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From Brittany's misty shores to the decadent splendor of Paris's royal court, one woman must fulfill her destiny while facing the treacherous designs of Catherine de Medici, the dark queen.She is Ariane, the Lady of Faire Isle, one of the Cheney sisters, renowned for their mystical skills and for keeping the isle secure and prosperous. But this is a time when women of abi From Brittany's misty shores to the decadent splendor of Paris's royal court, one woman must fulfill her destiny while facing the treacherous designs of Catherine de Medici, the dark queen.She is Ariane, the Lady of Faire Isle, one of the Cheney sisters, renowned for their mystical skills and for keeping the isle secure and prosperous. But this is a time when women of ability are deemed sorceresses, when Renaissance France is torn by ruthless political intrigues, and all are held in thrall to the sinister ambitions of Queen Catherine de Medici. Then a wounded stranger arrives on Faire Isle, bearing a secret the Dark Queen will do everything in her power to possess.
The only person Ariane can turn to is the comte de Renard, a nobleman with fiery determination and a past as mysterious as his own unusual gifts.Riveting, vibrant, and breathtaking, The Dark Queen follows Ariane and Renard as they risk everything to prevent the fulfillment of a dreadful prophecy even if they must tempt fate and their own passions. What I expected from this book:I fairly historical account of court life surrounding Catherine de'Medici circa 1570's with a love story thrown in for good measure.What this book is:A romance novel based around 1570 with a lot of imaginative additions and a lot of historical subtractions.Now it's not the book's fault that it wasn't what I wanted it to be. It can hardly rewrite itself just because I had a misconception of what the story was about.But I still couldn't stand it, and I think if I tr What I expected from this book:I fairly historical account of court life surrounding Catherine de'Medici circa 1570's with a love story thrown in for good measure.What this book is:A romance novel based around 1570 with a lot of imaginative additions and a lot of historical subtractions.Now it's not the book's fault that it wasn't what I wanted it to be. It can hardly rewrite itself just because I had a misconception of what the story was about.But I still couldn't stand it, and I think if I tried to read it again, knowing what I was getting myself into, then it would still annoy me and this is why:This book is very PRO-feminism, which I am ALL for, believe me.Waves national flag of Ladyland.But the feminism is all on the surface so much as I could see (I couldn't bring myselt to quite finish this book!)Our heroine is a 'Daughter of the Earth' (Read: witch) because she could not possibly be bound but cultural or religious norms of the day. However, she meets our hero who is a mysterious, ruggedly handsome Comte, Renard, who attempts to force her hand in marriage.Catherine de'Medici is also a dark sorcerer and she is the main villain of the novel.So why does it fail to whip up a feminine frenzy in me? Well, first of all, it's so heavy handed!
The Black Queen - The Still Point Of My Turning World - Duration: 2:27. The Black Queen 67,095 views. Nine Inch Nails – LESS THAN - Duration: 3:33. 'The Black Queen' is the twelfth episode of Season Nine and the 198th overall of Criminal Minds. When the BAU goes to San Jose to investigate the innocence of a man sentenced to death, Garcia delves into her hacker past and reconnects with her old flame to help the team with the case.
It's all about the women. In an age known for locking them up and having little tolerance for magic. These women roam free, are reknowned as witches and have a whole island that is pretty much culturally detached from the rest of the world.Men are sarcastically berated from their limited worldview, the heroine is working to keep herself and her sisters free from the world, there's a big deal with the second sister moaning on about how women can't do anything without sex and how none of her skills are valuable in the world because she's a woman blah, blah, blah.Please embrace the fine art of subtlety. The Brick of Feminist Dogma has been engaged enough in the first 70 pages of this book to last a lifetime.Second of all, do not put all this stuff in there only to rip it all away with the actions of your characters. Your heroine is a strong female character, but it's okay for the hero to kiss her twice without permission and to insist on her marrying him because. He's really sexy?It's like you're saying that women just don't know what's best for them and so it's okay for their hero to come along and show them what's right.
