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Swords of Albion #2
The Scar-Crow Men
The year is 1593. The London of Elizabeth I is in the terrible grip of the Black Death. As thousands die from the plague and the queen hides behind the walls of her palace, English spies are being murdered across the city. The killer's next target: Will Swyfte - adventurer, rake, scholar, and spy.
402 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
11 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
About the author
Mark Chadbourn
67 books220 followersA two-time winner of the prestigious British Fantasy Award, Mark has published his epic, imaginative novels in many countries around the world. He grew up in the mining community of the English Midlands, and was the first person in his family to go to university. After studying Economic History at Leeds, he became a successful journalist, writing for several of the UK's renowned national newspapers as well as contributing to magazines and TV.
When his first short story won Fear magazine's Best New Author award, he was snapped up by an agent and subsequently published his first novel, Underground, a supernatural thriller set in the coalfields of his youth. Quitting journalism to become a full-time author, he has written stories which have transcended genre boundaries, but is perhaps best known in the fantasy field.
Mark has also forged a parallel career as a screenwriter with many hours of produced work for British television. He is a writer for BBC Drama, and is also developing new shows for the UK and US.
An expert on British folklore and mythology, he has held several varied and colourful jobs, including independent record company boss, band manager, production line worker, engineer's 'mate', and media consultant.
Having travelled extensively around the world, he has now settled in a rambling house in the middle of a forest not far from where he was born.
When his first short story won Fear magazine's Best New Author award, he was snapped up by an agent and subsequently published his first novel, Underground, a supernatural thriller set in the coalfields of his youth. Quitting journalism to become a full-time author, he has written stories which have transcended genre boundaries, but is perhaps best known in the fantasy field.
Mark has also forged a parallel career as a screenwriter with many hours of produced work for British television. He is a writer for BBC Drama, and is also developing new shows for the UK and US.
An expert on British folklore and mythology, he has held several varied and colourful jobs, including independent record company boss, band manager, production line worker, engineer's 'mate', and media consultant.
Having travelled extensively around the world, he has now settled in a rambling house in the middle of a forest not far from where he was born.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 30, 2011
When The Sword of Albion/The Silver Skull came out last year, I was very impressed: so much so that I rated it as one of my favourites of 2010. Fast paced, nicely scary and good fun.
In Book 2 things move on apace. It is now 1593, five years after the first novel. It is clear that things have changed since we last saw Will Swyfte and his compadres. Sir Francis Walsingham, the old spy master, has died and been buried in relative obscurity. In his place is Sir Robert Cecil, seemingly a less effective leader, or at least one that is beleaguered by other factions and political groups.
Things are clearly not well in Elizabethan England. This is a darker tale than The Sword of Albion. Plague spreads across London’s streets and the Queen has moved her court out of London for fear of catching the disease.
This one starts off fast: there’s a grisly death involving big spiders in Saint Paul’s Cathedral, followed by the death of one of Will’s closest friends. Will is seen as someone clearly upset by this and also under suspicion of becoming more susceptible to atheist ways. Will is convinced his friend’s death was not in a common bar brawl but seems to be being covered up. Convinced that the murder was caused by men who wish Will no good, Will investigates why his friend was killed and by whom. And there seems to be a scheme to kill England’s spies: with Will being the best known spy in England, he’s a major target. The Unseelie Court seems to be making a move, and Will seems to be in line for assassination.
Now accused of being Britain’s biggest traitor, Will’s escape leads him to have to deal with occult magic, secret societies, zombie-like enemies and rooftop battles. Fortunately he’s got the help of Grace, his long-lost beau’s sister, and his friends John Carpenter and Robert, Earl of Launceston amongst others.
This one is darker and more troubled than The Silver Sword/The Sword of Albion, but it’s all exciting, well written stuff, with its fast pace intertwined with dark deeds and betrayal. Again, Mark wins me over. His eloquent phrasing is combined with detailed research that enhances, yet does not overpower, the tale. The streets of Elizabethan London are nasty, dirty, smelly places, filled with refuse, death carts and disease, and our hero traverses them, facing both expected villainy and unexpected supernatural danger.
