If you've read this book, then you know Ross does something in it that I think is highly out of character for him, but to keep this a spoiler free review I shant say what it was. However, as a whole, it was a good edition to the series and kept me guessing in some places. Well written. 4 out of 5 stars. I would recommend it. ( )

The fourth book in the Poldark series is a runaway train. It takes all the impetus of motion created in the first three volumes and pushes it headlong down the track at a screaming pace. Fortunes change on a whim and evil prospers and ebbs and prospers again. I spent much of this volume holding my breath.

After losing Francis, the triangle of Ross, Elizabeth and Demelza reaches a fever pitch and Ross finds himself caught between his inability to give up his old, unfulfilled affections and his now too comfortable life with his wife. The results are a flurry of emotions that serve none of these characters well. I could not help casting back to poor Keren Daniels and thinking that what others deemed in a female a felonious crime is but a misdemeanor for the male population.

Meanwhile, the romance between Dwight and Caroline progresses as well, with a lovely edge that is both witty and romantic. I must confess to loving this couple and cringing at the idea that they will not have their own happy ending...but happiness can be an elusive thing in this 1790s world of Cornwall.

As the name suggests, we begin to see George come into his own and the Warleggans figure very prominent in Ross’ destiny. Up to this point, Ross has had the hatred of Cary, but George has been less vitriolic. No more. Now George’s real colors begin to show and the kind of hatred he spews is extreme and dangerous. By the end of this volume, the field is beginning to be evened by Ross’ success at Wheal Grace, and it leaves me in anticipation of how the fight may change now that Ross has some resources with which to counter-punch.

By this point in the story, I am totally committed to these characters and their fate. They are drawn with such detail that they have nuanced personalities and temperaments, and Graham happily keeps them to the standards that he set for them in the beginning. I find every action and word to be in keeping with what we already have been told about these people, and that is essential to my enjoyment of the story.
( )

Reading a smelly, water-damaged, two-volume LP copy because there is ONE regular print copy of this book in my entire library network. Sadness.

***

Wha a descent into soap operatics! Sudden death, betrayals, seductions, and more! ( )

The saga continues and it's not getting old. Ross continues on with his mining venture, driving the family closer to complete financial disaster. Ross allows smuggling to happen on his property even though he's aware that the local authorities are keeping an eye on him, the reward he receives is staving off financial disaster. Personal tragedy once again hits the Poldark family leading both Ross and Demelza to do things that drives a larger shaft between them. Dwight Enys falls in love again, and once again, realizes the futility in the relationship, but can't help himself. Gripping and good! ( )

Ruthless and sly to the end. A man who always gets what he wants. Portrayed as more humane than in the PBS series--esp where (eventual) wife Elizabeth Poldark is concerned. ( )