Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 76 votes)
5 stars
27(36%)
4 stars
30(39%)
3 stars
19(25%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
76 reviews
July 15,2025
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It is truly hard to precisely identify what makes these theological-psychological clerical novels so remarkable.

Perhaps it has something to do with the frenetic pace at which the story unfolds, the obsessive dissection of human personalities that takes place.

As you turn the pages, everything seems to fall into place in a most satisfying manner.

This particular novel, in particular, has a peculiarly pleasing sense of ambiguity in its resolution.

It keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, wondering and speculating about the true nature of the events and the characters' fates.

The combination of the theological and psychological elements adds an extra layer of depth and complexity to the story, making it a truly engaging and thought-provoking read.

Whether you are a fan of religious literature or simply enjoy a good mystery, this novel is sure to captivate your attention and leave you wanting more.
July 15,2025
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This was extremely boring.

It was quite unexpected as I have read several of the author's books before and they were usually quite engaging.

However, despite the dullness, I somehow managed to push through and finish it.

I found myself constantly looking at the page count, hoping it would end soon.

The story seemed to lack a clear direction and the characters were not very well-developed.

It was a real struggle to stay interested throughout the entire book.

But, I persevered and now that it's over, I can only hope that the author's next work will be more captivating.
July 15,2025
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I am continuing my re-read of the Starbridge series. This is the fourth book, and for me, it is by far the saddest one yet. Venetia has to endure a long wait for redemption. She has at least two close calls where she almost crosses the threshold but is yanked back. Interestingly, according to Wikipedia, Howatch based Venetia's journey on the real life of Venetia Stanley. Although it's a different era, the parallels are evident.


Any good will that I had built up for Neville Aysgarth (now the Dean of Starbridge) is completely wiped out by the events in this book. He is such a hypocritical jerk. However, it is extremely interesting to read all of these books so closely together. The conservative assumptions that 26-year-old Venetia makes about the older generation are fascinating (and completely off the mark), as the reader knows precisely what this generation was up to 20 years ago.

July 15,2025
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This book, which is the fourth installment in a series, is set in 1963. It centers around a modernist clergyman within the Church of England who embarks on a relationship with a significantly younger woman, leading to disastrous consequences.

At first glance, the plot might seem rather tabloid-esque. However, the author truly excels in描绘 the psychological and spiritual states of the characters. Through vivid descriptions and nuanced characterizations, we are able to gain a deep understanding of their inner turmoil and conflicts.

Moreover, this book has the added bonus of bringing back many of the beloved characters from the earlier books in the series. This gives the reader a wonderful opportunity to reflect on how they have changed (or perhaps remained the same) as a result of their experiences and the passage of time. It adds an extra layer of depth and continuity to the overall narrative, making it a truly engaging and thought-provoking read.

Overall, this book is a must-read for fans of the series and anyone interested in exploring complex relationships and the human condition.
July 15,2025
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Another extremely absorbing book within the Church of England series. The author's profound understanding of the protagonist's personality truly intrigued me. It was fascinating to see how the author delved deep into the character's psyche, uncovering the hidden layers and motives. Moreover, the theological issues presented in the book were thought-provoking. They made me reflect on my own beliefs and values. The way the author explored these complex topics in a relatable and engaging manner was truly remarkable. I found myself completely immersed in the story, eagerly turning the pages to discover what would happen next. This book not only entertained but also educated me, leaving a lasting impression. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in religious literature or character-driven stories.

July 15,2025
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The original article is not provided, so I can't rewrite and expand it specifically. However, I can give you a general example to show you how to do it.

**Original Article**: The dog is cute. It has a fluffy tail.

**Expanded Article**:

The dog is extremely cute. Its appearance is really charming. It has a very fluffy tail that sways gently as it walks. The soft fur on its tail seems to be a beautiful decoration. When it plays, the tail dances in the air, adding more vitality and fun to its image.



You can provide the specific article you want to rewrite and expand, and I will help you according to your needs.
July 15,2025
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DNF, also known as Dungeon & Fighter, is a popular online role-playing game.

