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Tales of Jernaeve #2
Fires of Winter
The windswept plains of medieval England were torn by the raging struggles of royal conquest. Land was seized from passionate men and women whose lives were forever changed. Melusine of Ulle whose family and life were destroyed by the winter invasion of King David. She was a sparkling prized of battle. Bruno of Jernaeve the handsome bastard son of a castle whore, he would tame the spirit of the captive beauty. Born of different worlds, joined in the flames of passion and intrigue, the found new strength in each others arms.
487 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 1987
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About the author
Roberta Gellis
57 books184 followersRoberta Gellis has been one of the most successful writers of historical fiction of the last few decades, having published about 25 meticulously researched historical novels since 1964. She was married to her husband Charles for over 50 years and they lived together in Lafayette, Indiana with a lively Lakeland terrier called Taffy. She has one child called Mark.
Her page at the Internet Speculative Fiction DataBase
Her page at the Internet Speculative Fiction DataBase
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
May 26, 2021
Told through alternating first-person perspectives, Roberta Gellis’s Fires of Winter starts with a bang.
In the first chapter, we experience young hero Bruno of Jernaeve’s life as his castle gets invaded. As an illegitimate child, he is overlooked and left uncared for. He and his sister must hide from the marauders. Later on, it switches to heroine Mellusine of Ulle’s more placid point of view as a child. Although I enjoyed the different perspectives, I found Bruno’s side more interesting than Mellusine’s.
As Bruno matures, he becomes a master in the arts of war. His success earns him Mellusine, as a “spoil of war” to wed. Despite their differences, Mellusine and Bruno forge a strong relationship built on sexual attraction, companionship, and trust.
I loved the authentic earthiness Gellis imbued her works with. I don’t think I’ve ever read a romance where the heroine has to take a dump before. Here Melusine squats away without a care in front of the hero.
The love scenes between Bruno and Melusine had Gellis’ trademark frankness. There’s a scene where a third party in their relationship makes an appearance. “‘I do not pretend that I do not desire you, Melusine…But you need not fear I will force you either. I am the master of Monsieur Jehan de la Tete Rouge–‘ I tapped the redhead that had pushed its way through the foreskin so she could not mistake of what I spoke, ‘–not he of me.’” That had me giggling.
At 60% through the book, our romance is firmly cemented, and, alas, the adventures become strictly political. At a certain point Fires of Winter ceased to be historical romantic fiction and became strictly historical. Bruno spends much of his time away fighting for his king, while Mellusine tends to courtly and domestic affairs.
I would have preferred more lines like: “I had a long row to hoe before I could plunge my spade into Mellusine’s earth and plant a seed there,” than the endless parade of dates of conquests and battles.
Lady Mellusine and Queen Matilda rally an army to rescue their husbands. They succeed, displaying the fact, that if need be, powerful medieval women were up to the task of warfare just as their men were.
The tale concludes happily with Mellusine and Bruno making babies and farming their lands.
Fires of Winter is heavy on intricate history. Gellis is a master storyteller, at least when she remembers to tell the story instead of reciting history. However, I felt a tad underwhelmed, despite the fine quality of the writing. A great start fizzled out to a merely satisfactory read.
I’ve enjoyed several of Roberta Gellis’s works, knowing that she is heavy on history, and it was never a negative aspect. Here, she focused on the romance during the first half, yet she forgot about the love story altogether on the back end.
I would recommend this piece of historical fiction for lovers of medieval romances that emphasize the medieval aspect, not necessarily the romance.
In the first chapter, we experience young hero Bruno of Jernaeve’s life as his castle gets invaded. As an illegitimate child, he is overlooked and left uncared for. He and his sister must hide from the marauders. Later on, it switches to heroine Mellusine of Ulle’s more placid point of view as a child. Although I enjoyed the different perspectives, I found Bruno’s side more interesting than Mellusine’s.
As Bruno matures, he becomes a master in the arts of war. His success earns him Mellusine, as a “spoil of war” to wed. Despite their differences, Mellusine and Bruno forge a strong relationship built on sexual attraction, companionship, and trust.
I loved the authentic earthiness Gellis imbued her works with. I don’t think I’ve ever read a romance where the heroine has to take a dump before. Here Melusine squats away without a care in front of the hero.
The love scenes between Bruno and Melusine had Gellis’ trademark frankness. There’s a scene where a third party in their relationship makes an appearance. “‘I do not pretend that I do not desire you, Melusine…But you need not fear I will force you either. I am the master of Monsieur Jehan de la Tete Rouge–‘ I tapped the redhead that had pushed its way through the foreskin so she could not mistake of what I spoke, ‘–not he of me.’” That had me giggling.
At 60% through the book, our romance is firmly cemented, and, alas, the adventures become strictly political. At a certain point Fires of Winter ceased to be historical romantic fiction and became strictly historical. Bruno spends much of his time away fighting for his king, while Mellusine tends to courtly and domestic affairs.
I would have preferred more lines like: “I had a long row to hoe before I could plunge my spade into Mellusine’s earth and plant a seed there,” than the endless parade of dates of conquests and battles.
Lady Mellusine and Queen Matilda rally an army to rescue their husbands. They succeed, displaying the fact, that if need be, powerful medieval women were up to the task of warfare just as their men were.
The tale concludes happily with Mellusine and Bruno making babies and farming their lands.
Fires of Winter is heavy on intricate history. Gellis is a master storyteller, at least when she remembers to tell the story instead of reciting history. However, I felt a tad underwhelmed, despite the fine quality of the writing. A great start fizzled out to a merely satisfactory read.
I’ve enjoyed several of Roberta Gellis’s works, knowing that she is heavy on history, and it was never a negative aspect. Here, she focused on the romance during the first half, yet she forgot about the love story altogether on the back end.
I would recommend this piece of historical fiction for lovers of medieval romances that emphasize the medieval aspect, not necessarily the romance.
May 16, 2022
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
First Impressions
Fires of Winter is the second book in the duo series by Roberta Gellis. I have known of this author for years, but have yet to read her. I found this treasure actually through my library’s digital catalog and I tried a sample and I was drawn immediately into the story. So I immediately downloaded this one to my kindle. I do know that this was one of the books that Sourcebooks republished a few years ago but to be honest the older cover just fit the story so much more. I wasn’t sure exactly what I was expecting, as this book was published the year I was born (so 35 years ago, and yes I am that old haha). But despite how long ago this book was written, I do think much of it could stand the test of time, there was only one scene that might offend some modern sensibilities but to be honest, it didn’t even phase me and it was written in such a way that would affect me. I will say that this book is a blend of historical romance/and Historical Fiction. There is quite a bit of history that is laid out here and the romance is more than half of the story so it’s of the style of older historical romance that tended to be more like what we see in Historical Fiction these days but I was quite fascinated and I LEARNED a ton.
