Elizabeth I: Red Rose of the House of Tudor, England, 1544 (The Royal Diaries)

Amazon.com

"Do you know who I am? I shall tell you. I am Elizabeth, Princess of England, daughter of Henry VIII and his wife Anne Boleyn. I am eleven years old. My mother, once Queen, is now dead. Almost eight years ago, when I was not yet three, Father chopped off her head."

Daughter of a fallen queen, young Princess Elizabeth lives a complicated and dangerous life. She fears her father's famous temper but loves him dearly, noting that she would trade all her jewels just to be noticed by him. She also loves her brother Edward, heir to the English throne, but doesn't like her older sister Mary, who torments her and conspires against her. Kat, her governess, is so worried for Elizabeth's life that she spends hours checking their room for poison whenever they move to a new palace. Court intrigues swirl around her, the French are threatening an invasion, and Kat is clamoring for her to have another bath--that makes nearly six in three months! Through Elizabeth's diary, author Kathryn Lasky brings the Tudor world to life: glittering banquets of peacock, eel, and swan; palaces so stinky that "everyone goes about with their noses buried in pomander balls to hide the stench"; archery contests, where Elizabeth excels; and Latin and logic lessons... where she needs a little work. Some of the history is slightly flawed (a misplaced date or two), but readers will enjoy the great detail as they learn about the childhood of one of England's greatest monarchs. An epilogue, with Tudor family trees, paintings, and background information enhances this already excellent and entertaining book. (Ages 10 and older) --Sunny Delaney

Book Description

N/A

Customer Reviews:

A Forgotten Princess, A Queen Remembered.......2007-04-02

This book provides a unique look at what life may have been like for Elizabeth long before she was queen. It's easy for historical figures like Elizabeth to become so much larger than life that we forget they were real people, once. Elizabeth I recreates the emotions and thoughts of an adolescent girl in a way that shows that even a princess feels the universal emotions of loneliness, fear, and doubt.

Elizabeth I addresses two themes especially well: a daughter's longing for her father's affection, and a keen political mind's awareness of what it takes to be a successful ruler. Despite the fact that he had her mother beheaded, Elizabeth still loves her father and lives for the moments when he shows her favor. She is also an astute observer of the goings on in the world of royals and nobility, and early on comes to the realization that if she should become Queen, she must remain unmarried to retain her rule.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves diaries and memoirs and takes an interest in the intricacies of queendom.

Red Rose of the House of Tudor.......2007-03-27

This is one of the first in the Royal Diary series that I have read and It is by far my favorite. It gives a great insight in to palace life and into the life of a teenager. It is a great read for all Princess. This book also includes historical facts and pictures about Elizibeth the 1st and her family. I recomend this book for anyone who likes princess, drama and historical fiction. This is one of my favorites in an intriuging and educational series

Ok Book.......2007-03-06

I really like to read books about people and what happened in their life. I have read alot of diaries from different people in different time periods. I found as I was reading that this book starts out medium exciting. In the middle of the book it gets boring and I just felt like starting over on a different book, but by the end of the book I just didn't want to put it down. I really didn't know anything about Elizabeth 1 but after reading this book I would be able to tell you good, bad, and interesting things that happened to her. I found as I read the book that she is like me in many ways. She likes to be outside on sunny days, be around people, be adventurous and free, and she loves animals. It made it easier to read the book because I could look for more ways she was alike me. Even though there were many interesting things that happened in this book I wouldn't recomend this book to a friend. I wasn't really excited to read the book and I went really slow through it.

My review .......2007-02-25

I loved this book it made me relize that the world has changed alot from 1544to now (2007). The best part was that I felt like i was the one going through all the trials and challanges , That Elzibeth went through .

A great book for those who love English history.......2006-11-20

Having taken English History in a British school many years ago, I found this book to be very enlightening in reference to this period of time. This book gives a great insight into the formation of the Elizabethian period.

The Mystic Rose (The Celtic Crusades #3)

Average customer rating:

It's Still Lawhead!!!
One of my favorites trilogies
Great end to a good trilogy.
The Best of the Trilogy!
A nice rose, but it could smell sweeter.

The Mystic Rose (The Celtic Crusades #3)
Steve Lawhead
Manufacturer: Zondervan Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0310217849

Book Description

A new historical series examining in detail the Crusades and the major changes that period of history wrought in the church from award-winning novelist Stephen R. Lawhead.

Download Description

A new historical series examining in detail the Crusades and the major changes that period of history wrought in the church from award-winning novelist Stephen R. Lawhead.

