. It's sloppy and annoying. While I'm enjoying the general narrative and think I'm learning things about church and state, how much else has he got wrong that I don't know about? Sigh.

Right. This is readable. But it is full of 'may have's' 'possibly's' and all the usual tricks of the popular biographers when they don't really know. Several minor historical errors too so far. Listen up. Henry I was already contracting to marry Adeliza of Louvain BEFORE his son died on the white ship, NOT as a result of.
It's okay but I'm not bubbling over with enthusiasm.

Right. This is readable. But it is full of 'may have's' 'possibly's' and all the usual tricks of the popular biographers when they don't really know. Several minor historical errors too so far. Listen up. Henry I was already contracting to marry Adeliza of Louvain BEFORE his son died on the white ship, NOT as a result of.
It's okay but I'm not bubbling over with enthusiasm.

Right. This is readable. But it is full of 'may have's' 'possibly's' and all the usual tricks of the popular biographers when they don't really know. Several minor historical errors too so far. Listen up. Henry I was already contracting to marry Adeliza of Louvain BEFORE his son died on the white ship, NOT as a result of.
It's okay but I'm not bubbling over with enthusiasm.

A wonderful read. Heading for 'this year's best of' awards.

Thoroughly enjoying this. There's a lot of detail about how things were done, but it is interesting. I am really enjoying the characters and the pages are turning nicely. Heading for a 5 star at the moment. I guess I'd describe it as a big, fat, juicy saga.

Reading on Kindle, so going on %age Loving this so far. I do like atmospheric ghost stories at this time of year and this is ticking all th boxes at the moment.

Fans of Fannie Flagg and Rebecca Wells would like this I think. Enjoying very much so far. The heroine is called Swan Lake!

I am absolutely loving revisiting the William stories of Richmal Crompton. I've been laughing out loud this morning at the episode 'Mrs Bott's Hat.' Pricless.

All the sentences are the same length and are pulling me out of the story. I think it's hugely evocative, but I am not sure if I'm going to like it.

This has started off really well. It's set in modern times and the 18thC and involves the search/mystery around an extinct stuffed bird - sounds weird, but it's good so far.