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The Nameless Day (The Crucible #1)

3.6 of 5 stars 3.60 · rating details · 776 ratings · 42 reviews

The Black Plague. The Pestilence. Disease and death haunt every town and village across 14th century Europe and none are immune from its evil. Some see the devastation of their world as a sign from God for Man's wickedness.

But Brother Thomas Neville sees this swath of death as something much more. Neville is a man beset by demons. Or is it angels? He has had a visitation f...more

Paperback, 576 pages

Published January 10th 2005 by Tor Fantasy (first published 2000)

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Aug 12, 2009 Katie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

Generally I like Sara Douglass books but this was a bit less initially motivating that the Starman (and related) series. Her general plots are often quite dark and this is no exception. I was really into it by the end of the story. Of course, however, it's an older book and the book stores don't carry it and my library has to get it from Timbuktu so it takes forever. Hopefully I'll get the next one before I forget all the details. I could just order it but then I'll have to buy the first just so...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 04, 2011 Ranting Dragon rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: michelle

http://www.rantingdragon.com/the-name...

The Nameless Day is the first volume in Sara Douglass’s trilogy, The Crucible. While the author lists The Crucible as her favourite of all her series, many readers had mixed feelings about The Nameless Day upon its initial publication. Most of their concerns regarded the vastly different feel of this novel when compared to her previous works (such as the popular Axis Trilogy), and the unconventional choice of protagonist. Nevertheless, in my opinion, havin...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 17, 2009 Michelle rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fantasy

2.5 stars

the archangel michael informs a novice friar - formerly, a worldly noble, now doing penance for guilt over destroying the love of his life - that he has been chosen to wage war on the demons overrunning the earth. said friar must journey across 1300s europe in search of a chest belonging to his demon-fighting predecessor, which contains the means to send evil back to hell.

it's a good set-up, in theory, that should offer plenty of spiritual (and spirited!) battles, juicy details over tha...more

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Nov 11, 2009 Vincent rated it 4 of 5 stars

If you have any interest in medieval history this will definitely interest you. Douglass created a great alternate, inserting the character of Tom Neville, who is a down-and-out Englishman who has sent himself to Italy to be a monk. Neville stumbles upon some very interesting things, which lead him north into Austria and then west through France where he comes upon Joan of Arc and the English doing battle with the French. He then winds up back in England trying to readjust back to his old life a...more

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Jan 17, 2012 Brie rated it 2 of 5 stars

I truly wish I could say I liked this book but I didn't. I read it because a friend highly recommended it to me. I was annoyed with it 3 chapters in but pushed through to the end.

The main character, Brother Thomas, is totally unlikable. Self-righteous, a prick, and stupid. I could not care for his well-being and was annoyed that there was no growth to his character by the end of the book. he stayed exactly the same, self-righteous and a snob. This character made the book a slog to read.

I did li...more

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Oct 27, 2009 Doris rated it 1 of 5 stars

So far, I feel only sympathy for the "evil spawn". This book is about the Middle Ages, and features at first an old (70ish), unlikable friar. It then shifts to a young (35 or so), unlikable friar. In both cases the friars are overly pious, pontificating, misogynist twits. But the story is interesting if you can get past the character faults, and other than the excessive wordiness, is well planned.

The only thing I didn't like is it never really ended. It stopped. No resolution, no solution, no ab...more

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Feb 09, 2013 ScottK rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book was awesome and I loved it. Having a degree in Theology and having had to sit through many church History classes it is refreshing how accurate the Author is. This is another book however , that , over the years I have passed over for "something better" . But at least I did get back to it ....eventually. I have read The Wayfarer Series by Mrs Douglass so was familiar with her writing style and love her descriptive talents......I have a date with a read along with a friend or I would be...more

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Dec 20, 2010 Julia Phillips rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, historical-fiction

The first in a trilogy that is wildly imaginative and yet firmly rooted in its historical context. Imagine the superstitious Europe of the 14th century, ruled by powerful houses and religious dogma, and then imagine that some of those powerful families are the offspring of fallen angels - the nephelim.

The rich tapestry that Ms Douglass weaves in this and the following two volumes is impressive in its imagination and scope. As a past lecturer in history her grasp of the context is sound and she u...more

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Jul 04, 2011 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ranting-dragon, full-review, reviewed

http://vilutheril.wordpress.com/2011/...
Newer version on The Ranting Dragon: http://www.rantingdragon.com/the-name...