I mean, don't get me wrong - just about everyone comes along and tells him he's a very, very bad man. But, luckily, he just keeps pluggin' away at it because if he didn't then that pesky woman would make her own choices and miss out on his sexy manliness and we just can't go having that, now can we?Oh and let's not forget that we've taken one of the more amazing, intelligent and determined historical women of history and reduced her to a petty villain who has only risen to power NOT because she's ambitious, clever and incredible - no she's done it through sorcery, fear and cruelty.Fan-fucking-tastic.To sum up, the writing is meh, the characters are meh, the historical element isn't very good. It's basically just a really light read for people who don't want to think and aren't expecting brilliance.One more thing that really, really annoys me is that she's a witch. People find out about that and you're about as good as charcoal. You'd think you'd be a little quiet about your abilities. Arienne is about as subtle as the author.
EVERYONE knows about her. A stranger travels from miles and miles away because he's heard of her. Everyone on the island she lives on knows about her. People on the mainland know about her. Fuck it, the whole world knows about her.Good thinking there. You're not likely to end up a crispy critter at all.Let me know how you go with that.Actually, don't - because to do that, I'd have to finish reading you and the other two books in the trilogy and I'm not at all interested in doing that.
Books like this are the reason I'm glad I use the library and don't pay for books unless I know for a fact that they are wonderful. This one begins well enough, and reviews raved about how great it was, an awesome historical fiction, etc. I began to get suspicious when there were mentions of flashing eyes and a woman that didn't want to marry a mysterious stranger. 'Huh, this sounds like a slutty romance novel.
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But no, other people said it was better than that.' And then I got to the part wherBooks like this are the reason I'm glad I use the library and don't pay for books unless I know for a fact that they are wonderful. This one begins well enough, and reviews raved about how great it was, an awesome historical fiction, etc. I began to get suspicious when there were mentions of flashing eyes and a woman that didn't want to marry a mysterious stranger. 'Huh, this sounds like a slutty romance novel. But no, other people said it was better than that.' And then I got to the part where 'No man had ever been so bold' and she 'longed for him to cup her breasts' and I realized I had been fooled.
Philippa Gregory can pull off historical fiction with a BIT of well-written sex, not a crappy romance with a bit of historical fiction. Why can't anyone else?
I found this on the historical fiction shelf at the book store, but don't let the marketing department fool you: The Dark Queen is fantasy romance, through and through.This is the best kind of romance though, where the characters rise above the stereotypes to deliver a truly engaging story. Ariane is my kind of heroine: thoughtful, intelligent, courageous yet prudent. She's the archetypal Big Sister in the way she tries to shoulder the burdens of all the world, but that only makes her more symp I found this on the historical fiction shelf at the book store, but don't let the marketing department fool you: The Dark Queen is fantasy romance, through and through.This is the best kind of romance though, where the characters rise above the stereotypes to deliver a truly engaging story. Ariane is my kind of heroine: thoughtful, intelligent, courageous yet prudent. She's the archetypal Big Sister in the way she tries to shoulder the burdens of all the world, but that only makes her more sympathetic.
Her sisters Gabrielle and Miri are each charming in their own way, and her would-be suitor Renard is delightful as the Oaf with a good heart and a dark past. The story is laced with magic, and the history of the Daughters of the Earth provides a compelling backdrop.Given the title, I'd really hoped to see more of Ariane's nemesis, Catherine de Medici. Unfortunately, Catherine is only given a handful of scenes and never quite evolves past the image of cardboard villainess, despite Carroll's attempts to give her some depth. I will almost certainly pick up the sequel to find out about Gabrielle's coming adventures in the court of Catherine. Recommended for everyone who likes historical romantic fantasy with a touch of magic.
This book is quite fun to read pitting white magic against black magic. Catherine De Medici is cast as the Dark Queen who practices black magic. Ariane Cheny lives on Faire Island where she has been taught by her departed mother never to use black magic. She has three sisters, villagers and a mountain of debts to take care of.The Comte De Renard wishes to marry but Ariane doesn't quite trust him. Why he wishes to marry her, the Lady Of Faire Isle with no dowry is beyond her.
It makes no sense.In This book is quite fun to read pitting white magic against black magic. Catherine De Medici is cast as the Dark Queen who practices black magic. Ariane Cheny lives on Faire Island where she has been taught by her departed mother never to use black magic. She has three sisters, villagers and a mountain of debts to take care of.The Comte De Renard wishes to marry but Ariane doesn't quite trust him. Why he wishes to marry her, the Lady Of Faire Isle with no dowry is beyond her. It makes no sense.In Paris, plans go ahead for the wedding of Henry Of Navarre and Princess Margot Of France. Bartholomew's Eve is approaching.