Summary
Bruno of Jernaeve was born a bastard and was always having to fight for what he became. Eventually, he found a home among the Jernaeve clan and made his home there, but the nature of his birth and the circumstances of England led him eventually to work alongside the King. Then we have the beautiful Mellusine of Ulle, who was loved by her father and four brothers, and their decision to side with a certain king decided their fate and they were killed and she lost her family home. The King and his wife took her into their court, and she became a Queen’s lady but there was a level of mistrust as her loyalties aren’t determined. The King then decides to arrange a marriage between Bruno and Mellusine. Bruno never thought he could ever attain status of his own or that a family would be one he could have, but he is determined to embrace his marriage. Mellusine is still divided, her love and loyalty is to her lands and she will do whatever it takes to get them back. But the devotion and care that her husband shows her, makes her second guess where her true loyalties are……will her love for Bruno be the final test of whose loyalty she will be devoted to?
What I Loved
Despite my rating, there is quite a bit that I quite enjoyed in this story. There is so much history that is compacted within this book, so it can seem overwhelming. I did go into this one blind so there is that. However, I loved the taste of history that this author gives us. She really knew her stuff and you can tell in her writing style. I really enjoyed the trope fo this being an arranged marriage. Many of you probably know that it’s my favorite trope but especially in historicals. This story takes place around the early 12th century. There is a level of grittiness and historical detail that really make history come alive with this one. There is a level of compassion and kindness that I wasn’t expecting and was completely intrigued by. There is such courage and strength which is displayed within the story. I absolutely adored the hero and the way he is able to show Mellusine a different way and that is through love. He is completely all in with the marriage but also stands by his loyalty to his King. There is much described the warfare of the time, harsh living conditions, and how easily alliances shifted back then. There is a rich background of the court life that will be fascinating for a lover of history. The romance was slowly built, and the sex scenes were actually more steamy than I expect (there is even a BJ scene and I was like oooh I wasn’t expecting that at all). I really quite enjoyed the way that Bruno and Mellusine explored each other both physically and mentally. I also really loved the cover here, because the scene here with them on the bed with how he is holding her hand and comforting her is a true scene in the book. And their clothing is just how its pictured in the book and has a more medieval feel to it. There is such level of heart and emotion that blew me away.
What I Struggled With
Now for what I struggled within this one. I will be honest the writing was really long-winded at times and the pacing was in and out and there were parts I just skimmed over at times. It felt like the story was dragging all the way through, most of the story is more historicalesque. So there is much more focus on the history than the actual romance, and I really wanted to see more of Bruno and Mellusine. But I also know that this is how older historicals were written.. I can see the appeal of it. There was also a level of sadness to some aspects of the story. It really is realistic to the time period. But I think my biggest issue with the pacing of the story. It had so much more potential for enjoyment, and this aspect just made it feel like I was trudging through mud at times.
Overall View
I found Fires of Winter to be an authentic, historical gem that delivers in brilliant emotion, tender intimacy, and the growth of spirit in a time of war and challenge. A brilliant historical star!!
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Sorrows, like any other burden, should come small at first and then larger, until one has gained the strength to bear them.
First Impressions
Fires of Winter is the second book in the duo series by Roberta Gellis. I have known of this author for years, but have yet to read her. I found this treasure actually through my library’s digital catalog and I tried a sample and I was drawn immediately into the story. So I immediately downloaded this one to my kindle. I do know that this was one of the books that Sourcebooks republished a few years ago but to be honest the older cover just fit the story so much more. I wasn’t sure exactly what I was expecting, as this book was published the year I was born (so 35 years ago, and yes I am that old haha). But despite how long ago this book was written, I do think much of it could stand the test of time, there was only one scene that might offend some modern sensibilities but to be honest, it didn’t even phase me and it was written in such a way that would affect me. I will say that this book is a blend of historical romance/and Historical Fiction. There is quite a bit of history that is laid out here and the romance is more than half of the story so it’s of the style of older historical romance that tended to be more like what we see in Historical Fiction these days but I was quite fascinated and I LEARNED a ton.
One does not thank those one loves. They understand without.
Summary
Bruno of Jernaeve was born a bastard and was always having to fight for what he became. Eventually, he found a home among the Jernaeve clan and made his home there, but the nature of his birth and the circumstances of England led him eventually to work alongside the King. Then we have the beautiful Mellusine of Ulle, who was loved by her father and four brothers, and their decision to side with a certain king decided their fate and they were killed and she lost her family home. The King and his wife took her into their court, and she became a Queen’s lady but there was a level of mistrust as her loyalties aren’t determined. The King then decides to arrange a marriage between Bruno and Mellusine. Bruno never thought he could ever attain status of his own or that a family would be one he could have, but he is determined to embrace his marriage. Mellusine is still divided, her love and loyalty is to her lands and she will do whatever it takes to get them back. But the devotion and care that her husband shows her, makes her second guess where her true loyalties are……will her love for Bruno be the final test of whose loyalty she will be devoted to?
The whore’s bastard would hunger for riches or for power and that no gain of either or both would ever satisfy him, for what is lost at birth can never be fulfilled. But I had been wrong, as far wrong as I could be. What Bruno starved for was love, to be cared for and caring.
What I Loved
Despite my rating, there is quite a bit that I quite enjoyed in this story. There is so much history that is compacted within this book, so it can seem overwhelming. I did go into this one blind so there is that. However, I loved the taste of history that this author gives us. She really knew her stuff and you can tell in her writing style. I really enjoyed the trope fo this being an arranged marriage. Many of you probably know that it’s my favorite trope but especially in historicals. This story takes place around the early 12th century. There is a level of grittiness and historical detail that really make history come alive with this one. There is a level of compassion and kindness that I wasn’t expecting and was completely intrigued by. There is such courage and strength which is displayed within the story. I absolutely adored the hero and the way he is able to show Mellusine a different way and that is through love. He is completely all in with the marriage but also stands by his loyalty to his King. There is much described the warfare of the time, harsh living conditions, and how easily alliances shifted back then. There is a rich background of the court life that will be fascinating for a lover of history. The romance was slowly built, and the sex scenes were actually more steamy than I expect (there is even a BJ scene and I was like oooh I wasn’t expecting that at all). I really quite enjoyed the way that Bruno and Mellusine explored each other both physically and mentally. I also really loved the cover here, because the scene here with them on the bed with how he is holding her hand and comforting her is a true scene in the book. And their clothing is just how its pictured in the book and has a more medieval feel to it. There is such level of heart and emotion that blew me away.
What I Struggled With
Now for what I struggled within this one. I will be honest the writing was really long-winded at times and the pacing was in and out and there were parts I just skimmed over at times. It felt like the story was dragging all the way through, most of the story is more historicalesque. So there is much more focus on the history than the actual romance, and I really wanted to see more of Bruno and Mellusine. But I also know that this is how older historicals were written.. I can see the appeal of it. There was also a level of sadness to some aspects of the story. It really is realistic to the time period. But I think my biggest issue with the pacing of the story. It had so much more potential for enjoyment, and this aspect just made it feel like I was trudging through mud at times.
Overall View
I found Fires of Winter to be an authentic, historical gem that delivers in brilliant emotion, tender intimacy, and the growth of spirit in a time of war and challenge. A brilliant historical star!!
