The Falcons of Montabard

Rating:
Summary: strong early twelfth century Holy Land novel
Review: In 1120, King Henry's men beat up Sabin FitzSimon for insulting His Royal Highness by having a tryst with Lora, the regally current favorite. Sabin's bruises are nothing compared to Lora being killed since she has no noble kin protecting her like the illegitimate Sabin has. Anticipating repercussions, his aristocratic family arranges for Sabin to go on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Believing he should have died instead of the innocent Lora as he caused the incident, Sabin agrees.

Reluctantly Scottish warrior Edmund Strongfist allows Sabin to join his group that includes his convent "educated" daughter Annais on a trek to Outremer (Israel). Strongfist knows of Saban's unsavory reputation with women and warns him to stay away from his daughter or die. Still feeling culpability over Lora's death, Sabin tries to stay away from the pretty innocent, but admits to himself he is very attracted to her. Annais is fascinated with Sabin's dark reputation and womanizing scandals, but both keep their wary distance until they reach their dangerous destination and begin to fall in love as they need each other to survive

This is a strong tale that brings to life the early twelfth century Holy Land though the novel also contains a powerful romantic subplot that uses historical events to further the relationship between the lead characters. The key to the story line is the secondary players with various backgrounds that enable the audience to obtain a complete vivid picture of a place almost nine centuries ago. The changing relationship between Sabin and Annais is brilliantly handled with this incredible historical panorama so historical fiction and medieval romance fans gain a terrific epic.

Harriet Klausner


Rating:
Summary: It's hard to stay away
Review: In THE FALCONS OF MONTABARD, medieval history comes alive. Sabin Fitzsimon, born the illegitimate son of an earl, developed a reputation early on for his dalliances and conquests. Caught literally with his pants down dealing with the king's favorite mistress, Sabin was beaten severely and left for dead by the king's soldiers. Later when the king's mistress is found dead, he blames himself for her death. Sabin is given a new lease on life and a chance to redeem himself when Sir Edmond Strongfist asks him to accompany them on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, where he intends to offer his sword and services to the king of Jerusalem. His only concern and request is that Sabin stay away from his covenant-raised daughter, Annais. It shouldn't be a problem except that Annais is very beautiful and has more spunk than most men. Annais is also intrigued by Sabin's reputation and good looks.

Once in the Holy Land, Sabin works hard to restore his reputation, but meets resistance at every turn. He agreed to stay away from Annais, but Sir Edmond's new wife, Mariamne is another story. She is not playing heed to any such instructions. She intends to have him at any cost and what results is Sabin being sent away again, but this time in service to Annais and her husband, Gerbert, as they travel to Montabard. The politics of the Holy Land will have them all caught up in the maelstrom of war and change that will bring Sabin and Annais a lot closer than Strongfist would ever have imagined.

Elizabeth Chadwick is indeed a master storyteller. She weaved an interesting love story around the medieval times that included a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. With her command of the scenery and the history, I found myself truly caught up in this story from start to finish. The character development was so good that the supporting characters were just as interesting as the primary ones. Those of you that are historical romantic buffs, this is an author worth checking out.

Reviewed by Brenda M. Lisbon
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers


Rating:
Summary: Simply a Good Read
Review: Sabin FitzSimon has a reputation for trouble, but when he seduces one of the King's mistresses not even his fighting skills can save him from the King's soldiers. When he returns to England from abroad he is given the chance to rebuild his career and salvage his reputation. The knight Edmund Strongfist is leaving for the Holy Land and Sabin leaves with him and his daughter.
Just a taste, read the rest yourself.
When I read Elizabeth Chadwick's books I always wonder as a man whether I really should be, as they could be construed as love stories. But she has such a feel for the period (twelfth century), a part of history I am particularly fond of that I cannot put them down.