The Siege Winter: A Novel

I had a hard time trying to rate this book. The story was fun but the history was horrible. Other reviewers give great synopses, so I won't repeat them. The dialog throughout the book was quite modern which makes it hard to keep remembering that the book takes place in the 12th century. I loved Gwil and Penda, but Maud was all over the place. Pithy one moment, scared the next and she was rather shallow and unlikable. For me the most unforgivable thing *SPOILER ALERT* was using the very famous story of William Marshal' s father saying to Stephen "I have the hammer and anvil to make more sons". In this book it is John of Tewing saying that to Matilda' s army. There were also anachronisms such as after a hit from the trebuchet plaster falls from the ceiling. So, if you can ignore the "history" and make it through the dialog and deal with Maud, there is a fun story in there. I realize that this was finished by Franklin's daughter and it must be difficult to work from someone else's notes. The style is different from Franklin's, the characters not as well defined. If you are looking for something more like the "Mistress of Death" series, this is not it.

I've just read this, now my favorite of Ariana Franklin's novels. It was unfinished when Franklin died, and was completed by her daughter Samantha Norman. This could have been awkward but happily it was not. I have no idea where one writer left off and the other began. The story takes place during the war between Empress Maud and King Stephen in the 1100's, the same setting as the Brother Cadfael mysteries, and has clearly been well researched. The characters were engaging and the plot was richly layered. Near the end I made a couple of accurate guesses. Cleverer readers than I may make them earlier, but the story had enough surprises to make it hard to put the book down earlier today when I had to take a break.

I am always happy to read book recommendations. This book wasn't great, but it wasn't horrible either. The story takes place in England during the late 1130's-1140's and during 1180. The story begins with the later date, then the meat of the story is told in flashbacks, as the narrator, now an elderly man on his deathbed, is telling his story to a scribe, and recounting the events that took place some 40 years earlier. The authors write fairly well, but there are still the usual run-on sentences, fragments, and other grammatical and syntax errors that I attribute as much to poor editing (or a lack of editing) as it is to poor writing.

What I did not like was how modern (21st century) mores and attitudes crept into the novel. Perhaps the authors felt that if they did not do this, readers would be turned off. However, I was disappointed because if the authors wish to write about events and social issues in historical fiction but not offend or bore modern readers, then they should set their novel during the 21st century, not the 12th century. The part that stands out most to me is the easy acceptance of Penda as a female by her fellow archers (save for a little teasing). Gender roles were very strictly prescribed in the 12th century (and for much of history), and females who dressed as men or pretended to be male were generally NOT accepted--Joan of Arc (lived during the 1400's) convinced people to follow her and saw visions, but read some of the literature and you would see that she was also greatly feared and despised because she presumed to do what men do. She was deemed a heretic and a witch and burned at the stake. Girl power and female empowerment were non-existent. There were a small number of female rulers, but they usually were not queens in their own right but sat on the throne as regent (acting ruler while their minor sons grew to the age where they could take over) and the Catholic Church allowed for little female power. Nuns or wives and mothers were the only options for them. They were not educated or trained the same way boys of their social class would be trained. Becoming a knight or even serving a knight was not an option. They could not own property, participate in public life, and were the chattel of first their fathers, then their husbands. Too many girls in a family often meant some were given to the church because marriage was expensive (she would need a dowry).

But what I did like was how the story progressed, at least until the latter part, when the story seemed very rushed. It meandered for most of the book, then it seemed that the authors either had a deadline or a page limit, and I found that everything wrapped up very quickly, too quickly.

I would have liked more on this era and the political and social instability, but for that I can re-read Ellis Peters' books, who did a much better job with fiction (mysteries in her case) set during the same era, and I liked Brother Cadfael much better. Now he seemed to be a true medieval person, not just a 21st century character plopped in 1140.

Ariana Franklin, nee Diana Norman, began writing a historical mystery series at the age of 74. She set the series in medieval England and featured a woman medical examiner, Adelia Aguilar. Her first book in the series, “Mistress of the Art of Death,” won the Ellis Peters Historical Dagger Award from the British Crime Writers’ Association. Her fourth, and final entry in this series, “A Murderous Procession,” won the British Crime Writers' Association's Dagger in the Library award. Unfortunately, Franklin passed away in January 2011.

When I came across a reference to “The Siege Winter” I jumped at the chance to read another Franklin historical novel. I made the mistake that the book was part of the Adelia Aguilar series and this work-in-progress was completed by Samantha Norman, Franklin’s daughter. However, upon reading the book I very quickly came to realize “The Siege Winter” is not a continuation of the Aguilar series.