It offers players a vast and immersive world filled with exciting dungeons to explore and challenging enemies to defeat.

The game features a variety of character classes, each with its own unique skills and abilities, allowing players to customize their gameplay experience.

Players can team up with friends or other players from around the world to take on difficult quests and bosses.

DNF also has a rich storyline that unfolds as players progress through the game, adding depth and context to the gameplay.

With its engaging gameplay, stunning graphics, and active community, DNF continues to be a favorite among gamers worldwide.
July 15,2025
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3.5 stars
Well, to be honest, after Neville (\\"Stephen\\") Aysgarth managed to somewhat redeem himself by the conclusion of Ultimate Prizes, he has now plummeted to new and astonishing lows in Scandalous Risks. Ugh, it's truly exasperating. I really can't abide that guy anymore. On the other hand, I found myself growing quite fond of Venetia. There were times when I wanted to give her a good shake, but still, there was something about her that endeared her to me. And I must say, I really liked the fresh perspective that was presented on Lyle Ashworth. One of the most captivating aspects of this series is precisely how each book not only weaves a connection to all the others but also provides you with a completely distinct and nuanced picture of the characters from the previous installments. It's like uncovering new layers and dimensions with each turn of the page, making the reading experience both engaging and rewarding.

July 15,2025
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This book is just as well-written as the other ones. However, it has a certain tone that makes it a bit depressing. Ugh. But that's life, isn't it? Sometimes things don't always go the way we want them to.

We all have our down moments, and this book seems to capture that aspect of life quite well. It makes you think about the hardships and challenges that we face on a daily basis.

Despite its depressing nature, there is still something to be gained from reading this book. It can make you appreciate the good things in life more and give you a new perspective on the difficulties that you encounter.

Overall, it's a well-written book that might not be for everyone, but it does offer some valuable insights into the human experience.
July 15,2025
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Fourth in the six-volume Starbridge series, "Scandalous Risks" stands out as the only one with a female protagonist. Venetia Flaxton, a young noblewoman, finds herself grappling with the "new morality" of the 1960s. She ultimately becomes embroiled in an affair with a high-ranking Anglican cleric. Just as she does with the other books in the series, Howatch masterfully weaves together theology, philosophy, church politics, and personal spiritual crisis. The result is a layered story that poses as many questions as it answers. In this particular book, Howatch pays special attention to Christianity in the context of love and modern man's attempts to redefine the historic Christian sexual ethic. It delves deep into the complex and often controversial issues surrounding these topics, inviting readers to思考 and explore their own beliefs and values.

July 15,2025
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F is a letter that holds great significance in the English alphabet. It can represent many things, such as "failure" or "success". In the world of education, an "F" grade is often associated with not meeting the required standards. However, we should not let the fear of getting an "F" stop us from taking risks and learning from our mistakes.

Sometimes, an "F" can be a stepping stone to greater achievements. It can serve as a wake-up call, motivating us to work harder and improve our skills. We should view it as an opportunity for growth and development.

Moreover, the letter "F" can also stand for other positive qualities, like "friendship", "faith", and "forgiveness". These are essential elements in building strong relationships and a fulfilling life.

In conclusion, while an "F" may have a negative connotation in some contexts, we should look beyond its surface meaning and see the potential it holds for our personal and professional growth.
July 15,2025
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Re-read January 2013. I first read it in the early 90s, I believe.

We encounter Neville Stephen Asgard once more, yet this time it is through the eyes of his daughter Primerose's friend, Venetia. It is not as captivating as the previous books. It is astonishing how people rationalize their behavior at times.

It provides a good introduction to the next generation of kids, who will be the focus of future books. One can envision numerous terrifying futures.

Perhaps the story is setting the stage for more complex and thrilling adventures with these new characters. It makes one wonder what challenges and obstacles they will face.

Overall, while it may not have the same level of spellbinding magic as the earlier installments, it still holds promise for what is to come in the series.

We can only wait and see how the author will develop the story and the characters in the future books.
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