Vague dreams may be renewed when disappointed; but dreams fixed in reality shatter, and shards pierce the heart.
February 15, 2015
This book was first published back in the '80s. It is longer, more detailed, and more historical than romances are today. There is a grittiness to it as well that you rarely find in historical romances now. Gellis was one of the queens of romance back then, and IMO one of the best. I will admit, however, that my rating in part has to do with the role this book played in my life. It was the first historical romance I read, and it enthralled me. I really did love it! Would I feel the same if I read it today? I don't know---I don't reread most books, just as I don't watch many movies more than once. I think that anyone who enjoys historical romances with an emphasis on the "historical" and who is willing to accept a book that has some events that while accurate to the time are not acceptable now, and who is drawn in by vivid writing will enjoy this book, and all of those fat old ones by Gellis. However, it is undeniable that we don't write them like they used to .
August 4, 2018
I liked this. I found reading it very strange.
The writing style was just so profoundly different than most historicals that I've ever read, that I'm wondering if it's an author thing or a medieval romance thing, because I don't think I've ever read too many of those. The entire book was essentially being narrated by the future hero/heroine, and it led to a remoteness of the text that I couldn't always penetrate. But I loved the court politics stuff, and even though the romance starts on a REAL sketchy note, I came to like the hero and heroine together very much.
**Read for Ripped Bodice Summer Bingo, Pre-Renaissance**
The writing style was just so profoundly different than most historicals that I've ever read, that I'm wondering if it's an author thing or a medieval romance thing, because I don't think I've ever read too many of those. The entire book was essentially being narrated by the future hero/heroine, and it led to a remoteness of the text that I couldn't always penetrate. But I loved the court politics stuff, and even though the romance starts on a REAL sketchy note, I came to like the hero and heroine together very much.
**Read for Ripped Bodice Summer Bingo, Pre-Renaissance**
November 29, 2008
Do not be misled by this dreadful cover, it is not a bodice ripping romance, although it's not tops in the historical genre either. Fires of Winter continues the story Gellis began in A Tapestry of Dreams, and tells the story of Lady Audris' illegitimate half brother Bruno. Despite his dubious parentage, Bruno uses his skills with swords and horses to make his way, eventually leading to service at the court of King Stephen (who has usurped the English crown from his cousin Matilda). Melusine of Ulle is from Cumbria in the North and when the last of her family dies fighting against King Stephen she is brought to court as a lady in waiting to Queen Maude. For who knows what reason (I never got it), Stephen decides to knight Bruno and marry him to Melusine, who is half mad with grief over the loss of her family and home, and when she recognizes her new husband as the man who took her from Ulle she attempts to kill him while he's sleeping. Eventually the two manage to build a strong marriage and relationship amidst the backdrop of England's Civil War between Stephen and Matilda.
I guess that sounds good enough of a basis for your usual historical romance and as much as I do enjoy reading Gellis this book has some problems. Told in the first person point of view of Bruno and Melusine in alternating chapters, the story tends to overlap and backtrack way too much. As for the romance, so much of Bruno's service to Stephen keeps him on the battlefield and not sparring and making up with Melusine, so I suspect romance readers will be bored to tears. As for those who enjoy a bit more history (as I do) in their historical romances, the choice of such a complicated period in English history is not the best choice and came off to this reader as quite dry and not very interesting. I'd recommend Penman's When Christ and His Saints Slept. The only real highlights of the book are the few times Bruno and Melusine are together, although they did get a bit corny and outdated at times, ROFL the constant references by Bruno to his "standing man" Sir Jehad (and no I'm not going to explain what that means, if I did I'd get censored). Three stars, only recommended for die-hard Gellis fans.
I guess that sounds good enough of a basis for your usual historical romance and as much as I do enjoy reading Gellis this book has some problems. Told in the first person point of view of Bruno and Melusine in alternating chapters, the story tends to overlap and backtrack way too much. As for the romance, so much of Bruno's service to Stephen keeps him on the battlefield and not sparring and making up with Melusine, so I suspect romance readers will be bored to tears. As for those who enjoy a bit more history (as I do) in their historical romances, the choice of such a complicated period in English history is not the best choice and came off to this reader as quite dry and not very interesting. I'd recommend Penman's When Christ and His Saints Slept. The only real highlights of the book are the few times Bruno and Melusine are together, although they did get a bit corny and outdated at times, ROFL the constant references by Bruno to his "standing man" Sir Jehad (and no I'm not going to explain what that means, if I did I'd get censored). Three stars, only recommended for die-hard Gellis fans.
March 31, 2012
Actually 3.5
Why I Picked It Up: The book blurb caught my attention and I was certainly in need of an historical romance fix!
What I Loved: Gellis pays a lot of attention to detail but doesn’t overdo it. As the reader, I knew what the characters, dress and settings looked like but wasn’t bogged down with the day to day activities or minute detail. I really enjoyed the fact the Gellis tells the story from both the hero and heroine’s first person point of view. Each chapter is told in alternating points of view.
What I Could Have Lived Without: It was listed in what I loved but it was a love hate relationship. Alternating points of view. Do you remember that movie that came out a few years ago with that guy from Lost? It was a movie that went back and explained the story line from each main character’s point of view. I’m going to say you probably don’t. It was terrible. It was called Vantage Point and about the 80 millionth time they went back to explain it I was ready to take extreme measures just to make it stop. I tell you this to explain that while the book alternates view points, they also go back in the story line to explain the same event from the opposite point of view. Drove me nuts towards the end. I wanted to know what was going to happen, not what had already happened! Gellis probably expected this and it definitely kept this reader hooked while slowly driving me towards insanity…..
Characters: I didn’t warm up to the characters as quickly as I usually do but over time I came to love them. Melusine and Bruno are great together even though they were forced on each other. Melusine is headstrong and calculating. Bruno is guarded but gentle. It was magic watching these two learn to love each other. Bruno’s sister Audris makes an appearance in this novel and I can’t wait to go back and read her story. Both she and Hugh had my attention when they were in the story line.
Story Line: Roberta Gellis has a great story in Fires of Winter. It is set in the 1100′s when King Stephen defeated King David and stole the crown from the inept Matilda. Both Bruno and Melusine start their stories from their individual beginnings at the start of the book and things go from there. The events that bring Melusine and Bruno together are tragic to say the least and my heart hurt for them. It would make them stronger later. The biggest conflict outside of the romance is war. I was impressed with how we learned about Bruno and Melusine as they developed and at the same time a country under a king was also raging wars and developing into what it would become. There were some pretty low points but it all worked out well in the end. It certainly made gaining a deeper relationship a harder task. (SPOILER: As a note of caution there is one scene early in the book that contains a rape scene.)
My Recommendations: If you enjoy epic historical romances, this book is a pleasant read and I’ll be reading the first in the series for sure. If you prefer you’re historical romances a little fluffier, I’d give this one a pass.
Why I Picked It Up: The book blurb caught my attention and I was certainly in need of an historical romance fix!
