An enjoyable historical fiction read. Conn Igguldon is a masterful storyteller. Igguldon recreates the life a lesser-known, but still important historical figure: Dunstan of Glastonbury. We see the best and the worst of all humanity. That those who claim to be men of god are not always so. Not all of the characters in this novel are likable. In fact the vast majority of them are despicable.

Dunstan is far far from being a pious man of God, and is painted as a very un-Christian monk. He cheats, lies, bargins, steals, and murders to get what he needs. And he uses his position within the church to do so.

I am voluntarily submitting my honest review after receiving an ARC of this ebook via NetGalley,

This sweeping epic takes place during the crucial founding years early in Britain's history. Our hero, Dunstan, is portrayed with a great deal of sensitivity, with all his frailties and flaws, allowing the reader to see him as a very human figure, despite his great accomplishments. While this book failed to fully capture my attention early on, I am glad I persevered, as I did really enjoy the latter half of the book. Fans of historical fiction, particularly those interested in England's early history or the Vikings, should enjoy this book.

The Abbots Tale by Conn Iggulden, a good solid story about the priest Dunstan and his early life. In my humble opinion was not as good as his Conqueror series or Emperor series but still good Historical Fiction.

It was RIVETING!!!! The first half of the book reads very quickly. There is so much to absorb as the author gives an overview of England and the royal family. Many relationships are explored in these early pages. As the early part of Duncan's life unravels, you do not know whether to feel sorry for him or hate him. The last half of the book reads a bit slower. The story unveils a time that has been largely unexplored in fiction. It is hard to condemn Duncan for his actions if one considers the culture he was living in. Any lover of English history needs to take a look at this title. It provides great context to the development of England in its early stages. Great Read!

The Abbot's Tale is a a fictional autobiography of Saint Dunstan of Glastonbury during the mid-900s AD. This story follows Dunstan through the beginnings of the creation of England as well as his creation of the Glastonbury Abbey and the Canterbury Cathedral.

This was a highly interesting story about a man who I really knew next to nothing about. I've seen Conn Iggulden's books around, but this is the first book by Conn Iggulden that I've read--and it certainly won't be the last. It's clear that Iggulden performed immense research on the setting and historical events of the story and did his best to fill in the gaps about Dunstan for the rest, as there isn't all that much known about Dunstan himself. The Abbot's Tale completely transported me to this historical time period and I loved learning about it because I really haven't read much during this particular setting.

Dunstan is an extremely unlikable character. There are not a lot of redeemable qualities present in his personality and character, but somehow he is a still a fascinating figure to follow. He presents some interesting ideas and undertakes a variety of different actions and projects that make it interesting enough to follow along and become invested in him and his life. He accomplishes much throughout his life in many unexpected and creative ways, but outside of that he is a bit of a horrible person that does a lot of questionable things throughout his life. He's a smart man, but he's not a good man.

Despite the interesting subject matter of this book, it's still a moderately length book that took me quite a while to get through. It's very slow-paced without many large events occurring, so it takes a lot of determination and effort to really follow along. There were times when it felt like the story dragged, but I hesitate to say that it was boring, however, because when I think about my time reading it I never found myself struggling to get through. I was very much engaged in the story, but I wasn't necessarily blown away by what I was reading.

This review is a bit shorter today simply because I feel as though I don't have much to say about this book. It is a strong, solid story about a fascinating person, but it's nothing overly special or something I want to rave about. In the same manner, it's not a bad book in any way and I would absolutely recommend it. It falls somewhere in the middle as a great book that I am glad I read, but that doesn't exactly stand out in any exceptional way.

Overall, I've given The Abbot's Tale four stars! I can't wait to dig into more of Iggulden's extensive bibliography of other historical fiction novels.

I found this to be quite slow to start. I'm not sure if it was just that I wasn't interested in it at that moment and it will be more interesting later, or if I'll never be interested. This is the first Conn Iggulden book I've read, though, after hearing a lot about the author. So far, I'm not terribly impressed. The character of Dunstan is a terrific choice but I don't think he was handled well. He is a hateful character and if this is how he really was, then it is hard to imagine how he was one of England's most beloved saints until Thomas Becket. Maybe I will try it again in a few weeks but this is not a book I am enjoying.

Sadly, I am going to have to not finish this autobiographical novel of the historical Dunstan, a 10th century Abbot of Glastonbury who was canonized as a saint. I hate doing that with an ARC because I feel like by receiving a free ARC, I'm obligated to finish it, but I know that's not actually a part of NetGalley's rules or expectations so I'm doing it.

