Customer Reviews

Nectar from a Stone: A Novel

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Nectar from a Stone got my attention because of its setting of Medieval Wales. I couldn't put this novel down! The adventure, suspense and romance captivated me from beginning to end. And the descriptions of the time period made this an even bigger treat. The year is 1351. Elise is a young woman with a very unique gift -- she is a clairvoyant, someone who foresees certain events before they happen. When she is forced to kill her husband Maelgwyn, Elise, along with her woman servant, flee the crime and move into a place where they can work and live in anonymity. During this time, Elise has several encounters with the honorable nobleman Gwydion, and an attraction ensues between them. In a twist of fate, Elise and Gwydion have an enemy in common: the disarming Sir Nicholas. There are various twists throughout the novel.

I loved this novel set in fourteenth century Wales. As mentioned earlier, the time setting is described vividly throughout the novel and I felt as though I was there with the characters. The author has an eye for historical detail and it shows when she illustrates the underbelly of wars and plagues. I also enjoyed the paranormal aspects with Elise's visions. This part of the novel reminded me a great deal of author Libba Bray's wonderful gothic series. The story is one of the best I've read in quite a while. I loved Elise, Annora (the servant) and Gwydion are three compelling, intricate characters who are flawed in many ways, yet you find yourself caring for them and wishing them the best. My favorite character is Gwydion. He is the epitome of a great male protagonist and I fell in love with him. The secondary characters are also wonderful. Jane Guill is a gifted storyteller and I look forward to giving her future books a whirl. In the meantime, I am hoping for a sequel. I want to read more of Elise and Gwydion!

I won't give another plot synopsis; there are enough already here (I recommend the one by Luan Gaines). I will say that I found this book to be entertaining, a light and fun read but it certainly isn't a great work of literature. This book is actually a spaghetti western, only it's set in medieval Wales instead of the Old West. The hero is mysterious, able to always appear at the right time and pretty perfect. The bad guy is a vile character with absolutely no redeeming qualities. He even dresses in solid black so you can fully comprehend his evilness. The heroine is feminine and strong but has a knack for getting into trouble. Luckily, the hero is usually there to rescue her.
All in all, it's not a bad book. It's rather predicatable and you wish Clint Eastwood would make a cameo but it makes for a good beach or rainy day read.

I found this novel enthralling and enlightening. Set in 1351 in Wales, its characters spring to life and exhibit depth and complexity while at the same time, stay true to their basic nature. Guill's truly repugnant villains remind the reader that life in the thirteen-hundreds was rough and death, from abuses, the "Pestilence" (bubonic plague) even highway robbery, was a constant threat. Guill's mal-dispositioned characters leave little room for sympathy, yet one can understand how they became who they were. Elise and Annora restore a belief in ultimate goodness and loyalty-and victory over evil. Guill's secondary characters skillfully support and enhance the personalities of her main characters.

A map, a page titled "On Welch Pronunciation," and a glossary promote readability since the area and language may be unfamiliar. Guill's descriptions of sights, sounds, scents, textures and colors, serve to enlist the reader's active participation.

Nectar from a Stone inspires awareness of, and interest in, Wales. The book brings to life its history, people, struggles, and successes and opens a new world for the reader to explore. Jane Guill is exceptionally skilled at characterization, description, and melding story and history. I look forward to her future books.

Entertaining and authentic feeling. Not too awash in bloats of misery like some historical books, but it still felt thoroughly researched. Good characters. Some good fun humor to make a nice mix.
I read to be transported to other worlds, and I was so much with this. I will take another chance on this author.

Medieval Wales with all its smells (good and bad), by-ways and castles comes alive in NECTAR FOR A STONE.

NECTAR starts with disturbing events and there are plenty more to come. I particularly enjoyed (if that's the right word) the light she shines on the villains--Maelgwyn and Sir Nicholas--and their terrible deeds. There's a particularly appealing male lead character, as well.

There's humour here, too, as befits a period that relished its jokes and riddles. And Jane Guill gives you so much of the flavour of the period that it's hard not to believe she actually lived then. The descriptions of the location and the painstaking details in the book make it a fascinating read.

I just reluctantly finished Nectar form a Stone by Jane Guill. I say reluctantly because I hated to say goodbye to the characters. Ms. Guill has given life to these people. They are so believable that they all stay true to their character by their words and by their actions. I knew right from the beginning that I didn't want to rush through this book. I wanted to savor every word. There were times that I didn't want to put the book down but I tried not to rush through. The descriptions of the scenery were so realistic that you felt you were actually there. Ms. Guill is a master of dialog. I can not recommend this book highly enough. My only regret is that I have finished this book. I will just have to wait for Jane Guill to create some more magic and hope that someone will have the good sense to make Nectar from a Stone into a full length movie. I'm already casting the characters...

This book is packed with odd and wonderful glimpses into the Middle Ages in Britain. From the first paragraph the people and their stories kept me turning the pages at a rapid clip. It all seemed real. I especially liked the parts that dealt with how women were treated or perceived and how they coped with their lot in life. Specific everyday details added authentic flavor. As a research technician (cardiothrombosis), I appreciate good research, and I value my reading time.
A sequel would be a welcome thing.

Jane Guill's debut novel, Nectar From a Stone, tells the intertwining stories of a young widow seeking redemption and a noblemen's quest for revenge. In 1351, the plague has devastated Europe, Wales is a country subjugated by English oppression, superstition runs rampant, and the medieval church blames women for just about anything it perceives as sinful.

Elise, a half-Welsh, half-English woman plagued by strange visions, is forced to stab her brutal husband in self-defense. Believing him dead, she flees with her servant, Annora, for Conwy, hoping to find work and peace. Gwydion, also half-Welsh, half-English, is a brooding nobleman on his way to Conwy as well, seeking vengeance against those who murdered his family and seized his estate. He and Elise cross paths on the road north and against better judgment, are inexorably drawn to each. As each reaches their destination, a dark and cruel shadow from Elise's past begins to catch up, sweeping her and Gwydion into a terrifying confrontation with their enemies.

Nectar From a Stone is a fascinating window into medieval Welsh life. Impeccable research and lively characters bring both the place and time alive, illustrating the depth to which war, illness, the church and superstition played in everyday life. Elise and Gwydion are endearing, and Annora is a delight with her wry humor-a nice balance against the cruelty of Elise's evil husband Maelgwn and Gwydion's conspiratorial foes. Jane Guill's intelligent, rich portrayal of medieval Wales is told with charm, wit, and masterful storytelling.

Highly recommended.

A richly evocative story that keeps you turning the pages long after you should have turned out the lights. Such a strong and tender story of the two women, even without the heart catching romance at the story's center. Even if you don't like historical fiction, give this one a try.

I read a lot of historical fiction and I think this book is a breath of fresh air. The story is both unique and exciting, and I would reccomend it to anyone who likes historical fiction. I want to visit Wales now. It's a great read!