Rating: 
Summary: I expected better
Review: Having read other Catherine Coulter novels, I expected this to be along her usual level of excellence. I was wrong. In the introduction she states this isn't a rewrite of the novel, just putting it in different clothes -- she should have done some rewriting! The characterization leaves much to be desired, the hero or heroine don't inspire any empathy, the writing at times feels emotionless (her complete lack of emotional punctuation, such as exclamation points, is an excellent example) and the dialogue is clipped and underdeveloped. While the idea behind the story is good, the actual story itself is not up to Coulter's standards.
Rating:
Summary: I expected better
Review: Having read other Catherine Coulter novels, I expected this to be along her usual level of excellence. I was wrong. In the introduction she states this isn't a rewrite of the novel, just putting it in different clothes -- she should have done some rewriting! The characterization leaves much to be desired, the hero or heroine don't inspire any empathy, the writing at times feels emotionless (her complete lack of emotional punctuation, such as exclamation points, is an excellent example) and the dialogue is clipped and underdeveloped. While the idea behind the story is good, the actual story itself is not up to Coulter's standards.
Rating:
Summary: Definitely not one of her better books
Review: I can always tell when I am reading one of Catherine Coulter's earlier works. I started reading her books with her later work and thought I'd enjoy her earlier stuff, too. Boy, was I wrong. Apparently, at this point in her life, Catherine Coulter was much too influenced by the genre common to so many of the 70's and 80's romances. She would have us believe that, after being raped repeatedly by Magnus, Zarabeth would feel anything tender for him? For 2/3's of the novel, Magnus treats Zarabeth with contempt and barely controlled rage and we are supposed to believe that this is conducive to inspiring love and faith in him? Not likely.Also, I know that Catherine Coulter's writing style today is much, much better, but I have to say that the dialogues in Season of the Sun were clipped and the character developement was horrible, with much left to the reader to fill in.
Rating:
Summary: Definitely not one of her better books
Review: I can always tell when I am reading one of Catherine Coulter's earlier works. I started reading her books with her later work and thought I'd enjoy her earlier stuff, too. Boy, was I wrong. Apparently, at this point in her life, Catherine Coulter was much too influenced by the genre common to so many of the 70's and 80's romances. She would have us believe that, after being raped repeatedly by Magnus, Zarabeth would feel anything tender for him? For 2/3's of the novel, Magnus treats Zarabeth with contempt and barely controlled rage and we are supposed to believe that this is conducive to inspiring love and faith in him? Not likely. Also, I know that Catherine Coulter's writing style today is much, much better, but I have to say that the dialogues in Season of the Sun were clipped and the character developement was horrible, with much left to the reader to fill in.
Rating: 
Summary: I did not hate it!
Review: I have been really hesitant about reading any more Coulter books since the last were such disappointments, i.e. Nightingale Legacy and Midsummer Magic. The only reason I even bothered to pick this one up is that I actually enjoyed the Viking trilogy and wanted to read another Norse story. The storyline of Season of the Sun is engaging, and for once the hero is not a total bastard (even though the female is somewhat brainless). You really cannot expect too much from Coulter's historical romances in the way of witty dialogue; it usually goes something like this. Heroine, "I don't like you." Hero, "I can beat you, you know." For once, Coulter skips much of the dialogue and just has the characters run around and interact, this is an improvement! Although I am starting to rethink that third star, this book is good enough for thoughtless entertainment.
Rating:
Summary: I did not hate it!
Review: I have been really hesitant about reading any more Coulter books since the last were such disappointments, i.e. Nightingale Legacy and Midsummer Magic. The only reason I even bothered to pick this one up is that I actually enjoyed the Viking trilogy and wanted to read another Norse story. The storyline of Season of the Sun is engaging, and for once the hero is not a total bastard (even though the female is somewhat brainless). You really cannot expect too much from Coulter's historical romances in the way of witty dialogue; it usually goes something like this. Heroine, "I don't like you." Hero, "I can beat you, you know." For once, Coulter skips much of the dialogue and just has the characters run around and interact, this is an improvement! Although I am starting to rethink that third star, this book is good enough for thoughtless entertainment.
Rating: 
Summary: Not Catherine's best book
Review: I love Catherine Coulter books but this one was disappointing at best. The formula for the book which involves female slavery has been used over and over in historical romances but this plot fails where many others succeed. Mainly because Magnus is such a [jerk] throughout the whole story, he never stops being cruel long enough to make this a good romance novel. If you want a good Coulter book read her bride triology but skip this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Fan of Catherine Coulter
Review: I was hesistant in buying this book, but am now glad that I did! Both characters are strong minded and endure a lot,espically Zarabeth. Just about every woman she comes in contact with hates her for her looks and spirite. The realationship between Magnus & Zarabeth is very intense; but, before they are able to come full circle, there are a lot of hurdles they must jump. At some points, the book will keep you on edge; from being kidnapped to being accused of murder. This book had me laughing and crying.
Rating: 
Summary: From the Publisher + My thoughts
Review: My Thoughts on The Book: This was the 2nd Coulter novel I read, the first being the Lord of Hawkfell. I enjoyed it tremendously, it was a storyline full of misinterepreted and misunderstood action, hardship and happiness. The lead character of Magnus is as masculine and strong as he is gentle. I also like the fact that they simply didn't just fall in bed together and live happily ever after, nothing goes well at first and they really have to work at their relationship. Excellent!
Rating:
Summary: Violent.
Review: Not long ago, I watched a special on " PBS " viewing the Viking onslaught into new territories, taking into account the tales of violence, plunder, and rape. Similar facts must have helped Catherine Coulter write this book. This novel may entice the reader's interest, but it is a violent story. The male lead, Magnus Haraldsson, is a rugged, handsome Viking. On a trading mission to York, Haraldsson encounters a beautiful, statuesque, redhead known as Zarabeth and the warrior wants her! And Zarabeth wants him! Now the issue, Catherine Coulter may have written a book but she didn't fill it with romance. Zarabeth has the "smarts" of a turnip; easily her lustful stepfather manipulates her. Sorrowfully Zarabeth rejects the marriage offer made by her dashing Viking warrior. With revenge and hatred, a subdued Magnus buys Zarabeth for his slave. Sadly, Zarabeth realizes Magnus Haraldsson has changed . . . . --- "Zarabeth . . . I am going to take you, and I don't wish you to fight me" . . . He gritted his teeth . . . her eyes were no longer vague . . . there was only fear now, and he smiled . . . "Now, hold still" . . . he felt her fists pounding at his chest . . . but he didn't stop . . . she was crying." - - - This is rape. Catherine Coulter has truly written a disturbing story. They published the edition I read in 1991 and the story followed the same guidelines all romance novels of the era seemed to follow. Thank you authors for moving forward into today's style -- stories showing flexible storylines -- characters existing on equal playing fields. Grace Atkinson, Ontario - Canada.
|
