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The Devil's Diadem
In a world gone mad, is the Devil′s word the only one you can trust?
A foolish monk stole the devil′s favourite diadem and the devil wants it back.
It is mid-twelfth century Europe and Maeb Langtofte joins an aristocratic household to attend Adelie, the wife of the Earl of Pengraic. The earl is a powerful Lord of the Marches, the dark Welsh borderlands.
Then a plague that has swept Europe overtakes England and as life descends into chaos and civil disorder, Maeb is about to discover that the horrors she survived at Pengraic Castle were but a prelude to the terrifying maelstrom which now envelops her and all of her countryfolk.
Hell has come to desecrate England, and the only thing that can possibly foil its plans are the wits of one lonely, isolated and terrified woman.
A foolish monk stole the devil′s favourite diadem and the devil wants it back.
It is mid-twelfth century Europe and Maeb Langtofte joins an aristocratic household to attend Adelie, the wife of the Earl of Pengraic. The earl is a powerful Lord of the Marches, the dark Welsh borderlands.
Then a plague that has swept Europe overtakes England and as life descends into chaos and civil disorder, Maeb is about to discover that the horrors she survived at Pengraic Castle were but a prelude to the terrifying maelstrom which now envelops her and all of her countryfolk.
Hell has come to desecrate England, and the only thing that can possibly foil its plans are the wits of one lonely, isolated and terrified woman.
544 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
48 people are currently reading
1019 people want to read
About the author
Sara Douglass
65 books1,030 followersDouglass 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 fantasy author in Australia, and later as an international success.
Until the mid-2000s, Douglass hosted a bulletin board on her website, with the aim of encouraging creative thinking and constructive criticism of others' work. She maintained an online blog about the restoration project of her house and garden entitled Notes from Nonsuch in Tasmania.
In 2008, Douglass was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She underwent treatment, but in late 2010 the cancer returned. She died on 27 September 2011, aged 54.
She also wrote under her real name Sara Warneke.
Until the mid-2000s, Douglass hosted a bulletin board on her website, with the aim of encouraging creative thinking and constructive criticism of others' work. She maintained an online blog about the restoration project of her house and garden entitled Notes from Nonsuch in Tasmania.
In 2008, Douglass was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She underwent treatment, but in late 2010 the cancer returned. She died on 27 September 2011, aged 54.
She also wrote under her real name Sara Warneke.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
May 1, 2017
Looks like I am one of the few who really did not enjoy this.
In looking for a standalone book to read before Assassin's Fate comes out, I stumbled on this book which had been on my TBR pile for quite some time.
While it started off okay, its pacing was slow, and I could find nothing special about the main character, other than she seemed to be the luckiest woman in the world, surrounded by people who are increasingly unlucky. It became so predictable that I almost wanted to put it down 4/5ths through the book, but didn't because that is 400 pages already invested..
Maeb Langtofte gains a position as a serving woman for the Earl of Pengraic's wife after her father dies, leaving her nothing but her bloodline and her name. However, as a nasty plague sweeps through England, that kills everyone it touches, her position proves to be precarious, although she may hold the key to stopping it all.
To be blunt I was bored. Bored with the pacing. Bored with the story that seemed to have a few little interesting nuggets between pages and pages of monotony. Nuggets that Maeb dismissed or didn't think about because as a main character I found her selfish, and stupid. But of course she is beautiful and stunning and all the men can't stop wanting her. *eye roll*
If you don't want spoilers I suggest you stop here.
I wanted to enjoy this, but the slow pacing and the Mary-Sue of a main character that is nothing special and yet can cause all the men to stop their womanizing just ruined it for me..
2 very generous stars.
In looking for a standalone book to read before Assassin's Fate comes out, I stumbled on this book which had been on my TBR pile for quite some time.
While it started off okay, its pacing was slow, and I could find nothing special about the main character, other than she seemed to be the luckiest woman in the world, surrounded by people who are increasingly unlucky. It became so predictable that I almost wanted to put it down 4/5ths through the book, but didn't because that is 400 pages already invested..
Maeb Langtofte gains a position as a serving woman for the Earl of Pengraic's wife after her father dies, leaving her nothing but her bloodline and her name. However, as a nasty plague sweeps through England, that kills everyone it touches, her position proves to be precarious, although she may hold the key to stopping it all.
To be blunt I was bored. Bored with the pacing. Bored with the story that seemed to have a few little interesting nuggets between pages and pages of monotony. Nuggets that Maeb dismissed or didn't think about because as a main character I found her selfish, and stupid. But of course she is beautiful and stunning and all the men can't stop wanting her. *eye roll*
If you don't want spoilers I suggest you stop here.
I wanted to enjoy this, but the slow pacing and the Mary-Sue of a main character that is nothing special and yet can cause all the men to stop their womanizing just ruined it for me..
2 very generous stars.
August 1, 2011
http://www.rantingdragon.com/the-devi...
The Devil’s Diadem, the latest offering by popular Australian author and historian Sara Douglass, is a stand-alone historical fantasy set in mid-twelfth century England. Douglass has described The Devil’s Diadem as “everything she always wanted to put in a fantasy novel but never did”. She has also stated that it could quite possibly be her last ever book. If this is indeed the case, many fans will be eager to know whether it is a worthy farewell from such a great writer. The answer, in my opinion, is a resounding yes.
The Devil’s Diadem tells the story of Maeb Langtofte, a young woman of minor nobility who is sent to serve in the household of the powerful Earl of Pengraic after the death of her father. Soon after settling into her new duties, it becomes evident to Maeb that strange and ungodly forces are at work both within and without the Pengraic household. She hears rumour of a demonic pestilence sweeping across Europe and witnesses the presence of devilish imps. As the plague decimates the English population, the country succumbs to chaos and terror. Furthermore, the origins and spread of the disease appear far from natural; it seems to be searching for something. The world as Maeb knows it is falling to pieces and even those closest to her hold deadly secrets. In the face of such terror Maeb must determine who to trust and unravel the secrets of the past, and she must do it before everything and everyone she cares about are lost forever.
A world in itself
This alternate medieval England is inexorably brought to life through vivid description and effortless prose. One can almost smell the aromas wafting from the kitchens and feel the biting chill of the long winter nights. The setting abounds in intricate historical details, displaying Douglass’s detailed knowledge of the era. Likewise, she seamlessly works real historical events, such as the great fires and the catastrophe on the London bridge, into the context of the story, often giving them supernatural origins.
As well as the predominate medieval Christianity, Douglass also incorporates some pagan influenced mythology of her own creation, involving magical paths known as falloways and an intriguing, almost druidic, race known as the Old People. The descriptions of the falloways, the Old People, and their strange primal magic are undeniably mysterious, beautiful and captivating. I frequently found myself wishing that I, too, could wander down a falloway to a realm populated by an ancient people living in harmony with nature.
Convincing characterization
As the book is narrated in the first person, the reader primarily watches events unfold through the eyes of the protagonist, Maeb. At certain points in the story, however, we experience the viewpoints of different individuals, each with their own unique narrative voice and preconceptions. Each of Douglass’s characters are believable and human: they have flaws, experience misunderstandings and make mistakes. Their relations are complex, their interactions believable and I found them easy to relate to. Maeb herself is frank, honest and likable. She tries to make the best out of the cards fate has dealt her and stick to her own principles. Despite possessing some wit, she is unschooled in the ways of the world. Although the concept of the naïve young maiden is not new to fantasy, it meshes perfectly with Maeb’s personality as well as the historical period, and Douglass’s superb characterization prevents it from feeling too cliché.
Not for the faint of heart
The horror elements throughout the novel are especially well realized. The demons are repulsive and mephistophelian, while the descriptions of the plague are legitimately horrifying and often disturbing. Those who prefer their demonic pestilences complete with excessive fungal growth and spontaneous combustion need look no further. Even the most resilient readers may well feel a shiver run down their spine or find themselves checking in the mirror for the dreaded, telltale yellow rash.
Stand-alone
As a stand-alone novel, The Devil’s Diadem is by necessity less drawn out and complex than some of Douglass’s other novels (for instance the Wayfarer Redemption series or her excellent historical fantasy trilogy, The Crucible). While this may disappoint some readers hoping for another epic saga, possibly encompassing two trilogies and a prequel for good measure, this novel is a wonderfully engrossing and vibrant self-contained story that deserves to be evaluated on its own merits.
Why should you read this book?
Overall, The Devil’s Diadem is thoroughly enjoyable saga of love, loss, political maneuverings, friendship and betrayal that successfully combines believable characters, historical detail and romance with aspects of myth and horror. I found it to be well plotted, intelligent and enjoyable and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys good, character driven fantasy. Additionally, if you have ever read and loved any of Douglass’s work in the past, as I have, perhaps we owe it to her to at least try the one book she “always wanted to write”.
The Devil’s Diadem, the latest offering by popular Australian author and historian Sara Douglass, is a stand-alone historical fantasy set in mid-twelfth century England. Douglass has described The Devil’s Diadem as “everything she always wanted to put in a fantasy novel but never did”. She has also stated that it could quite possibly be her last ever book. If this is indeed the case, many fans will be eager to know whether it is a worthy farewell from such a great writer. The answer, in my opinion, is a resounding yes.
The Devil’s Diadem tells the story of Maeb Langtofte, a young woman of minor nobility who is sent to serve in the household of the powerful Earl of Pengraic after the death of her father. Soon after settling into her new duties, it becomes evident to Maeb that strange and ungodly forces are at work both within and without the Pengraic household. She hears rumour of a demonic pestilence sweeping across Europe and witnesses the presence of devilish imps. As the plague decimates the English population, the country succumbs to chaos and terror. Furthermore, the origins and spread of the disease appear far from natural; it seems to be searching for something. The world as Maeb knows it is falling to pieces and even those closest to her hold deadly secrets. In the face of such terror Maeb must determine who to trust and unravel the secrets of the past, and she must do it before everything and everyone she cares about are lost forever.
A world in itself
This alternate medieval England is inexorably brought to life through vivid description and effortless prose. One can almost smell the aromas wafting from the kitchens and feel the biting chill of the long winter nights. The setting abounds in intricate historical details, displaying Douglass’s detailed knowledge of the era. Likewise, she seamlessly works real historical events, such as the great fires and the catastrophe on the London bridge, into the context of the story, often giving them supernatural origins.
As well as the predominate medieval Christianity, Douglass also incorporates some pagan influenced mythology of her own creation, involving magical paths known as falloways and an intriguing, almost druidic, race known as the Old People. The descriptions of the falloways, the Old People, and their strange primal magic are undeniably mysterious, beautiful and captivating. I frequently found myself wishing that I, too, could wander down a falloway to a realm populated by an ancient people living in harmony with nature.
Convincing characterization
As the book is narrated in the first person, the reader primarily watches events unfold through the eyes of the protagonist, Maeb. At certain points in the story, however, we experience the viewpoints of different individuals, each with their own unique narrative voice and preconceptions. Each of Douglass’s characters are believable and human: they have flaws, experience misunderstandings and make mistakes. Their relations are complex, their interactions believable and I found them easy to relate to. Maeb herself is frank, honest and likable. She tries to make the best out of the cards fate has dealt her and stick to her own principles. Despite possessing some wit, she is unschooled in the ways of the world. Although the concept of the naïve young maiden is not new to fantasy, it meshes perfectly with Maeb’s personality as well as the historical period, and Douglass’s superb characterization prevents it from feeling too cliché.
Not for the faint of heart
The horror elements throughout the novel are especially well realized. The demons are repulsive and mephistophelian, while the descriptions of the plague are legitimately horrifying and often disturbing. Those who prefer their demonic pestilences complete with excessive fungal growth and spontaneous combustion need look no further. Even the most resilient readers may well feel a shiver run down their spine or find themselves checking in the mirror for the dreaded, telltale yellow rash.
Stand-alone
As a stand-alone novel, The Devil’s Diadem is by necessity less drawn out and complex than some of Douglass’s other novels (for instance the Wayfarer Redemption series or her excellent historical fantasy trilogy, The Crucible). While this may disappoint some readers hoping for another epic saga, possibly encompassing two trilogies and a prequel for good measure, this novel is a wonderfully engrossing and vibrant self-contained story that deserves to be evaluated on its own merits.
Why should you read this book?
Overall, The Devil’s Diadem is thoroughly enjoyable saga of love, loss, political maneuverings, friendship and betrayal that successfully combines believable characters, historical detail and romance with aspects of myth and horror. I found it to be well plotted, intelligent and enjoyable and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys good, character driven fantasy. Additionally, if you have ever read and loved any of Douglass’s work in the past, as I have, perhaps we owe it to her to at least try the one book she “always wanted to write”.
August 4, 2011
The Devil’s Diadem, a brand new standalone novel by Australian author Sara Douglass, is set in a realistic but fictional version of early 12th century England. The Norman invasion is still recent history, French is the prevalent courtly language, and the Marcher Lords are powerful nobles who guard the border territory between England and Wales. Maeb Langtofte, an attractive young noblewoman whose family has recently fallen on hard times, is lucky enough to find a position as lady-in-waiting to the Lady Adelie, wife of the most powerful Marcher lord, the Earl of Pengraic. It soon becomes clear that not all is as it seems in the Earl’s household....
The early chapters of The Devil’s Diadem describe Maeb settling into her new life and learning how to navigate the court of a high-ranked noble. She serves the devout Lady Adelie and her children, befriends the other servants, and tries to stay out of the way of the grim and secretive Earl, who makes sure that Maeb knows her place. Everything changes when reports of a mysterious and deadly plague begin to appear — a plague whose victims suffer horribly before they are consumed by the flames of Hell as they die. The Earl rides out to support the King as he tries to maintain order in the land, leaving family and household safe behind the walls of Pengraic, but it soon becomes clear that this safety is just an illusion when Maeb spots one of Hell’s imps inside the castle, looking for a mysterious artifact....
The Devil’s Diadem combines elements of historical fiction, fantasy and horror. In terms of historical fiction, the novel offers a realistic look at what life must have been like in noble circles in 12th century England, especially when it comes to the role and position of women. These detailed glimpses of life at a medieval court were my favorite parts of the novel: the schedules, habits, meals, speech patterns, and especially the way religion shapes and permeates every aspect of life. The stately prose and formal speech fit the novel’s atmosphere perfectly. The pace is sedate at first but eventually picks up a bit as the plot gets going. Early on, the fantasy elements are limited to the strange nature of the plague and the real-life existence of the devil and his imps, but gradually another dimension is added to the mix, involving the “Old People” who inhabited Wales in the far past. There are also a few very effective touches of horror that will come as a shock, compared to the gentle tone and pace of the rest of the novel.
Maeb is an interesting main character who goes through a noticeable evolution throughout the novel. She starts out a bit diffident and mousy — understandably enough, given her position — but quickly starts showing more spirit than you’d initially expect. She becomes increasingly self-assured and has genuinely turned into a different person by the end of the novel. The Devil’s Diadem features several other characters who show surprising depth, including the Earl, his son Stephen, Brother Owain (who sees to the spiritual needs at Pengraic) and King Edmond, but as the vast majority of the novel is told by Maeb (in the form of a confession), she’s the real star of the show.
If The Devil’s Diadem has one problem, it’s the fact that it gives the deceptive appearance of being predictable. For most of the novel, you can clearly see who the “Bad Guy” is and where things are heading, even though Maeb doesn’t see it yet. Combine this with the slow-ish pace and you get a novel that’s often more interesting for its setting than for its plot. Fortunately, Sara Douglass throws in a twist at the very end, which shows (in retrospect) that something very different was going on all along, and what you thought was predictable was actually something else altogether... but this doesn’t change the fact that, for most of the novel, you may feel like the characters are slowly working their way towards an ending you’ve seen coming from a mile away.
The authentic, historical feel of the novel combined with the surprising final twist were enough to flip the novel from “average” to “good” for me, but I’m not sure if everyone will stick around long enough to get the full story. Because of this, I’d mainly recommend The Devil’s Diadem to people who enjoy historical fantasy, Sara Douglass’ previous works (especially her trilogy THE CRUCIBLE, which it shares some characteristics with) or both.
(This review originally appeared on Tor.com on 7/27/2011 and on www.fantasyliterature.com on 8/3/2011.)
The early chapters of The Devil’s Diadem describe Maeb settling into her new life and learning how to navigate the court of a high-ranked noble. She serves the devout Lady Adelie and her children, befriends the other servants, and tries to stay out of the way of the grim and secretive Earl, who makes sure that Maeb knows her place. Everything changes when reports of a mysterious and deadly plague begin to appear — a plague whose victims suffer horribly before they are consumed by the flames of Hell as they die. The Earl rides out to support the King as he tries to maintain order in the land, leaving family and household safe behind the walls of Pengraic, but it soon becomes clear that this safety is just an illusion when Maeb spots one of Hell’s imps inside the castle, looking for a mysterious artifact....
The Devil’s Diadem combines elements of historical fiction, fantasy and horror. In terms of historical fiction, the novel offers a realistic look at what life must have been like in noble circles in 12th century England, especially when it comes to the role and position of women. These detailed glimpses of life at a medieval court were my favorite parts of the novel: the schedules, habits, meals, speech patterns, and especially the way religion shapes and permeates every aspect of life. The stately prose and formal speech fit the novel’s atmosphere perfectly. The pace is sedate at first but eventually picks up a bit as the plot gets going. Early on, the fantasy elements are limited to the strange nature of the plague and the real-life existence of the devil and his imps, but gradually another dimension is added to the mix, involving the “Old People” who inhabited Wales in the far past. There are also a few very effective touches of horror that will come as a shock, compared to the gentle tone and pace of the rest of the novel.
Maeb is an interesting main character who goes through a noticeable evolution throughout the novel. She starts out a bit diffident and mousy — understandably enough, given her position — but quickly starts showing more spirit than you’d initially expect. She becomes increasingly self-assured and has genuinely turned into a different person by the end of the novel. The Devil’s Diadem features several other characters who show surprising depth, including the Earl, his son Stephen, Brother Owain (who sees to the spiritual needs at Pengraic) and King Edmond, but as the vast majority of the novel is told by Maeb (in the form of a confession), she’s the real star of the show.
If The Devil’s Diadem has one problem, it’s the fact that it gives the deceptive appearance of being predictable. For most of the novel, you can clearly see who the “Bad Guy” is and where things are heading, even though Maeb doesn’t see it yet. Combine this with the slow-ish pace and you get a novel that’s often more interesting for its setting than for its plot. Fortunately, Sara Douglass throws in a twist at the very end, which shows (in retrospect) that something very different was going on all along, and what you thought was predictable was actually something else altogether... but this doesn’t change the fact that, for most of the novel, you may feel like the characters are slowly working their way towards an ending you’ve seen coming from a mile away.
The authentic, historical feel of the novel combined with the surprising final twist were enough to flip the novel from “average” to “good” for me, but I’m not sure if everyone will stick around long enough to get the full story. Because of this, I’d mainly recommend The Devil’s Diadem to people who enjoy historical fantasy, Sara Douglass’ previous works (especially her trilogy THE CRUCIBLE, which it shares some characteristics with) or both.
(This review originally appeared on Tor.com on 7/27/2011 and on www.fantasyliterature.com on 8/3/2011.)
October 26, 2011
I was taken completely by surprise with this book - I picked it up at the Library, looking for something light to read - and having majored in medieval history in school, have always loved books set in the 11th, 12th or 13th century. This book is extremely well written, and the excitement within these pages is absolutely paced brilliantly.
I'd class this as a YA book, simply because in my opinion, young women needing a sense of worth need to know how it was with women in the Middle Ages. After her father's death, the main character is left with nothing but "rags and a bloodline." It's the bloodline, the relation to a nearby Earl's Countess, that allows her to take up residence in the Earl and Countess' home as an attendant to the countess.
But, when a very specific, very strange plague starts causing the death of virtually everyone in the castle (except for the heroine and a few others) - this book takes a turn to the paranormal. Because it's Maeb's bloodline from her mother - who was one of the Old Ones (the Sidhe) that protects her throughout this portion of her life. The plot is wonderfully exciting and the identity of the Earl amazing. I would heartily recommend this book to anyone, but particularly to adolescent girls.
I'd class this as a YA book, simply because in my opinion, young women needing a sense of worth need to know how it was with women in the Middle Ages. After her father's death, the main character is left with nothing but "rags and a bloodline." It's the bloodline, the relation to a nearby Earl's Countess, that allows her to take up residence in the Earl and Countess' home as an attendant to the countess.
But, when a very specific, very strange plague starts causing the death of virtually everyone in the castle (except for the heroine and a few others) - this book takes a turn to the paranormal. Because it's Maeb's bloodline from her mother - who was one of the Old Ones (the Sidhe) that protects her throughout this portion of her life. The plot is wonderfully exciting and the identity of the Earl amazing. I would heartily recommend this book to anyone, but particularly to adolescent girls.
April 23, 2011
Yet again, Goodreads swallowed my review... so I have to rewrite it. In this case, I don't mind so much as this is a book that I did not want to finish and which, hours later, still lingers in my heart and head.
Douglass' latest book, a historical fantasy set in mid Twelfth Century England is a beautifully woven, intricately plotted tale of love, loss, familial relationships, courtly politics, religion and faith. Powerful, moving and surprising, it unfurls slowly, almost languidly, steeping the reader in the period and the life of the heroine, the astoundingly lovely Maeb who, when her father returns from the Crusades and dies, leaving her with nothing more than a few rags and her good name, is forced to join the household of the most powerful noble in the land, the Earl of Pengraic, Raife.
Incredibly lovely, frank and quite feckless in many ways, Maeb is content to serve her kind mistress, Adelie, and care for her sweet children, only when a dreadful plague sweeps the country from Europe, forcing the family to flee to Pengraic castle in the Welsh borderlands, Maeb quickly discovers that someone or something else has other, much bigger plans for her and those she loves.
What follows is an adventure like no other, filled with real characters, heart-ache, beauty, humour and disaster, all against a background of an emerging London, the kingship of Edmond and deadly tensions between the aristocrats, the Church, the Old People and the sacred and profane.
Told in the first-person, this is a hard book to put down - frankly, I couldn't bear to set it aside. It sweeps you into the past and the lives of the central characters. It's filled with fascinating factual and imaginative recreations of life in that period (Douglass is also a renown historian), never mind being a rollicking good tale.
As a stand alone, it's a tour de force for Douglass, as an addition to an already remarkable canon, it's a triumph.
I know that I could be accused of bias as the book is dedicated to me - a privilege I am so humbled by I honestly cannot express how I feel - but I could not ask for or wish for a greater gift from a wonderful, loving and beloved friend.
Read The Devil's Diadem and share the experience. You won't regret it!
Douglass' latest book, a historical fantasy set in mid Twelfth Century England is a beautifully woven, intricately plotted tale of love, loss, familial relationships, courtly politics, religion and faith. Powerful, moving and surprising, it unfurls slowly, almost languidly, steeping the reader in the period and the life of the heroine, the astoundingly lovely Maeb who, when her father returns from the Crusades and dies, leaving her with nothing more than a few rags and her good name, is forced to join the household of the most powerful noble in the land, the Earl of Pengraic, Raife.
Incredibly lovely, frank and quite feckless in many ways, Maeb is content to serve her kind mistress, Adelie, and care for her sweet children, only when a dreadful plague sweeps the country from Europe, forcing the family to flee to Pengraic castle in the Welsh borderlands, Maeb quickly discovers that someone or something else has other, much bigger plans for her and those she loves.
What follows is an adventure like no other, filled with real characters, heart-ache, beauty, humour and disaster, all against a background of an emerging London, the kingship of Edmond and deadly tensions between the aristocrats, the Church, the Old People and the sacred and profane.
Told in the first-person, this is a hard book to put down - frankly, I couldn't bear to set it aside. It sweeps you into the past and the lives of the central characters. It's filled with fascinating factual and imaginative recreations of life in that period (Douglass is also a renown historian), never mind being a rollicking good tale.
As a stand alone, it's a tour de force for Douglass, as an addition to an already remarkable canon, it's a triumph.
I know that I could be accused of bias as the book is dedicated to me - a privilege I am so humbled by I honestly cannot express how I feel - but I could not ask for or wish for a greater gift from a wonderful, loving and beloved friend.
Read The Devil's Diadem and share the experience. You won't regret it!
May 23, 2012
This was an amazing book, and a very personal book. The author wrote this as she was dying and much of the very end portion was consolation for grieving friends, and for herself. It was intensely personal for her to write that part of the book, and part of it was read as part of her memorial service, with friends around the wold reading the passages indicated while sipping bubbly and lighting candles as her ashes were scattered.
February 4, 2016
The Devil's Diadem is a stand-alone novel by the late Sara Douglass, author of the Wayfarer Redemption trilogy. It takes us to an alternate medieval Europe, around the 12th century. Contrary to the history books, this Europe lies on the brink of demonic disaster.
I picked this up on a whim. I have not read any Sara Douglass, although her trilogies are on my to-read list, but I thought a stand-alone novel might be a good place to start. This was, I think, a bad choice, but I'll get into that in a moment. This was also the last book she wrote, as she unfortunately passed away only a few months after its publication in 2011.
There is no doubt that this novel starts agonizingly slow. We follow our heroine, Maeb Langtofte, around as she adjusts to becoming a lady's maid, and making unwitting enemies of just about everyone she meets. This almost could have been a diary format, rather than a confession, as there is A LOT of narration. It is all in first person, and she presents it to us as her last testimony before dying.
The supernatural pops up as a matter of course - Maeb takes no great pains to explain it, as in this world, demons are practically considered no big deal. At one point early on in the narration, she sees an imp crawling up a wall, and although frightened, she doesn't remark on it particularly. Obviously she doesn't want to attract its attention, but she's also not paralyzed by fear or anything.
The first part of The Devil's Diadem revolves around a demon wrought plague that is sweeping across the land. This plague, it is HORRIFYING. Descriptions of dying from sickness don't usually get to me much, but in this case, the symptoms are so cruel and disgusting, I couldn't help but shiver a little.
It then devolves into a boring love story with Maeb constantly questioning herself, and I grew completely bored of the plot. I really wanted it to come out that she was an unreliable narrator, but apparently every word she tells us is as true as she knows it to be. I was disappointed in this, as I feel it was a huge missed opportunity.
So, after being a little bored for a majority of the novel, the words "devil's diadem" are FINALLY mentioned for the first time about 150 pages from the end. From there on out, it actually got really good. Like, really good. The pay off was amazing, and a few of the plot twists I completely did not see coming.
But was that enough?
The first 350-odd pages were shrug worthy at best, and that's a lot to read if your interest is waning.
Overall, I wanted to like it more than I did. I felt the title was misleading, and the narration had a lot of prospects that it never ventured into. After doing some research online, a number of people recommend this book if you are already a fan of Douglass' work - and I have to say I agree. Only pick this up if you loved her other books and want more of the same style. The ending made it ALMOST worth it, but it was too little, too late.
I picked this up on a whim. I have not read any Sara Douglass, although her trilogies are on my to-read list, but I thought a stand-alone novel might be a good place to start. This was, I think, a bad choice, but I'll get into that in a moment. This was also the last book she wrote, as she unfortunately passed away only a few months after its publication in 2011.
There is no doubt that this novel starts agonizingly slow. We follow our heroine, Maeb Langtofte, around as she adjusts to becoming a lady's maid, and making unwitting enemies of just about everyone she meets. This almost could have been a diary format, rather than a confession, as there is A LOT of narration. It is all in first person, and she presents it to us as her last testimony before dying.
The supernatural pops up as a matter of course - Maeb takes no great pains to explain it, as in this world, demons are practically considered no big deal. At one point early on in the narration, she sees an imp crawling up a wall, and although frightened, she doesn't remark on it particularly. Obviously she doesn't want to attract its attention, but she's also not paralyzed by fear or anything.
The first part of The Devil's Diadem revolves around a demon wrought plague that is sweeping across the land. This plague, it is HORRIFYING. Descriptions of dying from sickness don't usually get to me much, but in this case, the symptoms are so cruel and disgusting, I couldn't help but shiver a little.
It then devolves into a boring love story with Maeb constantly questioning herself, and I grew completely bored of the plot. I really wanted it to come out that she was an unreliable narrator, but apparently every word she tells us is as true as she knows it to be. I was disappointed in this, as I feel it was a huge missed opportunity.
So, after being a little bored for a majority of the novel, the words "devil's diadem" are FINALLY mentioned for the first time about 150 pages from the end. From there on out, it actually got really good. Like, really good. The pay off was amazing, and a few of the plot twists I completely did not see coming.
But was that enough?
The first 350-odd pages were shrug worthy at best, and that's a lot to read if your interest is waning.
Overall, I wanted to like it more than I did. I felt the title was misleading, and the narration had a lot of prospects that it never ventured into. After doing some research online, a number of people recommend this book if you are already a fan of Douglass' work - and I have to say I agree. Only pick this up if you loved her other books and want more of the same style. The ending made it ALMOST worth it, but it was too little, too late.
April 30, 2013
The Devil's Diadem is one of those books that made me realise how short life is.
This book was Sara Douglass's last novel. She died a few months before it was published. Sara was one of my biggest inspirations for writing epic fantasy because of her I wrote my first book when I was sixteen.
I suppose this book reminded me in no uncertain terms that everything comes to an end. You read this book and you know that Sara was dying when she wrote it. You can feel it in the text and it's painful. She knew The Devil's Diadem would be her last book.
I remember as I turned the last page I felt this enormous wave of sadness and emptiness descend on me. It was more final and painful than my usual post book depression, this one punched me in the gut and left me lying on the floor choking and spluttering for air as I screamed and cried about this book ending because I knew it was the last book she had written. This was her last book. There were no more books after this. If there were they would not be hers, they were not the words she typed onto that paper, they would just be her ideas and that upset me.
I know it sounds silly, but it's true. I felt like I had lost a part of myself. I haven't been able to write as prolifically as I did before I read The Devil's Diadem. This is probably because I am still too depressed to attempt it.
Whatever the reason I loved this book and I will always miss Sara. It's not often one comes across someone with such unbridled talent. Especially in the fantasy genre. There are really not enough epic fantasy novels around at the moment, especially not from Australian writers.
If you love fantasy I say give all of Sara's books a go. They are brilliant and worth the read.
RIP Sara Douglass. I know you are still writing those kick-ass stories wherever you are.
Chaos out.
This book was Sara Douglass's last novel. She died a few months before it was published. Sara was one of my biggest inspirations for writing epic fantasy because of her I wrote my first book when I was sixteen.
I suppose this book reminded me in no uncertain terms that everything comes to an end. You read this book and you know that Sara was dying when she wrote it. You can feel it in the text and it's painful. She knew The Devil's Diadem would be her last book.
I remember as I turned the last page I felt this enormous wave of sadness and emptiness descend on me. It was more final and painful than my usual post book depression, this one punched me in the gut and left me lying on the floor choking and spluttering for air as I screamed and cried about this book ending because I knew it was the last book she had written. This was her last book. There were no more books after this. If there were they would not be hers, they were not the words she typed onto that paper, they would just be her ideas and that upset me.
I know it sounds silly, but it's true. I felt like I had lost a part of myself. I haven't been able to write as prolifically as I did before I read The Devil's Diadem. This is probably because I am still too depressed to attempt it.
Whatever the reason I loved this book and I will always miss Sara. It's not often one comes across someone with such unbridled talent. Especially in the fantasy genre. There are really not enough epic fantasy novels around at the moment, especially not from Australian writers.
If you love fantasy I say give all of Sara's books a go. They are brilliant and worth the read.
RIP Sara Douglass. I know you are still writing those kick-ass stories wherever you are.
Chaos out.
February 14, 2021
This book was such an amazing tale and so close to being one of my favorites if it wasn't for that ending.
August 31, 2011
The Story
Mistress Maeb Langtofte falls in love the moment she sees Stephen de Mortaigne. A golden boy of 19 or 20 who immediately flirts with Maeb until his father, the Earl of Pengraic chances upon them, ordering Stephen to the barge and their meeting with the king. Pengraic lingers but only to inform Maeb that her lack of dowry and influence will not net Stephen. That any mishap will result in her being tossed out the door. Old Pengraic does not want her in his household.
Then a plague breaks out while the household is still at Rosseley Manor. The king has arrived with his men to discuss strategy with the earl and develops a fascination for Mistress Maeb. And Maeb is only half shocked, thanks to Mistress Evelyn's information, when Lord Saint-Valery offers for her hand—for the king only takes his mistresses from the married ladies. Fortunately for Maeb, the plague takes precedence and Pengraic orders the household to his castle in the Marchers with Stephen in charge. And it seems that Stephen is just as fascinated by Maeb as she with him until plague arrives at Pengraic and changes everyone's future. Especially Maeb's.
The Characters
Mistress Maeb Langtofte was orphaned when her father, Sir Godfrey Langtofte, dies shortly after returning from the Holy Land. Not considering how she would live or marry, her father gifts the Templars with everything he owns save for a bit of embroidery. Her only hope for a life outside a nunnery is her mother's cousin, the Countess of Pengraic, Adelie.
Stephen de Mortaigne is the eldest of the Earl of Pengraic's sons.
Raife de Mortaigne, Earl of Pengraic, is a gruff, scary man who has nothing but contempt for Maeb from the moment he meets her. Maeb is surprised to learn he is only in his mid-30s as he seemed so much older when first she met him. He is also one of the greatest nobles in the land and a Marcher Lord with a tremendous castle protecting the border between England and Wales.
Adelie de Mortaigne, Countess of Pengraic, prefers being pregnant to not as it allows her to avoid the marriage bed. This could explain why she has so many children: Stephen; 14-year-old Alice; 11-year-old Emmette; the prankish twins, Ancel and Robert who would be going to the Earl of Summersete's court in a few weeks; 4-year-old Rosamunde; year-old John besides the two who have died previously. A deeply religious woman, she is also practical and kind-hearted. Mistress Yvette is her "most treasured confidante".
Evelyn Kendal is one of the countess' handmaidens and becomes a great friend to Maeb. Until she betrays her so vilely. Father Owain is the priest at Pengraic Castle who also befriends Maeb. It seems the good father also has a toe in the Old Ones as well.
Edmond, King of England, who has a reputation for the ladies and a cautious approach to the earl. Ranulph Saint-Valery is the king's poet, willing to do aught for his lord, including wedding Mistress Maeb that the king might take her as his mistress.
My Take
A fascinating and incredibly sad story with a lovely ending in a medieval age in England. Yes, it is another look at how the gentry lived, traveled, and played politics and, yet, there is such a realness to this historical-fantasy. Partly because the fantastical aspects are not the highlights but more like the bits that allow for a tremendous romance to be told in a hopeful daydream.
Place names were oddly spelled compared to their names today. It was rather fun matching then to now.
I had the most difficult time putting this book down…thank god it was Sunday so I didn't have to!
The Cover
The cover makes absolutely no sense. Again, a cover artist who hasn't a clue about the story. The title, The Devil's Diadem, takes a very long time to appear within the story but eventually we do learn in a twisty sort of way that the diadem is the entire point.
Mistress Maeb Langtofte falls in love the moment she sees Stephen de Mortaigne. A golden boy of 19 or 20 who immediately flirts with Maeb until his father, the Earl of Pengraic chances upon them, ordering Stephen to the barge and their meeting with the king. Pengraic lingers but only to inform Maeb that her lack of dowry and influence will not net Stephen. That any mishap will result in her being tossed out the door. Old Pengraic does not want her in his household.
Then a plague breaks out while the household is still at Rosseley Manor. The king has arrived with his men to discuss strategy with the earl and develops a fascination for Mistress Maeb. And Maeb is only half shocked, thanks to Mistress Evelyn's information, when Lord Saint-Valery offers for her hand—for the king only takes his mistresses from the married ladies. Fortunately for Maeb, the plague takes precedence and Pengraic orders the household to his castle in the Marchers with Stephen in charge. And it seems that Stephen is just as fascinated by Maeb as she with him until plague arrives at Pengraic and changes everyone's future. Especially Maeb's.
The Characters
Mistress Maeb Langtofte was orphaned when her father, Sir Godfrey Langtofte, dies shortly after returning from the Holy Land. Not considering how she would live or marry, her father gifts the Templars with everything he owns save for a bit of embroidery. Her only hope for a life outside a nunnery is her mother's cousin, the Countess of Pengraic, Adelie.
Stephen de Mortaigne is the eldest of the Earl of Pengraic's sons.
Raife de Mortaigne, Earl of Pengraic, is a gruff, scary man who has nothing but contempt for Maeb from the moment he meets her. Maeb is surprised to learn he is only in his mid-30s as he seemed so much older when first she met him. He is also one of the greatest nobles in the land and a Marcher Lord with a tremendous castle protecting the border between England and Wales.
Adelie de Mortaigne, Countess of Pengraic, prefers being pregnant to not as it allows her to avoid the marriage bed. This could explain why she has so many children: Stephen; 14-year-old Alice; 11-year-old Emmette; the prankish twins, Ancel and Robert who would be going to the Earl of Summersete's court in a few weeks; 4-year-old Rosamunde; year-old John besides the two who have died previously. A deeply religious woman, she is also practical and kind-hearted. Mistress Yvette is her "most treasured confidante".
Evelyn Kendal is one of the countess' handmaidens and becomes a great friend to Maeb. Until she betrays her so vilely. Father Owain is the priest at Pengraic Castle who also befriends Maeb. It seems the good father also has a toe in the Old Ones as well.
Edmond, King of England, who has a reputation for the ladies and a cautious approach to the earl. Ranulph Saint-Valery is the king's poet, willing to do aught for his lord, including wedding Mistress Maeb that the king might take her as his mistress.
My Take
A fascinating and incredibly sad story with a lovely ending in a medieval age in England. Yes, it is another look at how the gentry lived, traveled, and played politics and, yet, there is such a realness to this historical-fantasy. Partly because the fantastical aspects are not the highlights but more like the bits that allow for a tremendous romance to be told in a hopeful daydream.
Place names were oddly spelled compared to their names today. It was rather fun matching then to now.
I had the most difficult time putting this book down…thank god it was Sunday so I didn't have to!
The Cover
The cover makes absolutely no sense. Again, a cover artist who hasn't a clue about the story. The title, The Devil's Diadem, takes a very long time to appear within the story but eventually we do learn in a twisty sort of way that the diadem is the entire point.
August 19, 2011
A longer more detailed version of this review is availiable at The Ranting Dragon
‘The Devil’s Diadem’, by popular Australian author and historian, Sara Douglass, is a historical fantasy novel set in an alternate mid-twelfth century England. The narrative primarily focuses on the experiences of the protagonist, Maeb Langtofte, a young woman of minor nobility who is sent to serve in the household of the powerful Earl of Pengraic. Soon after settling into her new duties, it becomes evident to Maeb that strange and ungodly forces are at work as she hears rumour of a demonic plague sweeping across Europe and witnesses the presence of devilish imps. The plague soon decimates the English population and the country succumbs to chaos and terror. However, the plague seems to be searching for something and even those closest to Maeb hold deadly secrets. As men and demons alike search for the devil’s stolen treasure, Maeb must work out who to trust and unravel the secrets of the past before she loses everything and everyone she cares for.
Overall, I found ‘The Devils Diadem’ to be a thoroughly enjoyable saga of love, loss, political maneuverings, friendship and betrayal, that successfully combined believable characters, historical detail and romance with aspects of fantasy and horror. The characters are likeable and human, they have flaws, experience misunderstandings and make mistakes. Their relations are complex, their interactions believable and I found it easy to care about them.
As the book is narrated in the first person, the reader primarily watches events unfold through the eyes of Maeb. However, at certain points we experience the viewpoints of different characters, each with their own unique narrative voice and preconceptions.
The horror elements are especially well done and the descriptions of the plague are legitimately horrifying and often disturbing, complete with excessive fungal growth and spontaneous combustion. I consider myself difficult to scare, yet found myself quite disquieted.
Another element I particularly enjoyed was the mythology of the falloways and the Old People. At many times I found myself wishing that I, to, could wander down a falloway to a realm populated by an ancient people living in harmony with nature.
The only problem I had with the book was an editing error where the name of the protagonist was incorrect on the blurb. A strange oversight, but an irrelevant one that will most likely be corrected upon reprinting.
As a stand alone novel, ‘The Devil’s Diadem’ is by necessity less complicated and intricate than some of Douglass’ other novels (I’m thinking of her excellent historical fantasy trilogy, The Crucible). Nevertheless, I found it to be well plotted, intelligent and enjoyable and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys good, character driven fantasy.
‘The Devil’s Diadem’, by popular Australian author and historian, Sara Douglass, is a historical fantasy novel set in an alternate mid-twelfth century England. The narrative primarily focuses on the experiences of the protagonist, Maeb Langtofte, a young woman of minor nobility who is sent to serve in the household of the powerful Earl of Pengraic. Soon after settling into her new duties, it becomes evident to Maeb that strange and ungodly forces are at work as she hears rumour of a demonic plague sweeping across Europe and witnesses the presence of devilish imps. The plague soon decimates the English population and the country succumbs to chaos and terror. However, the plague seems to be searching for something and even those closest to Maeb hold deadly secrets. As men and demons alike search for the devil’s stolen treasure, Maeb must work out who to trust and unravel the secrets of the past before she loses everything and everyone she cares for.
Overall, I found ‘The Devils Diadem’ to be a thoroughly enjoyable saga of love, loss, political maneuverings, friendship and betrayal, that successfully combined believable characters, historical detail and romance with aspects of fantasy and horror. The characters are likeable and human, they have flaws, experience misunderstandings and make mistakes. Their relations are complex, their interactions believable and I found it easy to care about them.
As the book is narrated in the first person, the reader primarily watches events unfold through the eyes of Maeb. However, at certain points we experience the viewpoints of different characters, each with their own unique narrative voice and preconceptions.
The horror elements are especially well done and the descriptions of the plague are legitimately horrifying and often disturbing, complete with excessive fungal growth and spontaneous combustion. I consider myself difficult to scare, yet found myself quite disquieted.
Another element I particularly enjoyed was the mythology of the falloways and the Old People. At many times I found myself wishing that I, to, could wander down a falloway to a realm populated by an ancient people living in harmony with nature.
The only problem I had with the book was an editing error where the name of the protagonist was incorrect on the blurb. A strange oversight, but an irrelevant one that will most likely be corrected upon reprinting.
As a stand alone novel, ‘The Devil’s Diadem’ is by necessity less complicated and intricate than some of Douglass’ other novels (I’m thinking of her excellent historical fantasy trilogy, The Crucible). Nevertheless, I found it to be well plotted, intelligent and enjoyable and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys good, character driven fantasy.
May 11, 2012
Maeb Langtofte is a young woman living in the time of King Edmond, father to the notorious brothers and future kings Richard and John. After the death of her father, Maeb had two choices: enter a nunnery or go into service in a noble household. Maeb’s connections enabled her to join the household of the Earl of Pengraic, serving the Lady Adelie. The Pengraic household flees a plague shortly after Maeb joins them, moving to the seat of Pengraic in Wessex, where the plague catches up. On the journey Maeb sees an imp from hell whilst also struggling to deal with court life.
The reader is constantly on the lookout for the Devil’s Diadem, especially once it is clear the imps are seeking something. The attentive reader will probably be kept guessing, as I was, as to the location of the diadem.
The story is largely told as the reminsciences of Maeb from 30 years in the future, so the reader is aware that Maeb survives. Suspense is engendered in the dangers she faces without knowledge of the consequences. Maeb is the centre of her own story as well as a focal point of danger, seeing imps, experiencing the plague and accusations of theft of the Diadem.
The Devil’s Diadem combines genuine history with myth to create a story successfully combining elements of love, loss, politics and horror all in a fantasy setting. Douglass has written a number of enthralling trilogies with broader scope. While not as broad in scope, The Devil’s Diadem has the advantage of not leaving the reader in suspense whilst waiting for the next installment. (I’m currently part way through several trilogies, so I’m over the current trend of releasing stories in installments.)
Highly recommended for fans of fantasy and myth.
The reader is constantly on the lookout for the Devil’s Diadem, especially once it is clear the imps are seeking something. The attentive reader will probably be kept guessing, as I was, as to the location of the diadem.
The story is largely told as the reminsciences of Maeb from 30 years in the future, so the reader is aware that Maeb survives. Suspense is engendered in the dangers she faces without knowledge of the consequences. Maeb is the centre of her own story as well as a focal point of danger, seeing imps, experiencing the plague and accusations of theft of the Diadem.
The Devil’s Diadem combines genuine history with myth to create a story successfully combining elements of love, loss, politics and horror all in a fantasy setting. Douglass has written a number of enthralling trilogies with broader scope. While not as broad in scope, The Devil’s Diadem has the advantage of not leaving the reader in suspense whilst waiting for the next installment. (I’m currently part way through several trilogies, so I’m over the current trend of releasing stories in installments.)
Highly recommended for fans of fantasy and myth.
October 15, 2014
"I liked it."
One of those books that had SUCH a strong, slow, solid start and I'd love to give a higher score to, but damn if it didn't fall apart terribly about halfway through.
Pretty much everything up until the end of part 2 was perfect. The gasp that I let out when Adelie came down with the plague was just amazing and it was this terrifying, amazing moment that set the tone for the hundred pages of horror that followed it.
And then...
Just a slow slide down into being less and less good.
Despite that, it kept me until the revelation that Raife was a servant of the Devil, but after that, I just slowly lost it as the book took way too long to finish despite not having nearly enough time spent on the Old People plot. I love faeries, I love infernal influences, I love terrifying plagues, but this book pretty much dropped the ball on all three. Things that had a lot of build up got resolved way too quickly.
And then there's the main thing that made me lower the stars, and it's that for all the cleverness that Maeb displays, she is so NOT SMART most of the time. And I blame this on the writing. Raife stands there and goes NO, THE DEVIL PROMISED ME THAT THE PLAGUE WOULD NOT COME TO PENGRAIC and Maeb is like, haha, what did you say? Everything just sort of fizzles out.
Why "I liked it?" Well, because it's a great book that provided me a whole lot of things that I love. It's a five start book in theory and a two star in practice. And that first half+ was honestly just fantastic.
One of those books that had SUCH a strong, slow, solid start and I'd love to give a higher score to, but damn if it didn't fall apart terribly about halfway through.
Pretty much everything up until the end of part 2 was perfect. The gasp that I let out when Adelie came down with the plague was just amazing and it was this terrifying, amazing moment that set the tone for the hundred pages of horror that followed it.
And then...
Just a slow slide down into being less and less good.
Despite that, it kept me until the revelation that Raife was a servant of the Devil, but after that, I just slowly lost it as the book took way too long to finish despite not having nearly enough time spent on the Old People plot. I love faeries, I love infernal influences, I love terrifying plagues, but this book pretty much dropped the ball on all three. Things that had a lot of build up got resolved way too quickly.
And then there's the main thing that made me lower the stars, and it's that for all the cleverness that Maeb displays, she is so NOT SMART most of the time. And I blame this on the writing. Raife stands there and goes NO, THE DEVIL PROMISED ME THAT THE PLAGUE WOULD NOT COME TO PENGRAIC and Maeb is like, haha, what did you say? Everything just sort of fizzles out.
Why "I liked it?" Well, because it's a great book that provided me a whole lot of things that I love. It's a five start book in theory and a two star in practice. And that first half+ was honestly just fantastic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2016
Sara Douglass had already established herself as one of the most original and exciting of today’s bestselling fantasists with her Wayfarer Redemption Trilogy, DarkGlass Mountain Trilogy, and other magnificent works of epic fantasy. With The Devil’s Diadem, she delivers a richly imaginative stand-alone novel of alternate history, set in a twelfth-century England similar to our own time, in which a virulent plague threatens to annihilate a kingdom—and one unwitting young noblewoman holds the key to salvation. Library Journal puts Douglass’s work, “on a par with with Terry Goodkind and Robert Jordan.” Read The Devil’s Diadem and you will most certainly agree.
June 1, 2017
I typically love Sara Douglass, but this book left something to be desired. The plague is horrific, but it doesn't really last through much of the book. The lead character is an absolute idiot. I wanted to reach through the pages and strangle her myself. She professes to love her husband and trust him completely, then at the first hint of trouble she turns her back on him. I kept hoping she would smarten up and listen to him, but she was obstinately stupid. It was alright for a quick read, but it's no "Wayfarer Redemption".
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2016
It is a shame that Sara Douglass has died because we will never get to read a new extraordinary book such as The Devils Diadem ever again! She is by far the best author I have ever read. And I own over 700 books, mostly fantasy so I have read many, and this is her best one yet. I recommend buying it so it can be read and re-read. I got it in the mail Friday and had already finished by Saturday night. There aren't many books that inspire emotion in me. This one did.
October 24, 2012
Not a book I would have picked up nor is it a book I would whole heartedly recommend. The story was not bad but it was much longer than necessary. The author is masterful at surprising the reader but there was just too much extraneous material. I hear her other works are more impressive so I will reserve complete judgment until I have sampled another one of her novels. Though I dare not hazard a guess as to when that will be....
August 27, 2015
Ok so this book is somewhat religious but also enlightening at the same time. It's difficult to describe this book but as it revolves around the devil, forbidden treasure and a dying romance anyone interested in this will definitely be into this type of story.
P.S. It's odd but I'd say give it a try...at least fifty pages.
P.S. It's odd but I'd say give it a try...at least fifty pages.
May 4, 2011
I did find it a little too bleak. Not enough of those gentle heart warming parts that give you respite from all the hardships. Or those exhilarating moments when you could burst from excitment. I felt quite sad through most of it. I still really enjoyed it.
May 28, 2022
Sara Douglass has been my favorite author since I first picked up Beyond the Hanging Wall. I’ve re-read that story, as well as the entire Wayfarer Redemption cycle, many times. That said, this was the first time I’ve read something by her that… fell flat?
Maeb, the main character, astounds me with just how dumb she can be. She didn’t grow up as a major noble’s daughter, but she DID still grow up as a minor noble’s daughter. And that, you’d think, would be enough for her to learn 1. how to read and write, 2. how and when to bite her tongue, and 3. that not everyone she meets has good intentions, despite how on her side they may appear at first. But whatever, I can forgive some of that. What I cannot forgive, is that she fell so completely for the Earl so quickly after being forced to wed him. That didn’t make sense to me, at all. Also, it was never explained as to why the Earl’s ENTIRE family died of the plague, despite the fact that the Earl was told they’d be safe. The Diadem’s location shouldn’t have mattered if the Devil promised his right hand man that his family would be okay. Also, who just decides “oh there’s a plague? I’m gonna let my EIGHT YEAR OLD boys go off with some other noble and separate them from their family!” Like… what? And SO MANY QUESTIONS were left unanswered. I wanted more information about The Old People, I wanted more information about the Diadem, the Earl in his past life, how he got to where he was, etc.
All of that said, it wasn’t an awful book, and I did finish it. I just expected more from Sara Douglass after she set the bar so high with The Wayfarer Redemption cycle, then again with Beyond the Hanging Wall, and the Dark Glass Mountain trilogy.
Maeb, the main character, astounds me with just how dumb she can be. She didn’t grow up as a major noble’s daughter, but she DID still grow up as a minor noble’s daughter. And that, you’d think, would be enough for her to learn 1. how to read and write, 2. how and when to bite her tongue, and 3. that not everyone she meets has good intentions, despite how on her side they may appear at first. But whatever, I can forgive some of that. What I cannot forgive, is that she fell so completely for the Earl so quickly after being forced to wed him. That didn’t make sense to me, at all. Also, it was never explained as to why the Earl’s ENTIRE family died of the plague, despite the fact that the Earl was told they’d be safe. The Diadem’s location shouldn’t have mattered if the Devil promised his right hand man that his family would be okay. Also, who just decides “oh there’s a plague? I’m gonna let my EIGHT YEAR OLD boys go off with some other noble and separate them from their family!” Like… what? And SO MANY QUESTIONS were left unanswered. I wanted more information about The Old People, I wanted more information about the Diadem, the Earl in his past life, how he got to where he was, etc.
All of that said, it wasn’t an awful book, and I did finish it. I just expected more from Sara Douglass after she set the bar so high with The Wayfarer Redemption cycle, then again with Beyond the Hanging Wall, and the Dark Glass Mountain trilogy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2021
We follow Maeb as she relates the story of her life on her death bed, from when she becomes a member of the countess of Pengraic's household after her father dies leaving her nothing but his name right up till what happens after her death(as related by another).
When a very specific, very strange(end game being you spontaneously combust or die of fright) plague starts causing the death of virtually everyone in it's path, they travel to the Welsh marshes to try to escape it's wrath but it follows them. Maeb's mother's bloodline, who was one of the Old Ones (the Sidhe) protects her, even though she doesn't understand why. She becomes the new Countess after the plague passes. The plague is searching for the devil's diadem, it was stolen from him and he wants it back.
The true identity of the Earl and what several of the other characters become was amazing.
I love Sara Douglass's world and character building and I'm kinda sad that this is one of the last if not the last time I'll get to read one of her stories for the first time.
When a very specific, very strange(end game being you spontaneously combust or die of fright) plague starts causing the death of virtually everyone in it's path, they travel to the Welsh marshes to try to escape it's wrath but it follows them. Maeb's mother's bloodline, who was one of the Old Ones (the Sidhe) protects her, even though she doesn't understand why. She becomes the new Countess after the plague passes. The plague is searching for the devil's diadem, it was stolen from him and he wants it back.
The true identity of the Earl and what several of the other characters become was amazing.
I love Sara Douglass's world and character building and I'm kinda sad that this is one of the last if not the last time I'll get to read one of her stories for the first time.
September 20, 2023
One sentence summary:
This is the story about Maeb Langtofte, a girl who is lucky to have a position in the household of the Earl of Pengraic—one of the most powerful men in England.
Why x stars?
It's really well written. If I had the time, I would've read it in almost one go (one sitting would be impossible for me since it's over 500 pages). I really loved how we got to know Maeb and how she evolves/grows. Although I found her too simple/naïve at times, it did fit her character and her history.
Why recommendation (or not)?
If you like fantasy and a fictionalized version of early 12th century England, then you should definitely read this book. It's a story in which all the characters feel like real people. They're complicated, have flaws, make mistakes, etc.
This is the story about Maeb Langtofte, a girl who is lucky to have a position in the household of the Earl of Pengraic—one of the most powerful men in England.
Why x stars?
It's really well written. If I had the time, I would've read it in almost one go (one sitting would be impossible for me since it's over 500 pages). I really loved how we got to know Maeb and how she evolves/grows. Although I found her too simple/naïve at times, it did fit her character and her history.
Why recommendation (or not)?
If you like fantasy and a fictionalized version of early 12th century England, then you should definitely read this book. It's a story in which all the characters feel like real people. They're complicated, have flaws, make mistakes, etc.
February 7, 2022
This book starts pretty slow, but then when it picks up it does so in a Game of Thrones-esque manner (okay it's not *quite* as graphic, but there are still a LOT of dead people)
The main character is a bit mary sue-ish, but the surrounding plot is well crafted, and even though the novel is explicitly a historical fantasy se in a pseudo 12th-century England, the author clearly had a good understanding of both 12th century history and politics.
The first part of the book is likely going to make you want to stop reading it, so I might even suggest just starting with part two - I found the payoff to be worth it.
The main character is a bit mary sue-ish, but the surrounding plot is well crafted, and even though the novel is explicitly a historical fantasy se in a pseudo 12th-century England, the author clearly had a good understanding of both 12th century history and politics.
The first part of the book is likely going to make you want to stop reading it, so I might even suggest just starting with part two - I found the payoff to be worth it.
December 7, 2024
DNF at 60%
Normally, Douglass is one of my favorite authors (The Wayfarer Redemption still sits as one of my favorite books), but this one fell flat for me. It started out really strong, I read almost half of it in one day, but then it just kind of fizzled out.
After the first half of the book, it took me a month to get through the next little bit because the book just got boring. The MC ended up married and it felt like that was the whole story, despite there being opportunities to explore other potential plots.
This won't be the last Douglass book I read, but I was definitely disappointed
Normally, Douglass is one of my favorite authors (The Wayfarer Redemption still sits as one of my favorite books), but this one fell flat for me. It started out really strong, I read almost half of it in one day, but then it just kind of fizzled out.
After the first half of the book, it took me a month to get through the next little bit because the book just got boring. The MC ended up married and it felt like that was the whole story, despite there being opportunities to explore other potential plots.
This won't be the last Douglass book I read, but I was definitely disappointed
October 8, 2017
I found this book on the "rate this book!" section in my library one day, and I really enjoyed the book. I couldn't stop reading it since the moment I read the 1st chapter! The characters were well developed and they all showed surprising depth, even the antagonists. The pacing of the book was a bit slow, but the detail was remarkable. If you are planning to read this, be ready for a roller coaster of feels.
May 8, 2017
There were parts to this book that I did enjoy but it took so long to get into. There was a very long lull in the excitement and it lost my attention. I didn't finish this book. It's one of maybe a dozen books left unfinished in my life. I just have too much to read and not enough time! Onto the next :-)
June 28, 2020
This had been on my shelf for years and I always assumed it was one of my husband's sci fi books, because it has a crazy looking cover haha. You really shouldn't judge a book by it's cover! This was a great, fun read that was much more fantasy and really hit all the notes: historical fiction, romance, mystery, fantasy...lots of fun!
February 14, 2020
This epic tale of disease, death, court intrigue and, of course, the twisting path of love was an incredible read. From start to finish Sara Douglass pulls one into adventure of Lady Maeb life and the grim deaths that follow her.
March 15, 2022
I'm not usually a fan of historical fantasy, so The Devil's Diadem was a complete surprise to me. Even though a lot of tragic things happen within this novel, I had so much fun reading it. Excellent escapist reading.
September 9, 2022
Initially bought this because I liked other books by the author.
Was curious for a while if this was going to be straight historical fiction, but eventually the supernatural elements start to come out of the woodwork. Was a good read, but was very heavy on medieval court scenery.
Was curious for a while if this was going to be straight historical fiction, but eventually the supernatural elements start to come out of the woodwork. Was a good read, but was very heavy on medieval court scenery.
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