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I Am Margaret #6
The Siege of Reginald Hill
SAFETY IS NOT THE ABSENCE OF DANGER, BUT THE PRESENCE OF GOD.
Fr Kyle Verrall is living a quiet life as a parish priest in Africa when he’s snatched from his church one night by armed assailants. He’s in big trouble—his sister’s worst enemy is hell-bent on taking revenge on the famous Margaret Verrall by killing her brother, just as slowly and horribly as he can.
What could possibly save him? The humble young priest is defenceless—or so Reginald Hill believes.
But Kyle has a powerful weapon Hill knows nothing about. And he’s not afraid to use it.
Is Reginald Hill really the hunter?
Or is he the hunted?
Fr Kyle Verrall is living a quiet life as a parish priest in Africa when he’s snatched from his church one night by armed assailants. He’s in big trouble—his sister’s worst enemy is hell-bent on taking revenge on the famous Margaret Verrall by killing her brother, just as slowly and horribly as he can.
What could possibly save him? The humble young priest is defenceless—or so Reginald Hill believes.
But Kyle has a powerful weapon Hill knows nothing about. And he’s not afraid to use it.
Is Reginald Hill really the hunter?
Or is he the hunted?
205 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2018
16 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 25, 2023
I LOVED the other I am Margaret books and purchased The Siege of Reginald Hill with great anticipation. Corinna Turner does not disappoint! It’s a beautiful story of self sacrifice and forgiveness that made me alternate between sorrow and joy! I literally could not put it down and finished it in one day!
December 3, 2018
The ‘I Am Margaret’ series has been full of surprises. It is currently comprised of 5 novels, one journal, 3 short stories, and a story in an anthology. This series and especially this story keep it fresh and new, and in a good way. Few series have the staying power of these books. And in some ways the story in this one is the most powerful yet! To summarize for those unfamiliar with the series, in book one, Margaret Verrall was selected for sorting, basically she failed a test and has been selected to just be spare parts for citizens of the Euro Block. But after winning a writing contest under a different name, and publishing a novel things have changed drastically.
At the time of this story sortings have been stopped. Religious freedoms are returning. The value of each human life is growing again. But in the middle of the night, during Eucharistic adoration, Fr Kyle Verrall has been abducted. He knows things are not good when he recognizes the voice of Reginald Hill, one of the most powerful men in the history of the Euro Bloc. Kyle knows Reginald, and know there are likely few people who hate his sister as much as Reginald. And not being able to get to Margaret in the Vatican Free State, he has come to Africa and captured her brother. When they begin the conscious dismemberment of Kyle, his prayers intensify.
But who really is the captor and who really is free. After chapter two the story is told alternatively from the perspective of Kyle and Margo. In fact the chapter titles are just the news of whose part of the story it is. There are 32 short chapters in the volume. The story is nearly impossible to put down. I believe it is strong enough to be read on its own, but the whole series is incredible and worth reading. This story deals with themes of prayer, abandonment to God’s will, possible martyrdom, and forgiveness. It is a solid example of loving your enemy.
The story is very well crafted. The story is tightly written. And the plot is excellent. It is a prime example of Catholic’s in the arts. Though written as teen fiction, this book and this whole series can be enjoyed by anyone who loves a great suspenseful read.
Another incredible read in an amazing series!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Corinna Turner. As well as an author profile and interview with Corinna.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!
At the time of this story sortings have been stopped. Religious freedoms are returning. The value of each human life is growing again. But in the middle of the night, during Eucharistic adoration, Fr Kyle Verrall has been abducted. He knows things are not good when he recognizes the voice of Reginald Hill, one of the most powerful men in the history of the Euro Bloc. Kyle knows Reginald, and know there are likely few people who hate his sister as much as Reginald. And not being able to get to Margaret in the Vatican Free State, he has come to Africa and captured her brother. When they begin the conscious dismemberment of Kyle, his prayers intensify.
But who really is the captor and who really is free. After chapter two the story is told alternatively from the perspective of Kyle and Margo. In fact the chapter titles are just the news of whose part of the story it is. There are 32 short chapters in the volume. The story is nearly impossible to put down. I believe it is strong enough to be read on its own, but the whole series is incredible and worth reading. This story deals with themes of prayer, abandonment to God’s will, possible martyrdom, and forgiveness. It is a solid example of loving your enemy.
The story is very well crafted. The story is tightly written. And the plot is excellent. It is a prime example of Catholic’s in the arts. Though written as teen fiction, this book and this whole series can be enjoyed by anyone who loves a great suspenseful read.
Another incredible read in an amazing series!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Corinna Turner. As well as an author profile and interview with Corinna.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!
July 26, 2020
I knew I was going to like this book, because I've liked all of the I Am Margaret books, but I had no idea just how good it was going to be. I started reading it before I left for work (generally not a wise decision), and it was all I could do to put it down when it was time to leave.
