this novel received some enthusiastic and positive reviews at the time of publication. the plot includes "a denouement that combines rough justice and love triumphant." the novel overall was described as "charmingly inventive, textured with intriguing subplots, and as rich as ever in fresh period details." another reviewer found that "local color is at its most engaging ". another remarked favorably on both the setting in the 12th century, showing that human nature does not change, and the "canny brother cadfael, apostle of survival and a sensible degree of mercy". the novel showed "our anglo-saxon origins, along with gore enough to keep us flipping zestfully ahead through all the carnage."