The story takes place in 800 AD against the escalating violence of the Viking raids, and threat of an invasion by Coenwulf of Mercia. The early Christian Church continues to be challenged by belief in the Old Gods, as Ailan and others follow the old ways of the Druids and ancestors.
After fleeing from the monastery on Iona, Durstan now has land of his own in Northumbria. Living under the protection of King Eardwulf of Bebbanburg, and Hygebald, Bishop of Lindisfarne. He fails to notice Ailan's attraction to Marrec, and when Beth arrives at the royal hall she tries again to lure him into a romantic entanglement.
Whilst torn by the love he feels for two beautiful women he cares for the sick, and anyone in need who comes to his enclosure for help, following in the earlier footsteps of Saint Cuthbert (634 to 687 AD).
Passion And The Monk is based on the history of the early medieval era we called the Dark Ages, continuing the story of Durstan and others who may well have lived at that time.
In a world of uncertainty, Durstan clings to the belief in the one true God and tries to live his life in a manner similar to that of Jesus Christ - he will turn no one away from his small enclosure. The sick, displaced and old are a heavy responsibility, and Durstan is well aware that although King Eardwulf had gifted him the land, things change, and where would that leave the people he had sworn to care for?
It seemed to Ailan that her husband had all the time in the world for everyone but her. Feeling neglected and longing for the life she had once shared with Durstan, Ailan’s head is turned by a Breton slave. But deep within her soul, all she wants is the man she loves to notice her again and to give her just a little of his time.
Embark on a journey into a treacherous past with “Passion and the Monk (Durstan Series, Book 3)” by Sharon Bradshaw. Get ready to be captivated by a tale filled with intrigue, violence, religion, and passion.
The setting of Northumbria and Lindisfarne is vividly illustrated, immersing readers in the historical period and the raw beauty of the landscape. Durstanham, where most of the narrative unfolds, is portrayed with meticulous attention to detail, capturing the social hierarchy from Lord Durstan to the lowliest slave toiling in the fields. The scenes within the household of the feared Viking warlord, Erik, are also particularly striking, revealing the oppressive atmosphere and the tension that simmers beneath the surface. The brutalities of this era echo through every location described, each place steeped in its own unique bond with violence, painting a stark picture of a world where survival often comes at a terrible cost.
Interwoven with the central narrative are the tumultuous political and religious conflicts of the era. Throughout this novel, a subtle yet fierce struggle emerges between the ancient Druid gods and goddesses and the Christian God, each vying for supremacy in this rapidly changing religious landscape.
As with all religions, there are extremes. The devastating impact of Druidic magic is examined in depth through the character of Beth, a formidable and relentless woman who wields her powers to fulfil her desires no matter the consequences. Yet, amidst the horror of her magic, the stark and often brutal realities of Christian dominance cast a haunting shadow, revealing moments where its ferocity can be equally chilling.
Ailan has already endured tremendous hardship in her life, and she once believed she had finally found a sanctuary alongside her devoted Christian husband, Durstan. Yet, Durstan’s unwavering commitment to caring for those in need leaves little room for Ailan in his life. She yearns for love, especially the tenderness of Durstan’s gentle touch. Although she finds solace in the love for their son, Ruari, a deep ache lingers in her heart, a void created by the absence of her husband’s affection. When a certain slave begins to take a keen interest in her, Ailan’s thoughts waver, igniting a flicker of hope amidst her loneliness. However, this man harbours his hidden motives, and the reader can only dread the potential danger that looms should Ailan ever find herself alone with him. Among all the characters in this poignant novel, Ailan elicits the most profound sympathy. She embodies genuine love, yet she is endlessly oppressed and mistreated, weighing down her spirit. Her struggles propel the narrative forward, and the scenes featuring her are steeped in emotional depth, challenging the reader to wrestle with their desire to protect Ailan, even as they remain powerless to do so.
Durstan is a man ensnared in a web of inner turmoil, often stumbling into mistakes that leave deep scars on those he loves most. His heart is too generous for his own good; he cannot turn away anyone who seeks sanctuary within the walls of his enclosure, even as the barest provisions dwindle, threatening to leave them all hungry through the relentless winter. While he is a slave owner, he takes pride in treating his slaves with a degree of compassion that is rare in his world. Yet, this facade of benevolence starkly contrasts with his behaviour towards his wife, Ailan. Overwhelmed by fatigue and an unsettling ignorance of her emotional needs, Durstan’s interactions with her can be cold and dismissive. This complexity makes him a challenging figure for readers to understand; he possesses many redeemable qualities that evoke sympathy, yet he also inflicts unspeakable pain upon the woman who loves him, leaving the reader to grapple with the duality of his character.
This book features numerous secondary characters and several antagonists, some of whom commit heinous crimes. However, the most dangerous character in the reader’s eyes is Beth. She is a beautiful woman who leverages her sensuality to her advantage. Additionally, she engages in magic, sometimes of a dark nature, to achieve her desires. Beth shows little concern for whom she may have to step over to reach her goals. While she is undeniably beautiful, the reader remains aware of her true nature. Beth is a dangerous woman.
The question of Drustan’s religious beliefs emerges vividly through the interactions of several characters. He diverges from the rigid Roman Christian path, finding himself increasingly drawn to the ideas of Pelagius, which emphasises that human choices are the key to salvation and that no child is born burdened by original sin. This unconventional perspective raises significant concerns for Eanbald, the Archbishop of York, and Hygebald, the Bishop of Lindisfarne, both of whom are wary of such deviations from established doctrine. Meanwhile, Drustan grapples with his own inner turmoil. Although he permits the vibrant druid celebrations to unfold, he does not allow his wife to worship the Goddess Brigid, although she does so without him knowing. As the story progresses, he can’t shake the nagging doubt that perhaps he has hastily dismissed the ancient deities. His internal conflict deepens when his young son falls dangerously ill, casting a shadow over his previous convictions, and he is more than happy to allow Ailan to pray to Brigid while he prays to his Christian God. Drustan also frequently grapples with intense internal conflicts, caught between the steadfast principles of his Christian beliefs and the burning desire for vengeance that simmers within him. These struggles create a tumultuous battle in his heart, where faith clashes with the urge for retribution, leading him to question the very foundation of his morals and values.
“Passion and the Monk (Durstan Series, Book 3)” by Sharon Bradshaw is an enthralling read that captures the reader's attention with its evocative language, rich characters, and vividly drawn setting. Although it's best to start with Book 1 in the series, the narrative quickly becomes accessible after the initial chapters, enabling readers to easily engage with the intricate web of characters and their captivating stories.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde
Yarde Book Reviews & Book Promotion
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