Customer Reviews:

It's Still Lawhead!!!.......2006-02-12

After reading some of the other reviews here I had to voice my opinion. I am just grateful that I read the book before these reviews!!! Maybe the action is a bit slower in this final book of the series but what it lacks in action it makes up for in plot... Only Lawhead could give us a story of this depth set in this era!!! Maybe it's not the Pendragon Cycle (of which I am a huge fan) but it is still Lawhead and I was not disappointed!!!
I really identified with Cait (the heroine). She struggled with herself and her world and was won over in the end by the God that had been chasing her throughout the story. The reemergence of de Bracineaux was utterly brilliant and true to his character from Rood only much more developed. And the ever present Cele De story was... well, let's not give that away, just know that our veiw of Murdo, Duncan, and Caitriona from within the Cele De was reconciled at last and beautifully. I felt he crowned the Celtic Crusades with gem!!!
No one, and I mean NO ONE does historical fiction/fantasy the way Lawhead can... who else can wrap those 2 genres up together and make you like it?

One of my favorites trilogies.......2005-07-03

Here is my review of "The Mystic Rose," the concluding volume in "The Celtic Crusades" by Stephen Lawhead. It's a good conclusion to a good series.

This is the third volume in the Celtic Crusades series and I would rate this one as "not as good as the first, but better than the second." All of the books in this series are very good. The characters are well-developed, the plots are good and there are many interesting sub-plots. My only gripe is that the first two get started a little slowly, but if you hang in there for the first 50-75 pages then the action gets going well.

The Mystic Rose does the best job of the three in grabbing your attention at the beginning and holding it. Within the first few pages an event happens that sets the tone for the rest of the book. The heroine, Caitriona sets off on a quest to avenge her father's murder and capture Christendom's most sacred relic. In fact, capturing Christendom's most sacred relic is integral to her plan for revenge. This sets up a dicey moral dilemma that is resolved nicely at the end.

I find things like this moral dilemma to be one of Lawhead's strengths. In so much Christian fiction the heroes are cookie cutter Christians who seem to rise above all of the sins and temptations of the common man. Lawhead's heroes, and Caitriona in particular are very earthy, and very sinful people. The upshot of this is that he tells a story that leads one to believe that God, in his mercy, is the real hero of the story, not the protagonist of the book.

At the end of this story, Caitriona is less conquerer and more conquered by the love and mercy of God. This is a very gospel based story line.

All in all, the entire series is a worthwhile read.

Great end to a good trilogy........2005-03-22

In the first two novels of this trilogy Lawhead narrates the tales of Murdo and then Duncan, Orkney Lords on pilgrimages to the Holy Land.

The final novel opens with the death of Duncan, and it is left to his plain headstrong daughter Cait and her flighty and beautiful sibling Thea to avenge him.

The now familiar Brother Andrew guides Cait in the theft of a letter which promises a prize beyond value, which can only be the Holy Grail (lets face it, the family already have the holy lance and the cross - what's left?).

Cait borrows from her fathers experience and travels to Damascus, where she randsoms a band of Norse knights who have been captured by the turks. Then they travel from one end of the Islamic world to the other, to Moorish Spain. Racing all the way to defeat the evil schemes of the corrupt Master of the Knights Templars, the book races to a thrilling conclusion. Will the Evil Renaud De Bracineaux get his filthy hands on the Grail, which he wants for himself, or will Cait save it.......for herself.....? I'm sure she deserves it. Something to do with keeping it safe until it is needed. Never did understand that twist in the plot.

The use of a female protagonist sets this novel out from the previous two, and makes for a good conclusion to the series. It is not the Da Vinci Code, so everyone lives happily ever after except for the bad guys. But it is a fun read, and the research is good, so you get a good feel for the world of the Crusades.

The Best of the Trilogy!.......2005-02-23

Usually when reading a trilogy, the first book is the best, and the series begins to lose steam as one goes on. Not in this case. This is by far the best book of this trilogy.
Caitriona, daughter of Lord Duncan of Caithness, visits Byzantium with her father and sister, on her way to trace her father's footsteps during his sojourn (if you can call it that) in the Holy Land of many years ago. Here their trip goes awry, and chaos begins. Duncan is assassinated inside Agha Sophia, in the heart of Byzantium, by the evil Grand Master of the Knight Templars.
What follows is a witty and entertaining tale of adventure in exotic places, lead by a woman both vulnerable and strong, whose destiny has been traced long before her journey has begun.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction. I fully enjoyed it.

