Review: A tale that will captivate you.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 21, 2014
Read on February 21, 2014Book Infoebook, 0 pagesPublished April 8th 2010 by Cerridwen Press (first published August 1st 2000)ISBN 141992379X (ISBN13: 9781419923791)URLother editions (3)Source: Ecopy from authorBook Buy LinksAMAZONB&N;BOOK SYNOPSISHe is Arthur's man. His duty is his life. She fears and mistrusts him. The only way they will survive is to work together.Britain, 469 A.D.: Shortly after the Roman legions returned to Rome, leaving Britain open to Saxon attacks, Diana's abusive parents die during a Saxon raid on their villa farm, the same day her brother takes most of the male slaves and servants to join the rebel Celt, Arthur.Diana, who no longer trusts anyone, must find a way for the women in her household to survive after the enemy has stolen everything. They struggle to eke out a living from the meager provisions remaining.Alaric, proud Celtic warrior and trusted lieutenant to the upstart British leader, Arthur, has been sent by him to establish and maintain a line of signal beacons -- one of which must be built on a strategic hill on Diana's property.His mission is critical to the security of Britain. Alaric must overcome his hatred of Romans if he is to fulfill Arthur's ambitions in the north. He forces Diana to agree in return for the protection of Alaric and his men. Diana is pulled into a deadly political net, when Roman British enemies, including the Bishop of Eboracum, take exception to her new Celtic allies.A haunting tale of two lives touched by the coming of King Arthur, and two hearts and souls struggling to come together against odds as great as those against Britain itself. Only together will they survive, or else be sundered...forever.Diana by the Moon is part of the Jewels of Tomorrow seriesReader Advisory: This book contains references to rape in war.Publisher’s Note: This book was previously published elsewhere.My ThoughtsIn the times after the Roman legions withdrew from Britain the invasions of Saxon hordes caused the loss of life of many. Diana and the inhabitants of her families villa are some of the casualties of war. Even though she and other womenfolk survived the consequences of losing the menfolk whose labour provided for their families means privation and hardships heretofore unknown.Diana herself lost her parents, older sister and brother-in-law during a Saxon raid and this thrusts a once shy retiring young woman into the role of head of house and responsible for the welfare of all those who were left alive by the raiders. Having taken on the task of providing for those in her care Diana has finally found the purpose for her life that she thought had passed her by, however by Roman law an unmarried female cannot possess nor manage property and this becomes a dilemma in her future.Alaric is first and foremost a soldier, so when he finds himself having to negotiate a way which is acceptable to both Diana and himself that allows him to carry out his mission he is at first angered. However as time goes on and he becomes aware of the dire straits that Diana and her people face from lack of provisions to carry them through the winter his attitude changes and he enlists his men to add their labors to helping ease the burden as well as fortify the villas defenses.Over time the daily interactions of Alaric and Diana draw them closer, their alliance becomes even more pressing when a mutual enemy tries to force Diana into an unlikely marriage. Their story is one of sacrifice, courage, loyalty and ultimately a love that erases boundaries of culture and upbringing providing hope for a better future for themselves and those who followed in their footsteps.Like other well researched historical romances this one relies heavily on events that are common to the time period and add flavor as well as realism to the story constructed around it’s characters. My favorite legends are those of King Arthur so this was a great addition to showcase the man’s ability to inspire loyalty as well as his grand vision to unite the peoples of Britain.A sweeping saga that combines bits of the legend of King Arthur and a love affair that heralds a new regime for the people of opposing cultures. Filled with suspense as well as darker subject matters this tale rings true and was a pleasure to read from start to finish![Ecopy from author in exchange for honest review]