The Errant Flock by Jana Petken

The Errant Flock Reviews

• 
  Tadiana ✩Night Owl☽

  Kindle freebie 3/15/2017. This one, a historical novel set in the Spanish Inquisition era, is outside of my normal wheelhouse, but it's gotten a lot of very enthusiastic reviews for its depth and research. And free is free.
• 
  Bill Ward

  This is the second epic book I have recently read by this author and I am amazed she has only recently come to my attention. Her writing is brilliant and she tackles huge events in history, on this occasion the Spanish Inquisition, but though she brings great authenticity to the historical elements of her books, it is the human, family drama that has captured my imagination in both books I've read.
  I was gripped from the stomach turning beginning to the last page and completely immersed to the point I've spent far too long today finishing the book when I should have been doing other things!
  I enjoyed the leading character David who rightly had a tortured soul for much of the book and faced with his dilemma at the beginning of the book who can say we would have acted any differently. The inhumanity displayed by the rich and powerful was completely believable and we know the acts perpetrated by the Inquisition in the name of religion were truly terrible.
  I loved the characters of Tur and Paco"
  Not always a comfortable read but neither was it just dark as there were uplifting moments.
  If you enjoy historical dramas you will love this author's books and if you also have any Spanish connection the pleasure will be doubled.
• 
  C.M. Gray

  An amazing story set in the Inquisitor's Spain of 1491
  
  I love to read historical fiction, especially if it is well written, well researched and well edited. The Errant Flock by Jana Petken is all of this and more.
  This is a story set in the darkest days of Spain's inquisition where the Jewish community is being segregated and forcefully separated from their friends and neighbors; the days preceding their eviction from the country. Spain of 1491 is a place where even those who have sworn their faith and following of the 'so called' true catholic faith are arrested and tortured. Neighbors, friends and family are turning upon each other in their haste to caste the Inquisitor's eye elsewhere.
  The Errant Flock is a fantastic story set amid these dark times that will keep you up late into the night, its really hard to stop reading!
  If you like history and a good story, read this book!
• 
  Aaron Saylor

  THE ERRANT FLOCK is another excellent historical thriller from author Jana Petken. Petken brings great detail to her setting and characters, bringing the horrific Spanish Inquisition to vivid life, and propelling the story forward through action and intrigue that kept me turning the pages long into the night (I read it over only to sittings). Well-written and perfectly paced, THE ERRANT FLOCK is highly recommended. Get it now!
• 
  Mary Yarde

  To be saved from Hell, one must first be purged of the Devil. The inquisitor, Gaspar de Amo, knows all about heretics and their evil hearts. It is his sacred duty to bring the flock back to Christ. But by trying to save the immortal souls of the citizens of Spain, he risks losing his mortal life. But it is a risk he is willing to take, in the name of God and the King.
  
  But when he brings his Inquisition to Sagrat, the home of his daughter and her husband Luis Peráto, the Duke of this province, he discovers more than a town full of heretics.
  
  The brutal times of The Spanish Inquisition are brought back to life, in this compelling, page-turner of a read. Full of intrigue, murder and lies, The Errant Flock is a masterpiece of historical fiction. Petkin holds nothing back, with many scenes of torture and death, which makes this a vivid account of what it was like to live under the yolk of the Inquisition. There are many scenes that readers may find upsetting, as neighbour turn on neighbour, in a bid to save their own skins from the evil that the Inquisition was. This is a harrowing account of what it takes to stay alive.
  
  The main protagonist, David Sanz is a well-coloured character, who finds himself embroiled in a web of lies. He commits the most atrocious crime in the services of the Duke. But David soon realises that it isn't just his own guilt that he has to learn to live with. The Duke, now he has used him for his own gains, wants David and everyone he loves to disappear. David has to keep his wits about him and somehow, amid the terror, save the people he loves from not only death but, also a fate worse than it.
  This is one of those books that you simply cannot put down. I was desperate to find out what was going to happen next. Full of twists and surprises, this book, kept me guessing. Petkin has brought 15th Century Spain back to life and in particular those early days of The Spanish Inquisition. This book will stay with me for a long time.
  