A nice rose, but it could smell sweeter........2004-05-21

With "The Mystic Rose", Stephen Lawhead's Celtic Crusades trilogy ends as it began: good but not great. But perhaps that's because I have been spoiled by his superb ability in some of his other books. This is still a decent historical adventure. On this occasion the protagonist is Cait, daughter of Duncan and granddaughter of Murdo. After the murder of her father Duncan, Cait uncovers a secret letter with details about the mystic rose, the famed Holy Grail from Christ's Last Supper. After stealing the letter and armed with a small band of knights, Cait undertakes her own quest to grab the cup for herself. But the ruthless Templar knight Renaud de Bracineaux is close on her heels, and has his own plans for the sacred relic. The holy treasure becomes the object of a race between the two, both with ambitions of selfish greed. The closing stages of the novel feature an unexpected and yet not unsatisfying resolution. The loose ends are finally tied together, including the long awaited connection with the story of Gordon Murray which frames the novel.

Having a heroic feminine protagonist with such determination seemed anachronistic, and it is debatable whether Lawhead was really able to create a female heroine with any degree of real success or conviction. Yet what I appreciated about Lawhead's characterization is that Cait is a well-rounded character who develops, and that she needs to learn to overcome her lust for revenge, as well as her uncritical passion for a Moorish prince dubious in character. The repentant Cait is eventually overwhelmed by the enormity of her crimes, and confesses: "I prayed to be God's instrument of justice. I thought to use the Mystic Rose to lure my father's killer to his doom. For that, I needed the Holy Chalice, and I came here to take it. You must think me a most brazen and contemptible sinner. The audacity of my deeds amazes even me." (p414). Lawhead's main character in this respect is a flawed and very real - just like ourselves - which makes his story all the more convincing and credible. The Holy Grail plays an important role in Cait's change. As was the case in the other books of the trilogy, coming into contact with the sacred relic leads to visions and experiences of spiritual renewal, sipping from the cup resulting on this occasion in a vision of the Passover Feast.

But while the characterization is quite sound, the plot lacks the suspense and imagination of some of Lawhead's other efforts, and the series as a whole lacks their intense passion and emotion. Like the rest of the series, "The Mystic Rose" is good, but not great. Here's hoping that Lawhead will return to crafting the novels in the genre that gained him such great success: the brilliant, imaginative and passionate historical fantasy of "The Song of Albion" trilogy and "Pendragon" cycle. If not for the brilliance of these other works, perhaps I would be speaking in much more glowing terms of "The Celtic Crusades". But while this series doesn't shine so bright when compared with Lawhead's own work, perhaps it can hold its own against a great deal of other historical fiction today. If you're a Lawhead fan, you'll probably enjoy his other work better. But if you're a historical adventure fan, you might well find "The Celtic Crusades" a rewarding read. -GODLY GADFLY

Average customer rating:

Very Enjoyable Medieval Romp

White Rose

Fantastic historical romance

Knight Errant

Fun, Imaginative Yet Overlong Time-Travel Romance

Knight Errant (War of the Roses)
R. Garcia y Robertson
Manufacturer: Forge Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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Lady Robyn (War of the Roses)

Firebird

A Blast to the Past

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The Spiral Dance

ASIN: 0765344912

Amazon.com

Robyn Stafford, a thoroughly modern heroine, finds herself transported to 15th-century England in this novel of time travel, romance, witchcraft, and political intrigue, set in one of England's most turbulent historical periods. Robyn's search for a way back to her own time is complicated by her growing love for Edward Mortimer, Earl of March, a key figure in an escalating struggle for the English throne. As Robyn is drawn into the conflict, it becomes clear that she has her part to play in events--and she plays it with courage, dash, and intelligence.

R. Garcia y Robertson brings to this novel his usual skill at creating setting through the details of culture, custom, and beliefs so that the reader is able to share Robyn's experience fully. A strong cast of characters and a healthy dose of adventure, along with love, magic, and humor, make Knight Errant an engrossing and entertaining read. --Roz Genessee

Book Description

A thrilling time-travel romance of Renaissance England. Robyn Stafford, a young American executive, has flown from Hollywood to England to surprise her lover on his birthday, only to find that he's married and it's his wife who's giving the party. She takes a few days off to recover from her outrage and dismay, travelling and hiking near the Welsh border. There she encounters a handsome young man on horseback, wearing a sword, plate armor and a surcoat, who confidently identifies himself as Edward Plantagenet, Earl of March, and asks directions to a nearby abbey. He thinks the year is 1459 and is amazed by her detailed, printed map and working cell phone. She doesn't know what to think. But when three hostile knights and two dozen bowmen arrive, he sweeps her up in front of him and carries her off to safety, before turning back to valiantly fight off his enemies. Then, the immediate danger past, he returns and asks her to come and be his lady once he has beaten the king. After a parting kiss, he rides away, into the distant past, to the age of the War of the Roses.Now Robyn Stafford must find a way to leave the world of today for the fifteenth century, where she fell in love with a young knight.