The beginning of The Abbot's Tale just did not grab me. The prologue was sort of rambling, and the first few chapters, the main character, Dunstan, just seemed to be a bully, a narcissist, and a sociopath. I was hoping it would get better, but then Dunstan did something I just couldn't get past (see spoiler below, if you want to). His only redeeming quality is that he cares about and tries to protect his little brother, even though he is simultaneously cruel to him. But is that really a redeeming feature? Because abusers do the same thing: "I can be mean to you, but no one else can because you're mine." So I'm not even sure Dunstan even has one good quality. Most frustrating of all is the fact that he doesn't even realize how horrible he is, he genuinely doesn't understand why most people don't treat him like a god, blaming and resenting them when they don't. Only the people he is able to hoodwink into thinking he's "touched by angels" treat him the way he thinks he deserves to be treated.

Look, I know anti-heroes are popular right now and I'm all for it, if it works. But this one doesn't, and I frankly don't understand how this book has gotten such a high average rating with such an unlikable protagonist. Even "Dexter," from the likewise titled TV show, which also features a psychopathic, murdering protagonist, has some kind of moral code, but Dunstan does not. I tried to hang in there, and I think I gave it a fair chance, but I just can't take any more of Dunstan.

*Spoiler*
The final straw was the fact that Dunstan murdered an innocent cat that more than one character had bonded with. I know, I know, he also killed Godwin, but arguably, Godwin deserved it, and also, he killed Dunstan to protect his little brother. The idea that he needed to test the poison on the cat just doesn't work for me. Additionally, Dunstan goes on to murder someone who arguably didn't deserve it so any hope of some kind of moral code was quickly dashed. All of it is just more evidence of the fact that Dunstan is a socio/psychopath with zero redeeming qualities and that's just not the kind of protagonist I enjoy, especially when it's written in first person and therefore I have to endure listening to his narcissistic internal dialogue nonstop. I like flawed protagonists, but I can't get on board with this.
*/Spoiler*

I'm giving it a half star just because the writing quality was good, and it might have been a great story if the characterization hadn't been so bad.

This book was a bit of. struggle, for me.

On one hand, I loved it. I loved the plot. I loved the characters. I definitely was hooked by the storyline and wanted to see how it ended.

On the other hand, the writing style was not what I expected. It didn't flow well in many places, and was slow to get started in the beginning. And so, what could have been an epic book, hit me as merely 'okay.' II kept having to reread sections to clarify what the author meant/what the character was feeling/what was happening in the scene/etc.

I do not hesitate to recommend this book, as the story itself is really good.

Thank you Netgalley and Pegasus Books for the eARC.
This was my first book by Conn Iggulden (one of my husband's favorite authors) and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Fatherless Dunstan was sent to study with monks as a young teen and ultimately becomes the man behind the building of Glastonbury Abbey and Canterbury Cathedral. In order to accomplish this he befriends King Aethelstan of Wessex and several other Kings. Athelstan is trying to unite England into one Kingdom, while constantly fighting off the Vikings.
Dunstan will kill, torture, betray, lie and cheat in order to make his dreams come true, truly believing his sins will be forgiven by God because his motivation is to glorify God.
It's difficult to like Dunstan, although one has to grudgingly admire him.
There aren't many books set in 900's England, which appealed to me, and I was not disappointed. Fascinating, well written, with helpful historical notes; this is a book I would recommend highly to fans of historical novels. I will definitely read more of Mr. Iggulden's books.

Dunstan, the main character of this story, certainly has a very high opinion of himself. And perhaps that was instrumental in his rise to power. This is certainly a tale to keep you reading to the very end. A wonderful glimpse into the history of England.

"The Abbot's Tale" is a nice departure from previous Conn Iggulden novels. Told from the point of view of Dunstan of Glastonbury during a time of immense change for England, it is an engrossing, highly satisfying story of history, treachery, politics and more in 10th century England. It reads like a memoir starting in Dunstans youth and chronicling his rise to power as advisor to several kings, and the driving force behind Glastonbury Abbey.

But lest you think that because of his many accomplishments Dunstan is a nice guy, think again. Sometimes brilliant, creative and extremely loyal, he can also be small, petty and eager for revenge. Has he really experienced miracles, or did he manipulate the situation to create them? You'll find yourself wondering, "did he really do that", and Iggulden often leaves you to make your own decision. I found the book fascinating; it's about a time period you don't often hear about. In his lifetime England becomes the united country we know, under 7 kings...some he advises, some he influences, all of whom he convinces to support his vision of Glastonbury. Although very different in style and tone, if you like Iggulden's books, you'll really enjoy this one! It's a must read.

Dunstan of Glastonbury looks back at his life while recounting and reflecting on his adventurous life service himself, the church, and numerous kings. It is set in the 10th century during the unification of what we know today as England. Dunstan is a complex and not altogether likable fellow. From the beginning he is ambitious, vain, and often cruel. Iggulden's writing is superb and the quick pace keeps the reader intrigued and wanting more. In the end, I couldn't help but root for Dunstan despite his flaws. Give this to readers who enjoy fast-paced medieval tales, and especially to fans of The Last Kingdom series by Cornwell.