  I Highly Recommend.
  
• 
  Max Power

  The Errant Flock is one of those books where the hard work and effort of the author is evident throughout. Set in 15th century Spain at the time of the Inquisition, it is a book that I shilly-shallied through. I read a lot and become impatient with little things at times and I couldn’t quite put my finger on it in this case. I think I was a little uncomfortable with the dialogue at times it was a little stilted for me. Granted it is written of and about a particular time in the distant past, but while it wasn’t a constant, it did tend to direct me to take a break at times. I like a book to want me to not put it down like most people I guess. No doubt it is a very personal foible, but having said that it is really my only criticism. It is at heart an enjoyable read and the writer is clearly a person of talent. The narrative is strong and the plot solid. This is the first book I have read by Jana Petken and based on my experience with The Errant Flock I would be confident to go back to her work in future. If you like a bit of clever historical fiction don’t hesitate, I am happy to recommend this book to you.
• 
  Reg Shell

  Suspenseful Page Turner.
  
  This brilliant story commences in Spain in December 1491, it is a story that you will not forget in a long time.
  The main character is David Sanz. The story follows David through many ups and downs. He has to outwit many adversities, and his courage is frequently tested. As a reader I was enthralled with the intensity and suspense that is built up throughout in this story.
  
  The author Jana Petken has a great ability to bring all her characters to life. The intrigue she conveys in this story shows how much research has to be covered to bring such an incredible story to life.
  
  I would recommend the reading of The Errant Flock, not only to people interested in history but to all readers as an excellent and memorable read. Believe me, it is definitely a page turner that you will not want to put down till you have reached the conclusion.
  
• 
  Susan Tarr

  I admire the grit and research Jana Petken puts into her books, and The Errant Flock is no different. In typical Petken style, I was immediately drawn into the characters’ lives, the smells, the poverty contrasted against the wealth and luxurious living of the select few. Then there was the descriptive scenery and, of course, the horror, which was the Spanish Inquisition. That man could be so blind, so cruel, so inhumane staggers me, and yet it is depicted in this Historic Fiction as accurately as I believe possible. What I have discovered with this author’s works is that she can weave a wonderful tale of mans’ inhumanity toward man, and yet she does not glorify the gore. Now that takes some doing! This is one story that will remain with me for a long time. A gloriously colorful Spanish Inquisition Historic gem.
• 
  Molly

  This is quite a dark tale about the Spanish Inquisition and I must say: a book with a brilliant title. In the Spain of 1491 a lot of people are errant in all of its meanings. The superstitions around perceiving a male heir, the contemporary views on monarchy, religion, race and status – this is a welcome reminder of how dark those ages were.
  Well researched and with interesting details and characters, descriptive settings and powerful prose this is a gripping and harrowing tale of Kings and Jews, the mighty and the poor. The author spares us no detail when it comes to torture and violence – authentic and contextual.
  What makes this so special is that the story and characters feel real; not constructed or used to make a point. Sensitive, empathetic and skilfully done.
  
• 
  Elisa Pardini

  As a lover of historical fiction, I was immediately drawn to the good reviews this book has received, and I am very glad to say that I wasn't disappointed. The historical background of the novel is very precise and detailed, without hindering the good, flowing narrative style of the book. The characters are well outlined and don't lack anything, from psychological depth to physical details. Fast-paced and well written, two qualities that make a book definitely unmissable. Can't wait to read the second one as soon as it comes out!
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  Michele

  Pochi libri sono in grado di tenere il lettore incollato dalla prima all'ultima pagina: questo romanzo storico è una di tali rare perle. La trama è solida e scatena la curiosità del lettore, la traduzione in italiano è scorrevole e aiuta ad apprezzarla appieno.
  Il giusto mix di azione, caratterizzazione dei personaggi (impossibile non provare empatia per il protagonista, David), atmosfera dell'epoca sapientemente tinteggiata, avversari odiosi e persone perbene.
  
  Non vedo l'ora di poter leggere il seguito. Assolutamente consigliato agli amanti del genere.
  
