Download The Illuminator (Abridged) Audiobook

" This was a pretty interesting book, but the author killed off almost everyone of interest. Why? Who knows! It didn't really mesh with the book at all. It was set in the middle ages, so maybe she was trying to be realistic that a lot of people died back then. "

" A fairly well crafted book set in an interesting time in history (14th century England). Within the first 50 pages, I was ready to throw it away as a clumsy bodice-ripper, but the rest of the book was better. I wanted more from the story - more integration of historical fact, more consistent character behaviours, more believable people. I did not find the main character sympathetic - too much swooning and feeling the victim, not enough backbone. I enjoyed the historical quotes, some from figures written marginally into the story line. "

" A superb first novel by this author. Set in medieval England Vantrease weaves fiction into fact skillfully making me read late into the night. It's a story of love, parenting, hardships, and dilemmas in which the reader learns of the church's power and deceit, the dismal lives of the serfs, and the beauty of art. Highly recommended for those who love good historical fiction. "

" Good piece of historical fiction, but not a happy one. Satisfying, but frustrating throughout. Great details, realistically tragic time of medieval history. Good blend of real and fictional characters and events. "

" Pointless....and a really bad ending. "

" I enjoyed it! Somehow or other I am in the midst of a middle ages phase. This a bit reminiscent of the Pillars of the Earth. "

" I lost interest. "

" Wasn't too sure at first, but pulled me in and I liked it. Her first book, will read another. "

" I enjoyed it, but had to finish the story in my head. Didn't really like the last 1/4 of the book. "

" Brilliantly written first novel. Great building of all characters. "

" Very engaging story of the end of feudalism. Ending had interesting twist. Heroine , Lady Kathryn, well drawn and relatable. For a first novel very impressive work. I will put this on my list of favorite medieval novels, next to Judith Merkle Riley. "

" really liking this story so far.now that I finished it, I don't like the last third part of the story. Too many sad things happening and I kept on hoping it will work it out to a better happy ending. I just found out that there is a book two and I will read to see if it get better ending. "

" I enjoyed this story as much as the mercy seller, which I read first. It was great to get the complete story of the characters. "

" Good medieval historical novel. Illustrated the restrictions and challenges of every level of society. "

" Very interesting story. The time period is 14th c. in england where the seeds of reformation are being planted. This would be great to read before reading CJ Samson's Tudor series or before Wolf Hall. It is a quick & much lighter read, which is why I gave it only a 3. "

" I enjoyed the details of life during this period and what was happening with the English Bible. "

" Thought provoking historical novel of fourteenth century England. Where "the church" has political sway over kings and absolute power over individuals. Love stories, intrigue, drama. Great read. "

" It started off with promise, but eventually I realized I didn't care what happened to anyone, because they all kept making stupid decisions. I stopped reading it. "

" It took me a while to process the ending. I wasn't sure if I loved the book or hated it. I decided I liked it. the characters and story stuck with me and were hard to "leave." it wasn't spectacular, but it was good. I'm interested to read the sequel. That says something, right? "

" Christians forget that the Bible was not available to the mass market for many many years. This novel tells about the start of the John Wycliffe movement that changed the face of Christianity forever. "

" This is one of my favorite books. I love the time in history that is covered (when John Wyclif wrote the first Bible in the vernacular in England) and loved the main character. She was resilient at a time when women had no rights. "

" Set in Medieval England. A librarian friend recommended it to me. We have the same taste in books. Excellent story! "

" Takes place after King Edward dies and a widow walks carefully between religions "

" Great writing, but too predictable for me to like. It's me, not the author. "

" really liking this story so far.now that I finished it, I don't like the last third part of the story. Too many sad things happening and I kept on hoping it will work it out to a better happy ending. I just found out that there is a book two and I will read to see if it get better ending. "

" I discovered the WONDERFUL books by Brenda Rickman Vantrease quite by accident. Her research is impecible; characters are so well developed - all is a joy! If historical novels is your favorite genre', read all three!
THE ILLUMINATOR
THE MERCY SELLER
THE HERETIC'S WIFE "

" An historical love story, beautifully rendered. "

" Brilliantly written first novel. Great building of all characters. "

" Historical fiction.... I enjoyed this. The characters are fairly complex and the setting is realistic and well-described. "

" This was a pretty interesting book, but the author killed off almost everyone of interest. Why? Who knows! It didn't really mesh with the book at all. It was set in the middle ages, so maybe she was trying to be realistic that a lot of people died back then. "

" The story of an illuminator in 14th century England, where the Bible is still only available in Latin and for priests, Church rules everyday life and women are always behind men... "

" Very interesting story. The time period is 14th c. in england where the seeds of reformation are being planted. This would be great to read before reading CJ Samson's Tudor series or before Wolf Hall. It is a quick & much lighter read, which is why I gave it only a 3. "