There is a nice sense of ‘being there’ in this novel. Mark has always created a great sense of place in his novels, and this is no exception. The world-building is as ever excellent as we go through lots of lovely set pieces, from St Paul’s Cathedral to the plague pits of London, the Bedlam Asylum and the rooftops of Elizabethan England. Interestingly, this time Mark broadens this sense of place by involving an international element as the French are involved in trying to upset the stability of the English society. Paris is quite sinister.
Similarly, Mark usually does ‘nasty’ very well. As well as spiders and things that scuttle in the dark, the social hierarchy of the Fay are given a not too unsympathetic perspective here, if uncomfortable. Mention here must be made of an apparently possessed character that Will goes to for information who is one of the creepiest people I’ve read in a book for quite a while.
The dialogue is also great. In James Bondian fashion, Mark is never afraid to throw a quip in, yet wisely is able to rein it in when necessary and does not over-egg the pudding.
The ending is as exciting as you expect it to be and the scene is set for the next book in the series.
By the end, with some interesting setups for the next book in the trilogy, it was clear that the read was worth it. Another cracking, and (dare I say it), a ‘Swyfte’ read, Mr Chadbourn!
Recommended.
In Book 2 things move on apace. It is now 1593, five years after the first novel. It is clear that things have changed since we last saw Will Swyfte and his compadres. Sir Francis Walsingham, the old spy master, has died and been buried in relative obscurity. In his place is Sir Robert Cecil, seemingly a less effective leader, or at least one that is beleaguered by other factions and political groups.
Things are clearly not well in Elizabethan England. This is a darker tale than The Sword of Albion. Plague spreads across London’s streets and the Queen has moved her court out of London for fear of catching the disease.
This one starts off fast: there’s a grisly death involving big spiders in Saint Paul’s Cathedral, followed by the death of one of Will’s closest friends. Will is seen as someone clearly upset by this and also under suspicion of becoming more susceptible to atheist ways. Will is convinced his friend’s death was not in a common bar brawl but seems to be being covered up. Convinced that the murder was caused by men who wish Will no good, Will investigates why his friend was killed and by whom. And there seems to be a scheme to kill England’s spies: with Will being the best known spy in England, he’s a major target. The Unseelie Court seems to be making a move, and Will seems to be in line for assassination.
Now accused of being Britain’s biggest traitor, Will’s escape leads him to have to deal with occult magic, secret societies, zombie-like enemies and rooftop battles. Fortunately he’s got the help of Grace, his long-lost beau’s sister, and his friends John Carpenter and Robert, Earl of Launceston amongst others.
This one is darker and more troubled than The Silver Sword/The Sword of Albion, but it’s all exciting, well written stuff, with its fast pace intertwined with dark deeds and betrayal. Again, Mark wins me over. His eloquent phrasing is combined with detailed research that enhances, yet does not overpower, the tale. The streets of Elizabethan London are nasty, dirty, smelly places, filled with refuse, death carts and disease, and our hero traverses them, facing both expected villainy and unexpected supernatural danger.
There is a nice sense of ‘being there’ in this novel. Mark has always created a great sense of place in his novels, and this is no exception. The world-building is as ever excellent as we go through lots of lovely set pieces, from St Paul’s Cathedral to the plague pits of London, the Bedlam Asylum and the rooftops of Elizabethan England. Interestingly, this time Mark broadens this sense of place by involving an international element as the French are involved in trying to upset the stability of the English society. Paris is quite sinister.
Similarly, Mark usually does ‘nasty’ very well. As well as spiders and things that scuttle in the dark, the social hierarchy of the Fay are given a not too unsympathetic perspective here, if uncomfortable. Mention here must be made of an apparently possessed character that Will goes to for information who is one of the creepiest people I’ve read in a book for quite a while.
The dialogue is also great. In James Bondian fashion, Mark is never afraid to throw a quip in, yet wisely is able to rein it in when necessary and does not over-egg the pudding.
The ending is as exciting as you expect it to be and the scene is set for the next book in the series.
By the end, with some interesting setups for the next book in the trilogy, it was clear that the read was worth it. Another cracking, and (dare I say it), a ‘Swyfte’ read, Mr Chadbourn!
Recommended.
Want to read
December 6, 2019Bulgarian publishers decided its not necessary to write this is a series and furthermore that its the second book
And here I am with "The Scar-Crow Men" book in my hands, furious with myself for not checking GR earlier
.
.
.
Can I still read it before the first? Os there any big connection between the two?
And here I am with "The Scar-Crow Men" book in my hands, furious with myself for not checking GR earlier
.
.
.
Can I still read it before the first? Os there any big connection between the two?
February 26, 2011
I've had to take a few days to really process this book and get my assessment in order. This will be a tough review to write.
Let me first start off with I loved, loved, loved the first book. I told anyone who would listen about it and brought copies for friends. I'm not sure what happened with this series but had I read this book first I wouldn't have gushed about it. WAIT! That doesn't mean that I didn't like this book. I liked it, I didn't LOVE it. Here's why.
There didn't seem to be as much adventure in this book. Part of what I enjoyed was the edge of the seat adventure and thrills. Which just weren't present in this book.
This whole book focused on a mystery and Will Swyft uncovering that mystery. There was a little bit of an adventure/fight at the end but not what drew me into the first book.
Also I felt a lot of this stuff was sorta thrown out there and never fully developed. The whole "weapon" for Scar-Crow Men to be exact.
Scar-Crow Men is still filled with all the history and real life people that I liked in the first book. And in fact, there's a secret society.
But here is my main problem with this novel. I finished the book (which ends on a b it of a cliffhanger note) and I feel as if the novel moved an inch. The plot line from the first book is no more advanced than when I left the first book.
That being said. The third book? I really have HIGH expectations for because I view this second book as a sorta setup for that third book. I guess only time will tell :)
Let me first start off with I loved, loved, loved the first book. I told anyone who would listen about it and brought copies for friends. I'm not sure what happened with this series but had I read this book first I wouldn't have gushed about it. WAIT! That doesn't mean that I didn't like this book. I liked it, I didn't LOVE it. Here's why.
There didn't seem to be as much adventure in this book. Part of what I enjoyed was the edge of the seat adventure and thrills. Which just weren't present in this book.
This whole book focused on a mystery and Will Swyft uncovering that mystery. There was a little bit of an adventure/fight at the end but not what drew me into the first book.
Also I felt a lot of this stuff was sorta thrown out there and never fully developed. The whole "weapon" for Scar-Crow Men to be exact.
Scar-Crow Men is still filled with all the history and real life people that I liked in the first book. And in fact, there's a secret society.
But here is my main problem with this novel. I finished the book (which ends on a b it of a cliffhanger note) and I feel as if the novel moved an inch. The plot line from the first book is no more advanced than when I left the first book.
That being said. The third book? I really have HIGH expectations for because I view this second book as a sorta setup for that third book. I guess only time will tell :)
July 8, 2018
This is a well-written fantasy novel that weaves history, literature, mythology, and invention into a dark Elizabethan spy story. This second in the series was an improvement on the first, IMO, and I liked the first one.
I imagine this filmed entirely at night. I'm sure there are scenes that take place in the daytime--I half-remember a few--but it such a dark story, with so much shadow, so much darkness, so much that is hidden and only glimpsed, that it feels like it is must be night all the time. The action plays like a spy story, but the tone is dark, closer to horror in feel.
The darkness here works, though, setting a somber, threatening tone. I like it, the same way you can enjoy a heavy rain that keeps you indoors; but just as the rain eventually makes you long for a break in the clouds, I was wishing for a little light. A little more openness and honesty between characters. A little hope for better days. It would have been welcome. Maybe we got a tiny flash from Launceston recognizing friendship, and a bit from Henri of Navarre's good cheer, but those were fleeting. Some revelry or banter or friendly carrying-on wouldn't go amiss. Is nobody happy anywhere?
I quibble, though. The prose is tight, the plot is well-constructed, and the characters are nicely developed, even if their arcs progress slowly. That just means I have to look for the next book to see if Will catches a break or Nathaniel chills out or if anybody else settles down and raises flowers or something. Anyway, I hope there is another book...