‘The Nameless Day’ is the first volume in Sara Douglass’s three-part series, The Crucible. While the author lists ‘The Crucible’ as her favourite of all her series, many readers had mixed feelings about ‘The Nameless Day’ upon its initial publication. Most of their concerns regarded the vastly different feel of this novel, when compared to her previous works (such as the popular A...more http://vilutheril.wordpress.com/2011/...
Newer version on The Ranting Dragon: http://www.rantingdragon.com/the-name...

‘The Nameless Day’ is the first volume in Sara Douglass’s three-part series, The Crucible. While the author lists ‘The Crucible’ as her favourite of all her series, many readers had mixed feelings about ‘The Nameless Day’ upon its initial publication. Most of their concerns regarded the vastly different feel of this novel, when compared to her previous works (such as the popular Axis Trilogy), and the unconventional choice of protagonist. Nevertheless, in my opinion, having read all three books in the series, I would still recommend ‘The Nameless Day’ and consider it to be a highly worthwhile read. While it may not suit the tastes of all readers, ‘The Crucible’ is probably the best historical fantasy series I have ever read, and one of the most intricately plotted and daring fantasy novels in general.

The story takes place in an alternate fourteenth century Europe, in the midst of the Hundred Years’ War and a great schism in the Roman Catholic church which would eventually see three popes simultaneously claim office. Former nobleman turned Dominican friar, Thomas Neville, is visited by the Archangel Michael, who warns him that demons run rife throughout Europe and have integrated themselves into every level of society. If they are to be stopped, Thomas must find a mysterious casket, 30 years missing, and use its contents to cast the demon spawn back into the fiery pit of hell. This task, however, is more easily said than done. The demons have had decades to prepare for his arrival and do not intend to go down without a fight. Furthermore, Thomas is haunted by visions, of what he suspects is a demon-woman sent for the sole purpose of tempting him from his promise. Worst of all, the concepts of good and evil may not be as clear-cut as he believes.

Essentially, Douglass interposes another, more secret battle, between the rival factions of the angels and the demons, amidst and underlying the various other struggles of a particularly tumultuous period of European history. She does this with spectacular style, involving intricate period detail with fantasy elements, and hinting towards larger themes to be explored in the later books. Such include the respective roles of church, state and the individual, faith, responsibility for one’s fellow man. She also explores, and adds upon, the origins of what would eventually become humanism. Although, she does alter some dates (for example making certain individuals appear earlier or later than in historical records ) and “The Nameless Day” is foremost a work of fantasy fiction, Douglass’s historical scholarship is generally quite thorough and demonstrates an excellent knowledge of and passion for her chosen era.

The main protagonist, Thomas Neville, is self-righteous, misogynistic, small-minded and hypocritical. Although this may make him unrelatable to some readers, it serves to make him a more realistic character given the historical period. After all, the likelihood of finding a man of Thomas’s position, with particularly modern or liberal views would have to be relatively uncommon in the fourteenth century. Furthermore, Thomas’s character provides many opportunities for development and, judging by the aforementioned criticism, one must conclude that Douglass has succeeded in creating a character that readers desperately want to see change as a person.

Those familiar with medieval history may recognise myriad notable historical figures amongst the supporting cast. These include John of Gaunt, Katherine Swynford, Henry Bolingbroke (Henry IV), Charles VII, Joan of Arc, Richard II, Geoffrey Chaucer and many others. Each character, whether historically based or entirely fictional, has their own distinct personality, a great achievement for a novel encompassing so many individuals. The ‘good guys’ are never wholly good, while the ‘bad guys’ are rarely purely evil. Alliances are ever-changing and everyone has their own agenda and hides their own secrets.

Once again, Douglass showcases her admirable talent for seamlessly interblending elements of different genres into a cohesive whole. ‘The Nameless Day’ incorporates fantasy, history and romance, while also containing some particularly brutal and gory moments that would put most writers of modern horror to shame. Certain sections, especially at the beginning of the novel, are very dark and reminiscent of early Gothic works such as Matthew Lewis’s ‘The Monk’, full of sinister clergy and malevolent secrets.