What I Loved: Gellis pays a lot of attention to detail but doesn’t overdo it. As the reader, I knew what the characters, dress and settings looked like but wasn’t bogged down with the day to day activities or minute detail. I really enjoyed the fact the Gellis tells the story from both the hero and heroine’s first person point of view. Each chapter is told in alternating points of view.
What I Could Have Lived Without: It was listed in what I loved but it was a love hate relationship. Alternating points of view. Do you remember that movie that came out a few years ago with that guy from Lost? It was a movie that went back and explained the story line from each main character’s point of view. I’m going to say you probably don’t. It was terrible. It was called Vantage Point and about the 80 millionth time they went back to explain it I was ready to take extreme measures just to make it stop. I tell you this to explain that while the book alternates view points, they also go back in the story line to explain the same event from the opposite point of view. Drove me nuts towards the end. I wanted to know what was going to happen, not what had already happened! Gellis probably expected this and it definitely kept this reader hooked while slowly driving me towards insanity…..
Characters: I didn’t warm up to the characters as quickly as I usually do but over time I came to love them. Melusine and Bruno are great together even though they were forced on each other. Melusine is headstrong and calculating. Bruno is guarded but gentle. It was magic watching these two learn to love each other. Bruno’s sister Audris makes an appearance in this novel and I can’t wait to go back and read her story. Both she and Hugh had my attention when they were in the story line.
Story Line: Roberta Gellis has a great story in Fires of Winter. It is set in the 1100′s when King Stephen defeated King David and stole the crown from the inept Matilda. Both Bruno and Melusine start their stories from their individual beginnings at the start of the book and things go from there. The events that bring Melusine and Bruno together are tragic to say the least and my heart hurt for them. It would make them stronger later. The biggest conflict outside of the romance is war. I was impressed with how we learned about Bruno and Melusine as they developed and at the same time a country under a king was also raging wars and developing into what it would become. There were some pretty low points but it all worked out well in the end. It certainly made gaining a deeper relationship a harder task. (SPOILER: As a note of caution there is one scene early in the book that contains a rape scene.)
My Recommendations: If you enjoy epic historical romances, this book is a pleasant read and I’ll be reading the first in the series for sure. If you prefer you’re historical romances a little fluffier, I’d give this one a pass.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2022
I’m rating this more as a historical fiction book moreso than romance but it ruled lol. The text and historical detail are incredibly dense and, dare I say, gritty, but I will be picking up other books by this author for her treatment of the historical period she’s writing in
April 18, 2008
I am a big fan of Roberta Gellis medieval romances. Although she is better known for her Roselynde Chronicles whenever I find one of her books I always feel pretty happy and save them for a rainy day.
Melusine of Ulle, daughter of Scottish nobility, is given in marriage to Bruno of Jernaeve, who secures her land for his sovereign, King David. Born enemies, the pair has an inauspicious beginning when Melusine attempts to kill her new husband on their wedding night. But what makes this more than just a story of two people's rocky relationship is Gellis's wonderful style. Alternating chapters are written from the perspective of husband and wife, the work is historically accurate, and the narrative is sensitive and insightful. For Gellis fans, the fact that some characters appeared in Tapestry of Dreams makes this work all the richer.
This story is set during Stephen de Blois' reign and develops during its ongoing war with the Empress Matilda. The first half of the book is dedicated more to the relationship between the hero and the heroine. Growing up as the daughter of a noble family for her and as an illegitimate son of a noble man for him. They meet in less that happy circumstances as Bruno, a knight in King Stephen's entourage, is invading Melusine's keep as her father and brother have turned traitor. The King and Queen Maud decide a marriage of convenience for them and one could say that this more romantic side of the story continues till they come to terms with each other.
The second half is about the fight for power and the political movements of the period. How Stephen alienated his brother's support who went to Matilda and how after Matilda and Robert of Gloucester invaded Germany and eventually fought till they imprisoned King Stephen. He would end up being released when Queen Maud imprisons Robert of Gloucester planning and exchange between them but it led to Henry, son of Matilda, being sworn heir to the throne of England after Stephen's death. Bruno follows King Stephen's actions on the field and shares his imprisonment and Melusine stays in attendance of Queen Maud thus presenting different perspectives of what’s happening around them. The book has one particularity I have not seen often, each chapter is written in the first person but alternating between Bruno and Melusine. This means we have their different views regarding what's happening, sometimes their different views on the situation they are in.
Gellis is really good at delivering interesting, true to their period, characters and in immersing her story in history. It made for a very interesting read!
Grade: B
Melusine of Ulle, daughter of Scottish nobility, is given in marriage to Bruno of Jernaeve, who secures her land for his sovereign, King David. Born enemies, the pair has an inauspicious beginning when Melusine attempts to kill her new husband on their wedding night. But what makes this more than just a story of two people's rocky relationship is Gellis's wonderful style. Alternating chapters are written from the perspective of husband and wife, the work is historically accurate, and the narrative is sensitive and insightful. For Gellis fans, the fact that some characters appeared in Tapestry of Dreams makes this work all the richer.
This story is set during Stephen de Blois' reign and develops during its ongoing war with the Empress Matilda. The first half of the book is dedicated more to the relationship between the hero and the heroine. Growing up as the daughter of a noble family for her and as an illegitimate son of a noble man for him. They meet in less that happy circumstances as Bruno, a knight in King Stephen's entourage, is invading Melusine's keep as her father and brother have turned traitor. The King and Queen Maud decide a marriage of convenience for them and one could say that this more romantic side of the story continues till they come to terms with each other.
The second half is about the fight for power and the political movements of the period. How Stephen alienated his brother's support who went to Matilda and how after Matilda and Robert of Gloucester invaded Germany and eventually fought till they imprisoned King Stephen. He would end up being released when Queen Maud imprisons Robert of Gloucester planning and exchange between them but it led to Henry, son of Matilda, being sworn heir to the throne of England after Stephen's death. Bruno follows King Stephen's actions on the field and shares his imprisonment and Melusine stays in attendance of Queen Maud thus presenting different perspectives of what’s happening around them. The book has one particularity I have not seen often, each chapter is written in the first person but alternating between Bruno and Melusine. This means we have their different views regarding what's happening, sometimes their different views on the situation they are in.
Gellis is really good at delivering interesting, true to their period, characters and in immersing her story in history. It made for a very interesting read!
Grade: B
April 22, 2012
Having enjoyed Tapestry of Dreams, of course I had to find out what happened with Audris's half brother, Bruno. Of course I did. But what a disappointment. This book is a prime example of why people tell writers to show it don't tell it. Alternating narratives from Bruno and Melusine was annoying and there was too much history and not enough tupping. I wanted more relationship between the main characters not their relationship with their royal highnesses. Sheesh.
This is the second time this has happened to me in a week.
The lesson here: Do not read historical romances by the same author one after the other. It does not bode well.
This is the second time this has happened to me in a week.
The lesson here: Do not read historical romances by the same author one after the other. It does not bode well.
March 16, 2017
This is old school historical romance, with an emphasis on the history. Told in alternating first-person perspectives, it starts slooooowly - birth, parentage, childhood, siblings; deaths of siblings, deaths of parents; assorted plagues, political disputes, and wars; etc. etc. The hero and heroine meet badly - he is King Stephen's squire when King Stephen storms the heroine's family's fortress - and she promptly goes into essentially a fugue/amnesia state that lasts for several months and ends only when she's been married off to the hero, whom she shortly thereafter attempts to kill. As one does.
The romantic pacing is very slow - a third of the way through, they still haven't had sex (although the marriage was consummated through what both characters describe as rape, so be warned) - and the political detail is lavishly explained. I'm guessing it could get a little tedious if you were hoping to read a romance rather than historical fiction. The romance remained fairly secondary throughout (although it is a motivational factor for the characters). It's really all about the history here.
My biggest complaint was the shifting perspectives. The use of first-person didn't bother me so much as Gellis' habit of doubling back to re-tell the same events from the second person's point of view. We've already seen it happen once! We've been able to guess at the meaning behind Melusine's behavior because of our previous understanding of her from earlier in the book! We don't need to see it again with Melusine's explicit explanation of her behavior! Additionally, the names bothered me; Melusine may have been a name which cropped up occasionally in medieval France but it doesn't seem right for early twelfth-century England, and ditto Bruno. The portrayal of Empress Matilda owes a lot more to the old-school concept of her as a screaming, virtue-less virago than it does to modern interpretations, but it helps to remember that the main character is a partisan of King Stephen's.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book, but it's definitely more for readers of historical fiction than historical romance - and yet contains a significant enough romance that if you don't want to read about romance, you shouldn't read this book. If you like Elizabeth Chadwick, basically, this is probably a book for you... despite the terrible cover.
The romantic pacing is very slow - a third of the way through, they still haven't had sex (although the marriage was consummated through what both characters describe as rape, so be warned) - and the political detail is lavishly explained. I'm guessing it could get a little tedious if you were hoping to read a romance rather than historical fiction. The romance remained fairly secondary throughout (although it is a motivational factor for the characters). It's really all about the history here.
My biggest complaint was the shifting perspectives. The use of first-person didn't bother me so much as Gellis' habit of doubling back to re-tell the same events from the second person's point of view. We've already seen it happen once! We've been able to guess at the meaning behind Melusine's behavior because of our previous understanding of her from earlier in the book! We don't need to see it again with Melusine's explicit explanation of her behavior! Additionally, the names bothered me; Melusine may have been a name which cropped up occasionally in medieval France but it doesn't seem right for early twelfth-century England, and ditto Bruno. The portrayal of Empress Matilda owes a lot more to the old-school concept of her as a screaming, virtue-less virago than it does to modern interpretations, but it helps to remember that the main character is a partisan of King Stephen's.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book, but it's definitely more for readers of historical fiction than historical romance - and yet contains a significant enough romance that if you don't want to read about romance, you shouldn't read this book. If you like Elizabeth Chadwick, basically, this is probably a book for you... despite the terrible cover.
July 11, 2023
This book started off with a lot of history, and I was worried I would be bored, but it was actually quite interesting. I think it being in first person helped a lot, and definitely made this book unique. Most historicals are third person. I absolutely loved when she tried to stab him in the middle of the night and how amused he was by her. I loved Bruno as a hero, especially for an old school historical. He was sweet, and he made it clear he wouldn't force her (other than the wedding night, which was understandable given the king and queen themselves made him consummate and he's a man of loyalty. He also hated that he had to force her, which made the whole thing a little more bearable to read. He also only did it long enough for proof of consummation, and then he stopped). I liked how mature the heroine was. When Bruno hired an ex-prostitute (that he'd slept with once) to be her maid, she rightfully was upset with Bruno, but was kind to the girl, knowing that she is just an innocent in all of this. Needless to say, this book started off great. However, it did start to get a little boring about halfway through. To me, the majority of this book was about the history and politics of the time, and I would've liked more romance.
April 18, 2024
Set against the struggle for England's crown between the ruling King Stephen and the would-be Queen Matilda in the late 1130s, "Fires of Winter" invigorates a standard historical romance trope of the arranged marriage meant to ensure political stability and tranquility. The invigoration happens because Roberta Gellis knows her medieval history and creates a convincing world full of period detail and politics—perhaps too much so for many readers, who are used to lighter medieval stories. Her characters, Bruno of Jernaeve, an illegitimate knight who has risen to service in Stephen's court, and Melusine, the pampered only daughter of a border lord, are fully realized and seem to be more 12th Century than 20/21st century, another plus. Refreshingly, Gellis does not rely on misunderstandings to complicate her lovers' relationship: history itself will do that. Although the novel is a companion to her earlier "Tapestry of Dreams," readers can enjoy it as a stand-alone.
February 9, 2018
DNF @ 30%
I know I'm going against the majority when I say I did not enjoy this novel.
I had no real issues with either main characters although I did think they were a little bland. The biggest issue I had was with the plot and writing. I found both to be utterly boring. The plot (from what I could stand) was kind of illogical and uninteresting. Besides that, the author just went on and on about battles and kings. And I understand that background info is important to the story but it felt like too much.
I didn't pick this book to read about historical battles. I picked this novel because I wanted to read about a romance. Furthermore, each scene started off from the past. So there was a lot of pointless retelling.
Overall, I didn't like. Maybe if I'd stuck it out it would have gotten better. But this novel just became too much of a chore.
I know I'm going against the majority when I say I did not enjoy this novel.
I had no real issues with either main characters although I did think they were a little bland. The biggest issue I had was with the plot and writing. I found both to be utterly boring. The plot (from what I could stand) was kind of illogical and uninteresting. Besides that, the author just went on and on about battles and kings. And I understand that background info is important to the story but it felt like too much.
I didn't pick this book to read about historical battles. I picked this novel because I wanted to read about a romance. Furthermore, each scene started off from the past. So there was a lot of pointless retelling.
Overall, I didn't like. Maybe if I'd stuck it out it would have gotten better. But this novel just became too much of a chore.
February 26, 2021
Roberta Gellis has taught me more about the twelfth century than any history text. Her cetral characters are always products of their time, often obsessed with honor or duty or both, frequently religious to the point of superstition, always taking discomforts and even wounds in stride, and mostly as complex as they are admirable. Bruno of Jernaeve and Melusine of Ulle are perfect examples. Once again we meet the charming and well-intentioned, but weak King Stephen and his devoted and clever wife Maud. Stephen earns Bruno's loyalty but also his disappointed exasperation. Maud's suspicion of Melusine eventually grows into fondness and understanding. Between them Bruno and Melusine range all over England, from Winchester to the Scots border, Arundel to Bath and Bristol, London to the glorious wilds of Cumbria. This is the sort of historical novel to savor.
December 31, 2024
3.25 Stars
This book was very heavy in history and politics, and rather light on the romance aspect. I didn't mind it much, although I did need some breaks in between reading because my head was steaming with information. I got quite confused by the myriad of characters at times, but that is a given since I can never remember characters' names anyway, even while reading.
