Chains of Folly : Book Review

"Chains of Folly" by Roberta Gellis is a captivating historical novel that transports readers back to medieval England in the 12th century. Its intricate storyline follows the life of Vivian, a young noblewoman who becomes entangled in a web of secrets and political intrigue. Gellis skillfully weaves together elements of romance, adventure, and mystery, creating a compelling narrative that will hold your attention from start to finish.

One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in Gellis' ability to bring the medieval setting to life. Her meticulous attention to detail shines through in her descriptions of the castles, landscapes, and customs of the time period. This immersive world-building effortlessly transports readers back in time, allowing them to experience the story with all their senses.

Vivian, the protagonist, is a well-developed and complex character. As a woman living in a patriarchal society, she faces numerous challenges, but she never loses her determination and strength of character. Gellis eloquently portrays the societal constraints faced by women during this era, while still allowing Vivian to be a resilient and dynamic individual.

The plot of "Chains of Folly" is filled with unexpected twists and turns that will keep readers guessing until the very end. The political machinations and power struggles add an extra layer of intrigue, making it difficult to predict the outcome. Gellis' meticulous research is evident in the historical accuracy of the events and the authenticity of the characters, lending the story a sense of believability.

In conclusion, "Chains of Folly" is a captivating historical novel that will appeal to fans of intrigue, romance, and well-crafted storytelling. Gellis' attention to detail, strong character development, and engaging plot make this book a must-read for anyone who enjoys immersing themselves in the world of historical fiction.

What are readers saying?

"Chains of Folly" by Roberta Gellis has garnered a range of reviews, showcasing a mix of positive and negative opinions. The historical novel, set in 12th-century London, follows the intriguing tale of Rannulf Fitzwilliam, a knight entangled in a web of political intrigue and scandal. Here's an overview of the feedback received for this book.

Positive feedback highlighted Gellis' meticulous attention to historical detail, successfully transporting readers to medieval London. The readers enjoyed the well-developed characters, particularly Rannulf Fitzwilliam, finding him to be a captivating and likable protagonist. The intricate plot, filled with twists and turns, effectively kept readers engaged and eager to uncover the next development. Overall, these individuals praised the immersive historical experience provided by Gellis and expressed interest in exploring more of her works.

On the other hand, some reviewers offered negative feedback for "Chains of Folly." They felt that the pacing of the story was slow, leading to difficulties in maintaining interest during certain parts. The extensive descriptions and historical background were deemed overwhelming, somewhat detracting from the flow of the plot. Furthermore, a few readers expressed disappointment in the lack of strong female characters and an underdeveloped romantic element, yearning for more chemistry.

A number of readers had mixed feelings about the book. While they recognized the historical accuracy and extensive research put into Gellis' work, they found the writing style to be dense and occasionally challenging to follow. Some enjoyed the political intrigue and complex relationships between characters, while others found these aspects confusing and struggled to keep track of the multiple plot threads.

In comparison to Gellis' previous novels, some reviewers expressed disappointment, feeling that "Chains of Folly" did not meet their expectations. They noted a lack of depth and emotional impact that they had come to anticipate from the author's previous works.

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