Although medieval England isn’t my favorite setting, I enjoy reading medievals from time to time, to have some variety if nothing else. But for a long time they’ve been almost extinct, especially in single titles. (Harlequin Historical kept publishing them.) It’s nice to see a new author who is writing medievals, with more on the way.
Knight of Desire by Margaret Mallory
(2009, Medieval) 8/4/09
Grade: 4
After 5 years of marriage to a brutal husband, Catherine risks everything to spy for the crown (and to help her old friend, Prince Harry). But after her husband is killed, she is forced to marry William FitzAlan, who isn’t sure if she can be trusted. Can Catherine overcome her painful past and learn to trust her new husband, and can William learn to trust her as well?
Although the plotline was fairly typical, this was an enjoyable medieval. The book was well written, and the characters were interesting. I enjoyed the unusual background of the English-Welsh wars of the early 1400’s, and the soon-to-be King Henry V. I got a little frustrated by the hero’s mistrust of the heroine (which went on a little too long), and the book got a little slow in the last third. (How many times can one heroine be kidnapped?) I would have preferred a little more emotional depth and a little less action. But overall, I enjoyed it, and I’m glad to see medievals back on romance shelves.
I’m sure I learned all about this time period in history class, but my memory is pretty vague. My only knowledge of Henry V is Shakespeare and St. Crispin’s Day – but I couldn’t tell you exactly what they were fighting about. (So much for having a minor in history!)
Karen Wheless
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