By the end of the novel, much is still unclear and many questions remain to be resolved in the following books. However, those who can bear the suspense will be greatly rewarded by this daring and thought-provoking series and the many shocking and unexpected developments it encompasses. All in all, ‘The Nameless Day’ is definitely worth a read for any fantasy fan who isn’t particularly averse to historical fiction and would like to try something a little more daring and challenging than just another ‘Lord of the Rings’ clone. However, it does contain substantial violence and various depictions of religious figures behaving badly that may be unpalatable to some individuals. Hence, you may be wise to refrain from lending it to, for instance, your faint hearted and devoutly Catholic grandmother.
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Oct 23, 2011 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: full-review, ranting-dragon, reviewed

Also published under The Ranting Dragon

The Nameless Day is the first volume in Sara Douglass’s trilogy, The Crucible. While the author lists The Crucible as her favourite of all her series, many readers had mixed feelings about The Nameless Day upon its initial publication. Most of their concerns regarded the vastly different feel of this novel when compared to her previous works (such as the popular Axis Trilogy), and the unconventional choice of protagonist. Nevertheless, in my opinion, having...more Also published under The Ranting Dragon

The Nameless Day is the first volume in Sara Douglass’s trilogy, The Crucible. While the author lists The Crucible as her favourite of all her series, many readers had mixed feelings about The Nameless Day upon its initial publication. Most of their concerns regarded the vastly different feel of this novel when compared to her previous works (such as the popular Axis Trilogy), and the unconventional choice of protagonist. Nevertheless, in my opinion, having read all three books in the series, I would still recommend The Nameless Day and consider it to be a highly worthwhile read. While it may not suit the tastes of all readers, The Crucible is probably the best historical fantasy series I have ever read, and one of the most intricately plotted and daring fantasy novels in general.

History and fantasy
The story takes place in an alternate fourteenth century Europe, in the midst of the Hundred Years’ War and a great schism in the Roman Catholic church which would eventually see three popes simultaneously claim office. Former nobleman turned Dominican friar Thomas Neville is visited by the Archangel Michael who warns him that demons run rife throughout Europe and have integrated themselves into every level of society. If they are to be stopped, Thomas must find a mysterious casket, thirty years missing, and use its contents to cast the demon spawn back into the fiery pit of hell. This task, however, is more easily said than done. The demons have had decades to prepare for his arrival and do not intend to go down without a fight. Furthermore, Thomas is haunted by visions of what he suspects is a demon-woman sent for the sole purpose of tempting him from his promise. Worst of all, the concepts of good and evil may not be as clear-cut as he believes.

Essentially, Douglass interposes another, more secret battle between the rival factions of the angels and the demons, amidst and underlying the various other struggles of a particularly tumultuous period of European history. She does this with spectacular style, involving intricate period detail with fantasy elements, and hinting towards larger themes to be explored in the later books. Such include the respective roles of church, state and the individual, as well as faith and responsibility for one’s fellow man. She also explores and builds upon the origins of what would eventually become humanism. Though she does alter some dates (for example making certain individuals appear earlier or later than in historical records) and The Nameless Day is foremost a work of fantasy fiction, Douglass’s historical scholarship is generally quite thorough and demonstrates an excellent knowledge of and passion for her chosen era.

Complex characters
The main protagonist, Thomas Neville, is self-righteous, misogynistic, small-minded and hypocritical. Although this may make him unrelatable to some readers, it makes him a more realistic character given the historical period. After all, the likelihood of finding a man of Thomas’s position with particularly modern or liberal views would have to be relatively uncommon in the fourteenth century. Furthermore, Thomas’s character provides many opportunities for development and, judging by the aforementioned criticism, one must conclude that Douglass has succeeded in creating a character that readers desperately want to see change as a person.

Those familiar with medieval history may recognise a myriad of notable historical figures amongst the supporting cast. These include John of Gaunt, Katherine Swynford, Henry Bolingbroke (Henry IV), Charles VII, Joan of Arc, Richard II, Geoffrey Chaucer and many others. Each character, whether historically based or entirely fictional, has their own distinct personality, a great achievement for a novel encompassing so many individuals. The ‘good guys’ are never wholly good, while the ‘bad guys’ are rarely purely evil. Alliances are ever-changing and everyone has their own agenda and hides their own secrets.

A little bit of everything (done well!)
Once again, Douglass showcases her admirable talent for seamlessly blending elements of different genres into a cohesive whole. The Nameless Day incorporates fantasy, history and romance, while also containing some particularly brutal and gory moments that would put most writers of modern horror to shame. Certain sections, especially at the beginning of the novel, are very dark and reminiscent of early Gothic works such as Matthew Lewis’s The Monk, full of sinister clergy and malevolent secrets.