I loved how even though what is normally considered "action" was over in the first part of the book, that is where the real action began. It is hard to accurately portray the struggle for the human soul, but that is what Corinna Turner does just that. Fr. Kyle very closely resembles descriptions of saints and martyrs, but is somehow still relatable
That brings me to one of the things I love about the I Am Margaret books: even the worst enemy, the most evil, corrupt, or perverted is offered a chance for forgiveness. The Catholic main characters, through the grace of God, are able to offer their own forgiveness, and by that, lead them to God.
I also love how the characters are flawed and are in constant need of God's grace so that they can be the people the world sees them as.
I loved how even though what is normally considered "action" was over in the first part of the book, that is where the real action began. It is hard to accurately portray the struggle for the human soul, but that is what Corinna Turner does just that. Fr. Kyle very closely resembles descriptions of saints and martyrs, but is somehow still relatable
That brings me to one of the things I love about the I Am Margaret books: even the worst enemy, the most evil, corrupt, or perverted is offered a chance for forgiveness. The Catholic main characters, through the grace of God, are able to offer their own forgiveness, and by that, lead them to God.
I also love how the characters are flawed and are in constant need of God's grace so that they can be the people the world sees them as.
July 23, 2021
The Siege of Reginald Hill is different from any book I've read. (Of course, Corinna Turner is probably the most original writer whose work I regularly read.) Most of the book takes place in 1-2 rooms with little outward action. And yet, it held my attention and interest throughout.
The book is an examination of what it means to "love one another as I have loved you" in the most dire of circumstances. Why and how does one love one's mortal enemies?
The heart of the book is the conversations between former Eurobloc bad guy/all around evil villain Reginald Hill and young priest Kyle Verrall. Reginald Hill's soul is in jeopardy, and Fr. Kyle is bound and determined to be God's instrument in bringing him to salvation by any means available to him.
There are some twists and turns and appearances by Kyle's brother-in-law Bane, who remains my favorite character in the series.
If you're interested in only the theology and spirituality, you can dive into the I Am Margaret series here. However, without knowledge of the many, varied characters and their histories, I think you'd be somewhat confused by their roles. To get the most out of the book, I recommend reading from the beginning of the series.
The book is an examination of what it means to "love one another as I have loved you" in the most dire of circumstances. Why and how does one love one's mortal enemies?
The heart of the book is the conversations between former Eurobloc bad guy/all around evil villain Reginald Hill and young priest Kyle Verrall. Reginald Hill's soul is in jeopardy, and Fr. Kyle is bound and determined to be God's instrument in bringing him to salvation by any means available to him.
There are some twists and turns and appearances by Kyle's brother-in-law Bane, who remains my favorite character in the series.
If you're interested in only the theology and spirituality, you can dive into the I Am Margaret series here. However, without knowledge of the many, varied characters and their histories, I think you'd be somewhat confused by their roles. To get the most out of the book, I recommend reading from the beginning of the series.
October 17, 2020
Oh my! I began reading this book after buying it for my son for Christmas. He is in the seminary and this is about a priest who suffers for the conversion of a particular soul.
I wanted to put the book down in the first two chapters (when you begin reading you will know why but I won’t spoil it for you!), but my son insisted I continue. I did, and was glad I did!
I recommend it for all, but put an emphasis that priests who like to read fiction give this book your time. It’s not very long, but it sure is inspiring!
It is actually part of the I Am Margaret series, but can be read without knowing what comes before or after.
I wanted to put the book down in the first two chapters (when you begin reading you will know why but I won’t spoil it for you!), but my son insisted I continue. I did, and was glad I did!
I recommend it for all, but put an emphasis that priests who like to read fiction give this book your time. It’s not very long, but it sure is inspiring!
It is actually part of the I Am Margaret series, but can be read without knowing what comes before or after.
November 13, 2020
Some of Margaret's enemies catch up with her brother Kyle in this latest book in the series. What follows is gripping, terrifying, revealing, inspiring and educational.
Although the majority of the book takes place within one room, it is a stunning display of courage and dedication to the saving of souls, and an astounding exploration of God's love.
The only reason I knocked off a star is the large chunks of conversation get a bit heavy at times (understandably they are sealing with heavy topics), but it did make me want to put the book down, if only momentarily.
Although the majority of the book takes place within one room, it is a stunning display of courage and dedication to the saving of souls, and an astounding exploration of God's love.
The only reason I knocked off a star is the large chunks of conversation get a bit heavy at times (understandably they are sealing with heavy topics), but it did make me want to put the book down, if only momentarily.
November 9, 2022
I liked this book a lot. My favorite part was the imagining of the help God gives martyrs to face their trials.
I didn't like it as well as the rest of the I Am Margaret series, but it was really good.
I didn't like it as well as the rest of the I Am Margaret series, but it was really good.
October 16, 2021
This is an excellent finale: powerful and counter-cultural (in the best sense) - making the notion of sacrificial love tangible and comprehensible. Well worth reading.
August 6, 2024
Great book if you're in the mood for tears
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews