Historical fiction | The Wolves of Andover by Kathleen Kent
- My rating: OK. I found The Wolves of Andover slow and not really all that interesting. Once again Ms. Kent draws on family legend to craft her story. While it’s fine to draw on bits and pieces of family lore there must be more than scattered details to move a story along and The Wolves of Andover lacks a driving force. I think when an author hits it out of the ballpark with a debut novel, for Ms. Kent it was The Heretic’s Daughter, that a second novel will face higher expectations from readers. My expectations were high and The Wolves of Andover fell short.
- New-to-me author: No
- Would I read more from this author: Probably
Title: The Wolves of Andover
Author/web site: Kathleen Kent
Publisher: Reagan Arthur Books
Publication date & page count: November ’10 & 297 pages
In the harsh wilderness of colonial Massachusetts, Martha Allen works as a servant in her cousin’s household, taking charge and locking wills with everyone. Thomas Carrier labors for the family and is known both for his immense strength and size and mysterious past. The two begin a courtship that suits their independent natures, with Thomas slowly revealing the story of his part in the English Civil War. But in the rugged new world they inhabit, danger is ever present, whether it be from the assassins sent from London to kill the executioner of Charles I or the wolves-in many forms-who hunt for blood. A love story and a tale of courage, The Wolves of Andover confirms Kathleen Kent’s ability to craft powerful stories of family from colonial history.
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10 Responses to “Historical fiction | The Wolves of Andover by Kathleen Kent”
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Oh, what a shame — The Heretic’s Daughter is one of my favorites, so I was looking forward to this one!
I think my love of The Heretic’s Daughter was skewed a bit because of my fascination with the Salem witch trials. I was hesitant before starting The Wolves of Andover because I wondered if Ms. Kent would be able to live up to my high expectations and I have very expectations every time I open a new book. I’m sure this novel will be loved by many readers of historical fiction. It just didn’t managed to capture my interest as I’d hoped.
Yours is the second review I’ve read that says this book is a disappointment.
This will be one to keep a close eye on readers reviews if you’re at all hesitant about reading.
I really enjoyed The Heretic’s Daughter. It’s a shame this one didn’t live up to expectations.
My very high expectations some times let me down. Just as I’m own worst critic I’m probably over judgemental when reading a book for review.
I’ve read a lot of favorable reviews on this one. I have yet to read anything from this author but I did toss this one around a time or two.
I think it will be interesting to track readers opinions on The Wolves of Andover. I think it will be one of those HF books that readers either really like or dislike. I’m not sure there is a middle ground with this one. The few opinions at Amazon right now run both ways. I did debate with myself quite a bit before finally saying ‘yes’ to The Wolves of Andover because I wasn’t totally captured by the book blurb but due to the fact that I loved The Heretic’s Daughter I felt it was worth the risk.
Wah! The cover and the premise sound so interesting! I haven’t gotten to The Heretic’s Daughter yet, but I hope to soon!
If you’re looking for a five star book I think The Heretic’s Daughter fits the bill. I could be biased as I’m fascinated by the Salem witch trials. And I really enjoy story lines that tie past and present together.