The Rose and the Warrior

Rating:
Summary: A provocative tale on many levels
Review: The Rose and The Warrior delivers everything I've come to expect from Karyn Monk: a vividly colourful cast of characters - painted boldly through selections of revealing dialogue (in this book, more often uproariously hilarious!) The rollicking action takes place on a stage-set so rich with fascinating historical detail and sensual description: shades of light, wafting scents, that all of your senses will be engaged. This surface layer of visuals and fast-paced action- provides, as always, a really good hot-blooded story; an easy and stimulating read; a book hard to put down.

But it is later, perhaps days or weeks after the little paperback has been buried under newspapers and other bedside reading material, that the deeper, more serious and provocative images stirred up by Monk's writing, surface - and bother us. The Rose and The Warrior presses on bruises, felt by most of us - and for me, these soft sores centre around irretrievable loss and the fleetingness of precious moments in our lives.

Have you ever spent years loving and cherishing a young child - your own or a close friend or relative's - time passes, and then one day you're startled and deeply deeply saddened to find that the special joyous dancing light has vanished from their once childish eyes? Something indescribably precious has been lost. Gone forever is the essence of the child you once knew. Monk's stories almost always speak to us of this poignant loss- heightened by the dramatic and tragic lives most of her characters have endured. It is a reminder of the truly fleeting nature of so much of our lives - youthful trust and optimism can vanish, beauty too - and so it is a reminder to cherish and indulge in these gifts while they last. Makes me think of the Robert Herrick poem: To the Virgins to Make Much of Time: "Gather ye rosebuds while ye may - Old Time is still a-flying - And this same flower that smiles today - To-morrow will be dying.... That age is best - Which is the first - When youth and blood are warmer...Then be not coy, but use your time - And while ye may, go marry- For having lost but once your prime - You may for ever tarry". It is easy to imagine that this sentiment would be strong for the characters in Monk's book set in the middle ages in Scotland, when death and dismemberment by sword were never too remote a possibility! The overwhelming need that the young Scottish heroine has to release her soul and body in absolute ecstasy to the battle-weary, wizened, (and of course, very handsome) hero, despite his enemy status, thus needs no explanation. But even this idealized - almost spiritual - lovemaking between very young Melantha and middle-aged Roarke, can provoke a wistful sadness in the reader if, for example, you are a woman no longer very young-bodied, and silken-skinned and can now only fantasize about offering your middle-aged husband such exquisite pleasures as discovering afresh a much younger version of yourself!

The Rose and the Warrior inadvertently reminds us of these inevitable losses of aging, - and yet against this melancholy reminder of reality- there is plenty to inspire: E.g.,, the heartbreaking dignity and bravery of one who faces a grotesque public execution and knowing that a young brother will be forced to watch, fights to appear serene, denying terror, for his sake. This is the real glory of love; the triumph of a courageous spirit over pain and fear- and it is one of the powerfully inspiring images we are left with.

There are images of horror that don't fade easily: having to watch your father being violently butchered; looking into his eyes as he watches you being carted off by the enemy, almost certainly to be raped. It forces us to think about the modern day victims of such atrocities; victims of wars. Karyn Monk also leaves us with nagging moral and philosophical questions: e.g., is it ever honorable to steal, even to kill? When our families and loved ones are on the verge of starving? Think of Tolstoy's essay, "What Then Must We Do?"

I encourage everyone to pick up a copy of The Rose and The Warrior, - it is so worthwhile on so many levels. The initial reading is fast, funny - even slapstick -so it's effortless to get through- and yet the underlying themes and issues are of timeless relevance and the provocative images are not easily forgotten.

Rating:
Summary: Another Enjoyable Reading Experience!
Review: The third book of the Scottish Trilogy is definitely the best. The bumbling McKillons are funny and pathetic, but warm and endearing. Roarke is a great hero and Melantha is extremely well drawn. My one complaint is that the book should have been twice as long to allow for more adventures. I can't wait until the next one!

