Genre

Historical Fiction, Mystery, Middle Grade

Audience

Ages 8-14

Author’s Worldview

Catholic

Year Published

2021

Themes

Forgiveness, loss, friendship, Justice, Murder, Hauntings, Ghosts, Revenge

 

Reviewed by

Tiffany Buck

Pain and a desire for justice can be a powerful thing.  Xan (short for Alexander) is a twelve-year-old boy in 12th century England who has suffered greatly in his short time on earth. A group of bandits invaded his village and killed his parents. As an orphan he was taken in by the monks of Harwood Abbey, but after living there for a year, Xan discovers that he is not a free boy, but a serf. His only living relative, Uncle William in Lincoln, may or may not want to help him. For one so young, this is a lot to take in. Perhaps Xan’s most difficult hurdle is the seemingly kind treatment the monks have shown the bandit that killed his parents, Carlo, and their request that he forgive the man that caused him so much pain.

“Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Brother Andrew, Xan’s teacher, reminds him that we pray those words daily. Refusing to forgive others imprisons us and hardens our hearts. The bandit, Carlo, is sent to Lincoln for judgement of his crimes. Lincoln is a large city, complete with a castle and a cathedral. Carlo is escorted by two guards, Brother Andrew and Xan. On the cart ride from Harwood Abbey to the city of Lincoln, Xan reflects on his pain. Just before reaching Lincoln their wagon is attacked by a bandit. Xan suspects Rummy, a bandit seeking Carlo’s treasure, is responsible. The attack leaves one guard dead and Brother Andrew wounded. Xan must decide if he can trust Carlo with the lives of others.

Xan explores Lincoln with a couple of neighborhood children while waiting for a meeting with Uncle William to decide his future.  He is most fascinated by the cathedral and the ghost story behind it. Attempting to solve the mysterious ghost story, Xan discovers a clue in the form of a gift from Carlo. Throughout the novel it is clear that Xan despises Carlo. Understanding how deeply he hurt Xan, Carlo offers him a gift. Xan accepts it, reluctantly. Could this unwelcome gift change the course of Xan’s life and open the door to forgiveness?

The Haunted Cathedral is the second book in a series. Although I haven’t read the first book, this novel stands on its own as an excellent read. For the history student in all of us, this book includes a map of Xan’s world, a guide to reading historical fiction, a glossary, and an author’s historical note.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Haunted Cathedral. Although this book is written for middle schoolers, it speaks to all generations. It deftly combines the historical fiction, mystery, and coming of age genres. The themes of pain, forgiveness, and growing up are universal. The intergenerational dialogue is natural. I recommend this book to all Catholic readers.

Get Catholic Books & eBooks for as little as $1 to FREE

PANIC! (unSPARKed #3) by Corinna Turner

It’s a three hour drive unSPARKed, and for city-folk, anything might cause PANIC!

Crusader St. Tommy NYPD Book 5 By: Declan Finn

Detective Nolan embarks on a Crusade against demonic sex traffickers trying to raise a demon.

The Other Side of Freedom by Cynthia Toney

A Catholic “To Kill a Mockingbird” if there ever was one.

The Wistful and the Good by G. M. Baker

Two weeks after the sacking of Lindisfarne, Norse traders aren’t welcome in Northumbria. But they’re here. Does a Viking really have a chance with an English noblewoman?

The Reluctant Queen: The Story of Esther by Lin Wilder

Chosen by Xerxes to be queen, chosen by God to be savior of His people: the story of Esther.

Sisters of the Last Straw Book 1, 2 & 3: by Karen Kelly Boyce

Exploding kitchens, runaway goats, and ghosts in the chapel. Life in the Little Sisters of the Last Straw is never boring.

Messina: Book 1, The Casa Bella Chronicles By Liz Galvano

Romance blossoms in the midst of chaos. A historical romance set in 1901 Italy as a young American doctor proves herself to the haughty Italian lord who has forgotten his faith.

The Rescue Sisters Series Adventures by Karina Fabian

Kickass Catholic Nuns in Space- what more do you need?!

Will Wilder and the Relic of Perilous Falls

Follow Will Wilder as he discovers a hidden world, fights demons and rescues a hidden treasure!

August & September New Book Releases

Step into Fall with a Good Book

Brother Wolf by Eleanor Bourg Nicholson

Swept into a werewolf hunt with two nuns, a dashing guardian and a jolly priest, Athene Howard applies her intellectual skills to unravel this mysterious new Papist world.

Saint Magnus: The Last Viking by Susan Peek

A young Viking Prince evades a warlord while finding his own harrowing path to sainthood.

The Lost Vessel by Mark Adderley

McCracken joins a treasure hunt for Captain Nemo’s lost ship in this exciting adventure that adds another chapter to Jules Verne’s greatest creation.

A Bloody Habit by Eleanor Bourg Nicholson

An English lawyer runs afoul of necrotic vampires, and even worse things– Dominican Priests!

Siren Spell by Karina Fabian

Immortal dragon Vern can handle anything—until a curse turns him human…

Feel-Good Books For Pandemic Summer

Book Therapy to chase the blues away

A Pius Man by Declan Finn

A hilarious espionage action adventure in the Vatican. Also a halberd fight scene. Nuff Said.

McCracken and the Lost Oasis by Mark Adderley

A swashbuckling adventure into Catholic history and archeology.

The Fisherman’s Bride by Catherine Magia

The wife of Peter takes up her pen to tell her side of the story, and forces us to examine our ideas of perfection and holiness.