  Vantaggio aggiuntivo: molti capitoli brevi, perfetti per chi legge soprattutto in treno o in metropolitana e rischia di doversi interrompere all'improvviso.
• 
  Dominique Steyn

  Good book to read. It just again shows how Christianity was manipulated by the Catholic Church at the time. Discrimination agains the Jewish people throughout the book describes just how the Catholic church minipulated people to believe that what they stood for was a lie.
• 
  Dee

  4.5 stars
  
  This is a fabulous story. I found myself enthralled reading about the plight of the Jews and Catholicism, (something I normally try to avoid) both of which were prominent in this sinister plot.
  
  The author did a fabulous job, holding it all together. Minor details that I thought were insignificant, turned out to be vital in pulling off this suspenseful tale.
  
  This story's not for the fainthearted, there's murder and mayhem, treason, torture, broken hearts, kidnap, and finally redemption.
  
  Although listed as 328 pages, the length seemed longer as it took my three days to read and I can normally knock over a book that length in much less time. Or perhaps it took my longer to read as I savored every page.
• 
  Kent

  I'm not sure how I feel about this story.
• 
  Joss Landry

  I applaud and give tribute to this courageous glance at history. Safe in the confines of our present, with eyes toward the most brilliant future, we imagine history to be long gone and out of our reach—or in this case, history’s gnarly hand unable to reach us.
  On the other hand, Albert Einstein concluded in his later years that the past, present, and future all exist simultaneously. Three distinct periods of time, living and breathing in the same moment.
  If this is true, I wonder: do we choose our place in time? Would anyone in their right minds choose life within the frame of the Spanish inquisition? In Sagrat, Spain? As with many time frames, luckily, much of their unraveling lies in the eyes of the beholder or the person doing the research. In this case, Petken delivers a well-researched anthology of anecdotes in order to influence her story.
  
  Jana Petken introduces us to the world based on the life of David Sanz and his family. Conversos, in a time when Jews and Moors are persecuted for their religious beliefs while the Catholic Church rolls out its ugliest colors we follow David into the many circles of hell.
  
  The story files by quickly, with fast complications while a constant barrage of ungodly problems paints humanity in the vilest way possible.
  
  I would have enjoyed seeing some of the nicer threads that occur explored with the same verve and passion afforded the multifarious darker moments. After all, this was a time when a woman, Isabella 1 of Castile ruled as Queen. She successfully relieved Spain of the enormous debt caused by her predecessor and under her reign, crime dipped to an all-time low. Plus, she was the one who financed Christopher Columbus’s voyage to the New World. Material for another great book.
• 
  Brenda Perlin

  
  When I saw the bestselling author of The Guardian Of Secrets, Jana Petken, had a new book out I couldn't jump on it fast enough. I adored The Mercy Carver Series and I have been patiently waiting for something new to pop up and now it has. I love how the author takes you right in.
  
  The Errant Flock is a mesmerizing tale, with great depth. Moving and powerful.
  This is a very emotional read. Intoxicating, really. Chilled me to the bone but I couldn't, didn't want to walk away. I was drawn in instantly and the story felt real. As clear as day as I wept for people who were wronged. So very much wronged.
  
  This harrowing story took my breath away and pulled me in tight. This is what I love most about the authors writing. No matter who she writes about, or what time period, or surroundings, she knows how to lure in her reader. She captivates me at the same time she doesn't appear to have a formula or seem too polished. Her stories are believable and gripping. This is what makes reading so worthwhile. I am transported to another time and place and I am loving every minute of the journey.
  
  Quote ~
  
  "Then I suggest you take this gift. Life has a habit of giving, only to take away when we least expect it. Fate toys with us. It tricks us into false securities and makes us careless, and then one day it kicks us to the ground. You might have a good life now, but who knows what calamities may befall you and your family in the future.
  Take the money."
• 
  Diana Febry

