Post by Silver on Apr 10, 2008 9:50:46 GMT -5
From the bacK:
When Marie Penthievre of Chalendrey is abducted from her Norman priory and taken to Brittany's court, she vows never to dishonour her family's ties by marrying a Breton brute. There is only one who might change her mind: the noble Tiarnan of Talensac. But this handsome knight does not love her, and when he marries a slip of a girl instead, Marie vows to become a nun.
When Tirnan's new wife betrays his most closely held secret, he disappears and is presumed dead -- and she marries his rival and assumes the title to his land. As the land declines under their unskilled and merciless rule, Marie realizes that something is wrong, and only she is clearheaded enough to rescue Tiarnan. But can she return him to his rightful status before it's too late?
This was a book I first read back in grade nine, and proceeded to write a long, and 100% winning essay on for English class.
The book is ripe with historical characters and settings, and honestly not too hard to believe. Marie is an imperfect character, and thankfully, not one of the annoyingly girly-girl heroines. She speaks her mind, which was favoured in the Breton court back in the day, and although innocent in many ways, very likeable.
Tiarnan is the one who is almost too perfect, but later into the book, when the mist is wiped from his eyes with regards to the world, he is more agreeable, and less Prince Charming.
Although the cover says "love", romance is barely there; mostly its about loyalty, friendship, and devotion.
At 380 pages its not a long read, one summer day if you're dedicated; the language is easily interpreted, and it introduces the world to a favourite word of mine -- but read the book if you need to know what that is
4 1/2 out of 5 stars (It could have been better -- and longer!)
BETRAYAL, LOVE, AND LYCANTHROPY
IN THE TIME OF THE CRUSADES
IN THE TIME OF THE CRUSADES
When Marie Penthievre of Chalendrey is abducted from her Norman priory and taken to Brittany's court, she vows never to dishonour her family's ties by marrying a Breton brute. There is only one who might change her mind: the noble Tiarnan of Talensac. But this handsome knight does not love her, and when he marries a slip of a girl instead, Marie vows to become a nun.
When Tirnan's new wife betrays his most closely held secret, he disappears and is presumed dead -- and she marries his rival and assumes the title to his land. As the land declines under their unskilled and merciless rule, Marie realizes that something is wrong, and only she is clearheaded enough to rescue Tiarnan. But can she return him to his rightful status before it's too late?
This was a book I first read back in grade nine, and proceeded to write a long, and 100% winning essay on for English class.
The book is ripe with historical characters and settings, and honestly not too hard to believe. Marie is an imperfect character, and thankfully, not one of the annoyingly girly-girl heroines. She speaks her mind, which was favoured in the Breton court back in the day, and although innocent in many ways, very likeable.
Tiarnan is the one who is almost too perfect, but later into the book, when the mist is wiped from his eyes with regards to the world, he is more agreeable, and less Prince Charming.
Although the cover says "love", romance is barely there; mostly its about loyalty, friendship, and devotion.
At 380 pages its not a long read, one summer day if you're dedicated; the language is easily interpreted, and it introduces the world to a favourite word of mine -- but read the book if you need to know what that is
4 1/2 out of 5 stars (It could have been better -- and longer!)