Brenda Rickman Vantrease

This was a very solid first novel. Vantrease uses the language well, writes very evocatively and, with considerable skill, and dignified a story that could have devolved into historical romance with some solid research. I admired the fact that she avoided the common (almost universal) trap of aggressively projecting 21st Century values onto 14th Century characters--a problem which crops up regularly in historical novels. This is by no means a happy book. People are treated unjustly, villains show more prevail, good guys die, and the lovers don't live happily ever after. In spite of that, the tone remains hopeful and pays tribute to the indomitability of the human spirit. Vantrease has gotten off to a late, but very promising start with her writing. I will look for more from this author. show less

This book is a very vivid look at Tudor England and the religious strife that started to tear the country apart during that era. From the intimate of the individual to the grand of historical significance, this book portrays how the events of that era touch on people of all strata's and types. It makes us think and sympathize with the characters and just makes us experience this tragic, viseral world. I enjoyed seeing Vantrease's characters, both real and imagined, overcome obstacles, fall show more to martyrdom, and just struggle to find a balance between family and faith.

Vantrease's main character, Kate Gough, really struck with me. She's a very strong woman who has gone through much in her life; in the end, I think, she is able to find her place and some happiness even though much tragedy came before. I enjoyed seeing how she wasn't afraid to confront the demons of her time for her family and loved ones. From her brother to her husband, she faces even her biggest enemy, face-to-face, in an effort to save lives and hearts. And yet, for all the bravery and strength of a lioness this woman has, there's a very tender side to her as well. Several times it's proven that she strives for love, family, and children above most else in her life. All around, she's a very well-balanced character that I felt for, cried for, and fell in love with.

I also vastly enjoyed the take on real historical individuals the author brought to life. I felt they all were well rounded people the reader could relate to, despite station or personality. Even the big antagonist of the book, Thomas More, was sympathetic for the reader in that I could see how he became the way he was. In a more sedate or calm era, religiously speaking, this man might have been considered a saint or great helper to the people. Instead, he sees his world and beloved religion being attacked from all quarters and defends it to the best of his ability. While I definitely don't agree with his actions nor his views, I grew to care for him as a man slowly sliding into madness and religious fanaticism due to the pressures on his beloved faith.

The world of religious strife and divisions that Vantrease brings to life just makes me shudder. I think anyone reading this book can agree that a new love for our freedoms of speech, thought, and religion came to light after reading this. Mine certainly did. Being in a country where the wrong word can get you burned alive is a terrifying world indeed. Vantrease brings it to vivid, terrifying life, all the while also bringing the business of bustling merchant town Antwerp and the glitter of the royal Tudor court to life as well. I felt transported and that's the mark of any well-written historical novel.

This book definitely shines as a wonderful example of historical fiction at its best. The reader is drawn into the events and atmosphere of the times seamlessly. The characters become people known and loved, sympathized with and cried over. I adored every word. And while it took me a while to get into the book due to the holiday season, once I was in, it was a straight shot to the end. I loved every word. show less

This book is tagged as a historical mystery. As historical fiction goes, this was an excellent and well-researched book. The characters were well-developed and you could feel the emotions of their struggles as you read. As a mystery, well, it flopped. They were supposed to be solving the murder of a priest, but most of the time, I think they forgot about him. However, the rest of the story was so fascinating that I really didn't care. I will definitely be checking out the next book to find show more out what happens. show less

The author says, ”This is a work of fiction, but the characters of Bishop Henry Despenser, John Wycliffe, Julian of Norwich, and John Ball are historical figures whose histories I have braided with the lives of my fictional characters.” This reader says, “Great debut! Please continue braiding!”

Ms. Vantrease has created characters so alive in their time and place, and her settings so real, that the reader feels herself there among the people of the manor trying to deal with the show more political and religious intrigue that threatens to strip them of everything, and among the peasants who work at the manor and with the sheep, trying to keep their families alive.

One of my pet peeves is a story that reeks of the author’s scholarship glaring from its crannies. Even though this is her debut book, Ms. Vantrease has not made that mistake. Hers is a seamless story where life of that time comes alive through the art of her pen.

It is not a perfect book, but it is quite illuminating to that time in history, and I did enjoy it. show less