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White Rose of Night
In 12th-century England, fifteen-year-old Paul becomes the squire and lover of a Saxon knight, Edward of Aethelstan. Struggling to survive in the Norman world, Edward embarks with Paul on Crusade to the Holy Land, where Paul is captured as a slave by a Saracen captain. The love of the two young men is all that sustains them in their further adventures, where they eventually join with the Arab leader Saladin in seeking an honorable end to this horrible war.
282 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
4 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Mel Keegan
52 books71 followersA self-confessed science fiction and fantasy devotee, Keegan is known for novels across a wide range of subjects, from the historical to the future action-adventure. Mel lives in South Australia with an eccentric family and a variety of pets.
Every Mel Keegan book is strong on gay or bisexual heroes (also, often, on gay villains), and some of these heroes are the most delicious in fiction: Jarrat and Stone from the NARC series, Bill Ryan and Jim Hale from The Deceivers, Neil Travers and Curtis Marin from Hellgate, and many more unforgettable characters. Because Mel's books feature the same sex relationships, the partnership at the core of each book is integral: this is the relationship driving the story, and it can be very powerful indeed.
Every Mel Keegan book is strong on gay or bisexual heroes (also, often, on gay villains), and some of these heroes are the most delicious in fiction: Jarrat and Stone from the NARC series, Bill Ryan and Jim Hale from The Deceivers, Neil Travers and Curtis Marin from Hellgate, and many more unforgettable characters. Because Mel's books feature the same sex relationships, the partnership at the core of each book is integral: this is the relationship driving the story, and it can be very powerful indeed.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 10, 2026
So much better then any of the cover illustrations on any of the editions of this novel. It is fun, immensely readable and I have only fond memories of it, though it was a long time ago that I read it. I respect Keegan as a writer - particularly of historical fiction - his novels read true and his 'gay' stories emerge from the period rather then being grafted onto it.
I have no hesitation in recommending it and it is on my to buy and read again lists.
I have no hesitation in recommending it and it is on my to buy and read again lists.
November 26, 2010
In "White Rose of Night" Mel Keegan again displays outstanding ability to transport the reader to another place in time. From the supposed bastion which is now Great Britain along the highways and waterways which led to the holy land, we are taken along the journey of a squire and his knight and the many tests they endure of their affection for each other, their beliefs and faith, and life in general.
If you desire immersive fiction which has same sex relationship which are not strictly sexual Mel Keegan is always an author you can turn to for a supply of ably written and enjoyable gay fiction. I've read a number who lament the amount of explicit sexual content in books when they just might like to read a nice alternative to heterosexual romance or historicals, but the heavy supply of m/m fiction does not meet their requirements. For those ones, or even those who are regular readers of m/m fiction who wish strong characterization, storyline and writing skills in a different way, look along the lines of Keegan's work.
I liked this story although I must admit the religious statements and details of Edward was tiresome to me and the explanations made. Yet since those examples were completely in character I cannot distract from the whole of this book simply for that feeling. I do prefer a style more like those from "The Falcon and the Hound" by Judith Tarr which is set in a similar historical time period and has situations of same-sex attractions, I suppose it grated to have platitudes quoted for me which I already knew or any reader might assume regarding the time period. Just the same, the wordage, the societal ideals and demands were represented accurately.
For me, the way gay relationships are presented can often be problematic. I scrutinize especially if an author, whether male, female or other, can believably represent actions, behaviors and dialogue same sex partner might use. Sometimes I didn't quite feel that in "White Rose of Night" but what was used fit the story as a whole.
I honestly and wholeheartedly believe new readers who are open-minded to gay relationship fiction should try books like these. It is my hope and wish that many readers of m/m come to appreciate the difference between that genre and gay fiction and appreciate what authors like Mel Keegan have been writing for decades. Mel Keegan has written in contemporary, sci-fi, fantasy, historical genres and more with nicely realized gay or bisexual characters or situations with excellent proficiency but with the new influx of m/m fiction, their groundbreaking ability and realism has been often brushed aside or by others, undiscovered.
What I appreciate about Mel Keegan's books mostly is that it gives me the chance to continue my love for great writing. I love reading of all kinds, no matter what gender or sexuality is dealt with or even if it's the focus. Mel Keegan does so, even if the "industry" of writing doesn't appreciate hugely their ability to transcend sexuality and simply WRITE A GREAT BOOK, a great romance, even if it is two men who are in love with each other.
If you desire immersive fiction which has same sex relationship which are not strictly sexual Mel Keegan is always an author you can turn to for a supply of ably written and enjoyable gay fiction. I've read a number who lament the amount of explicit sexual content in books when they just might like to read a nice alternative to heterosexual romance or historicals, but the heavy supply of m/m fiction does not meet their requirements. For those ones, or even those who are regular readers of m/m fiction who wish strong characterization, storyline and writing skills in a different way, look along the lines of Keegan's work.
I liked this story although I must admit the religious statements and details of Edward was tiresome to me and the explanations made. Yet since those examples were completely in character I cannot distract from the whole of this book simply for that feeling. I do prefer a style more like those from "The Falcon and the Hound" by Judith Tarr which is set in a similar historical time period and has situations of same-sex attractions, I suppose it grated to have platitudes quoted for me which I already knew or any reader might assume regarding the time period. Just the same, the wordage, the societal ideals and demands were represented accurately.
For me, the way gay relationships are presented can often be problematic. I scrutinize especially if an author, whether male, female or other, can believably represent actions, behaviors and dialogue same sex partner might use. Sometimes I didn't quite feel that in "White Rose of Night" but what was used fit the story as a whole.
I honestly and wholeheartedly believe new readers who are open-minded to gay relationship fiction should try books like these. It is my hope and wish that many readers of m/m come to appreciate the difference between that genre and gay fiction and appreciate what authors like Mel Keegan have been writing for decades. Mel Keegan has written in contemporary, sci-fi, fantasy, historical genres and more with nicely realized gay or bisexual characters or situations with excellent proficiency but with the new influx of m/m fiction, their groundbreaking ability and realism has been often brushed aside or by others, undiscovered.
What I appreciate about Mel Keegan's books mostly is that it gives me the chance to continue my love for great writing. I love reading of all kinds, no matter what gender or sexuality is dealt with or even if it's the focus. Mel Keegan does so, even if the "industry" of writing doesn't appreciate hugely their ability to transcend sexuality and simply WRITE A GREAT BOOK, a great romance, even if it is two men who are in love with each other.
March 17, 2013
I've never picked up a book by Mel Keegan that I didn't like more than I disliked or enjoy more than I didn't enjoy it. There is just something about his characters that drag you in and make you forget about the flaws--whatever they might be. I had a few problems with various things. I shall be honest as I did not take notes, I don't even remember exactly what they were that bothered me.
If you just want a fun interesting read with a fairly decent plot, characters and sex this is a good book.
If you just want a fun interesting read with a fairly decent plot, characters and sex this is a good book.
February 8, 2014
A terrific novel full of adventure and fascinating characters. An excellent read!
August 29, 2011
One of the first books i read i still love it now.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews