Brenda Joyce is one of my favorite authors and
she has served up a wonderful trilogy of medievals. It begins with The
Conqueror but I'm starting with book 2, The Promise of the Rose.
Set in 1093 (with a prologue in 1076), this
tells the story of Stephen de Warenne, bastard son and heir of the Earl of
Northumberland, and Mary, fictional daughter of Malcolm Canmore, King of Scots.
Proud loyal Mary, when taken
captive by Stephen, refuses to reveal her identity so Stephen decides to have
her. Afterward, learning she is the Scottish princess, he conceives of the idea
of marrying her for political reasons. And he does, while talking peace but
planning to attack Scotland on orders from his king, William Rufus. Thus he
betrays Mary. But when he discovers her eavesdropping upon his battle plans
(she is shocked by what she hears), he calls her traitor. An unforgiving man,
he vows to use her like a wife but give her no affection. Clearly, he did not
deserve such a wonderful woman.
I loved this heroine, that
she would defy the arrogant Norman knight who thought to claim her. And I loved
that she was a Scots patriot, more loyal than many men. Initially I also loved
the hero who was a man of honor and firm resolve, but his later harsh treatment
of his bride made him look the brutal knight.
In revenge for the attack, King Malcolm
led an army into Northumbria to besiege Alnwick, Stephen’s home.
It’s fast paced, with well-developed
characters and great history on every page. Well researched with many
historical figures. It’s Joyce at her best.
Buy on Amazon.
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| Book 1 |
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| Boo 3 |
The medieval trilogy:
The Conqueror
The Promise
of the Rose
The Prize
More Medieval stories to delve into. I've been in other genre recently, but have to get back.
ReplyDeleteYou'll like these, Eileen. And see my Best Medieval Romances list!
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