Review of The Journey
Posted: 28 Dec 2021, 04:04
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Journey" by Graham Williams.]
The Company of Stonemasons: The Journey by Graham Williams is the second part of the series, but you can read it as an independent book. The first part is The Company of Stonemasons: The Chichester Diamond. It is told by Edward, the eighteen-year-old son of the Llewelyn family. Together with his parents, his father's helper, his younger siblings, his dog, and a young man named Merlin, Edward would travel around England, earning money with stonemasonry.
After finishing repairing the Cathedral of Chichester, the stonemasons are ready to hit the road again. With wagons as their houses, they supply themselves with wild animals' meat and sleep surrounded by nature. Their lives should be peaceful and fulfilled. Yet, after seeing Merlin kissing a man, some strange feelings have been bothering Edward. At the same time, the lad finds himself falling for a girl, Claire. Will his love bloom? Will the discovery of the corpse of Claire's mother be a hindrance to their relationship? Can Edward be able to find the murderer and put everyone at ease?
While the plot is not exactly filled with action, the pace is fast. I like how it has enough tension to keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters' developments and the affections that the masons give each other are very realistic. For example, the way Edward struggles with his feelings is suitable for a teenager in love. Additionally, the whole group thinks of Merlin and their dog as members of the family, caring for them and taking care of them when they are hurt.
Unfortunately, it looks like the copy needs a second round of editing. I found over ten errors, and the missing or redundant commas make the sentences quite confusing. Another problem is the protagonist's love interest, the heroine whose presence can't even rival that of his company. Claire's role is so faint that if Edward doesn't think about her constantly, her existence won't be different from a common girl you can find anywhere. I think Edward's interactions with his companions, especially with his younger brother and Merlin, are much more emotional than his relationship with Claire. As a result, their romantic love is hollow and unreal.
Considering the mentioned negative issues, I would rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. It shall be an interesting story for those who want a historical novel mixed with romance and mystery. The plot strongly supports the LGBTQ+ community. Still, the swear words and some violent scenes may be inappropriate for young readers.
******
The Journey
View: on Bookshelves
The Company of Stonemasons: The Journey by Graham Williams is the second part of the series, but you can read it as an independent book. The first part is The Company of Stonemasons: The Chichester Diamond. It is told by Edward, the eighteen-year-old son of the Llewelyn family. Together with his parents, his father's helper, his younger siblings, his dog, and a young man named Merlin, Edward would travel around England, earning money with stonemasonry.
After finishing repairing the Cathedral of Chichester, the stonemasons are ready to hit the road again. With wagons as their houses, they supply themselves with wild animals' meat and sleep surrounded by nature. Their lives should be peaceful and fulfilled. Yet, after seeing Merlin kissing a man, some strange feelings have been bothering Edward. At the same time, the lad finds himself falling for a girl, Claire. Will his love bloom? Will the discovery of the corpse of Claire's mother be a hindrance to their relationship? Can Edward be able to find the murderer and put everyone at ease?
While the plot is not exactly filled with action, the pace is fast. I like how it has enough tension to keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters' developments and the affections that the masons give each other are very realistic. For example, the way Edward struggles with his feelings is suitable for a teenager in love. Additionally, the whole group thinks of Merlin and their dog as members of the family, caring for them and taking care of them when they are hurt.
Unfortunately, it looks like the copy needs a second round of editing. I found over ten errors, and the missing or redundant commas make the sentences quite confusing. Another problem is the protagonist's love interest, the heroine whose presence can't even rival that of his company. Claire's role is so faint that if Edward doesn't think about her constantly, her existence won't be different from a common girl you can find anywhere. I think Edward's interactions with his companions, especially with his younger brother and Merlin, are much more emotional than his relationship with Claire. As a result, their romantic love is hollow and unreal.
Considering the mentioned negative issues, I would rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. It shall be an interesting story for those who want a historical novel mixed with romance and mystery. The plot strongly supports the LGBTQ+ community. Still, the swear words and some violent scenes may be inappropriate for young readers.
******
The Journey
View: on Bookshelves
Thanks for your great review!