Wednesday, December 20

Book Review: Stone Circle by Kate Murdoch

Author: Kate Murdoch
Title: Stone Circle
Genre: Historical Fiction & Fantasy
Pages: ebook
Published: December 1st 2017
Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

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 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.

Where shall I start? Hmmmm. I am having a hard time thinking today! All this xmas madness of course. It might have to do with that and the fact I am scared to giveaway any spoilers D: there are so many I want to spill. So I shall try my best. 

So, this story follows two men who have the gift of sight and they become apprentices so they can strengthen their skills. This is a once in a lifetime chance to be taught by the best in the country. The men picked is a peasant and the other a noble’s son. Trouble ensues in many shapes and forms. How did their mentor NOT see that coming picking such men? You don’t have to be a seer to see that this was a bad idea from the start. Alas, it happens and things happen because of jealousy, hatred, and love. 

I felt bad for Antonius because he legit wanted to better himself and his family. This was supposed to be extra money and building on his skills. Snotface McGee, aka Nicola, has to ruin everything because he can’t stand that he has to work side-by-side with a peasant. Get over yourself…you are only there because your mentor is working for your Daddy. Little snot. 

As you can tell I have no love for him. LOL He was a horrible, horrible little man. 
I lost a lot of respect for Guilia she was so shallow for a while there. She got better later on in the book when she learned the error of her ways. It took a while though. 

Yes, there was some romance mixed in all this, but it didn’t take over the story, so I was happy with that. I also really loved the magical element mixed in. It worked well! It wasn’t cheesy or anything…it worked well. 

It took a while for the story to warm-up, but after a few chapters I was absolutely hooked and read this within a couple sittings. I had to know what was going to happen. Well, I knew what was going to happen, but I had no idea how the author was going to get us there and so I was curious and anxious to find out. 

The ending…sighs…I’m glad I got partially what I wanted, but no. No. He needs more of a punishment. I was not okay with one character’s fate. I will not say more because I feel a spoiler about to come out. 

Overall, this was pretty good. I was frustrated with the fate of a character and it took a bit to get hooked, but when I did get hooked I was hooked like a warm on the fishing pool. I had to keep reading even when it was WAY past my bedtime.  If you like a little magic, drama, and romance all in one…this is for you. I’ll stamp this with 4 stars. 

  






3 comments:

Melliane said...

I confess that it's the first time I hear about this one

Blodeuedd said...

Sounds good :)

Carole Rae said...

Melliane, it is a newer one. :)

B, indeed! :D