Then a man is found shot on Faire Isle with a pair of poisoned gloves. This brings Ariane to the attention of The Dark queen and the witch hunters. It also brings Renard to the rescue and he has secrets of his own that he doesn't wish yet to share with Ariane.There is romance, fantasy, magic, adventure, a goodly measure of human emotion in this novel. I have never tried Susan Caroll before but now I plan to read more of her titles.The woman magic passed from mother to daughter in England rang a bell with me.
What is this? The Old Religion?
Celtic, Druid or maybe Ms Carroll just mixed up a brew of fantasy for her readers???? This book is more of a romance novel than a historical fiction. While there's nothing inherently wrong with that, the relationship in it was so ridiculously unhealthy that I couldn't stand it. Renard claims Ariane as 'his' multiple times, the first instance when they don't even know each other and it is clearly against her wishes. He also kisses her a few times even after she has said no or has made it obvious that she doesn't want him to kiss her. But it's all okay because she had feelings for This book is more of a romance novel than a historical fiction. While there's nothing inherently wrong with that, the relationship in it was so ridiculously unhealthy that I couldn't stand it.
Renard claims Ariane as 'his' multiple times, the first instance when they don't even know each other and it is clearly against her wishes. He also kisses her a few times even after she has said no or has made it obvious that she doesn't want him to kiss her.
But it's all okay because she had feelings for him deep down. Yeah, no thanks. Also, the writing wasn't great (lots of tell, no show) and all the characters really got on my nerves. I skimmed the rest of the book after around page 250; it felt like it couldn't end soon enough. Readers in recent years have complained that the rich, interesting historicals of the past are vanishing. As a reader, I certainly have found myself buying fewer books overall as the meaty historicals I loved started to be replaced by and large with homogenized wallpaper comedies. Fortunately, there are still some good and interesting historicals out there if you look hard enough, and The Dark Queen is one of those great long sagas so many of us have been missing.This is a partial review.
You c Readers in recent years have complained that the rich, interesting historicals of the past are vanishing. As a reader, I certainly have found myself buying fewer books overall as the meaty historicals I loved started to be replaced by and large with homogenized wallpaper comedies. Fortunately, there are still some good and interesting historicals out there if you look hard enough, and The Dark Queen is one of those great long sagas so many of us have been missing.This is a partial review.
You can find my complete DIK review at All About Romance. Fun book, but definitely way more of a romantic fluff than I was expecting. If you're looking for something more like a political intrigue (which is what I was hoping for), this definitely isn't the book. If, however, you enjoy historical fiction with a fantastical twist, in this case witches, you'll probably enjoy this. There are times when it definitely reads like a cheap romance, but luckily the plot is interesting enough that it doesn't rely on sex scenes to keep it going.
The characters are Fun book, but definitely way more of a romantic fluff than I was expecting. If you're looking for something more like a political intrigue (which is what I was hoping for), this definitely isn't the book. If, however, you enjoy historical fiction with a fantastical twist, in this case witches, you'll probably enjoy this. There are times when it definitely reads like a cheap romance, but luckily the plot is interesting enough that it doesn't rely on sex scenes to keep it going. The characters are all interesting enough, as well, so that alone will make me want to read the other two books in the trilogy.I recommend it as a light, fluffy read, but certainly not something to read as historically accurate or literary.
And definitely not for people unable to accept a bit of fantasy mixed into their historical fiction, because, according to this book, magic is real. This book took me a long time to get into, as it clearly was much more of romance than an historical, and the romance wasn't very interesting. Carroll does a very nice job at making the Dark Queen herself an interesting and complex character. However, the hero did not start out very likeable (or particularly unlikeable either).
And the heroine is rather simple in her personality-very serious and overwhelmed with her responsibilities. Each of her younger sisters get their own thread in the story This book took me a long time to get into, as it clearly was much more of romance than an historical, and the romance wasn't very interesting. Carroll does a very nice job at making the Dark Queen herself an interesting and complex character. However, the hero did not start out very likeable (or particularly unlikeable either). And the heroine is rather simple in her personality-very serious and overwhelmed with her responsibilities.
Each of her younger sisters get their own thread in the story, and it is clear that they have their one big drama that will resurface in their books later in the series. However, I don't expect I'll be reading them. A fun read that's got a little bit of everything I like: romance, history, magic and mystery.
I'm also a sucker for a beautiful book cover, and this entire series is full of GORGEOUS book covers.It's about a PG-13 on romance, not nearly as dark as many reviewed it, but an adult Pagan fairytale of sorts, that's lightly steeped in history. The women in the series are all amazing - even the FICTIONAL version of The Dark Queen, Catherine De Medici herself is fascinating - and I did care about them aA fun read that's got a little bit of everything I like: romance, history, magic and mystery.
I'm also a sucker for a beautiful book cover, and this entire series is full of GORGEOUS book covers.It's about a PG-13 on romance, not nearly as dark as many reviewed it, but an adult Pagan fairytale of sorts, that's lightly steeped in history. The women in the series are all amazing - even the FICTIONAL version of The Dark Queen, Catherine De Medici herself is fascinating - and I did care about them all deeply enough to read the entire series.
Title: The Dark QueenAuthor: Susan CarrollSource: libraryRating: ★★★★★Review Summary: I wasn’t sure I liked this book at first – as a historical romance, with more sex and a more serious plot than the “chick flick” style romances I occasionally I read, it was a little outside my comfort zone. But I ended up loving it and the other four books in the series enough that I would definitely read more books like them, partly for the great plot and partly because I’m a sucker for a happy endingDuring Title: The Dark QueenAuthor: Susan CarrollSource: libraryRating: ★★★★★Review Summary: I wasn’t sure I liked this book at first – as a historical romance, with more sex and a more serious plot than the “chick flick” style romances I occasionally I read, it was a little outside my comfort zone.
But I ended up loving it and the other four books in the series enough that I would definitely read more books like them, partly for the great plot and partly because I’m a sucker for a happy endingDuring the late 16th century in Renaissance France, Ariane Cheney, a daughter of the earth and lady of the faire isle, is duty bound to prevent the misuse of power by other daughters of the earth. Although the true witches are those she defends against, she also faces the superstitious minds of the time, some of whom would brand her a witch as well.
When a stranger arrives seeking Ariane’s help against the dark queen, Catherine di Medici, even the strong Ariane needs some help. She has no one to ask but the Comte de Renard, although she hesitates to do so because of both their mutual attraction and her uncertainty his intentions are as straightforward as he would have her believe. This is the first in a series, surrounding the Cheney sisters of Faire Isle. The sisters are Ariane, Gabrielle and Miri, all daughters of the earth. Daughters of the earth are like good witches, white witches. Although they can delve into the dark side, the black magic, as does The Dark Queen of the title - Catherine de Medici, who was called a witch during her time, and was rumored to be a first class poisoner.
The mother of the sisters, Evangaline, was a good friend of Catherine's, until they This is the first in a series, surrounding the Cheney sisters of Faire Isle. The sisters are Ariane, Gabrielle and Miri, all daughters of the earth. Daughters of the earth are like good witches, white witches. Although they can delve into the dark side, the black magic, as does The Dark Queen of the title - Catherine de Medici, who was called a witch during her time, and was rumored to be a first class poisoner. The mother of the sisters, Evangaline, was a good friend of Catherine's, until they had a falling out.
Evangaline was called the Lady of Faire Isle and was designated the leader of the daughters of the earth, and was well respected and loved in her community. Now that she is dead, her eldest daughter Ariane has taken on the mantle of the Lady of Faire Isle - not that she thinks that she is up to it! Ariane is being doggedly wooed by Renard, a Count from the neighbouring lands, who has his own murky background. Witch-hunters, magical talismans, and mystery are woven into the story, which encompasses the massacre of the Protestants on St Bartholemew's Eve.returnI generally read straight historical fiction and am not much into fantasy elements, but I thoroughly enjoyed this, and I will definately be reading the rest of the series. Ariane is the Lady of the Faire Isle. She is a woman of the earth, a wise woman, a healer. Two men will change her life.
And Catherine di Medici will try and destroy her.The first man, The Comte Renard, arrogantly declares he will marry her, to the point where he has a wedding and she does not come. His past is dark and he makes a bargain with Ariane that changes her life.The other is a man maed Remy who comes to her with poisoned gloves to try and have her prove that The Queen killed a woman. T Ariane is the Lady of the Faire Isle. She is a woman of the earth, a wise woman, a healer. Two men will change her life. And Catherine di Medici will try and destroy her.The first man, The Comte Renard, arrogantly declares he will marry her, to the point where he has a wedding and she does not come. His past is dark and he makes a bargain with Ariane that changes her life.The other is a man maed Remy who comes to her with poisoned gloves to try and have her prove that The Queen killed a woman.
The determination of Catherine to get those gloves and stop Remy imperils Ariane, her sisters and many of the women of the island.The book is full of politics, witch finders, romance, some magic, and fear. And kept me turning the pages. I look forward to the next in the series, featuring her sister Gabrielle. While this is a charming and easy-reading tale, it's pretty much pure fantasy planted atop a few bits of 16th-Century French history. And that would be fantasy in both the romantic and 'magick' senses. (Something Carroll admits readily in the preface.)Catherine d'Medici is the Dark Queen of the title but not the focus of the story, more the deux ex machina. Catherine's one of those all-purpose historic queens (Elizabeth I and Eleanor of Aquitaine also come to mind) who can be villain or saint, d While this is a charming and easy-reading tale, it's pretty much pure fantasy planted atop a few bits of 16th-Century French history.
And that would be fantasy in both the romantic and 'magick' senses. (Something Carroll admits readily in the preface.)Catherine d'Medici is the Dark Queen of the title but not the focus of the story, more the deux ex machina. Catherine's one of those all-purpose historic queens (Elizabeth I and Eleanor of Aquitaine also come to mind) who can be villain or saint, depending on an author's need.I didn't spot any glaring or specific anachronisms though virtually all the main characters have a notably 'modern' feel.There are two more books in this series (one each for the main character's younger sisters, I think). I won't avoid reading them, but I won't go on a quest for them, either. Nice, long historical romance with a bit of magic.
I enjoyed the author’s writing style, though her imagination is what impressed me. The dialog (inner and outer) occasionally wanders into anachronistic. But that’s a small niggle in a great romance with enough non-romance plot to satisfy me (and I’m fussy about that). The cast is fairly large, the premise somewhat complex, and the story took several dark turns (which I did not enjoy as they were vivid and heartbreaking) compared to most romances Nice, long historical romance with a bit of magic.
I enjoyed the author’s writing style, though her imagination is what impressed me. The dialog (inner and outer) occasionally wanders into anachronistic. But that’s a small niggle in a great romance with enough non-romance plot to satisfy me (and I’m fussy about that). The cast is fairly large, the premise somewhat complex, and the story took several dark turns (which I did not enjoy as they were vivid and heartbreaking) compared to most romances-where this book ought to be shelved. From some of the reviews I’ve read, the publisher must have tried to put this one into historical fiction (the cover appears that way too). Anyway, as to the characters, Renard is an excellent hero, larger than life, sexy, powerful, insistent, but with remarkable gentleness and humor. Ariane is a believable heroine in her circumstances: vulnerable, fallible, confused.
She gains strength as she is tested throughout the book. The personalities of her two sisters, Gabriella and Miriam, come through just as clearly, as do other key characters, including the Dark Queen. I expect to read more about everyone in the following books of the series.
If you enjoyed Josie Litton’s Viking Trilogy, this one might work for you too. I have very mixed reactions to this book. On the positive side, I did basically like and could mostly relate to the main character, Ariane. She's grieving, has two sisters depending on her, and she deeply feels her responsibilities. I even, for the most part, liked the hero and the setting (I do enjoy historical settings with a bit of fantasy mixed in, at least a lot of the time).That said, even when I could understand the reasons some of the characters did things they did, and most of the time I have very mixed reactions to this book. On the positive side, I did basically like and could mostly relate to the main character, Ariane. She's grieving, has two sisters depending on her, and she deeply feels her responsibilities.
I even, for the most part, liked the hero and the setting (I do enjoy historical settings with a bit of fantasy mixed in, at least a lot of the time).That said, even when I could understand the reasons some of the characters did things they did, and most of the time I could understand, I would get so annoyed at their stupidity, naivete, and/or lack of insight that I wanted to shake some sense into them. I'd get sufficiently irritated that it would take me out of the story.I did finish the book, although I was tempted not to, because I liked the characters enough to want to know what happened. I don't know if I will read any of the other books in the series or not. I might try the second one, at least, because I did like Gabrielle as a character.
