It’s fascinating to read a book about medieval Italy, although after reading this book, I think I understand why it’s not a common setting for romance. It makes British or American history seem straightforward by comparison.
Shadowheart by Laura Kinsale
(2004, Medieval) 9/13/10
Grade: 3.5
Elena grew up in the safety of an English castle, but her roots lie in the mysterious and dangerous Italian city of Monteverde. She is betrothed to a prince of the Riata house, but she is soon kidnapped by the mysterious Raven… who was once known as Allegretto. The dark angel who once saved her, but now intends to use her for his own mysterious plans…
I wanted to like this book. Laura Kinsale is an excellent writer, and For My Lady’s Heart was fascinating and romantic, even if it had some flaws. But Shadowheart just didn’t grab me in the same way. The first 150 pages were dark, almost too dark. I didn’t see any connection between the hero and heroine other than a mutual love of pain. For My Lady’s Heart managed to combine the darkness with some light and hope, and that worked better for me. The book did improve once the action moved to Monteverde, and there were a few lovely moments between Elena and Allegretto. But then the very convoluted plot took over. It just went on and on and on – if this book had been 100 pages shorter, I might have enjoyed it more, but by the end, I was tired of keeping track of who hated who and which characters were at each other’s throats. The resolution was interesting and well done, but it just went on way too long. There was a kernel of a good book here, but it just didn’t quite come together.
After two dark and convoluted medievals, I need something light and simple to cleanse my reading palate. I just bought a stack of series books at the used bookstore, which might just fit my mood.
Karen Wheless
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