Review: A slow change from merciless to merciful
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 11 15, 2012
I must say this was very hard to read the first time, since it graphically described the brutal and merciless seige of Pelinom Castle.  Kellington became a valuable prisoner in her own castle after Ajax sent her father to another castle.  During this time Jax (Ajax) becomes attracted to Kellington and slowly takes the time to listen to her subtle preaching of compassion and mercy when it goes against everything he has been taught and trained to do, which is why he is so greatly feared in four countries. Throughout the book she teaches him to not kill men who are simply defending what was theirs in the first place.  He never negotiated in his life - he just took what he wanted and without mercy.This was a love story that worked a slow but steady pace from beginning to end. Jax needed Kellington for her calm reasoning.  She showed him patience and tenderness, and in turn he responded - much to the great confusion and consternation of his generals and enemies. I admit it was hard to see the tiny spark of humanity in him, but she saw it, and this slowly worked its way to being a great love story.According to some of the reviews on this book not everyone agrees. I had to read it a second time and when you look past the brutality of the beginning you could see how Ajax came to love her and did honorable things to make her happy.  I absolutely loved the book after reading twice, and it was then that I finally got what the author meant for us to see.  (Please read the author's notes at the end of this story)The best scene was when Kellington was allowed to see Jax when he came to retrieve her from Alnwick Castle.  She ran to him and he fiercely hugged her to himself.  No one on both sides could deny that he didn't have any feelings for her.  It was at that point that I truly thought it a great love story.