I imagine this filmed entirely at night. I'm sure there are scenes that take place in the daytime--I half-remember a few--but it such a dark story, with so much shadow, so much darkness, so much that is hidden and only glimpsed, that it feels like it is must be night all the time. The action plays like a spy story, but the tone is dark, closer to horror in feel.
The darkness here works, though, setting a somber, threatening tone. I like it, the same way you can enjoy a heavy rain that keeps you indoors; but just as the rain eventually makes you long for a break in the clouds, I was wishing for a little light. A little more openness and honesty between characters. A little hope for better days. It would have been welcome. Maybe we got a tiny flash from Launceston recognizing friendship, and a bit from Henri of Navarre's good cheer, but those were fleeting. Some revelry or banter or friendly carrying-on wouldn't go amiss. Is nobody happy anywhere?
I quibble, though. The prose is tight, the plot is well-constructed, and the characters are nicely developed, even if their arcs progress slowly. That just means I have to look for the next book to see if Will catches a break or Nathaniel chills out or if anybody else settles down and raises flowers or something. Anyway, I hope there is another book...
October 6, 2017
3.5 stars
After thoroughly enjoying the Silver Skull, I had great expectations for the sequel. I had to settle for mild disappointment. Although the writing was fairly skilful, significant parts of the narrative fell prey to exaggerated plot development which led to fractures in the overall credibility, and the repetitive use of the phrase "pale skin" became rather irritating. The pages are also over-filled with gratuitous violence which detracts from what should have been another excellent offering.
Though I would like to complete the series (I fervently hope there isn't a 4th novel in the offing), I have decided to give myself a good long break before tackling the further exploits of Will Swyfte, Earl Launceston, Dr Jond Dee et al
After thoroughly enjoying the Silver Skull, I had great expectations for the sequel. I had to settle for mild disappointment. Although the writing was fairly skilful, significant parts of the narrative fell prey to exaggerated plot development which led to fractures in the overall credibility, and the repetitive use of the phrase "pale skin" became rather irritating. The pages are also over-filled with gratuitous violence which detracts from what should have been another excellent offering.
Though I would like to complete the series (I fervently hope there isn't a 4th novel in the offing), I have decided to give myself a good long break before tackling the further exploits of Will Swyfte, Earl Launceston, Dr Jond Dee et al
June 13, 2019
A version of James Bond in Elizabethan England. Suspense, mystery, politics and betrayal in a story told with flair.
April 15, 2022
A typical historical fantasy. Not really my thing.
October 1, 2025
Може би в оригинал книгата е чудесна. Преводът обаче не струва.
April 29, 2011
Please note this review contains minor spoilers if you haven’t read book one in the trilogy, The Sword of Albion. Also you are missing a real treat.
Alone and on the run, Elizabethan England's greatest spy must defeat a dark and bloody plot. Or die...
The Scar Crow Men by Mark Chadbourn is the second novel in the Swords of Albion series. It sees the return of Will Swyfte, gentleman spy, and his ongoing battle with the dark forces that threaten Great Britain during the reign of Elizabeth the First.
Two years have passed since the events in the first novel and Swyfte is facing troubles both at home and abroad. Different factions vie for Elizabeth’s favour and in the midst of all this political maneuvering one of Will closest friends is killed. While members of the royal household continue to plot and scheme the Unseelie Court, the Fay, have begun to tear down the magical defenses that protect all humans from their evil. They have unleashed the Scar Crow Men to help bring about a shift in power that will allow them control everything.
There are a couple of things that I think elevates Mark Chadbourn's writing beyond the norm.
He really knows how to set a scene, his descriptions of Elizabethan London are rich and vibrant. I was truly engrossed by the level of detail and found it all marvelously evocative. Nothing is sanitised in this version of the capital city, the streets are dirty and the houses are disease ridden hovels. There is a chapter involving an escape from a plague pit that is memorable for being particularly gross. That imagery is certainly going to stay with me for a while
Chadbourn also peppers his vivid landscape with many fantastic characters. Will Swyfte is a charismatic charmer and has the air of a real hero about him. Though only human, he will stop at nothing to rid the country of the threat of the Fay. They are more powerful than him but he is willing to give everything in order to stop them. Swyfte’s associates John Carpenter and Robert, Earl of Launceston are an enigmatic duo. John Carpenter is an ugly, scarred man who is keen to put all the horrors he has witnessed behind him. He is torn between duty and love. Robert, meanwhile, is even more of a puzzle. He reads as an almost Dexter Morgan like character, a genuine sociopath. He is driven by his colleagues to constantly do the right thing for Queen and Country but is utterly devoid of conscience. His reactions to the situations he finds himself in are unpredictable and compelling to read.
