This is a sequel to The Illuminator - helps to read that one first but I think this one could stand alone as well.
If you like Ken Follett and the whole Pillars of the Earth series, or just historical fiction in general, you will LOVE these books. Beautifully written, very descriptive of the times (1400's England and Prague), a love story for the ages - several in fact, and the illegal selling of English translations of The Bible. GASP! The powers that be in the church do not like the idea of the common man being able to interpret The Word, so harsh punishment and agonizing death are the penalty for such actions. Still, Anna, whose bookseller grandfather whisks her from England in order to safely continue to copy the English books, carries on this dangerous family tradition. When she is forced to return to England as a young adult, she meets Brother Gabriel, who is having a crisis of faith but has been sent to weed out these criminals.
Ok, so pretty predictable, but oh so fascinating. And it is definitely not a traditional man meets girl story - there is so much detail here and plotting and disguising and FAITH. How ironic would it be if the girl is more faithful than the priest? What IS faith? How far would you go for it? Helpers and distractors abound, and a helpful hand from Anna's past becomes key to her future and her definition of self.
Great historical fiction and very well done!!!! There is a third book set during Henry VIII's reign - putting that one on my list!!! (The Heretic's Wife)
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