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The Black Rood (The Celtic Crusades, Book 2)

The Black Rood (The Celtic Crusades, Book 2)

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Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Vivid Settings, Muddied Motivations
Review: Our small town library finally added "The Black Rood" to their collection, and I was the first to check it out. This has been one of my most anticipated reads in a while; I loved "The Iron Lance."

Once again, Lawhead creates a vivid setting for his characters, replete with mouth-watering food, colorful garb, and back-breaking responsibilities. Once again, he transports us from Scotland to the lands of the Crusades. This time, it's Murdo's son, Duncan, who sets off on his own quest. This time, Duncan is the first-person narrator, telling the story of his travels to his daughter Caitriona. (My guess is that she will be the protagonist of his next book in the series, to be titled "The Mystic Rose.")

Though I read the book quickly--after the initial twenty pages, which seemed a bit muddied--I missed Murdo's cynicism and spiritual encounters from the first book. Here, Duncan has no real cross to bear; basically, he just wants a part of the adventure his father had. Even his personal tragedy early in the book has no real influence on his decision-making later. His motivations seem not as strong, and--in fact--I found it a bit difficult to swallow that he leaves behind his daughter after what they had experienced. (I can't go into detail without giving things away.) If Lawhead had described even a brief farewell scene, I might've made this jump easier.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. Not as much as "The Iron Lance," but still a vivid and memorable experience. The search of the Caliph's treasure house and the ensuing escape were heart-pounding adventure at its finest. While I don't always understand the motivations of some Lawhead characters, Lawhead always manages to bring a grace and dignity and honor to his people which I appreciate.

"The Mystic Rose," when it comes out, will sit high on my list.

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: Promising plot poorly executed
Review: This is the only Stephen Lawhead book I have read. It was good enough that I read it to the end, but it wasn't really very well done. A careful editor could probably clear much of the muddle fairly easily. The work as it stands now seems something like a first draft (OK, maybe second draft). It's too bad the author or publisher didn't take more time to polish it. I hope I'm not being too harsh - the book has lots of well done parts and a host of interesting characters - it just seems a shame that its overall potential wasn't reached.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Couldn't put it down!
Review: This was another amazing work on the part of Lawhead, a book you can't put down and yet you are sorry to finish it. Rich with historical detail, I found this book even more exciting than The Iron Lance. In all, the adventures of Duncan are believable as well as thrilling. I will agree with other readers that Duncan's relationship with Sydoni wasn't as well developed as it could have been, but that is my only complaint, if you can call it that. One little thing Lawhead can do like no one else; describe a feast! Never read a Lawhead book, this one included, unless you have food readily available. Along with studying history he must have studied the culinary arts! Can't wait for the third book!


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