This writing duo of Terri Beckett and Chris Power has written an excellent medieval romance. There are so many characters of note in this novel, each one adding another dimension that puts extra spice, humor or heroism into the tale. Regan and Leofric are each strong individuals who care for those under their thatched roof better than many landholders in their time. Lucca and Godwine provide much humor as the hardy knight is lovingly manipulated by his wife into doing the right thing. Dafydd, bard and Welshman in the land of the Saxons, finds Edwina and his world starts to change. His lover and Leofric, who is nothing like he has been brainwashed to believe, make him examine the realities of the people he is seeing. Over and over he sees that what he has been taught might not be true and gains more respect for the Saxons who befriend him. Hilde, Leofric’s domineering mother, is quite a contrast to Regan’s parents who wanted her to learn everything she could to survive in a dangerous world no matter what her gender.

This tale evokes so many emotions. Many times it’s a headshaking feeling of gratitude that we don’t live in those violent times. Sometimes it’s awe that these people can do so much with so little and still feel joy.. Quite often it’s just respect for this writing duo who has penned such a great tale. There’s plenty of action and great dialogue to keep the story moving. There are villains who won’t take no for an answer and those determined to rob and pillage just because the two groups of people living on this border are different. It was a hard book to put down, keeping my interest from first page to last.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Very sensual

Reviewer: Dee Dailey
July 14, 2008