There was a lot of unnecessary repetition at the beginning of the chapters, which I found tedious at times, as they would just repeat half of the previous chapter in another POV. Cutting them down would have eliminated the stagnation in storytelling.
I did really enjoy the main couple and seeing them fall in love over time, as well as Melusine's character progression.
This book was very heavy in history and politics, and rather light on the romance aspect. I didn't mind it much, although I did need some breaks in between reading because my head was steaming with information. I got quite confused by the myriad of characters at times, but that is a given since I can never remember characters' names anyway, even while reading.
There was a lot of unnecessary repetition at the beginning of the chapters, which I found tedious at times, as they would just repeat half of the previous chapter in another POV. Cutting them down would have eliminated the stagnation in storytelling.
I did really enjoy the main couple and seeing them fall in love over time, as well as Melusine's character progression.
January 6, 2018
Wow, I trudged through this book. I only finished because I started skimming in the last 25%. The story is told in first person POV, so there's very little action and dialogue. It's mostly long descriptions of the political environment, wars, and the character's feelings as they remember them. I doubt I'll read this author again.
December 8, 2019
An interesting book that made early 12th century history come alive as it traces the lives of Bruno and Melusine. The harsh confitions, constant warfare, diseases made for short life spans especially among the lower class This book follows the lives of the main characters through the intrigues of court life, as well as the battles and shifting alliances.
May 15, 2018
I'm in the minority on this one, but the book was just too long winded for my lucky - I just skipped over it as it just didn't grab me even as I was halfway thru - and could anymore family members have died.
February 19, 2019
I liked the balance of actual plot (gasp) with the romance in this one. There are a significant number of minor players in the political arena and keeping everyone straight takes a little work initially but it's a fun story and the characters are interesting.
July 9, 2017
Library Kindle e-book
February 8, 2021
All of Gellis' books are strong on history and character development, but this one stands out, maybe because of the alternating "narrator' of the chapters. I have read it several times.
avoid
February 8, 2021Alternating 1st Person POV. Nuff said.
November 22, 2021
Rivited throughout
Roberta Gellis weaves a story keeping your interest and attention. History weaved with intrigue and love. Characters are easy to imagine.
Roberta Gellis weaves a story keeping your interest and attention. History weaved with intrigue and love. Characters are easy to imagine.
July 30, 2023
Dnf at 20%
This is not for me! I typically like medieval historical romances, but this was just really heavy on the history.
This is not for me! I typically like medieval historical romances, but this was just really heavy on the history.
May 20, 2013
Title: Fires of Winter*
Author: Roberta Gellis
Series:N/A
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Format: paperback, e-book
Date/Year: November 2011 (reissue)
Reviewed by: ElaineReads
*This book was provided to the reviewer by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Summary from the publisher:
A SPARKLING PRIZE OF WAR: The beautiful, cherished daughter of Scottish nobility, Melusine of Ulle had all the privileges of rank. But her family and her life were destroyed by the ravages of war. And her noble name made her a threat to the new king . . .
A LOYAL VASSAL’S REWARD: A bastard son of an English lord, Bruno of Jernaeve was born with nothing. But through loyalty, cleverness and brute strength, he carved out a spot at the right hand of the king. And to remain in favor he would do anything, even accept the hand of his enemy . . .
They have nothing in common and every reason to hate each other, but even in the coldest of winters one spark can ignite a fire too hot to tame.
My Musings:
Told in alternating chapters, Winds of Fire tells the story of the lives of Melusine and Bruno. I have classified this book as a historical romance, but it is really more history than romance.
The book begins during the childhoods of each character. Melusine is the only surviving daughter of nobility and has been allowed more freedom than most girls of this time period. Bruno is the son of an English lord and the manor whore.
Melusine’s entire family is destroyed and her lands are taken from her by the English king because her father had supported Scotland. Her focus throughout the book is to convince King Stephen to return her lands to her. As a female, this means she must have a husband in the King’s favor.
Bruno is a soldier of King Stephen and attends him at Court. He has given the king his oath of loyalty and although he recognizes the king’s weaknesses, his honor and his love for the king keeps him at his side.
King Stephen gives Melusine to Bruno as a bride to serve two purposes. He is rewarding a loyal soldier and he believes Bruno can control any of Melusine’s desires to overthrow the King.
Taking place during the 1100s or High Middle Ages in England and Scotland, the author spends a lot of time discussing the political maneuverings of various characters at the beginning of the book. These are not the two protagonists, but various lords, princes, and religious leaders. This is not a time period that I am particularly familiar with so it is probably a good thing that the author spends some time setting the landscape . . . but, eighty-five pages!
It is not until the eighty-sixth page that Bruno and Melusine meet. He weds and beds her and she tries to kill him. Probably not the best start to a marriage.
I almost gave up on this book several times. If it had not been a book I had promised to review, I would never have finished it. As I said earlier, it is more history than romance. I felt there was way too much time spent discussing the political landscape to the detriment of the story between Bruno and Melusine.
Having said that, I am glad I finished it. I now know something of the history of that time period, although I do not know how accurate it is. The book had a solid ending with enough information about Bruno and Melusine to satisfy my curiosity on how their lives turned out.
I would never recommend this book to someone who is looking for a romance. However, if you are interested in a political history of the time period, this is definitely the book for you.
Ratings:
Overall: 2 stars
Sensuality level: 3.0
Author: Roberta Gellis
Series:N/A
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Format: paperback, e-book
Date/Year: November 2011 (reissue)
Reviewed by: ElaineReads
*This book was provided to the reviewer by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Summary from the publisher:
A SPARKLING PRIZE OF WAR: The beautiful, cherished daughter of Scottish nobility, Melusine of Ulle had all the privileges of rank. But her family and her life were destroyed by the ravages of war. And her noble name made her a threat to the new king . . .
A LOYAL VASSAL’S REWARD: A bastard son of an English lord, Bruno of Jernaeve was born with nothing. But through loyalty, cleverness and brute strength, he carved out a spot at the right hand of the king. And to remain in favor he would do anything, even accept the hand of his enemy . . .
They have nothing in common and every reason to hate each other, but even in the coldest of winters one spark can ignite a fire too hot to tame.
My Musings:
Told in alternating chapters, Winds of Fire tells the story of the lives of Melusine and Bruno. I have classified this book as a historical romance, but it is really more history than romance.
The book begins during the childhoods of each character. Melusine is the only surviving daughter of nobility and has been allowed more freedom than most girls of this time period. Bruno is the son of an English lord and the manor whore.
Melusine’s entire family is destroyed and her lands are taken from her by the English king because her father had supported Scotland. Her focus throughout the book is to convince King Stephen to return her lands to her. As a female, this means she must have a husband in the King’s favor.
Bruno is a soldier of King Stephen and attends him at Court. He has given the king his oath of loyalty and although he recognizes the king’s weaknesses, his honor and his love for the king keeps him at his side.
King Stephen gives Melusine to Bruno as a bride to serve two purposes. He is rewarding a loyal soldier and he believes Bruno can control any of Melusine’s desires to overthrow the King.
