Is the Ability to Read Minds a Blessing or a Curse?When Antonius’s father dies, he must work to support his family. He finds employment as a servant in the Palazzo Ducal, home of Conte Valperga. Sixteenth-century Pesaro is a society governed by status and Antonius has limited opportunities.When a competition is announced, Antonius seizes his chance. The winner will be apprenticed to the town … to the town seer. Antonius shares first place with his employer’s son.
The two men compete for their mentor’s approval. As their knowledge of magic and alchemy grows, so does the rivalry and animosity between them. When the love of a beautiful woman is at stake, Antonius must find a way to follow his heart and navigate his future.
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Historical fiction with some fantasy for added spice: I am tempted to say it’s the 16th century Italian version of Camelot, complete with Savinus as the Renaissance Merlin. But there is quite a different vision to this story, and hereditary kingship is not among the qualities to be celebrated.
Kate Murdoch’s Stone Circle follows the story of Antonius, a poor lad in Pesaro who works as a servant in the local palazzo’s kitchen to help support his widowed mother and his siblings. Antonius gets the chance to audition to be the new apprentice to the town’s aging seer Savinus, and his mind-reading abilities set him well above the other talent on offer.
Complicated by Savinus’ social obligation to add the Conte’s slightly-talented son as second apprentice, the story gathers emotional depth as the antipathy between the two young men grows to dangerous proportions. At stake is not only the future post as a fully-fledged seer, but also the love of the seer’s clever, self-reliant and talented daughter Giulia.
I’m resisting spoilers here, as usual, but I think readers will enjoy this fully-imagined historical fantasy. There is sumptuous detail and breathless action, mind-reading and shape-shifting, bullying by the church and the rich, and a wonderful rounded finale. Plus a beautiful cover. If you enjoy the likes Juliet Marillier, Mary Stewart, and Katherine Kerr, transport yourself immediately to Pesaro!
sebnem sanders
5.0 out of 5 starsA gripping tale of magic, love and conflict
December 2, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition
Stone Circle is a fascinating book. Kate Murdoch transports the reader to medieval Italy where she tells us a tale of magical realism. Savinus, a seer, needs an apprentice to teach his knowledge. Antonius, a young lad from a poor family, is his candidate though Savinus must also employ Nichola, the son of Conte Valperga, his patron.
As the young boys begin their education under Savinus’ guidance, both fall in love with Giulia, his beautiful daughter. The rivalry between the young men does not escape the attention of Savinus nor the Conte’s. Guilia falls for the fairy tale prospects of a marriage with Conte’s heir, but is this what her heart really wants?
Meanwhile, the church is reconsidering the benefits of Savinus’ practice, as well as other seers. A love triangle set in Pesaro, Italy with vivid descriptions of the area, from the lavishness of the Count’s palace, to the poverty in the village; the ball at the palace, to the mysterious atmosphere of the Stone Circle up on the hills. Kate Murdoch delivers a visual feast of reality mixed with magic, alchemy, and geomancy, as well as a gripping tale with lively characters. Thoroughly recommended.
STONE CIRCLE is the amazing debut novel by Kate Murdoch. It details the lives of people in a small town in Italy during the 16th century.
Savinus is a well-renowned seer, with a rich and powerful patron. When he needs an apprentice, he holds a test to find someone suitable. Antonius is by far the better apprentice but so as not to offend his patron, Savinus accepts Nichola as his second apprentice.
What a story this was. I loved every word, from beginning to end. The main characters are easy to like (or dislike!) and are helped by the supporting ones. The story moves along at a steady pace, giving the reader time to understand all the nuances as they read. There is tension woven within the words, knowing and yet not knowing what the outcome will be.
I thought this was a brilliant story that I was thoroughly engrossed in. I really hope it is not the last book with these characters. I know we were given hints of their futures, but I would love to return to them at some point. Fly high, eagle!
A fantastic novel that I highly recommend.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian – I Dig Good Books!
I loved the heroines father!! He has a really difficult job balancing life’s interactions with family.
Their are several really good well developed characters in this book. It deals with the occult and the church as well as the differences between commoners and the elite in the time period.
I think the author did a good job of portraying the young coming of age motherless girl and the jealously of her suitors. There was some really interesting portrayal of the gifting of the teacher and his students also.
Once upon a time…
Awesomely pictorially described, Stone Circle is a paranormal historical love story as well as a romance. Above all, it is the story of family love, empathy, and loyalty, true and genuine love rather than narcissistic self involvement, and the real measure of personal worth. A master seer with a beautiful psychically gifted daughter takes on two apprentices: one is lowborn and incredibly talented, while the other, minimally gifted one is the son of the seer’s wealthy patron. Feelings of entitlement and damaged pride lead to harassment, vengeful pranks, wrongful accusations, and attempted murder. Exquisite imagery and a tone of patient understanding save what might have been a maudlin farce, and make it instead touching, clever, bittersweet – a tale of far-reaching poetic justice in a time of magic and courtly romance. This is a voluntary ARC review
gifted
I’ve just finished Stone Circle, by Kate Murdoch, an inspiring debut novel set in the heart of Renaissance Italy (1585 AD). The Story begins in a peaceful, everyday setting, in which we meet Savinus, the powerful local Seer, and his beautiful and equally as talented daughter, Giuila.
After testing several boys for Seer-like abilities, two apprentices are chosen- Nichola (son of the Conte: a noble by birth), and Antonius (a poor young man with a kind heart and an extraordinary set of abilities.)
I found myself warming to Antonius immediately, though I could not say the same for Nichola.
(READ MORE:) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2356840507