The twelfth-century Welsh monk is caught up in civil war and captured by Danish mercenaries, in the Silver Dagger Award-winning medieval mystery series. In the summer of 1144, a strange calm has settled over England. The armies of King Stephen and the Empress Maud, the two royal cousins contending for the throne, have temporarily exhausted each other. On the whole, Brother Cadfael considers peace … Cadfael considers peace a blessing. Still, a little excitement never comes amiss to a former soldier, and Cadfael is delighted to accompany a friend on a mission of diplomacy to his native Wales.
But shortly after their arrival, the two monks are caught up in another royal feud. The Welsh prince Owain Gwynedd has banished his brother Cadwaladr, accusing him of the treacherous murder of an ally. The reckless Cadwaladr has retaliated by landing an army of Danish mercenaries, poised to invade Wales. As the two armies teeter on the brink of bloody civil war, Cadfael is captured by the Danes and must navigate the brotherly quarrel that threatens to plunge an entire kingdom into chaos.
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Cadfael is always an excellent and entertaining read.
I greatly enjoy this series. The author clearly knows this period in history and portrays it well. There is always a bit of romance in the side. No real violence, except for the required corpse whom, thank good ness we don’t generally know beforehand. I’m impressed by the authors understanding of a vocation as a monk.
Another good read from the Brother Cadfael series. Historically interesting and fascinating characters.
This is my first disappointment in this series. The descriptions are beautiful. Hauntingly lovely. The bottom line is that there was little to the actual story. The characters do not stand out and disappear into a lackluster story.
This is author was the first to write in the medieval mystery genre.
All the Brother Cadfael books are intriguing, well written, and full of historical information, taking the reader back in time.
Typically informative Brother Cadfael novel. Lots of politics, history and lifestyle from the 12th century. Great characters, good plot with subplots. Well worth your time.
Brother Cadfael seems to understand the human heart. As an old crusader, is his redemption as a monk or his redemption as a man … but his love of prayer and peace means anyone can find it.
I love these books. The time period is always appealing to read about and the characters are so well defined. Stories are well written and entertaining.
I love Ellis Peters. The historical detail trips you back to Medeavil times.
Brother Cadfael joins Deacon Mark on an excursion into Wales. Mark was chosen by Bishop Roger de Clinton to carry messages of goodwill to two bishops in Wales. Brother Cadfael comes along as his interpreter. They meet up with Owain Gwynedd and travel with him to Aber. While there, a guest of the prince is murdered, and the daughter of church Canon goes missing. Unable to stay and solve the mysteries, Cadfael and Mark head home.
Cadfael finds the woman, Heledd, but they are quickly taken prisoner by Danes, who are in Wales at the behest of Owain’s brother, Cadwaladr, to restore his lands, by force if necessary. A stalemate ensues, but the trickery is not over with yet.
Read the whole story to see how Cadfael and Mark get out of this fine mess.
love Brother Cadfael