This novel is a standalone book set in the turbulent year of 1141 when the conflict between Empress Matilda and her cousin Stephen for the English throne sank the country into a debilitating civil war. When Stephen managed to wrest the throne from the late king’s chosen heir, Matilda, she continued her quest for the throne.

This is the story of a eleven-year-old girl, Emma, viciously attacked by mercenaries and left to die. She was found and fostered by another mercenary, Gwil, and, together, they set out to seek revenge on her attackers. Emma dresses as a boy and begins to learn Gwil’s trade, archery.

They find themselves at Kenilford castle, as part of a group of mercenaries paid to protect the castle from King Stephen’s mercenaries. Stephen is angered because the castle’s chatelaine, Maud, has provided refuge for Matilda.

I was prepared to enjoy this book because of its connection with Ariana Franklin. The use of very modern language was off putting to say the least. Toward the end of the book, the writing became contrived - characters dropped, plot lines forgotten. I was disappointed because the book doesn’t sing with lyrical writing as did Franklin’s previous books.

Ariana Franklin, nee Diana Norman, began writing a historical mystery series at the age of 74. She set the series in medieval England and featured a woman medical examiner, Adelia Aguilar. Her first book in the series, “Mistress of the Art of Death,” won the Ellis Peters Historical Dagger Award from the British Crime Writers’ Association. Her fourth, and final entry in this series, “A Murderous Procession,” won the British Crime Writers' Association's Dagger in the Library award. Unfortunately, Franklin passed away in January 2011.

When I came across a reference to “The Siege Winter” I jumped at the chance to read another Franklin historical novel. I made the mistake that the book was part of the Adelia Aguilar series and this work-in-progress was completed by Samantha Norman, Franklin’s daughter. However, upon reading the book I very quickly came to realize “The Siege Winter” is not a continuation of the Aguilar series.

This novel is a standalone book set in the turbulent year of 1141 when the conflict between Empress Matilda and her cousin Stephen for the English throne sank the country into a debilitating civil war. When Stephen managed to wrest the throne from the late king’s chosen heir, Matilda, she continued her quest for the throne.

This is the story of a eleven-year-old girl, Emma, viciously attacked by mercenaries and left to die. She was found and fostered by another mercenary, Gwil, and, together, they set out to seek revenge on her attackers. Emma dresses as a boy and begins to learn Gwil’s trade, archery.

They find themselves at Kenilford castle, as part of a group of mercenaries paid to protect the castle from King Stephen’s mercenaries. Stephen is angered because the castle’s chatelaine, Maud, has provided refuge for Matilda.

I was prepared to enjoy this book because of its connection with Ariana Franklin. The use of very modern language was off putting to say the least. Toward the end of the book, the writing became contrived - characters dropped, plot lines forgotten. I was disappointed because the book doesn’t sing with lyrical writing as did Franklin’s previous books.

The Siege Winter is a delightful historical fiction novel written by the late Ariana Franklin and completed by Samantha Norman, her daughter. It is set in the 12th century and begins with an abbot who lies on his death bed. Despite his frail health, he is clinging to life to reveal a murderous tale to a scribe before he dies. Through his narrative, we are taken from his death bed to scenes of his past. The voice is compelling, the story engrossing!

It is the tale of Matilda and her cousin Stephen and their long, drawn out battle for the crown of England. Well researched, gripping, and historically accurate, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel from start to finish. There is plenty to laud within its pages - strong women, battle scenes, treachery, greed, love, and even a touch of humor. Easy to read, it moves along at a good clip. The authors take us on a journey through 12th century England with all its dangers, treachery, murders. A wonderfully told story! Definitely recommended.

The Mistress of The Art of Death series opened the door for historical novels. Adelia is the character who has moved in with me and she along with Mathilde (Paul Doherty) have become the 'perfect' characters alive in my imagination with never ending stories. The standard to be met. Unfortunatly with my too high expectation the Siege just didn't quite get to that level but on its own it is perfectly written and very worth reading

Franklin has died? This is a tribute.to a remarkable woman writer. How I waited for the next "Mistress of Death" book. Waited and waited. Oft times there are gaps in a writers productivity. Think Rennie Airth and his Inspector Madden. But came across this new publication and learn that Ariana Franklin has died. That this last effort produced in conjunction with her daughter is her last book. Ms. Franklin you will be missed. Your "Mistress of Death" is an incredible creation. So this is a recommendation for all her books. And I urge all readers to buy them and read them. Too often we lose talented writers of very good fiction. They might not win prizes but they create memorable worlds and characters. Talents I don't have. No more "Mistress of Death". The final chapter has been writ.

Too bad it will be the last.

Love how soon I received it.