Great Novella from a mistaken purchase

Sometime ago I accidentally purchased Wolfs Head (it appeared in an Audible sale, and i mistook it for another book that i thought sounded interesting). Never mind i thought, i would give this a listen - after all it was a while since i read Robin Hood. I am so glad i did. The story was gripping. The second book was even better.

This novella appeared on my screen as a recommended read. It follows Sir Richard and introduces Steven (both are in the first 2 two books, but are fleshed out a lot in the second). Its set when Richard was in Rhodes. While his other books are fairly historical - this has an element of fantasy within it.

A good gripping telling of the story. Narration was by Nick Ellsworth who also delivered an excellent delivery in the novels. This rarely happens in my experience. Audible Novellas are normally done by a different narrator. Top marks for continuity.

All in all, this is a great novella (you don't need to have read his books), good story, great pace, excellent narration.

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Really!

What did you like best about Knight of the Cross? What did you like least?

Started with much promise with a few exiting twists but disappointingly rushed to an ending which was beyond belief, not in a good way.

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Thrilling and engaging listen!

Any additional comments?

Wow! Such a thrilling story, and expertly written. I had the pleasure of listening to Nick Ellsworth narrating this novella in the Audible version, and though his cadence can come across as a little dull at first, he soon has you completely engaged in the story with his steady and honest narration. Having read some of McKay's other work, this novella was a perfect tie-in, giving a credible (but still exciting) background story for two of his characters. Excellent imagery, cohesion, and character portrayal. And like any good author, keeps you guessing right to the very end. Please can we have more like this, McKay?

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'Otherworldly' excellence !

What did you like most about Knight of the Cross?

There are horrors beyond life's edge, that we do not suspect and once in a while, man's evil prying calls them, just within our range." from H. P Lovecraft's 'The Thing on the Doorstep'

Quite an introduction to this novella.

I had been struggling with contemporary novels from supposedly top writers. I was ditching them through boredom or an excess of clichés.

Steven A McKay is refreshing, and I find no problems getting engaged with his writing. He has no difficulty holding your attention.
A ripping good yarn !
I don't like giving too much away. The story is for the reader or listener to discover.
Nick Ellsworth is a superb reader of the audio version.

I have visited the Hospitaller Knight's castle on Rhodes so interest in this novella was easy for me.

The more 'otherworldly' parts of the story are not as 'otherworldly' as one might imagine. I would refer you to the late Harvard psychologist John E Mack and a work he was much criticised for, and another novel, called 'Eifelheim'.
H P Lovecraft, also knew what he was saying.

Steven knows his stuff, believe me, he does.
That's it, if you want to know more. Read or listen to the novella.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The main protagonist.
I suggest one reads the book.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The ones with the most suspense and action.
I am not, giving anything away.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Intrigued, as you will be as well.

Any additional comments?

Just read or listen to it. My main comments should be a significant recommendation.

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