The Lion Triumphant (Isis Series)

Rating:
Summary: An Elizabethan Beatrice and Benedict
Review: 'The Lion Triumphant' was the second volume in the so-called 'Daughters of England' series by this author. Philippa Carr was one of the pseudonyms of Eleanor Burford Hibbert (who was also known as Jean Plaidy and Victoria Holt). As Philippa Carr she intended to give her readers an engrossing story with compelling characters which they could love or hate, while still providing an accurate historical background. 'The Daughters of England' series related the lives, joys and tragedies of a fictional English family, which ranged from the reign of Henry VIII to the early twentieth century. Each volume in this series is told by a daughter of this family.

In 'The Lion Triumphant' which starts with the accession to the throne of Elizabeth I as queen, we meet fiery and strong-willed Catharine, daughter of Damask Farland (the heroine of the first book in this series 'The Miracle at St. Bruno's') and Bruno Kingsman. An encounter with the equally strong-willed sea captain Jake Pennlyon on the Hoe at Plymouth will change her life dramatically and connect it forever with Jake's. As for the story itself, I will leave at that. I have read several volumes of this series, but 'The Lion Triumphant' has always been very dear to my heart.

The reason why 'The Lion Triumphant' is so special to me, is because of its unforgettable, main characters: Catharine and Jake. Their mutual scenes sparkle and right from the first page Ms. Carr drew me into the story. Both Catharine and Jake are very strong-willed and hot tempered. They spar, bicker and fight as this is essential to their relationship. They are like Beatrice and Benedict, the sparring partners of Shakespeare's 'Much Ado About Nothing'. Catharine and Jake are drawn with insight and depth, with their flaws and strengths. And to this reader they became very dear. Other interesting characters are: Catharine's mother, Damask, her first husband, Don Felipe Gonzales, Honey (Damask's adopted daughter), Roberto, Linnet and Catharine's maid the indestructible Jennet.

The family relationships of this series are rather complicated. I definitely appreciated the genealogical chart which would appear in later volumes. Anyway I recommend 'The Lion Triumphant' very warmly!

by stardustraven

Rating:
Summary: Historical Romance
Review: Against the backdrop of Elizabethan England is spun this engrossing story of the stormy loves and dangerous advertures of beautiful Catharine, called Cat. When fiery-tempered Cat meets arrogant, lusty Captain Jake Pennlyon, she is both attracted and infuriated by him. But Jake is determined to marry her and blackmails her into agreeing to a betrothal. Soon after she is kidnapped by a band of Spanish pirates and delivered into the hands of Don Felipe, Governor of the Canary Islands. Cat is certain she has seen the last of Jake Pennlyon, but she find herself the helpless victim of Don Felipe's revenge against him. Cat is not one to give up. Not ever!!

Rating:
Summary: Historical Romance
Review: Against the backdrop of Elizabethan England is spun this engrossing story of the stormy loves and dangerous advertures of beautiful Catharine, called Cat. When fiery-tempered Cat meets arrogant, lusty Captain Jake Pennlyon, she is both attracted and infuriated by him. But Jake is determined to marry her and blackmails her into agreeing to a betrothal. Soon after she is kidnapped by a band of Spanish pirates and delivered into the hands of Don Felipe, Governor of the Canary Islands. Cat is certain she has seen the last of Jake Pennlyon, but she find herself the helpless victim of Don Felipe's revenge against him. Cat is not one to give up. Not ever!!