But I think I'll give myself a break from this series and read a few other things first. It tells the story of three sisters, the eldest, Ariane, who has inherited the Faire Isle, struggles with her position as Lady of Faire Isle, a rather stubborn suitor that doesn't take no for an answer, two sisters who have issues of their own, a father who hasn't come back yet, and a dark threatening Queen Catherine who plots from afar.There is enough history and politics here to keep you very intrigued. France is in religious upheaval, Queen Catherine plots from behind the scenes and of cours It tells the story of three sisters, the eldest, Ariane, who has inherited the Faire Isle, struggles with her position as Lady of Faire Isle, a rather stubborn suitor that doesn't take no for an answer, two sisters who have issues of their own, a father who hasn't come back yet, and a dark threatening Queen Catherine who plots from afar.There is enough history and politics here to keep you very intrigued.
France is in religious upheaval, Queen Catherine plots from behind the scenes and of course, you have witch hunters. At first, I was a little skeptical as the book certainly starts off looking like a bodice ripping romance novel. Guy wants girl, girl can't stand him, guy gets persistent.yeah you get the usual romance plot idea. However Susan Carroll adds a good amount of magic (magic being more of a wise woman sense not your fantastical kind.well sort of) and political plotting to keep you distracted enough to give the book a fair chance if you're not a romance novel fan (like I am). There is a good amount of everything here in this book.
Romance, action, fantasy, intrigue, and drama. I wouldn't say there is much fantasy in it. Although the younger sister does talk to animals so I suppose you could say that's fantasy wouldn't you? In any case, there is enough of all the genres mentioned previously to keep you satisfied.Renard and Ariane are a couple that just 'look' good together.
I think it's their personalities that make them both suit each other so well that you can't help but just read on and hope they'll work out their differences for that lovely happy ending. Each of the Cheney sisters have a romantic involvement, however that's as far as I'll go without going too much into detail. It's Gabrielle I feel for the most though.
As she went through a lot as explained in the beginning of the story.There is an explicit scene or two (romance wise) but nothing to really be bothered about it. Action wise, I don't really see too many gory details but I have to admit the mysogyny displayed in Le Vis just makes you want to wring his neck until it breaks like a chicken. However I'm sure the sort of behavior displayed by the witch hunter is probably very real and frightening and it makes you learn how much people went through just because they were perceived as different. There will be other books following after this and I will be picking them up. There are some unanswered questions I would like answered!I will definitely be reading the second book (The Courtesan) which will be featuring Gabrielle's story. This is a book to pick up if you're wanting a book with a little bit of everything but if you're a romance lover yes, grab it.
Renard and Ariane are perfect. I gotta say-there were so many times when I expected the plot to evolve one way, and it went in a totally opposite direction. In this case, I mostly didnt mind, and I really liked the sequence of events.- I personally think this book has a pretty decent amount of actual history. I knew that there would be references to the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre, but I thought that would be the extent of it - just a reference.
Those scenes were some of the best-written in the book, I think, and CarrollI gotta say-there were so many times when I expected the plot to evolve one way, and it went in a totally opposite direction. In this case, I mostly didnt mind, and I really liked the sequence of events.- I personally think this book has a pretty decent amount of actual history. I knew that there would be references to the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre, but I thought that would be the extent of it - just a reference. Those scenes were some of the best-written in the book, I think, and Carroll did a good job capturing the intensity of the situation.
Of course, most of Catherine de Medici's character is mere speculation. A great many people probably did consider her a witch, but here she definitely is one.if you're somebody who likes for historical figures not to be messed with, you might not be too thrilled with her presentation in this story. I was a bit surprised with how large of a role she played in the book; even though the title is a reference to her, I was thinking (from what I had read on some other reviews) that she'd mostly be a background character. Of course, I think it's always a tricky situation when an author makes a fictional statement/draws a fictional portrayal of a real-life character-in this case, making the 'Italian woman' into the vindictive villain. It worked, though.