Taking place during the 1100s or High Middle Ages in England and Scotland, the author spends a lot of time discussing the political maneuverings of various characters at the beginning of the book. These are not the two protagonists, but various lords, princes, and religious leaders. This is not a time period that I am particularly familiar with so it is probably a good thing that the author spends some time setting the landscape . . . but, eighty-five pages!
It is not until the eighty-sixth page that Bruno and Melusine meet. He weds and beds her and she tries to kill him. Probably not the best start to a marriage.
I almost gave up on this book several times. If it had not been a book I had promised to review, I would never have finished it. As I said earlier, it is more history than romance. I felt there was way too much time spent discussing the political landscape to the detriment of the story between Bruno and Melusine.
Having said that, I am glad I finished it. I now know something of the history of that time period, although I do not know how accurate it is. The book had a solid ending with enough information about Bruno and Melusine to satisfy my curiosity on how their lives turned out.
I would never recommend this book to someone who is looking for a romance. However, if you are interested in a political history of the time period, this is definitely the book for you.
Ratings:
Overall: 2 stars
Sensuality level: 3.0
January 2, 2012
Originally posted at: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
Fires of Winter is set in the 12th century, and starts with the story of the charming hero, Bruno, as a child. He does some amazing things when only a boy, including taking care of his orphaned baby half-sister. The sibling love between them is touching. His sister is the legitimate daughter of a lord while Bruno is a bastard. Despite this, he works hard and moves up in the world to become a knight who works closely with the king, Stephen.
Politics play a big role in this book and take up much of the story. They are tightly woven into the plot. At this time in history, the daughter of the late king is fighting her cousin, the current king, for the right to the throne. The author wrote the historical details as if she had seen a diary of people who lived through it. It was very convincing.
The hero, Melusine, turns out to be a good match for Bruno. She loses her entire family and temporarily goes mad. This is quite unexpected in an historical romance, but it¹s handled well. She fights her growing love for her husband because everyone she loves dies.
Something that makes this different from the average romance is an occasional action by the hero that is normally taboo in this genre. For example, the marriage is forced on Melusine at the king's and queen's insistence, and on the wedding night, the king insists that Bruno make her his wife in full and Melusine is not exactly a willing participant.
Also, another thing is slightly disturbing. In the beginning of their marriage, Bruno goes to a prostitute to satisfy his urges. He doesn't want to force his wife, feeling terrible about the wedding night. Near the end of the book, Bruno tells Melusine that he hadn't touched another woman since he'd been with her. Strangely, this didn't come across as a lie. It felt more like he had forgotten that night long before with a hired woman.
Here's another interesting and unusual thing: Bruno doesn't find Melusine attractive at first, and she thought him handsome but not her type (after she comes back from temporary madness). The writing style is straight to the point, not flowery. The earthy feel of it fits the medieval world well.
Also, despite a couple of disturbing things about Bruno's actions, he comes across as thoroughly likeable. Interestingly, he displays a kind of innocence in his thoughts and actions as he falls in love with his wife. It's refreshing for a book set in this time period to have a working man as a hero as well. He's not rich. His closeness to the king adds interest to a story filled with political intrigue. For fans of medieval romance who are looking for something a little different, this would be a great story to check out. The author knows her stuff.
Fires of Winter is set in the 12th century, and starts with the story of the charming hero, Bruno, as a child. He does some amazing things when only a boy, including taking care of his orphaned baby half-sister. The sibling love between them is touching. His sister is the legitimate daughter of a lord while Bruno is a bastard. Despite this, he works hard and moves up in the world to become a knight who works closely with the king, Stephen.
Politics play a big role in this book and take up much of the story. They are tightly woven into the plot. At this time in history, the daughter of the late king is fighting her cousin, the current king, for the right to the throne. The author wrote the historical details as if she had seen a diary of people who lived through it. It was very convincing.
The hero, Melusine, turns out to be a good match for Bruno. She loses her entire family and temporarily goes mad. This is quite unexpected in an historical romance, but it¹s handled well. She fights her growing love for her husband because everyone she loves dies.
Something that makes this different from the average romance is an occasional action by the hero that is normally taboo in this genre. For example, the marriage is forced on Melusine at the king's and queen's insistence, and on the wedding night, the king insists that Bruno make her his wife in full and Melusine is not exactly a willing participant.
Also, another thing is slightly disturbing. In the beginning of their marriage, Bruno goes to a prostitute to satisfy his urges. He doesn't want to force his wife, feeling terrible about the wedding night. Near the end of the book, Bruno tells Melusine that he hadn't touched another woman since he'd been with her. Strangely, this didn't come across as a lie. It felt more like he had forgotten that night long before with a hired woman.
Here's another interesting and unusual thing: Bruno doesn't find Melusine attractive at first, and she thought him handsome but not her type (after she comes back from temporary madness). The writing style is straight to the point, not flowery. The earthy feel of it fits the medieval world well.
Also, despite a couple of disturbing things about Bruno's actions, he comes across as thoroughly likeable. Interestingly, he displays a kind of innocence in his thoughts and actions as he falls in love with his wife. It's refreshing for a book set in this time period to have a working man as a hero as well. He's not rich. His closeness to the king adds interest to a story filled with political intrigue. For fans of medieval romance who are looking for something a little different, this would be a great story to check out. The author knows her stuff.
November 20, 2011
This book can be mistaken for historical romance, but personally I would not say it is that. It is more the child of Historical fiction and romance. It is the tone, the vibe, the story that makes it so.
The book is also part 2 in a series, but works wonderful on it's own. Book 1 is about Bruno's half sister so they are connected, but does not have to be read in order.
Bruno is told to marry Lady Melusine and so he does. There is no instant love between these two. They both know they have duty and that they can't say no. Sure there is later lust, and she feels she would like to have a child. But there is no romance, and do not take that the wrong way, that is good, that is real. Melusine is a woman who knows what she wants, the land back that the king took from her after her father died fighting the king. That is all she asks for. Bruno on the other hand is a bastard of a lord, he knows his place, he is favored by the king, and he is very loyal. He also does not really find out what Melusine is all about. I think that is where he lost me at one point of the book. On every page he mentioned that he does not trust her (the queen says she is a rebel), it got old. I do understand it, but Melusine never did anything to prove it right, so he could have trusted her a bit.
What makes this book different from the HR you might get from the cover is that there are a lot of facts. Never dry ones though, but we get to see the fight between King Stephen and Empress Matilda. Cities that are taken, who changed side, what did King David of Scotland do and so on. Because of the couple's proximity to the royal couple these are events they talk about and experience.
As for romance, the love that slowly grows between these too is a fiery passion, a love for home and the man or woman who might be right for you. A truer love that takes time to grow.
It was an interesting book places against a time of turmoil in England. A good lovestory and what I just love, history, facts and the feeling you are there in the dirty streets and the beautiful halls.
The book is also part 2 in a series, but works wonderful on it's own. Book 1 is about Bruno's half sister so they are connected, but does not have to be read in order.