Rating:
Summary: Delightful
Review: This is my third book of Karyn Monk and I say, she does have the talent to captivate her readers. She's gifted with words to open your mind and soars your heart.

As usual, like every other books of Karyn Monk that I have read, her characters are always well defined. Tired, battle-scarred Roarke and the capable, courageous Melantha are both very interesting couple. In my opinion, there is no lacking in character description or development. You will see through them and will have different views of what they are and what they've been through. However, I did wish they would spent more time together to develop their relationship or their love for each other. I guess base on their circumstances, it is essential to create it as it is...that's just a small niggle on my part. This is not a simply love story book, there is lots of dishonorable acts yet with reasons you can comprehend as u read through it. I did feel sad reading what Melantha have been through in her short life...the McKillon's hardship especially the hungry children squeezed my heart. It'll make u despise the over-bearing and the selfish McTiers but then again, it's all part of the "war", part of what it use to be. Sadly, the weak becomes weaker while the strong becomes stronger. Ms. Monk words will also make u see the viewpoint of a warrior who have attacked clans for their own advantage. A warrior who swore fealty to his Laird and simply follow orders without really looking into the circumstances until he was force to see it firsthand...it's truly heart warming. The situation and the conflicts of this book is very well written. It will involved you thorougly! I also enjoyed the secondary characters immensely. They are definitely a comical spice to this book. No doubt, the "elders" will truly bring smile to your face. I also love Roarke's warrior friends, Eric, Myles and Donald. I wonder if Ms. Monk will write a book for Donald. I may have rated this book a 4 stars but overall, this book is once again a delightful read.

Rating:
Summary: Delightful
Review: This is my third book of Karyn Monk and I say, she does have the talent to captivate her readers. She's gifted with words to open your mind and soars your heart.

As usual, like every other books of Karyn Monk that I have read, her characters are always well defined. Tired, battle-scarred Roarke and the capable, courageous Melantha are both very interesting couple. In my opinion, there is no lacking in character description or development. You will see through them and will have different views of what they are and what they've been through. However, I did wish they would spent more time together to develop their relationship or their love for each other. I guess base on their circumstances, it is essential to create it as it is...that's just a small niggle on my part. This is not a simply love story book, there is lots of dishonorable acts yet with reasons you can comprehend as u read through it. I did feel sad reading what Melantha have been through in her short life...the McKillon's hardship especially the hungry children squeezed my heart. It'll make u despise the over-bearing and the selfish McTiers but then again, it's all part of the "war", part of what it use to be. Sadly, the weak becomes weaker while the strong becomes stronger. Ms. Monk words will also make u see the viewpoint of a warrior who have attacked clans for their own advantage. A warrior who swore fealty to his Laird and simply follow orders without really looking into the circumstances until he was force to see it firsthand...it's truly heart warming. The situation and the conflicts of this book is very well written. It will involved you thorougly! I also enjoyed the secondary characters immensely. They are definitely a comical spice to this book. No doubt, the "elders" will truly bring smile to your face. I also love Roarke's warrior friends, Eric, Myles and Donald. I wonder if Ms. Monk will write a book for Donald. I may have rated this book a 4 stars but overall, this book is once again a delightful read.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: This story was thoroughly entertaining! Roarke as the weary warrior who comes to understand the devastation he has caused in his 20 yrs of fighting. Melantha who has lost so many to war, yet finds herself drawn to a warrior (an enemy one). Roarke and Melantha are terrific characters, BUT I loved the MacKillions! Absent-minded Laid MacKillion, Thor the ancient council member constantly threatening to " grind the enemies bones to dust to make bread.", Magnus the old warrior who accidentally shoots Roarke in the bum and then can't stop bragging about it! They are wonderful! You can see how Roarke and his men come to care for them and want to protect them, even from their own clan the MacTiers. These characters are warm and funny. They ALL grow just from having been part of each others lives. Roarke and Melantha are both respected, strong leaders, yet unsure in love. A witty and wonderful tale! KCS