As well as the return of existing favourites there is also the introduction of a new female character known as Red Meg. She comes across as a female equivalent of Will and I enjoyed the dynamic that they shared. It was great to see a strong female presence that gave everyone she meets a run for their money. I hope to see her return in the next book in the trilogy.
If you are looking for a novel that contains just the right amount of swash with an added dash of buckle then look no further. There are swords fights and chases aplenty and the action is perfectly balanced with the intrigue and conspiracies of Elizabeth’s court.
I’ve been a huge fan of Mark Chadbourn since I first stumbled across The Age of Misrule omnibus in my local branch of Waterstones back in 2006. Since then I’ve read just about everything he has written and I have found his work to be exciting and insightful. Like its predecessor, this novel is another seamless blend of high adventure with historical fantasy.
The Scar Crow Men is available now.
Alone and on the run, Elizabethan England's greatest spy must defeat a dark and bloody plot. Or die...
The Scar Crow Men by Mark Chadbourn is the second novel in the Swords of Albion series. It sees the return of Will Swyfte, gentleman spy, and his ongoing battle with the dark forces that threaten Great Britain during the reign of Elizabeth the First.
Two years have passed since the events in the first novel and Swyfte is facing troubles both at home and abroad. Different factions vie for Elizabeth’s favour and in the midst of all this political maneuvering one of Will closest friends is killed. While members of the royal household continue to plot and scheme the Unseelie Court, the Fay, have begun to tear down the magical defenses that protect all humans from their evil. They have unleashed the Scar Crow Men to help bring about a shift in power that will allow them control everything.
There are a couple of things that I think elevates Mark Chadbourn's writing beyond the norm.
He really knows how to set a scene, his descriptions of Elizabethan London are rich and vibrant. I was truly engrossed by the level of detail and found it all marvelously evocative. Nothing is sanitised in this version of the capital city, the streets are dirty and the houses are disease ridden hovels. There is a chapter involving an escape from a plague pit that is memorable for being particularly gross. That imagery is certainly going to stay with me for a while
Chadbourn also peppers his vivid landscape with many fantastic characters. Will Swyfte is a charismatic charmer and has the air of a real hero about him. Though only human, he will stop at nothing to rid the country of the threat of the Fay. They are more powerful than him but he is willing to give everything in order to stop them. Swyfte’s associates John Carpenter and Robert, Earl of Launceston are an enigmatic duo. John Carpenter is an ugly, scarred man who is keen to put all the horrors he has witnessed behind him. He is torn between duty and love. Robert, meanwhile, is even more of a puzzle. He reads as an almost Dexter Morgan like character, a genuine sociopath. He is driven by his colleagues to constantly do the right thing for Queen and Country but is utterly devoid of conscience. His reactions to the situations he finds himself in are unpredictable and compelling to read.
As well as the return of existing favourites there is also the introduction of a new female character known as Red Meg. She comes across as a female equivalent of Will and I enjoyed the dynamic that they shared. It was great to see a strong female presence that gave everyone she meets a run for their money. I hope to see her return in the next book in the trilogy.
If you are looking for a novel that contains just the right amount of swash with an added dash of buckle then look no further. There are swords fights and chases aplenty and the action is perfectly balanced with the intrigue and conspiracies of Elizabeth’s court.
I’ve been a huge fan of Mark Chadbourn since I first stumbled across The Age of Misrule omnibus in my local branch of Waterstones back in 2006. Since then I’ve read just about everything he has written and I have found his work to be exciting and insightful. Like its predecessor, this novel is another seamless blend of high adventure with historical fantasy.
