Synopses & Reviews
"Rich in authentic detail, humor, grief, and deep insight into the life of the mind as well as the heart, this makes a fitting close to a high-water mark in historical fiction." — KIRKUS REVIEWS (starred review)Impressed by the bookish Isidore, Pagan Kidrouk — now Archdeacon of Carcassonne — hires the boy as his scribe. Eager to flee a cloistered existence, naive Isidore quickly discovers that the real world isn't all as the poets and philosophers claim. The year is 1209, and papal forcesfrom the north are driving their bloody crusade against the Cathar hereticsto Carcassonne. With the battle lines inching ever closer, the world ofFather Pagan, Lord Roland, and Roland's mysterious brother grows more real to Isidore — and more terrifying — by the day. The last of four books inan acclaimed series, PAGAN'S SCRIBE casts the worldly,wisecracking Pagan in an unexpected role as friend and mentor to a young soulin need.
Review
"Rich in authentic detail, humor, grief, and deep insight into the life of the mind as well as the heart, this makes a fitting close to a high-water mark in historical fiction." Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)
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"A moving ending to a vivid, gritty historical fiction series." KLIATT
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"Brimming with wit and fascinating details of medieval history, with its vividly drawn characters now including the dyspeptic Isadore, this emotionally satisfying epic brings the Middle Ages to life." Horn Book
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"A fitting conclusion to a well-researched, idiosyncratic medieval series." Booklist
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"There have been few characters in recent historical fiction more vibrant than the street-smart, fast-talking protagonist of this series....Readers who already know Pagan will be fascinated to see him as an adult..." School Library Journal
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"The book is rich in the details of medieval negotiation, sieges, weaponry, medicine, and living conditions." VOYA
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"Another fully credible portrait of brutal medieval spiritual and secular turf wars, and the rare opportunity to witness a beloved character grow into adulthood is a privilege indeed." Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Synopsis
In the final chapter of the Pagan Chronicles, Pagan Kidrouk is now the Archdeacon of Carcassonne. Impressed by the bookish Isidore, he hires the boy as his scribe, and leads him out of the world of books to brave the real-life dangers of a papal crusade.
Synopsis
Impressed by the bookish Isidore, Pagan Kidrouk now Archdeacon of Carcassonne hires the boy as his scribe. Eager to flee a cloistered existence, naive Isidore quickly discovers that the real world isn't all as the poets and philosophers claim. The year is 1209, and papal forces from the north are driving their bloody crusade against the Cathar heretics to Carcassonne. With the battle lines inching ever closer, the world of Father Pagan, Lord Roland, and Roland's mysterious brother grows more real to Isidore and more terrifying by the day.
The last of four books in an acclaimed series, Pagan's Scribe casts the worldly, wisecracking Pagan in an unexpected role as friend and mentor to a young soul in need.
About the Author
Catherine Jinks is a medieval scholar and author of young adult books a background that is evident in this second of four stories about Pagan Kidrouk. Her books have garnered numerous awards, including the prestigious Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year. Pagan grew out of a university course Catherine Jinks took about the Crusades and out of her fascination with the real Order of the Templar. Her most recent book is Evil Genius.