  Words that come to mind describing this book are sweeping, ambitious and dark.
  I'm not a great fan of historical fiction but what I like so much about this author is the way she weaves a rich tapestry of intrigue and human behaviour into a her historical novels. My guess is she must know her history inside out for the settings to come so alive and seem so natural. As well as being a fantastic story I experienced the fear and hypocrisy of the Spanish Inquisitions without it ever feeling like a history lesson.
  I especially enjoyed the character arc of the ambitious young soldier David Sanz who in carrying out his orders crosses a moral boundary that puts his life and that of his family in danger. Struggling with his own guilt he quickly discovers how trapped within the lies and corruption he is and the more he struggles to free himself from the manipulation from above the deeper into the mire he sinks.
  Overall a fascinating tale well told. The only slight negative I have is although the ending tied up all the loose ends in a satisfying way it also seemed quite rushed.
  Recommended read for historical fiction fans.
• 
  Ronesa Aveela

  I love historical fiction. I've read many that could in truth have been from any era considering the lack of history in them, mentioning only an event or two. This is definitely NOT one of those books. From beginning to end the author's extensive research about how the people lived permeates the fine details of the story as well as the overall setting of the time.
  
  The book is well-written, and the author seamlessly works description and narration into the story. At no time did I want to skip through any of it.
  
  The novel itself, set in the time of the Spanish Inquisition, kept me turning the pages. You'll see the events through the eyes of men of different statuses. Guilt, religious fervor, greed all play a part in the unfolding of this story. Have no fear. Although torture is present, the "gore" of the atrocities is kept to a minimum.
  
  I love the cover and title, as well. They display so well a quote from the book. “God praises all pure souls and those poor misguided errant sheep who find their way back to Him through His Holy Inquisition.”
  
  I'll definitely be adding this one to my Best-of-Indie book list.
• 
  Angel Sefer

  A historical epic of honor and loyalty battling greed and betrayal
  Set in Spain, during the 15th century—the time of the Spanish Inquisition—The Errant Flock is the captivating story of tragic militiaman David Sanz. Caught in a deadly game, David was forced by the greedy Duke of Sagrat, Luis Perato, and his cruel Treasurer, Sergio Garcia, to commit a terrible crime in a desperate attempt to save his loved ones.
  Things get more complicated when Gaspar De Amo—Aragon’s Inquisitor and father of the demented Duchess—comes to Sagrat with evil plans of his own. He is a dangerous fanatic who commits atrocious acts and brings unimaginable horrors to the people of Sagrat.
  The detailed descriptions and an intriguing cast of characters like Captain Tur, David’s loyal friend and fellow militiaman Paco Morales, the young Jewish girl Sinfa, and David’s family enrich this heartbreaking tale.
  I held my breath and longed for justice to prevail, even though it seemed impossible during those dark times of fanatical insanity.
  The Errant Flock is a story that will stay with you long after you finish the book.
• 
  Glen Weissenberger

  I am intimidated to even attempt a review of this simply extraordinary piece of historical fiction. Exceptional research underpins Petken’s storytelling that is masterfully visceral, driving, and terrifying.
  
  It is one thing to know the history of the Spanish Inquisition, and quite another to feel a personal stake in characters of such depth caught in the crossfire of arbitrary and lunatic persecution in the name, ostensibly, of God.
  
  Petken spares us no detail, and at times I had to turn away from the depictions of the most gruesome torture I’ve ever read. But, when I finally put it down (having read it in one day), I appreciated that these scenes were integral to the plot, and to reveal man’s capacity for viciousness to his fellow man. Not unlike today.
  
  Petken is one astounding writer, and this is a book of such resonance. Complex, provocative, utterly original, and heart wrenching.
  
  Brilliant.
  
  That said, I suggest you have a puppy on hand to snuggle when you finish it.
  
• 
  Coleen Cloete

  This was a very uncomfortable read for me, I was looking forward to reading a bit about the history behind the Spanish inquisition. Categorised as a historical fiction I felt it fell short on the history part. The general story I really enjoyed I did struggle to find resonance with the main character. On the one hand the actions of all parties did not shock me as much as it should have. It made me wonder in what kind of society we are living in if killing innocent people does not make headline news and has a whole community in uproar the way it used to. The book makes you question your ability to tolerate different religious aspects, morals and ethics which was one of the main reasons I found it such an uncomfortable read. In that sense the book defnitley succeeded in allowing me to reflect on my morals and values.
  