Customer Reviews:

Very Enjoyable Medieval Romp.......2007-04-28

I didn't expect to enjoy Knight Errant at all. Much to my surprise, I did - enormously. I agree with other reviewers who commented that it drags in the middle, there's too much setting, the character of Edward doesn't seem at all like his real historical self, the witchcraft is all a little bit too convenient, etc etc. But somehow I found myself unable to put it down.

I found Robyn and Edward very sympathetic and likeable characters - it's a real shame that Edward is off-stage for much of the novel. He's only 17 - very young, but older in the Middle Ages than it is today! The American tourist/time traveller Robyn's age is never given, but seems to be early thirties or thereabouts. I suppose it is pretty implausible that a 17-year-old, the most eligible bachelor in England, would fall instantly and irreversibly in love with a woman so much older, who's a complete misfit in his society. But what the heck, it's a fantasy! Edward is everything a medieval hero should be, brave, chivalrous, courteous, romantic, loving, caring, and of course very handsome.

There are arguably far too many descriptions of places, not really needed in the story, but I'm from England and I liked seeing my country described in so much detail. :) I've been to many of the places Robertson describes, and he's extremely accurate.

All in all, I found Knight Errant rather silly, when looked at dispassionately, but wildly entertaining. It's the kind of novel where you really have to suspend your disbelief and ignore all the crazy implausibilities. Just go with the flow, and you might end up enjoying it as much as I did!

White Rose.......2007-02-13

I have read the first two books in the series and loved them. The third one is also interesting, the characters likeable, but the ending left me wondering. I really hope this series will have a fourth book because there's some serious questions that must be answered. And fans don't want to be left feeling dread for the main characters. Has anyone heard anything about this? The series was so good, it would be a terrible shame to end it on this note.

Fantastic historical romance.......2007-01-19

Robertson's series is rich with history, intrique, romance and time travel.
This is a fabulous series with lovable time traveler Robyn at the center of it all along with her prince charming, Edward. Robyn meets Edward in a field as he's being chased down by the bad guys. Not thinking he is truly not of this time, she plays along with what she thinks is an intricate delusion of a very handsome young man.
Robyn travels back in time to meet the young Edward and they fall in love immediately. She works her way through this era making friends and even more enemies. She is rightfully accused of being a witch and her escapades in the tower of London are so frightfully realistic you can almost smell the stinky dungeon she's occupying.
The entire series is amazing and I miss Robyn and Edward.
I am anxiously awaiting another book in this series.

Knight Errant.......2005-08-06

The first few pages grab my attention however the story involved far too much historical information and description.
This writer loses his reader by not bringing the hero back into the story almost at the end of the book after a long absence. The hero was the main reason I bought the book in the first place, he didn't reappear for almost three hundred pages later.

Fun, Imaginative Yet Overlong Time-Travel Romance.......2005-05-19

Rodrigo Garcia Y Robertson's "Knight Errant" offers many pleasures -- an admirable and humourous heroine, an intriguing premise, and a well-researched travelogue through 15th-century England. Despite its charms, "Knight Errant" loses some steam over the course of its 470+ pages -- one can imagine this being a fantastic novel had the author chosen a leaner, more focused approach.

Through some surprisingly logical time-travel magic, helpfully explained and abetted by some modern-day English witches, our heroine, Robyn Stafford, finds herself whisked away to 15th century England and thrust pell-mell into the Wars of the Roses. Not only that, the "Lady Stafford" has instantly developed a romantic attachment to teenage Edward, Earl of March and a medieval template for future Harlequin Romance book covers. Witchcraft, siege warfare, jousting, and other medieval delights await Robyn as she becomes more and more intertwined in the tapestry of medieval history.

Despite being a fantasy, the author has done his research, as olde England comes alive. In true Hollywood form, Robyn is a sarcastic gal, and she makes many pithy, humorous observations about medieval life . . . although she quickly sees that life in the Middle Ages has its benefits, including falling in love with a handsome future king. (Although there are pitfalls, too, including becoming acquainted to the 15th century version of the 21st Brit with whom she had a torrid affair in L.A., only to fly to England to learn that he has a wife. Oh, yes, his 21st century wife is also in the 15th century -- sometimes you just can't win.)

Despite containing quite a few action scenes, "Knight Errant" seems overlong. A large cast of characters, numerous villains and allies, and several jaunts back and forth in time are a lot to keep track of, and with Robyn as the outsider telling the story with more than a wee bit of detachment, several passages just don't seem to have any sense of urgency. And, inexplicably, most of the villains are denied even a strong comeuppance -- the reader just wants to see some of these guys get theirs. (Even the author acknowledges during the final passages that certain romantic events have been a long time coming.)

Entertaining, to be sure, with a few laugh-out-loud moments (although not nearly as funny as other sword-and-sorcery novels, such as "Sir Apropos of Nothing), "Knight Errant" is a fun read that, although long, is worth the investment of time. Here's to hoping that the Mr. Garcia Y Robertson can find the discipline to cut a few of his well-crafted scenes and find the heart of story.

Knight of the Black Rose (Ravenloft Terror of Lord Soth, Vol. 1)

Average customer rating:

The BEST Ravenloft story
Lord Soth as only he could be...
Best ravenloft book I have read
It was kinda a nice book....
One of the best books in this series!

Knight of the Black Rose (Ravenloft Terror of Lord Soth, Vol. 1)
James Lowder
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 1560761563
Release Date: 1991-12-01

Book Description

On the fabled world of Krynn, Lord Soth finally learns that there is a price to pay for his long history of evil deeds, a price even an undead warrior might find horrifying.

Dark powers transport Soth to Barovia, and there the death knight must face the dread minions of Count Strahn Von Zarovich, the vampire lord of the nightmare land. But with only a captive Vistani woman and an untrustworthy ghost for allies, Lord Soth soon discovers that he may have to join forces with the powerful vampire if he is ever to escape the realm of terror.

Knight of the Black Rose is the second in an open-ended series of Gothic horror tales dealing with the masters and monsters of the Ravenloft dark fantasy setting.

Customer Reviews:

The BEST Ravenloft story.......2006-03-07

What is most amazing about this story is that we finally get to see the inner working of Lord Soth's world. It is a scary place compared to his overwhelming presence of evil incarnate in Dragonlance. In Ravenloft, he is a force that even Strahd would cower before, as his vengeance and hate are all consuming.

If you love Dragonlance, read this book for nothing more than the background information on Soth.

If given another chance to stop the cataclysm, would he? What dark temptations do the Lords of Ravenloft have to offer? Read, and you will find the answer.

Lord Soth as only he could be..........2005-08-19

Knight of the Black Rose follows one of Dragonlace's best known villians as he finds himself int he Ravenloft world trying to get out. Those of you familiar with the Dragonlance Chronicles will undoubtedly know the name of Lord Soth the Death Knight. The scene stealer of the Chronicles books.

In this book, Soth has been given a new voice by James Lowder. Lowder proves that he has a knack for darkf antasy with his first Ravenloft novel. Lowder proves he is the perfect writer to write this dark fantasy novel.

There is nothing cliche about this book, in fact it breaks the rules of good vs evil. After all, there is no 'good' guys in the Ravenloft world. There is the bad guys, the the worse guys. It's a very interesting take on the fantasy genre.

Lowder has proved over the past couple years that he is a voice to be listened too. I believe right now he is one of the best kept secrets to the writing world. Once his name gets out his popularity will surely explode. Treat yourself to agripping tale and read this book.

Best ravenloft book I have read.......2004-12-31

I really enjoyed this book. Lord Soth is one of my favorite characters, and this story is well told. All of the other characters are also very good. And the setting is great. If you like Soth and or ravenloft you must read this book.

It was kinda a nice book...........2004-11-23

This book was pretty interesting. It involved a Death Knight (one of the best Villan if you ask me) who is trying to get back to Krynn,the place he is from. He was one of the original Villans of the War, and is looking for the soul of the Dark Knight woman, whose name I forget, and ends up in Baronita. You will love this book if you are just in it for the killing and evil of this guy!

One of the best books in this series!.......2004-02-18

What can I say, the book made me want to keep reading!

Average customer rating:

Engaging, Entirely Unpredictable
Pleasant And Fanciful
Courtly Love!
Good, but not as good as Fool's Tale
engrossing tale

Revenge of the Rose: A Novel
Nicole Galland
Manufacturer: William Morrow
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 006084177X
Release Date: 2006-08-08

Book Description

Welcome to a world of intrigue of the most intriguing kind, where emperors and popes desperately vie for power, even as their subjects and servants engage in behind-the-scenes machinations of their own.

The Holy Roman Empire circa 1200 A.D.

Impoverished young knight Willem of Dole believed he would spend his life in rural Burgundy, struggling to provide for his widowed mother and younger sister, Lienor. And so it's with surprise—and apprehension—that he obeys a summons to the magnificent court of Konrad, Holy Roman Emperor, whose realm spans half of Europe. Willem's mischievous friend Jouglet, Konrad's favorite minstrel, is no doubt behind it somehow . . . but what's in it for Jouglet?

Court life is overwhelming to the idealistic young Willem, who is shocked by the behavior of his fellow knights, for whom chivalry is a mere game. Yet under Jouglet's witty, relentless tutelage, the naïve knight quickly rises in Emperor Konrad's esteem—until suddenly his sister, Lienor, becomes a prospect for the role of Empress. This unexpected elevation of the sibling "nobodies" delights Jouglet, but threatens three powerful—and dangerous—men at the court: the Emperor's brother, Cardinal Paul, who has in mind a different bride for Konrad; the Emperor's uncle, Alphonse, Count of Burgundy, who would keep secret certain things that only Willem can reveal; and most especially the Emperor's own steward Marcus, who is hopelessly in love with Konrad's cousin Imogen. For if Willem's star keeps rising, Imogen will be betrothed to the knight by royal decree—and Willem's star will surely continue to rise, unless Marcus figures out a way to stop it. But that would entail outscheming clever Jouglet, ablest of schemers.

Gossip, secrets, and lies are the fuel of daily life in Konrad's court. As Konrad edges closer to proclaiming Lienor his bride, those around Willem play a perilous game of cat-and-mouse as they attempt to secure their own fortunes, knowing that even the slightest move can shift the playing field entirely. And through it all, Jouglet remains Willem's most maddening yet staunchest ally. But what, really, does Jouglet stand to gain . . . or lose?

Transporting the reader to the brilliant, conniving heart of the largest empire of medieval Europe, Revenge of the Rose is a novel rich in irony and tongue-in-cheek wit, and reveals all the grit and color, politics and passion, of court life in the Holy Roman Empire.

Customer Reviews:

Engaging, Entirely Unpredictable.......2007-09-22

Inspired by a thirteenth-century poem called "Roman de la Rose," "Revenge of the Rose" envelops readers in a thrilling tale of courtly love, political intrigue, and cunning wit. The minstrel Jouglet is a riveting character whose schemes and quick-mind made me laugh out loud, while the main characters of Willem and Lienor provide an irresistible combination of the idealistic knight trying (too hard) to protect his spirited sister from the ways of the world. Galland weaves their stories into an incredibly well-developed, unpredictable plot that will keep you guessing until the very last page. And though the novel feels like historical fiction, I was surprised to learn in the author's notes that the court of Emperor Konrad - where much of the story takes place - did not exist, nor did the personalities and politics around him. As an avid historical fiction reader this revelation truly delighted me, and revealed the depth of Galland's talent. Combining her vivid imagination with a profound knowledge of history she was able to create an entirely new world, filled with characters you wish really existed.

Pleasant And Fanciful.......2007-09-15

I must preface this by stating that I love historical fiction: but fiction based on real people and real events. ROSE is fiction of a fantasy type, while nicely crafted and framed in large by descriptive narrative, it falls short of being a gripping tale of the true historical type.

I could not warm to the idea of a fictional Holy Roman Emperor, but the other characters were well painted and the story is interesting, while the minstrel who is a large character has a secret that could have been further developed into real suspense, she is still front and center for most of the book.

Like much women's fiction, and I class it thusly for its sophmoric style, it explains too much to us as if we have no prior knowledge of the times, and it ends with the pat ending of such tales which is not always realistic.

But then, it never pretends to be other than what it is: a nice light read and a romp.

Courtly Love!.......2007-04-22

This was a lot of fun. It's a silly love story, really, although it is a complicated silly love story set against a backdrop of the court of the Holy Roman Emperor in the thirteenth century. There is delightful interplay between the tenets of courtly love and people--and situations--not being quite what they seem. The prose is clear if not awe-inspiring, and the story is really quite a treat. A great summertime read.

Good, but not as good as Fool's Tale.......2007-02-06

This book was exciting, had good twist and turns, and interesting plot lines, but it was not as good as Fool's Tale. Maybe it was just the subject matter, but I loved the Fool's Tale so much more. Overall this book had no trouble keeping my interest, and it was funny and caught me by surprise a few times.

engrossing tale.......2006-09-05

I liked this book just as much as Galland's "The Fool's Tale." Some of the characters in this novel resemble those in TFT. She captures the medieval flavor of her setting, but uses modern language. It works. She's a great storyteller. This book has chivalrous knights, cynical monarchs, ambiguous court ministers, corrupt clergy, damsels in distress, and a witty gender bender hero/heroine. Great book and highly recommended.