The Scar Crow Men is available now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2017
I really liked the first book in this series. This second one didn't draw me in quite as much and I'm not sure really why.
The only thing I can point to in why I didn't love this as much as the first book is that it felt relentlessly dark and heavy and violent. I understand that this is a dark world, and that dark things are going to happen. But somehow, the first book didn't feel *quite* so oppressive to me. It felt like there was a bit of humour and that helped to lift the feel for me and balance out the dramatic aspects of the story. That felt missing in the second book.
To be fair to the book, it may also be that I am simply not in the right frame of mind for a really heavy story at the moment. There's drama in my real life that I'm dealing with, so possibly, I just can't manage angst and depressing stuff in my fiction too.
The book was well-written, as was the first. And the world the author's built is impressive and offers plenty for sci-fi readers. I feel you need to be ready to dive deep into the dark side of things to really appreciate this book.
The only thing I can point to in why I didn't love this as much as the first book is that it felt relentlessly dark and heavy and violent. I understand that this is a dark world, and that dark things are going to happen. But somehow, the first book didn't feel *quite* so oppressive to me. It felt like there was a bit of humour and that helped to lift the feel for me and balance out the dramatic aspects of the story. That felt missing in the second book.
To be fair to the book, it may also be that I am simply not in the right frame of mind for a really heavy story at the moment. There's drama in my real life that I'm dealing with, so possibly, I just can't manage angst and depressing stuff in my fiction too.
The book was well-written, as was the first. And the world the author's built is impressive and offers plenty for sci-fi readers. I feel you need to be ready to dive deep into the dark side of things to really appreciate this book.
October 15, 2012
I really enjoyed the first book in this series and was looking forward to reading book 2 and continuing the adventures of "England's Greatest Spy", but I would have to say that this book was not as good as the first. There were a number of things which frustrated me and I found myself putting it down and reading something else instead (I actually started reading this before Pathfinder which I reviewed a few weeks ago). As a result it took me a long time to finish, but finish it I did and the conclusion was in keeping with the book itself... disappointing.
This book is less about Will Swyfte (great name by the way) and more about his band of compatriots and spies. That was good because the series introduced several interesting characters in the first book and I was hoping to get to know the others a little better. But the story line for these other characters often didn't really lead anywhere and came across more as padding than advancing the plot to any real extent.
But perhaps the biggest issue I had (and there may be a few minor spoilers here) was the character of Alice and her relationship with Carpenter. Several times during the story she turned up (seemingly out of nowhere) and put herself in danger that resulted in a plan going awry. Why would she do that? Once she turned up to a stakeout - how did she even know where to find him - to warn him that he was in danger, as if he didn't know that already since he was staking out the very killer that was hunting him. Every time she became involved in a scene it spelled disaster and by the end of the book I just wanted her to get killed and be done with it.
Similarly Grace, who Will cares about deeply and seeks to protect from the harsh realities of the world he lives in, is thrust into the thick of things. Why - if he truly wishes to keep her safe - would he arrange for her to work in the Queen's palace if that building was where the enemies were planning to strike. Wouldn't it have made more sense that she be tucked away somewhere else? Now Grace being Grace wouldn't have been happy about that and found a way to meddle anyway but it was another example of the illogic that plagued this story.
Now before you get the opinion that I didn't like any of the female characters in the book I would like to say that character of Meg O'Shee was a nice addition to the story. She was both intelligent and capable and handled herself well throughout. In many ways she is the only reason I am even considering reading book three.
There is a lot to like about this series, it is set in an interesting point in history. The premise of the Unseelie Court is intriguing and the stakes are certainly high, but - in this story at least - the whole thing was let down by some very odd choices by characters that either should know better or had no business being involved in the first place. That made it hard for me to immerse myself in the events because I was questioning motivations rather than enjoying the way things unfolded.
This book is less about Will Swyfte (great name by the way) and more about his band of compatriots and spies. That was good because the series introduced several interesting characters in the first book and I was hoping to get to know the others a little better. But the story line for these other characters often didn't really lead anywhere and came across more as padding than advancing the plot to any real extent.
