(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

Spies, treachery, a dangerously attractive pilgrim and a murder at Stonehenge test Janna's courage and ingenuity to the limit as she continues the search for her father in the company of pilgrims and jongleurs. She learns the meaning of betrayal, treachery and heartbreak, while her quest brings her ever closer to the royal court and the dangers of the civil war between King Stephen and the Empress Matilda.

This is Book 4 in the Janna Chronicles. I have not read any of the previous books but it had come highly recommended.

This book was definitely hit-and-miss for me. There were two completely different things going on in this story and I liked one of them, the other...not so much.

The historical setting and the details of The Anarchy (the civil war between King Stephen and the Empress Matilda) were done sensationally. At no stage did it ever feel like I was reading a history textbook but, at the same time, I felt like I was learning quite a great deal about the people and the justifications for the war, as well as seeing how easily people could change sides when motivated to do so. I really enjoyed that aspect of the novel.

What didn't work so well for me was the "mystery" aspect of the story. At no point was I ever really guessing at the identity...I think most will guess it long before Janna ever does. It didn't hold my attention as a mystery...and that's just about the only thing I can say to describe how that aspect worked.

One other aspect that bears mentioning is Janna's character - she seems to be incredibly smart at one minute, the next, she is making completely irrational and illogical decisions and, as a reader of a lot of books, I get left with the impression that this is done solely for the sake of the plot, not with the character in mind. It came across as forced and wasn't a good idea (in my opinion, of course!)

Still, I am going to go back and read the rest of the series. There is enough in this book to suggest that it is worth another look.


Paul
ARH

I thought this installment in the series was a little more interesting than Book 3, however, I found this one to be extremely predictable. I also felt the story suffered due to the lack of Godric and Hugh in the story. I do love that we are starting to get more substantive answers as to Janna's parents past.