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Title: The Summer of the Danes
Series: Brother Cadfael #18
Author: Ellis Peters
Rating: 2.5 of 5 Stars
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 288
Format: Digital Edition
| Synopsis: |
A new Bishop/Prelate/Priest/Authority Figure has been invested in an area long neglected along the Welsh border. Brother Mark has been sent with gifts from his boss to let the new guys know he fully supports them. Since Mark doesn’t speak Welsh, Cadfael goes along for the ride.
There are politics galore, as the New Boss isn’t Welsh and there are Welsh issues. Two brothers are fighting and one comes back with a bunch of Danes to take what he wants. The Danes end up with Mark, Cadfael and a young woman named Hellend as hostages. Thngs happen, some people die, money, power, blah, blah, blah.
The hostages are released, the Danes go back to Ireland and Hellend, who was to marry one of the men of the Good Brother, skips out of town to hook up with a big brawny Dane. Cadfael returns to his Abbey and realizes that he hasn’t really left the world behind. He still wants to travel.
| My Thoughts: |
It wasn’t that this was any worse than any of the previous books, but my goodness, I am getting thoroughly tired of these non-Cadfael adventures. Thank goodness there are only 3 more to go.
This book did convince me to NOT start another medieval mystery series when I finish up this one. I was contemplating the Sister Frevisse series but after barely making it through this book, I’ve realized I’ve reached my limit.
This was not bad by any means. It was just more of the same. Cadfael is a witness to the events, not an active participant. I am wondering about trying a completely different genre to replace these when I’m done. I’m already reading “Western” with L’Amours Sackets and I’ve got the SFF side of things more than adequately covered. Crime/Noir is not a genre I enjoy and while I’d like to get into some long running Action/Adventure/Thriller series, I’m not sure where to go. Eh, whatever. I’ll find something.
★★☆☆½
18! My goodness!
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Only 3 more to power through. I am definitely reaching Cadfael burnout though. I think Peters was too, as these last 5+ have had Cadfael as a teensy weensy little side character.
You’ve mentioned some sort series or author I should try out before, but I can’t remember who or even what genre. Any suggestions to replace these when I’m done?
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Well, there’s this little series by a lady named Stephenie Meyer that a lot of people have liked… 🙂
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Shame on you! Shame on your father! Shame on your grandfather! I believe seppuku is now in order for you…
Besides, I already read Twilight and the next one. AND I lived to tell the tale.
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P d james. Adam dalglish my favourite poet detective…
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Ahhh yes, that’s the one! I’ll go check their stuff. Thanks!
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If you’re interested in replacing this with a non-medieval mystery series I’d highly recommend the Athenian mystery series by Gary Corby. It stars Socrates’ (fictional) older brother working as an agent (fixer/investigator) for Pericles.
The tone is pretty light, and the author centers each book around a major event in Athenian history.
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Thanks. That sounds decent. I’ll see if my library has any.
It’ll also be a good test to see if it’s Cadfael I’m burning out on or mysteries in general…
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The book sounds terrible and I can’t believe there were EIGHTEEN books in the series! A lot of respect for you. The cover looks quite funky though so I hope it served as a distraction during the worst bits of the book 😉
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If you like medieval mysteries, then this will definitely scratch that itch.
I’m just not a huge mystery fan, like I am of SFF, so a little goes a long way 😀
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Phew- after 18 books I’m not surprised it felt like more of the same, but also after 18 books you’d hope the author would have learnt some new tricks!
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That’s one of the limitations of the medieval society. They didn’t travel a lot. So Peters is reduced to writing about little jaunts here and there. Oh well, almost done 🙂
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Sucks that it seems to be going downhill instead of finishing strong (the series). At least it’ll soon open up room for new series to check out. 😀
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That is exactly how I am viewing it. I’ve got a long SF series by Chris Nuttal to try out. I’ve never read any of his stuff before but I’m hoping it turns out well…
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Black on black in the Charg I’m creepin’ Rub me the right way, you might get a genie B.o.B, black Houdini
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