The Inspector's Daughter (Rose Mcquinn Mystery 1) (Rose Mcquinn Mystery 1)

Average customer rating:

The Inspector's Daughter (Rose Mcquinn Mystery 1) (Rose Mcquinn Mystery 1)
Alanna Knight
Manufacturer: Allison & Busby
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0749082038
Release Date: 2006-03-01

Product Description

In a desperate attempt to recover from the loss of her husband and her baby son, Rose McQuinn has returned home to Edinburgh from the American Wild West. It seems that everything has moved on in her absence, including her beloved stepbrother who has found favor at court and moved to London. But Rose has little time to ponder her loneliness before she unwittingly steps into the shoes of her father, the legendary Detective Inspector Faro, by agreeing to investigate the strange behavior of Matthew Bolton, husband to Rose s childhood friend Alice. Alice is convinced Matthew is having an affair but Rose suspects he may have been involved in something much more sinister - the brutal and still unsolved murder of a servant girl. If Rose continues her investigations surely she will break Alice s heart. But she is her father s daughter, and she cannot resist the urge to discover the truth. From her isolated home at the foot of Arthur s Seat and aided by a wild deerhound who has befriended her, Rose starts to piece things together, until she gets too near the truth and puts her own life in danger.

An Orkney Murder (Rose McQuinn Mysteries) (Rose McQuinn Mysteries)

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An Orkney Murder (Rose McQuinn Mysteries) (Rose McQuinn Mysteries)
Alanna Knight
Manufacturer: Allison & Busby LTD
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0749081813
Release Date: 2006-11-29

Product Description

Leaving the grime of Victorian Edinburgh behind her, Rose McQuinn makes a long-anticipated journey to visit her sister Emily who still lives in their childhood home on Orkney. But on those far-flung isles Rose does not find the peace and relaxation she anticipates; instead, events take on an unexpected and sinister twist. The calm pleasure of Rose's holiday is shattered when a body is discovered during an archaeological dig. Far from being that of a 13th century princess, as the archaeologists had hoped, it becomes clear its of a local woman, long presumed drowned but in fact brutally murdered. Rose is in a dilemma as she realizes that she probably knows the identity of the murdered but to reveal it, she will destroy forever the happiness of those closest to her.

Ghost Walk (Rose Mcquinn Mystery) (Rose Mcquinn Mystery)

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Ghost Walk (Rose Mcquinn Mystery) (Rose Mcquinn Mystery)
Alanna Knight
Manufacturer: Allison & Busby
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0749082666
Release Date: 2005-12-29

Product Description

Rose McQuinn, daughter of one of Scotland?s most successful detectives, Chief Inspector Jeremy Faro, followed her heart and married the man of her childhood dreams, Danny McQuinn. However, Danny?s work in Arizona with Pinkerton?s Detective Agency exposed him to many dangerous enemies, and one day he disappeared from Rose?s life altogether. Believing him to be dead and grieving the loss of both her husband and baby son, Rose returned to Scotland in order to start a new life. It is June, 1897 and three years have passed since that tragic period in Rose's life. She has now fulfilled her ambition of becoming a 'Lady Investigator, Discretion Guaranteed' and is about to marry her long-term lover, Detective Inspector Jack Macmerry of the Edinburgh Police. But pre-wedding jitters become the least of her worries when a nun from the local convent claims to have received a letter from Danny. Is the elderly nun just senile, or could Danny really still be alive? In which case, why would he not write to his wife? Unnerved and determined to find out the truth before her wedding, Rose begins to investigate. However, after two suspicious deaths, all the signs suggest that a ghost is about to walk back into her life.

The Tiara Club at Silver Towers 7: Princess Charlotte and the Enchanted Rose (The Tiara Club)

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The Tiara Club at Silver Towers 7: Princess Charlotte and the Enchanted Rose (The Tiara Club)
Vivian French
Manufacturer: HarperTrophy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0061124419
Release Date: 2007-05-22

Book Description

Princess Charlotte's first day at Silver Towers isn't going as planned. She's come to the wrong door, she can't find her friends, and it's starting to rain! Then Charlotte finds a magical rose lying in a puddle. . . .

Knights of the Rose (Dragonlance Warriors, Vol. 5)

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greene is dragonlance status quo...
Good action, great drama
nothing special
Unable to break from previous plot
Not Bad, worth the expense

Knights of the Rose (Dragonlance Warriors, Vol. 5)
Roland Green
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0786905026
Release Date: 1996-06-01

Book Description

The Knights of Solamnia were the greatest order of chivalry in the history of Krynn.

