Review: Deserving of at least four stars, plus one to counter...
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 9, 2014
It was with much interest that I perused the one-star reviews here. Most were given because of the rape issues--yes, spoiler alert, there are issues of rape in this book--and/or this doesn't suit these readers/reviewers modern sensibilities. These folks don't seem to realize that, yes, women (living, wounded, and sometimes dead) are often raped during/as an aftermath of battle, both in olden and current times (though hopefully less common now, current U.S. DOD figures would say otherwise). In the fourth-sixth centuries, for that matter in the centuries before and after these times, brows would not have risen if an adherent of a king took an adolescent (of either gender) as a bed slave. Even if he murdered them, in series, it is doubtful any consequences would have arisen. People were things to others, especially conquerors. Personally, when I read a historical, I do so knowing that my modern sensibilities should be set aside; we have different morals and mores now.Someone else made the claim that one who had been raped would never again enjoy sex; what a fallacy! There are many ways of dealing with rape and refusing to allow the experience to rule one's life is one of them. I speak, or write, from experience in this matter. Oh, and for the record, the male lead doesn't rape the female lead.Next, one reviewer mentioned that the era was past the age of metals, saying that flint arrows would not be used. I do not recall this, but will concede that they may be used in the book. Having said that, just because metal was in use, and far superior, does not mean that flint was no longer used, especially in metal-poor areas, and by those less wealthy, those without either the funds to purchase them nor the tools/tech needed to work metals. Flint, and tools to work it, are pretty much the free. Nor do I remember squash being eaten; I will agree about the use of this name 'Ryan' as it did cause me to do a double take, as did stirrups (not in Europe until the middle ages) and the use of a sidesaddle (first seen in the 14th century). Perhaps I am mellowing with age as these did not cause a suspension of disbelief, but rather mental note.For the record: the male lead (Leodegrance) does not rape the female protagonist (Elsbeth), which is rather the point. He must woo her or not have her at all, as a point of honor (he promised, and she holds him to this). I found the dialogue to be adult, intelligent, and coherent, refreshingly so. Elsbeth is educated and a person of depth; she, too, has honor and integrity. She doesn't like being attracted to him, nor to being aroused, but she is honest with herself about it. I found the story to be compelling and realistic. The child's enslavement is a source of anger, pain, and grief for Elsbeth, as well as being an important part of the storyline; not only does it provide some of the conflict that helps the story move, but eventually it's aftermath provides grist for a further story.This is not a historical romance; it is not strictly historical, either; rather it contains elements of both these things (more strongly historical), as well as a hint of fantasy, though it contains no magic. I found this a compelling and interesting read. I look forward to her sequel. Since I can't give it four and a half, I give it five stars.