In spite of rave reviews in a number of sources, this novel by Douglas Nicholas never captured me in the sense of really compelling me to come back and find out what was going to happen next or wanting to know more about the characters. Set in medieval England, we join a small band of travelers, Maeve (aka Molly), her granddaughter Nemain, a adopted apprentice Hob, and Maeve's lover and ex-soldier Jack. Maeve is a healer who is always welcome along the route as her herbs and concoctions can ease pains and cure ills. Jack is strong beyond his appearance. Hob is an orphan taken in from a monastery by this small group. They travel with whatever others they encounter on the road--pilgrims, merchants, etc., but now some horrible beast seems to be dogging their path, killing indiscriminately. Maeve and Nemain also have some witch like powers to see beyond what is right in front of them and they know they are being stalked but can't tell by what. Fear has now become their constant companion. Little do they realize they have themselves already become bewitched and that what appears at first to be an impregnable shelter from the threat without has instead become a trap holding them all captive for the beast who is already within it's walls. In spite of my lukewarm introduction, however, it was well-written prose with an abundance of historical detail, and for those who like the supernatural, a pleasant enough read.
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