After a knight has achieved the Order of the Crown and the Order of the Sword, he must then begin his training in the virtues of wisdom and justice in order to achieve the Order of the Rose, the highest of all orders.

This is the third tale of Sir Pirvan the Wayward, whose reluctant and inauspicious beginnings bore few clues to his potential as a knight of the highest order. In a time when others of Solamnia had become corrupt and self-serving, Sir Pirvan maintained the dignity of the Order, walking the fine line between personal codes of honor and loyalty, and diplomacy and duty.

Roland J. Green is the author of the Starcruiser Shenandoah and Wandor series and numerous Conan novels, and is coauthor (with Jerr Pournelle) of the Jannisaries series.

The Warriors series details the exploits of the heroes and villains of the War of the Lance.

Customer Reviews:

greene is dragonlance status quo... .......2005-09-09

after reading several novels by greene, and being an avid dragonlance fan, i have to say that he is ok. at some points he gets dull, and long winded. however the stories are entertaining and you develope a certain kinship with the characters. not my favorite dragonlance author, but not too shabby

Good action, great drama.......2003-10-30

Numerous characters, including old favorites (Pirvan, Haimya, Eskaia, Tarothin).

The Knights must save a fortified castle full of civilians living in multiracial harmony from: Obnoxious Elves, and Misguided Knights. Okay, so the plot leaves something to be desired...I'm not even sure why the elves were to be feared, except that they're annoying. But whatever.

There is a giant battle, told in loving detail. There are two kender, on a mission of revenge.

If for no other reason, read it for the kender.

nothing special.......2001-08-30

This book was passable. Nothing impressive. The plot was hardly in a hurry and the characters were not that memorable. One thing I found amusing was how the Solamnics took their families with them on campaign. What an interesting idea. Apparently it's not hard enough to make a decision in battle, you should add familial problems to make it more difficult. That and every scene with the two married couples ended in them having sex. Rather exhausting for them.

Unable to break from previous plot.......2001-02-06

Knights of the Rose appear to follow very much the same plot as the previous book in the series, Knights of the Sword. The premise is that the Istarian expansionist ambitions led it once again to send an army to assert its authority and influence in foreign legions, this time, towards the elves of Silvanesti. Anxious to prevent a military endeavour that would probably cause Istar (further) shame and drag the Knights to a dishonourable campaign, Sir Marod despatch Sir Pirvan & Company (this time, accompanied not just by his wife Haimya, but also his son & daughter as well as protegé Darin). Along the way, he won the confidence of the Plainsmen, known as the Free Riders. Finally, Pirvan reached Belthukas, a sanctuary for all races, led by a couple of half-elven rangers and their daughter Ryth. Belthukas was to be THE meeting point of all forces as the Silvanesti elves send a delegation there to parley with the tax-collectors from Istar (in the form of mercenary companies and Istarian regulars and another delegation of Knights led by Sir Lewin, another disciple of Sir Marod).

Like Knights of the Sword, it becomes a tightrope situation for Pirvan who had to steer the situation from escalating into a full-blown all-out war. Greedy and ambitious mercenaries, anxious to make a name for themselves and win credit for Istar preferred to force conflicts against outnumbered entrenched local defenders. Pirvan had to defend Belkuthas as best as he can, keep them surviving until cooler heads can prevail.

Noteworthy of the author is that the detailing of the journey which added interest in the earlier books were skipped over, avoiding the tedium it would become had it been included in this book. More attention also given to new supporting characters and the stage is set in a totally different location - no eventful maritime voyages!

What went wrong with this book is that the author opened up a lot of possibilities: romances among the youngsters, titanic battle of the arcane arts between wizards, elven racial prejudices and political intrigues back in Istar (or civilisation). Also, nothing was mentioned with regards to Sirbones being more than familiar to Darin and Pirvan & Co from the previous book.

Sir Marod and Sir Lewin who played important (but short) roles were not properly fleshed out. The enigmatic behaviours of the lord of Belkuthas, Krythis and the elven ranger Tharash were not explained at all, leaving a strong sense of dissatisfaction.

Last but not least, the slightest detail regarding the political resolution at Istar which culminated with the resignation of the Istarian commander and elevation of Sir Pirvan to Knight of the Rose is completely left out (given the title of the book, it should be no spoiler) - the same brickbat for Knights of the Sword.

Roland Green had simply left too many things in between unaccounted for.

Not Bad, worth the expense.......2000-10-24

If you have read the first to book, go ahead and buy this one. The story of Pervin is okay. This is not an unique story. it won't leave you astounded at Mr. Green's writing ability, but I don't believe you will feel you have wasted your money either.

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