Bruno is told to marry Lady Melusine and so he does. There is no instant love between these two. They both know they have duty and that they can't say no. Sure there is later lust, and she feels she would like to have a child. But there is no romance, and do not take that the wrong way, that is good, that is real. Melusine is a woman who knows what she wants, the land back that the king took from her after her father died fighting the king. That is all she asks for. Bruno on the other hand is a bastard of a lord, he knows his place, he is favored by the king, and he is very loyal. He also does not really find out what Melusine is all about. I think that is where he lost me at one point of the book. On every page he mentioned that he does not trust her (the queen says she is a rebel), it got old. I do understand it, but Melusine never did anything to prove it right, so he could have trusted her a bit.
What makes this book different from the HR you might get from the cover is that there are a lot of facts. Never dry ones though, but we get to see the fight between King Stephen and Empress Matilda. Cities that are taken, who changed side, what did King David of Scotland do and so on. Because of the couple's proximity to the royal couple these are events they talk about and experience.
As for romance, the love that slowly grows between these too is a fiery passion, a love for home and the man or woman who might be right for you. A truer love that takes time to grow.
It was an interesting book places against a time of turmoil in England. A good lovestory and what I just love, history, facts and the feeling you are there in the dirty streets and the beautiful halls.
April 11, 2012
There HAD to be some bodice-ripping throughout history!
Fires of Winter is a journey through 12th-century England as seen from the perspective of Bruno, the son of the Lord of Jernaeve and a castle whore, who clawed his way up from nothing to become a Knight of the Body to King Stephen; and Melusine, the coddled daughter of a Scottish nobleman loyal to Stephen's rival, the Empress Matilda.
The chapters alternate between Bruno's and Melusine's first-person, past-tense points of view. The first few chapters are mainly character development, and there is sometimes the feeling of backtracking. But soon after, the story rolls in waves of action from their first brief encounter, when Bruno storms Melusine's keep at Ulle in the name of King Stephen. Stephen's Queen Maude orders Bruno to wed Melusine in order to watch her as the daughter of a rebel, and Bruno and Melusine form an alliance to regain Melusine's lost land of Ulle.
We meet King Stephen, the Empress Matilda, and even Eleanor of Aquitaine through the eyes of two people trying to survive in the court of a weak and changeable king, all the while relying more and more upon each other's strength and consistency in this uncertain landscape.
Fires of Winter is the story of a love-match made despite the dangerous times and doubtful circumstances. The author obviously knows the time period well, and her teasing, alternating chapters kept me interested until the end. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good historical romance that happens to lend a view on the historical politics as well.
Fires of Winter is a journey through 12th-century England as seen from the perspective of Bruno, the son of the Lord of Jernaeve and a castle whore, who clawed his way up from nothing to become a Knight of the Body to King Stephen; and Melusine, the coddled daughter of a Scottish nobleman loyal to Stephen's rival, the Empress Matilda.
The chapters alternate between Bruno's and Melusine's first-person, past-tense points of view. The first few chapters are mainly character development, and there is sometimes the feeling of backtracking. But soon after, the story rolls in waves of action from their first brief encounter, when Bruno storms Melusine's keep at Ulle in the name of King Stephen. Stephen's Queen Maude orders Bruno to wed Melusine in order to watch her as the daughter of a rebel, and Bruno and Melusine form an alliance to regain Melusine's lost land of Ulle.
We meet King Stephen, the Empress Matilda, and even Eleanor of Aquitaine through the eyes of two people trying to survive in the court of a weak and changeable king, all the while relying more and more upon each other's strength and consistency in this uncertain landscape.
Fires of Winter is the story of a love-match made despite the dangerous times and doubtful circumstances. The author obviously knows the time period well, and her teasing, alternating chapters kept me interested until the end. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good historical romance that happens to lend a view on the historical politics as well.
November 14, 2011
This delight is a classic of yesteryear and a great winter read for those long cold nights with a good cup of tea, warm throw and a bit of chocolate. Ahh.....Relaxing!
Bruno is the bastard child of the Blue Blood but with a mother who was a whore. This label will affect each and every part of him for the rest of his life even though those who love him don't see him as such. A man of impeccable loyalty, honor, patience and intelligence as well as handsome as the day is long is an understatement. Beloved trusted friend of the King of England and trusting handsome love of the Queen puts Bruno in a position of some import. There are those who will not see the right of a bastard born being held so high.
Mellusine of Ulle is a captive of the King of England who is treated more than fairly. Her father turned traitor to the King of England by siding himself and his sons with the King of Scotland thus leaving his lands and beloved daughter unprotected and in dire danger. Mellisune is not the mousy vapor stricken chit who cannot hold her own in times of danger and hardship.
Bruno and Mellusine are trust together into a marriage of convience for the realm of England. Neither are happy with the arrangement but make due and eventually come to care for each other. Their respect and honesty is a balm for wedded bliss and for a Queen who doesn't trust her captive servant.
This is a really nice story that shows we can have an honest romance with a history lesson thrown in without the sexual prominence overtaking our story line.
Bruno is the bastard child of the Blue Blood but with a mother who was a whore. This label will affect each and every part of him for the rest of his life even though those who love him don't see him as such. A man of impeccable loyalty, honor, patience and intelligence as well as handsome as the day is long is an understatement. Beloved trusted friend of the King of England and trusting handsome love of the Queen puts Bruno in a position of some import. There are those who will not see the right of a bastard born being held so high.
Mellusine of Ulle is a captive of the King of England who is treated more than fairly. Her father turned traitor to the King of England by siding himself and his sons with the King of Scotland thus leaving his lands and beloved daughter unprotected and in dire danger. Mellisune is not the mousy vapor stricken chit who cannot hold her own in times of danger and hardship.
Bruno and Mellusine are trust together into a marriage of convience for the realm of England. Neither are happy with the arrangement but make due and eventually come to care for each other. Their respect and honesty is a balm for wedded bliss and for a Queen who doesn't trust her captive servant.
This is a really nice story that shows we can have an honest romance with a history lesson thrown in without the sexual prominence overtaking our story line.
April 25, 2013
This book puts the "historical" in historical fiction. It's set in the late 1130s, during a time in England known as the Anarchy. The hero is a bastard knight beholden to King Stephen. The heroine is given to him in an arranged marriage and has dubious loyalties to Stephen. Kudos to Gellis for not only doing incredibly deep research, but also for weaving real historical events oh-so skillfully into this fictional story. This is a book to lose yourself in.
A couple of issues that keep me from giving it five stars: First, the story is told in alternating point of view. The first chapter is the hero's, the second is the heroine's, and so on. This makes for some repetition as events are described twice, first through his eyes, and then through hers. Secondly, the book meanders at times, and it's simply not clear where the story is headed. Still, it's hard for me not to like a book whose first line is, "My mother was the castle whore."
A couple of issues that keep me from giving it five stars: First, the story is told in alternating point of view. The first chapter is the hero's, the second is the heroine's, and so on. This makes for some repetition as events are described twice, first through his eyes, and then through hers. Secondly, the book meanders at times, and it's simply not clear where the story is headed. Still, it's hard for me not to like a book whose first line is, "My mother was the castle whore."
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