  Worth reading.
• 
  D.K. Cassidy

  Impressive!
  
  Author Jana Petken has accomplished something remarkable with this book. She's taken the dark and uncomfortable subject of the Spanish Inquisition and turned it into an engrossing masterpiece. The rich details of the period, and the attention to historical accuracy enhance the reader's experience.
  
  This tale takes place in 15th century Spain, in the town of Sagrat. While reading this I felt transported in a time machine to this tragic era. This is a sweeping saga of a dark and terrible time in the history of Spain and the Catholic Church. Fans of historical fiction, and history in general, will find lots to like about this book.
  
  
• 
  Sharon Brownlie

  Want to read about class structure, society, love, horror, religious upset and history? Look no further. The story, set in the mid 15th century has a lot to offer. The settings and story surround the Spanish Inquisition. The story is written with accuracy and believable characters of the time. I found the dialogue drove the story forwards. Fast paced and a wonderful read as ever from this author. Petken's historical research and ability to write a good story is at its best within Errant Flock.
• 
  Robert Jr.

  1491 Spain: The rich are cruel and feel justified in all they do - Jews and the poor are nothing but vermin. A great historical novel set in castles and also in the gutter - true in context and wonderfully set and explained. All the highlights of a Jana Petken novel - intrigue, grit, the truth about life, horror, and love. Not a light read but enjoyable and filled with emotion.
  
• 
  K. French

  I am not normally a lover of historical fiction but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is an incredible, brilliant story. The author brings to life her strong characters through descriptive and detailed accounts of events in 15th century Spain during the Spanish Inquisition. It is not a light read but it was compelling and it had me wanting to read on to the end.
• 
  S.J. Higgins

  In true Petken form I was transported back to a very dark time. Poverty, blackmail, oppression, fear and torture were some of the main themes. I literally read this book with a giant knot in my tummy.
  
  This author has a true gift. Was this a comfortable read? Not by any means but it was brilliant.
• 
  Glenn Tullett

  Another fantastic book by Jana Petken.
• 
  Lex Allen

  Valencia, Spain, 1491. An era of historical shame perpetuated by the Holy Office during the reign of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. “The Errant Flock,” by Jana Petken provides a microscopic look at the town of Sagrat, Spain during the Spanish Inquisition. Four characters lead the cast and three (Luis Peráto-the duke of Sagrat, Sergio Garcia – Sagrat’s lord treasurer and Perato’s flunky, and Gaspar de Amo – a zealous Inquisitor) define the meaning of the words hateful, harsh, brutal, self-centered and without conscience or moral fiber. Pitted against these evil doers is David Sanz, a newly minted militiaman forced to carry out a heinous crime that sets the wheels of fate and death rolling for his family, friends and the many “heretics” in the small town of Sagrat.
  
  I’ve read several novels by Jana Petken and everyone has dazzled with historical accuracy, depth of characters and a sublime touch of wordsmithing that brings it all to life. I’ve noted that some reviewers have decried to some extent the detailed narratives that occasionally take the reader on a detour around the main action. For me, these side roads provide some of the most interesting aspects of the story’s background and historicity and are as “page-turner” worthy as the primary plot itself. “The Errant Flock” is the start of her latest series and I’m eager to move on to the next two books (already published and waiting).
  
• 
  Jude

  I got no further than 30% on my Kindle before removing it from my device. The book exasperated me in the extreme. The subject matter is interesting, and I have read other books concerning the subject of the Inquisition in the past, so I thought this book should be interesting, but this didn't do it for me.
  I'm not sure if it was the rather two dimensional characters, none of which up the the point I had reached, I had any sympathy for, or whether as a rational thinker, I couldn't get past my modern lack of sympathy for their superstitious beliefs, even knowing that if I had been magically transported back to 15th century Spain, I would have stood a perilous risk of burning at the stake as a heretic!
  I'm disappointed that I can't give this book a hearty endorsement, especially seeing the number of people who have given it such glowing praises, which prompted me to download the book in the first place. I ended up feeling that the author never got past using the characters as plot devices and they were never truly fleshed out as living breathing participants in the story.