Why should you read this book?
By the end of the novel, much is still unclear and many questions remain to be resolved in the following books. However, those who can bear the suspense will be greatly rewarded by this daring and thought-provoking series and the many shocking and unexpected developments it encompasses. All in all, The Nameless Day is definitely worth a read for any fantasy fan who isn’t particularly averse to historical fiction and would like to try something a little more daring and challenging than just another Lord of the Rings clone. However, it does contain substantial violence and various depictions of religious figures behaving badly, which may be unpalatable to some individuals. Hence, you may be wise to refrain from lending it to, for instance, your fainthearted and devoutly Catholic grandmother.
(less)

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Jul 03, 2012 Karen Brooks rated it 5 of 5 stars

I first read this book when it was published in 2000 and, while I’d forgotten a great deal about it, I did recall that I really enjoyed it. Re-reading it again, however, made me appreciate not only Douglass’ story-telling style, which grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let you go, but also her skill for weaving actual history into her fictive works. The Nameless Day and, I suspect, the entire Crucible series, illustrates her mastery at this.

The Nameless Day centres on a former soldier and arist...more I first read this book when it was published in 2000 and, while I’d forgotten a great deal about it, I did recall that I really enjoyed it. Re-reading it again, however, made me appreciate not only Douglass’ story-telling style, which grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let you go, but also her skill for weaving actual history into her fictive works. The Nameless Day and, I suspect, the entire Crucible series, illustrates her mastery at this.

The Nameless Day centres on a former soldier and aristocrat, Thomas Neville who, after the grisly suicide of his paramour and murder of her children, abandons the sword for the cross, becoming a Dominican friar. Only, life isn’t going to be easy for this complex, confused man as unbeknownst to him, he’s about to play a crucial role in the forthcoming war between the angels and demons. Told he’s to inherit the mantle of a mysterious and independent friar, the marvellously named, Wynken de Word, Neville sets out to reclaim this man’s casket, said to hold the secrets Neville needs to defeat the evil about to engulf the world. But this wouldn’t be a Douglass book if the protagonist wasn’t sorely tempted to stray from the path God has laid out for him and Neville’s adventures are no exception. Temptation arrives in the form of the beautiful Meg, a woman Neville loathes with every fibre of his being….
Set against the backdrop of the schism in the Catholic church (where two popes were declared – one in Rome and one in Avignon), the Hundred Years War between Britain and France, Joan of Arc, and internal strife raging through Britain in the form of tensions between Yorks, Lancasters and the rise of the Lollard movement, Douglass also charts the rise of humanism and the early stirrings against the exclusivity and greed of the Roman Catholic church.
Explaining that this book is set in a parallel universe to ours, one where it’s not unlikely that Archangels Michael and Gabriel would appear and the miracles attributed to Joan of Arc occur, this is a sweeping saga of a book with one of the most unlikeable protagonists I have ever encountered. I loathed Thomas Neville for most of this book and yet, it’s a credit to Douglass that you still want to undertake this journey with him, even if it’s only to see him eat his words and be humbled in the end.
Full of bloodshed, religious bigotry, zealotry and indulgence, it’s also full of rich characters, a fabulous plot and accurate historical detail, which is beautifully woven into the fabric of the story. I finished this book and went straight onto the The Wounded Hawk. This is story-telling at its brutal, fast-paced best.
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Feb 18, 2008 Tulara rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was a jump into a subject that I have not thought about in a long time - History of the Church and mortal men/womyn set in the times of England and France around the time of Joan of Arc, King Charles and King Richard.I guess the fact that I went to Catholic school, I avoid books about religion, angels and the whole save-your-soul stuff. I like this author however, and when I found the three books in the series at the library, I had to read them. I had just finished The Serpent Bride by Doug...more

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Dec 01, 2007 lynne naranek rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2007

In the author's note, Sara Douglass states that the 14th century was one of shifts in weather, politics, health and such in Europe, such that the very people who emerged from that 100 years were very different, spiritually. In fact, they had made an about face, going from a focus on the soul's salvation to technology, conquest.... and this series is an attempt to explain that shift.

This book sets the stage, where we have a an ex-nobleman turned Dominican Friar being given the task of ridding hte...more

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Jan 22, 2012 Ronmorris2 rated it 2 of 5 stars

Everything about this was OK: the story, the plot, the writing. Seems like there was a lot of stuff which wasn't very relevant to the story or overdone. If the writing had been better that would have been acceptable because you would have enjoyed reading it anyway, but the story just plodded. I will read the next book just to see what happens but I am not eagerly awaiting getting a copy from the library.