But perhaps the biggest issue I had (and there may be a few minor spoilers here) was the character of Alice and her relationship with Carpenter. Several times during the story she turned up (seemingly out of nowhere) and put herself in danger that resulted in a plan going awry. Why would she do that? Once she turned up to a stakeout - how did she even know where to find him - to warn him that he was in danger, as if he didn't know that already since he was staking out the very killer that was hunting him. Every time she became involved in a scene it spelled disaster and by the end of the book I just wanted her to get killed and be done with it.
Similarly Grace, who Will cares about deeply and seeks to protect from the harsh realities of the world he lives in, is thrust into the thick of things. Why - if he truly wishes to keep her safe - would he arrange for her to work in the Queen's palace if that building was where the enemies were planning to strike. Wouldn't it have made more sense that she be tucked away somewhere else? Now Grace being Grace wouldn't have been happy about that and found a way to meddle anyway but it was another example of the illogic that plagued this story.
Now before you get the opinion that I didn't like any of the female characters in the book I would like to say that character of Meg O'Shee was a nice addition to the story. She was both intelligent and capable and handled herself well throughout. In many ways she is the only reason I am even considering reading book three.
There is a lot to like about this series, it is set in an interesting point in history. The premise of the Unseelie Court is intriguing and the stakes are certainly high, but - in this story at least - the whole thing was let down by some very odd choices by characters that either should know better or had no business being involved in the first place. That made it hard for me to immerse myself in the events because I was questioning motivations rather than enjoying the way things unfolded.
August 22, 2013
The Scar-Crow Men picks up from the previous book a good 2-3 years after The Sword of Albion. The old spymaster passed away after falling ill, and his replacement seeks only to advance himself in the eyes of The Queen. Will is falling out of favour with him and his rival, the Earl of Essex. As is the way with spy novels, you're never sure who is going to be betrayed when and by whome, and to what degree. At times this can be frustrating, is there no one our hero can trully trust? This can be grating, but there enough questions asked that you want to know answers. What are The Unseelie Court planning now? Who is the masked killer of spys? Did they kill one of Will's best friends, or was it an unrelated murder? More crop up throughout, to the point that when facing his foes at the end, it is unsatisfactory, but the last couple of chapters do not disapoint!
The chapters are short and quick, sometimes only lasting a few pages each time. These shorter chapters give a break from Will's view point and allow scenes to play out without him there. Being in the headspace of some of the other characters gives us a little more advantae over Will, though not much of one. They add nice breaks to the pace of the story. I found myslef 11 chapters on and Will had been half the length of the contry in that time and was now on to France, the pace only adding to the sence of persuit by peoples known and unknown. If the third book is as fast I may find myself reading it in a day. I could have managed this in a day but life interupts again.
The chapters are short and quick, sometimes only lasting a few pages each time. These shorter chapters give a break from Will's view point and allow scenes to play out without him there. Being in the headspace of some of the other characters gives us a little more advantae over Will, though not much of one. They add nice breaks to the pace of the story. I found myslef 11 chapters on and Will had been half the length of the contry in that time and was now on to France, the pace only adding to the sence of persuit by peoples known and unknown. If the third book is as fast I may find myself reading it in a day. I could have managed this in a day but life interupts again.
February 6, 2015
The part of this series that interests me is how viciously immoral the Fair Folk society is portrayed, these are some seriously stone cold inhumans. You see this done in sci-fi all the time, but never in historical fiction, so placing them against the backdrop of Elizabethan England is interesting. BUT MAN, there are some 'Mac' truck sized holes in the plot, and I had a really hard time accepting the necessary suspension of disbelief needed for Tom 'Super Agent Man' Swyft's dashing exploits. (if you got the bleep kicked out of you again and again when you were trapped in a cell by your enemies in Bedlam... could you really crawl out of a plague pit a few hours later? that's only a start, but i wont go further here.) I'm sure I'll read the third installment, just to see what happened next (global irritable unseelie war, apparently), even if the spy action just keeps going all implausible.
August 7, 2011
Chadbourne's Swords of Albion series is a work of genius. One of those chance discoveries on a bookstore display.
Though still thoroughly enjoyable, I enjoyed The Sword of Albion more than its successor.
