There are certain parts where i felt were solely included for the purpose of maintaining the interest of those more shallow readers. like pointless sex and violence etc. It left a bad taste in my mouth after I was finished with it, if you like a tad more serious version of GoT, this book is for you

>>7705273
also the characters did not feel real at all to me. One moment something devastating happens and on the next page the character will be cracking jokes

>>7705273
>tad more serious GoT

On point, although I would add that the author is a bit more scholarly in his approach and not as fetishistic about violence and harem scenes.

>>7705155
Omg the church won't have any money for the fair! I've got a brilliant idea just in the nick of time! BY GOD IT WORKED! Oh no, now the Lord wants his revenge but how will we solve THIS problem in time?

And on it goes. Force in some historical backdrop to grease the wheels and you have Pillars of The Earth. The architecture mentioned is interesting but a Nina Ramirez documentary could cover more and save you time.

I found that book in a trash can with some paul scott books still didn't read them.