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Aug 06, 2011 Tim rated it 5 of 5 stars

Book 1 of 'The Crucible' Trilogy.

I admit that I do have a soft spot for supernatural/religious themed books so I may be a tad biased but I have to say that I absolutely LOVED the Crucible Trilogy.

These were the first books of Sara's that I've read & they sure as hell won't be the last!!

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Feb 04, 2010 Samantha rated it 1 of 5 stars

I didn't even make it all the way through the book. The premise and storyline were...Well, I hesitate to say disturbing but I didn't like the religious aspects of it. I prefer to stay away from that and go with more cheerful topics like war and destruction. ;)

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Apr 23, 2012 Julie Golob rated it 3 of 5 stars

I have enjoyed other books and series by Sara Douglass but this one isn't my favorite. The main character is not very likable and as a reader I feel he is the only one that I felt I got to know well which is rather unfortunate. The concept is pretty cool, but the book is lacking description, character development and gets bogged down at times. I like that the author is trying to keep the reader engaged with the element of mystery, but I felt I needed a little bit more.

I plan on reading the other...more

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Aug 28, 2012 Julie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Someone must take up the mantle. On this day the demons are revealed and can be tossed back if the right person can be found brave enough to do it.

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Jan 18, 2013 Steph Klassen rated it 3 of 5 stars

I'm still really confused as to where this is all going. who's the good guys? who's the bad guys? WHAT IS GOING ON?!

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Aug 28, 2011 Louisa R. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Loved this series, one of the few that constantly kept me guessing what was coming next in the story.

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Aug 17, 2011 Marshall Pickens rated it 1 of 5 stars

The premise of the story was great and I was very excited to read it, however... The driving force behind the main character and the angels around him irritated the crud out of me. How they talked about sin and guilt was just irritating, and I believe in sin and that people should feel guilty for doing the wrong thing. At one point the angels called a man and woman good because they took no pleasure from having sex when they were married, and anyone, even those who were married, who took pleasur...more

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Oct 07, 2009 Angelique Sapone rated it 5 of 5 stars

SO INTENSE! Good twist on English and French history, William the Conqueror is in it!

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Jan 07, 2008 Kimberly rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is a curious book, with an interesting take on the Black Plague/Death. Here the main character is fighting between good and evil, the Church or the Nobility, and many other dichotomies develop. What makes the book so good, I think, is that the reader doesn't seem to know which way the character will chose or if good is really good and evil is really bad. With the history in the background one can realize that the situation in Europe during this period was just as tumultuous. There are two m...more

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Aug 16, 2010 Brenda Nystrom rated it 2 of 5 stars

Did not find this one as good as her other reads.

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Apr 18, 2013 Michelle rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Faint echoes of Name of the Rose.

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Apr 29, 2013 Kat rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book, it's a very unique concept and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

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Aug 09, 2007 Arlith rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

So here's a bit of alternative historical fiction. Takes place during the time of Joan of Arc, but the book's focus isn't on her. Instead it focus's on a friar who's also recieving visions. I couldn't really get into this book, too much talk of politics and church issues. If I had a better grasp of the history of that time, perhaps I would have enjoyed the book more. I do feel the need to finish reading the series though, so I can find out which path is ultimately chosen.

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Jan 09, 2012 Jesse Dixon rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, australian

I read this many years ago when I didn't read as many books. I just remember how frustrating the main character was, Thomas Neville, very hard to like. I started the second book in the series 'The Wounded Hawk', but he was just as intolerable at the start so I couldn't go on! Maybe not a good way to judge a book but back then I guess I wanted to identify with the main character.

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Aug 30, 2012 Pam B Morris rated it 3 of 5 stars

The first in the series, I liked it because I love Sara Douglass books. She writes with style and intelligence and clarity as always. I'm reserving judgement until I read the next book in the series. It may live up to my expectations!

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Mar 22, 2008 Dave rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

This is a great departure from the normal fantasy. I would call it a historical-fantasy. Its historic time wise, but the author does have some historical characters out of their time. Its about the black plague and the catholic church in the 14th century. A little slow to start with, but a very good trilogy.

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About Sara Douglass

Douglass was born in Penola, South Australia. She attended Annesley College, in Wayville, a suburb of Adelaide. She studied for her BA while working as a Registered Nurse, and later completed her PhD in early modern English History. She became a lecturer in medieval history at La Trobe University, Bendigo. While there she completed her first novel, BattleAxe, which launched her as a popular fantas...more

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