AK Blakemore's third novel offers a sweeping narrative of the Peasants' Revolt of 1381, a significant uprising in English history where commoners—ranging from merchants and servants to smugglers and even some local lords and officials—rose against the heavy poll tax imposed by the monarchy. The story unfolds over 16 dramatic days, weaving together multiple perspectives: from the young King Richard II and his courtiers to the rebellious members of the Commons. The narrative also includes unexpected characters, such as a porpoise and a runaway horse, adding a surreal dimension to the historical events. The title, inspired by the idea of a "doom painting"—a medieval artistic style depicting the Last Judgment—hints at the novel’s themes of impending catastrophe and moral reckoning. Blakemore's novel is a linguistically rich and ambitious work, marked by a wide range of language styles, from archaic to modern. The prose is filled with vivid imagery and detailed historical scenes, such as a barber’s chair or the description of a brewer’s shop, immersing readers in the medieval world. However, the novel diverges from traditional storytelling structures, with plot and character development taking a back seat to its linguistic and historical flourishes. This approach may challenge readers expecting a tightly woven narrative. One of the criticisms of the novel centers on its portrayal of Wat Tyler, the legendary leader of the revolt. His character is described as inconsistent, shifting between a crude, uneducated figure and a more introspective, apolitical one. Other characters are similarly unevenly developed, which may diminish the emotional resonance of the story. The dialogue, while colorful, is sometimes criticized for feeling like action-movie banter in a medieval setting, with anachronistic elements that seem to wink at the reader rather than fully immerse them in the period. Despite these challenges, the novel is praised for its linguistic richness and sweeping historical scope. It is seen as a labor-intensive work that likely required substantial research, though the scholarship is presented in a more accessible, light-handed manner. While not without its flaws, the book is recommended for readers interested in the linguistic and historical aspects of medieval England, offering a unique and ambitious take on a pivotal moment in history.