I found the action somewhat disjointed, in that new chapters would begin in medias res having jumped forward in time. I'm assuming this was a pacing device; but I found it distracting. It reminded me somewhat of the original Resident Evil movie, where the action would jump from set piece to set piece.
That aside, Chadbourne's ideas are, I as stated, genius. His characters are marvellously flawed.
I look forward to the next installment.
Though still thoroughly enjoyable, I enjoyed The Sword of Albion more than its successor.
I found the action somewhat disjointed, in that new chapters would begin in medias res having jumped forward in time. I'm assuming this was a pacing device; but I found it distracting. It reminded me somewhat of the original Resident Evil movie, where the action would jump from set piece to set piece.
That aside, Chadbourne's ideas are, I as stated, genius. His characters are marvellously flawed.
I look forward to the next installment.
September 7, 2012
This is a fantastic book. I love Mark Chadbourn and think he is the king of the weird and wonderful world. I thought the protagonists in this book were interesting and the storyline was exciting. I got quite engrossed in it and was itching to get back to reading it when I had to leave it and go to work. As with all the books of his that I have read, you are never quite sure whether it'll all come out right in the end and I do like that edgy quality in his work. Although his other books are set in a time travelling meander through various time periods, this one feels much more rooted in the historical. I cannot wait to read the others in the series. Recommended to the fantasy readers and to those who like historicals even though its a bit different!
June 22, 2011
Actual rating is 3.5 stars. This one was even darker than the first with lots of bad guys lurking in plain sight. My rating would have been higher but there seems to be no hope whatsoever in this book. The only thing that keeps it going is the forcefullness of the main character. He doesn't have any hope either but at least he has a purpose that he is unwilling to give up on. It was a tad depressing actually. Nothing wrong with that as it is but I try to shy away from those as they, you guessed it, depress me.
Will I read the next if there is one? Possibly. I really do like Will Swyfte but I'll be hoping it has more light and hope in it.
Will I read the next if there is one? Possibly. I really do like Will Swyfte but I'll be hoping it has more light and hope in it.
June 23, 2011
This is a big improvement on the first episode, The Silver Skull, offering a very clever mystery within a mystery. Unfortunately, this cannot completely cover up the weakness in explaining the supernatural elements. It's all rather arbitrary at present. Hopefully, Chadbourn can address this in the third volume.
http://opionator.wordpress.com/2011/0...
http://opionator.wordpress.com/2011/0...
October 31, 2011
Grr - whats up with this (**)(*((* app. Lost the comments again because of a duplication caused because of another deleted comment in the middle of trying to save. Abbreviated - didn't like it as much as the first one. Third one only due to be published in 2012. Darker, gorier and more depressing than the first book with no humour at all.(Or else it was too subtle for me!)
August 20, 2016
Full review here:
http://jamesgenrebooks.blogspot.com/2...
While I wish I had read the first book first, this was a very good read, and one that had me digging through websites to get more information on the real characters interspersed among the fictitious ones.
http://jamesgenrebooks.blogspot.com/2...
While I wish I had read the first book first, this was a very good read, and one that had me digging through websites to get more information on the real characters interspersed among the fictitious ones.
October 10, 2016
Not the sort of book I usually read - but thought I would try it. I read about half of the it before giving up. I felt it was quiet well written but I am not a great lover of supernatural fantasy so although the plot historically was intriguing I found I wasn't actually enjoying it.
May 12, 2011
I like how Chadbourn weaves historical events; death of Marlow, rivalry between Essex and Cecil; into his fantasy. Looking forward to the next installment.
April 16, 2012
I appreciated the first novel in the series, but this one seemed rather dull in comparison. After 70 some pages, I just stopped reading. That is rare but true in this case.
July 25, 2012
Part murder mystery, part supernatural thriller, wholly enjoyable. Looking forward to reading more of the series
June 5, 2013
Good spymaster story with Unseelie court as the main enemy of Elizabethian England.
January 25, 2015
Another excellent book by a brilliant author. Love, love, love his books
December 3, 2019
Плоска, наивна, неубедителна книга. Ужасяващо слаби диалози.
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