I totally believed (to the best of my history-major ability) that she was indeed a bitchy witch.:D- And now on to the main characters: for the most part, I really liked the story development between Ariane and the Comte. It was not what I expected, but I still enjoyed it.even the more 'eww, gross, come on!' Passages- The only complaint I have is the (in my opinion) OVER-development of the supporting characters, especially the two other sisters. I know that Gabrielle and Miri each have their own specific sequel in this 'series,' but I expected this book to establish the basics about them and then have them function as secondary elements to the main characters. There were many instances when I skipped over their scenes: I don't care about Gabrielle and her stupid backstory and her relationship with the captain! That's book 2! On the one side is our beautiful heroine, Ariane, one of the famous Cheney sisters who are renowned for their mystical skills.
On the other side, there is our hero, Comte de Renard, a passionate but mysterious nobleman who has fallen madly in love with Ariane and demands that she marries him. Will Ariane continue to resist Renard's overtures or will she finally call upon his assistance when she is in the gravest of dangers from the treacherous Catherine de Medici, the dark queen of France?Contra On the one side is our beautiful heroine, Ariane, one of the famous Cheney sisters who are renowned for their mystical skills.
On the other side, there is our hero, Comte de Renard, a passionate but mysterious nobleman who has fallen madly in love with Ariane and demands that she marries him. Will Ariane continue to resist Renard's overtures or will she finally call upon his assistance when she is in the gravest of dangers from the treacherous Catherine de Medici, the dark queen of France?Contrary to some readers' opinion, I consider this book to be more of a romance instead of a work of historical fiction or fantasy.
Too many of the basic romantic elements are here: a strong and fair maiden with a compassionate heart; a dashing and incredibly strong 'knight in shining armour'; both an evil and menacing villain and villainess who will stop at nothing to get what they want; magical ability to transport you to a different time and place; and of course, some pretty 'steamy' romantic scenes.For me, this was an enjoyable and riveted read from start to finish. Obviously I enjoyed the romance but I have to applaud the author for setting up many of the future romances which are covered in the rest of her Dark Queen's Saga series. While some readers maybe upset that Catherine de Medici is so maligned in this book, I have no issue with it. In fact, I don't think Caroll had much of a choice as I don't think there is a more controversial queen in all of France's history than Catherine except for perhaps Marie Antoinette. I also appreciate the fact that the magical elements are kept to a minimum so that they don't overwhelm the story and veer this romance into all-consuming fantasy.
Hence, I wholly recommend this book to those who love historical romance and need a change of pace from the usual Regency, time-traveling Viking or all-too masculine Scottish laird books. Okay I have no idea how to categorize this book! It’s set in France in 1572. It includes history from the time including the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre.
A big focus of the book is bringing a couple together. And the main characters are all capable of magic.
So there you go! This is the first book in what I think will be a 6 book series. I picked it up because quite a few people I know have enjoyed it. There are real people in this story such as Catherine de Medici (who the author gives Okay I have no idea how to categorize this book! It’s set in France in 1572. It includes history from the time including the St.
Bartholomew’s Day Massacre. A big focus of the book is bringing a couple together. And the main characters are all capable of magic. So there you go! This is the first book in what I think will be a 6 book series. I picked it up because quite a few people I know have enjoyed it.
There are real people in this story such as Catherine de Medici (who the author gives magical abilities to) and many fictional characters. It is an interesting idea but I did not feel the love. The main reason.the “hero” totally annoyed me. First of all the author constantly switched his names. One minute he was Justice (I think his first name), the next minute he was Renard (his last name), then sometimes he was the Comte (his title). I felt like I couldn’t get a handle on him because he kept mysteriously switching into another name.
Then he was way too nice. Oh sure he had a hard bit in his teenage years when his grandfather took him in. But he seemed to have weathered that okay. And sure he had his dark and commanding side like when he had to face witch hunters to save the heroine (who was also a witch). But the heroine didn’t want to marry him and kept pushing him away and the hero’s whole attitude to thisoooo ma cherie just call me and I will come save you and we are destined to be married so I will just wait calmly and without irritation until you come around in your own time just grated on my nerves. Funny enough the part in the book I was expecting to slightly annoy me - i.e.
Making Catherine de Medici a witch, didn’t bother me at all. Anyway from this book I got the sense the author wasn’t going to be writing about male characters I like so I’m bailing on the series and tossing this one.