Rating:
Summary: Medieval novel of passion, comedy, suspense, intrigue, hope.
Review: When a band of invincible Mac Tier warriors ride out to capture "The Falcon," fate plays a dirty trick on them. A giant net thrown falls upon and restrains three of the brutish Mac Tiers, while an arrow in the arse fells Roarke, their fearless leader. Stunned that they have been overcome, the Mac Tiers think nothing can be more farfetched than their capture--until they see the face of that mysterious thief, The Falcon. After seeing her clan fall to ruin and losing her father at the hand of the despicable MacTiers, Melantha vows to protect her clan and family from any further torment. The key to that end, she believes, will be achieved through her Mac Tier captives. Surely, the Laird Mac Tier will give in to her demands in order to secure the safe return of his warriors -- in exchange for a small ransom of gold that she can use to buy protection for her clan. Although labeled hostages, the Mac Tier warriors find the MacKillons to be a charming, hospitable bunch. The kindness and generosity of their good-hearted captors soon warms the hearts of the arrogant warriors and causes them to question their loyalty to their own clan. Roarke Mac Tier once had a passion for battle, but after living amongst his enemies, he quickly loses his taste for it. Soon, he can think of nothing else but the beautiful emerald-eyed Melantha. Melantha, on the other hand, has no use for the lying, cheating, murdering MacTiers and tries to deny what is fast becoming her heart's desire. Can love ever grow in a barren path of death and destruction? The Rose And The Warrior is an absolutely delightful read, with an inspiring hero and heroine, and an enchanting cast of characters.With her gifted pen, Karyn Monk provides passion, medieval flavor, comedy, suspense, intrigue and hope, all the necessary ingredients for a memorable read. I highly recommend this book, as well as Witch And The Warrior, to anyone who wants to enjoy what they read. I look forward to reading her other books, Surrender To A Stranger and Once A Warrior.

Lynne Remick, Reviewer

Rating:
Summary: Medieval novel of passion, comedy, suspense, intrigue, hope.
Review: When a band of invincible Mac Tier warriors ride out to capture "The Falcon," fate plays a dirty trick on them. A giant net thrown falls upon and restrains three of the brutish Mac Tiers, while an arrow in the arse fells Roarke, their fearless leader. Stunned that they have been overcome, the Mac Tiers think nothing can be more farfetched than their capture--until they see the face of that mysterious thief, The Falcon. After seeing her clan fall to ruin and losing her father at the hand of the despicable MacTiers, Melantha vows to protect her clan and family from any further torment. The key to that end, she believes, will be achieved through her Mac Tier captives. Surely, the Laird Mac Tier will give in to her demands in order to secure the safe return of his warriors -- in exchange for a small ransom of gold that she can use to buy protection for her clan. Although labeled hostages, the Mac Tier warriors find the MacKillons to be a charming, hospitable bunch. The kindness and generosity of their good-hearted captors soon warms the hearts of the arrogant warriors and causes them to question their loyalty to their own clan. Roarke Mac Tier once had a passion for battle, but after living amongst his enemies, he quickly loses his taste for it. Soon, he can think of nothing else but the beautiful emerald-eyed Melantha. Melantha, on the other hand, has no use for the lying, cheating, murdering MacTiers and tries to deny what is fast becoming her heart's desire. Can love ever grow in a barren path of death and destruction? The Rose And The Warrior is an absolutely delightful read, with an inspiring hero and heroine, and an enchanting cast of characters.With her gifted pen, Karyn Monk provides passion, medieval flavor, comedy, suspense, intrigue and hope, all the necessary ingredients for a memorable read. I highly recommend this book, as well as Witch And The Warrior, to anyone who wants to enjoy what they read. I look forward to reading her other books, Surrender To A Stranger and Once A Warrior.

Lynne Remick, Reviewer