I truly despise being vanquished by a book, yet this particular one had me completely stumped. I made every possible attempt, but to no avail. The book is masterfully written, boasting some truly engaging and snappy dialogue scenes. However, the excessive amount of internal reflection on a life can be rather overwhelming. It reaches a point where one starts to wonder how much more of this they can endure before succumbing to despair and contemplating some sort of gory self-mutilation.

Regrettably, I had to leave the events that ensued after his disastrous breakfast with his adult daughter unread. It's a bitter pill to swallow, but in this battle with the book, I lose.

Perhaps in the future, I'll find the courage and strength to pick it up again and give it another go. But for now, it sits on my shelf, a reminder of my defeat.

Well told, this is an absorbing and fascinating story that truly captivates the reader.

I am currently enjoying my re-read of the Starbridge novels, which are a remarkable series.

The characters are well-developed, each with their own unique personalities and motives.

The plot is filled with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat, eager to find out what will happen next.

The world-building is also outstanding, creating a vivid and immersive universe that you can easily get lost in.

Whether you are a fan of science fiction or just looking for a great read, the Starbridge novels are definitely worth checking out.

I highly recommend them to anyone who enjoys a good story.

The Starbridge series persists, and the mystical hero from Glittering Images discovers that his own Glamorous Powers are leading him into a muddle.

This is an excellent step as it takes the spiritual tower of strength from the first novel and convincingly demonstrates how he, like anyone else, has a great deal to learn.

The hero's journey becomes even more complex and engaging as he grapples with the consequences of his powers.

Readers are drawn deeper into the story, eager to see how he will navigate this new challenge and grow as a character.

The series continues to captivate with its unique blend of mystery, magic, and self-discovery.

As the hero confronts his limitations and learns valuable lessons, readers are inspired to reflect on their own lives and the powers they possess.

The Starbridge series is a must-read for fans of fantasy and those seeking a thought-provoking and entertaining story.

The second installment in the Starbridge series offers a different reading experience compared to Howatch's other works. In her other books, she presents a single perspective within each volume. However, in this series, one must read multiple books to gain the viewpoint of another character.

Although we get to know Charles, Lyle, Jon, and the other characters better in this second book, I didn't find it as engaging as the first one. Perhaps this is because I wasn't as fond of the character of Jon. He comes across as arrogant, cold, and supercilious. His eventual downfall should have made up for it, but it didn't quite have that effect. Nevertheless, the book does advance the plot and is still very readable. The entire series has been a great way to unwind whenever I've picked it up... and I've read it four times now. So, take these three stars as an indication of my overall assessment.

I also learned a significant amount about the Church of England. There is a lot of prejudice against Rome, but it's almost presented in a tongue-in-cheek manner, so I took it with a grain of salt. I just couldn't get offended when the characters became apoplectic and turned purple at the sight of a crucifix, shouting, "Popery!" ☺