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Blood Sword Legacy #2
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Lady Tarian de Godwinson, una bella sajona acusada injustamente de asesinato, sabe que el nuevo monarca de Inglaterra ha dado órdenes de acabar con ella. De modo que, cuando el ejército normando se apodera de su fortaleza, decide seducir al líder de los invasores con el fin de ganar tiempo para poder escapar. Lo que nunca hubiera podido imaginar es que se sentiría cautivada por el normando que el destino ha cruzado en su camino, un hombre que hará surgir en ella un fiero deseo que arrasará todo a su paso. Sir Wulfson de Trevelyn, uno de los más duros e implacables caballeros del reino, siempre se ha regido por su honor y no duda en capturar a lady Tarian con la única intención de cumplir la sentencia de muerte que pesa sobre ella. Sin embargo, el poderoso guerrero que nunca ha conocido la derrota, caerá rendido ante la violenta pasión que siente por su prisionera y se verá obligado a elegir entre ser fiel a su rey o… a la mujer que ama más que a la vida.
320 pages, Paperback
First published November 20, 2008
19 people are currently reading
724 people want to read
About the author
Karin Tabke
38 books723 followersKarin is a multi-published, national bestselling, award-winning author.
Karin has sold more than a dozen stories to US publishers: Kensington, Simon & Schuster, and Penguin Random House. Her self-publishing debut, THE CHRONICLES of KATRINA, was met with resounding enthusiasm. Never one to disappoint her readers, Karin happily launched the spinoff series The Bad Boys of the Bay, featuring the heroes she knows so well–hot cops. Translation rights to Karin’s books have been licensed in Japan, Thailand, Germany, France, Spain, Brazil, Italy, Portugal and the UK.
In 2008, Karin’s novel JADED (Simon & Schuster) won the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Erotic Romance Suspense. In 2011, her paranormal romance BLOOD LAW (Berkley) won the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice award for Best Erotic Fiction and was the first book in her Blood Moon Rising series. In 2012, the second book in the trilogy, BLOODRIGHT, was nominated for the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Erotic Paranormal Romance. Karin’s other awards include a CAPA and the Holt Medallion, as well as a finalist nod for the Prism. Her debut single title, GOOD GIRL GONE BAD (Simon & Schuster), was featured in the October 2006 issue of Cosmopolitan magazine.
Karin’s most rewarding award, however, was not bestowed for her storytelling skills but for her mentorship of unpublished writers. She was honored to receive RWA’s (Romance Writers of America) Pro Mentor of the Year award in 2008. She has served as president of her local RWA chapter in San Francisco and as Director-at-Large on the RWA National Board of Directors.
Karin has been married to her own hot cop–now licensed Private Investigator–for over thirty years and she writes what she knows. She has also started and sold several profitable businesses, but her true love is writing passionate love stories. When she isn’t writing, Karin loves to travel and does so extensively, meeting readers and sharing her knowledge via workshops at writer conventions and conferences.
Karin has sold more than a dozen stories to US publishers: Kensington, Simon & Schuster, and Penguin Random House. Her self-publishing debut, THE CHRONICLES of KATRINA, was met with resounding enthusiasm. Never one to disappoint her readers, Karin happily launched the spinoff series The Bad Boys of the Bay, featuring the heroes she knows so well–hot cops. Translation rights to Karin’s books have been licensed in Japan, Thailand, Germany, France, Spain, Brazil, Italy, Portugal and the UK.
In 2008, Karin’s novel JADED (Simon & Schuster) won the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Erotic Romance Suspense. In 2011, her paranormal romance BLOOD LAW (Berkley) won the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice award for Best Erotic Fiction and was the first book in her Blood Moon Rising series. In 2012, the second book in the trilogy, BLOODRIGHT, was nominated for the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Erotic Paranormal Romance. Karin’s other awards include a CAPA and the Holt Medallion, as well as a finalist nod for the Prism. Her debut single title, GOOD GIRL GONE BAD (Simon & Schuster), was featured in the October 2006 issue of Cosmopolitan magazine.
Karin’s most rewarding award, however, was not bestowed for her storytelling skills but for her mentorship of unpublished writers. She was honored to receive RWA’s (Romance Writers of America) Pro Mentor of the Year award in 2008. She has served as president of her local RWA chapter in San Francisco and as Director-at-Large on the RWA National Board of Directors.
Karin has been married to her own hot cop–now licensed Private Investigator–for over thirty years and she writes what she knows. She has also started and sold several profitable businesses, but her true love is writing passionate love stories. When she isn’t writing, Karin loves to travel and does so extensively, meeting readers and sharing her knowledge via workshops at writer conventions and conferences.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
April 22, 2009
I am so glad that I didn't give up on this series. This book definitely made up for the lack of romance in the last one. Although some people have problems with Tabke's very gritty portrayal of medieval battle, I commend her for taking that step. It makes the action scenes draw not only viscerally, but emotionally as well.
Tarian and Wulf were a great couple: adversarial at times, complementary, sometimes funny and always sparking with chemistry. Wulf's battle to keep true to his king or to his heart was very moving, and I'm glad that he kept fighting for Tarian, even though he knew he was defying his orders. Tarian is forged of steel, as anyone would be after living that life, but she's not too unyielding for Wulf, or to even be likable. I was really worried about the whole "warrior princess" vibe she gave off at the beginning, but it worked out well. I can't wait to read the next in the series, although I do wonder: is Mahnku getting his own book?
Also, wasn't the curse of the Blood Swords that they would fall in love with a woman who had a loved one that they had killed? Maybe I'm confusing it with a different book, but it didn't bother me enough to stop reading. B
Tarian and Wulf were a great couple: adversarial at times, complementary, sometimes funny and always sparking with chemistry. Wulf's battle to keep true to his king or to his heart was very moving, and I'm glad that he kept fighting for Tarian, even though he knew he was defying his orders. Tarian is forged of steel, as anyone would be after living that life, but she's not too unyielding for Wulf, or to even be likable. I was really worried about the whole "warrior princess" vibe she gave off at the beginning, but it worked out well. I can't wait to read the next in the series, although I do wonder: is Mahnku getting his own book?
Also, wasn't the curse of the Blood Swords that they would fall in love with a woman who had a loved one that they had killed? Maybe I'm confusing it with a different book, but it didn't bother me enough to stop reading. B
February 4, 2017
2 Estrellas. La verdad que la lectura no ha sido lo que me esperaba. Quizás es culpa mía porque el primer libro me gustó mucho, pero éste no ha estado a la altura.
El problema de que no me haya gustado ha estado en la historia en general. No está mal contada, es simplemente que no me ha atrapado. En otras circunstancias es posible que me hubiese gustado más. Pero no he conectado ni con la historia, ni con los personajes.
A Wulfson lo conocimos en el anterior libro, y la verdad es que él es un amor, es un fiero guerrero, un hombre de su tiempo, pero a diferencia de Rohan no es un bruto. El rey Guillermo el Conquistador le envía a Wulfson y al resto de les morts a una misión cercana a la frontera de Gales. Tarin Godwynson, sobrina del difunto rey Harold supone un problema para la supremacía del nuevo rey, además de haber sido acusada de haber matado a su marido. De modo que Wulfson será el brazo ejecutor, pero cuando la ve, encerrada en una mazmorra y engorrinada hasta las cejas, digamos que su miembro más bajo cobra vida.
El libro sí, se me ha hecho lento, la historia no me atrapaba. El amor de los protagonistas tampoco me despertaba nada. Vamos, que el libro no me ha llamado, poco ni nada. Lo cual me da mucha rabia, porque no me ha dejado disfrutar de él como quisiera, además de tener un final un pelín abierto, cuya historia supongo continuará en el tercer libro, pero que la editorial no tuvo el buen tino de publicar.
El último punto lo dedico a la protagonista, Tarin. No es una mujer que me haya caído mal. Todo lo que hace lo hace por un motivo, para sobrevivir. Es un peón de un juego y es muy valiosa tanto para un bando como para otro. Es una mujer fuerte, luchadora y muy independiente. Y precisamente por éste último punto, es un personaje que no me he creído nada, es totalmente inverosímil. Es una bastarda reconocida con una familia paterna que cree que puede usarla a su antojo, al igual que su familia política galesa. Pero para contrarrestar todo esto, resulta que es una guerrera. Toda su vida se ha ejercitado en la lucha como si fuera un hombre, sabe luchar cuerpo a cuerpo, con espada, y arco, y rematamos su curriculum diciendo que luchó junto a si tío Harold en Hastings... venga sí. Que no me he creído nada el personaje.
Eso es lo que me da rabia. La comparación del primer libro con éste. El primero me pareció un libro muy bien pensado, muy bien documentado... éste segundo ha sido un libro más, sin interés en la historia ni en los personajes. Una lástima que no publicaran el tercer libro, porque creo que me quedaré sin saber qué ha ocurrido con los galeses, pero si el tercer libro resulta ser cómo éste segundo, me da igual.
El problema de que no me haya gustado ha estado en la historia en general. No está mal contada, es simplemente que no me ha atrapado. En otras circunstancias es posible que me hubiese gustado más. Pero no he conectado ni con la historia, ni con los personajes.
A Wulfson lo conocimos en el anterior libro, y la verdad es que él es un amor, es un fiero guerrero, un hombre de su tiempo, pero a diferencia de Rohan no es un bruto. El rey Guillermo el Conquistador le envía a Wulfson y al resto de les morts a una misión cercana a la frontera de Gales. Tarin Godwynson, sobrina del difunto rey Harold supone un problema para la supremacía del nuevo rey, además de haber sido acusada de haber matado a su marido. De modo que Wulfson será el brazo ejecutor, pero cuando la ve, encerrada en una mazmorra y engorrinada hasta las cejas, digamos que su miembro más bajo cobra vida.
El libro sí, se me ha hecho lento, la historia no me atrapaba. El amor de los protagonistas tampoco me despertaba nada. Vamos, que el libro no me ha llamado, poco ni nada. Lo cual me da mucha rabia, porque no me ha dejado disfrutar de él como quisiera, además de tener un final un pelín abierto, cuya historia supongo continuará en el tercer libro, pero que la editorial no tuvo el buen tino de publicar.
El último punto lo dedico a la protagonista, Tarin. No es una mujer que me haya caído mal. Todo lo que hace lo hace por un motivo, para sobrevivir. Es un peón de un juego y es muy valiosa tanto para un bando como para otro. Es una mujer fuerte, luchadora y muy independiente. Y precisamente por éste último punto, es un personaje que no me he creído nada, es totalmente inverosímil. Es una bastarda reconocida con una familia paterna que cree que puede usarla a su antojo, al igual que su familia política galesa. Pero para contrarrestar todo esto, resulta que es una guerrera. Toda su vida se ha ejercitado en la lucha como si fuera un hombre, sabe luchar cuerpo a cuerpo, con espada, y arco, y rematamos su curriculum diciendo que luchó junto a si tío Harold en Hastings... venga sí. Que no me he creído nada el personaje.
Eso es lo que me da rabia. La comparación del primer libro con éste. El primero me pareció un libro muy bien pensado, muy bien documentado... éste segundo ha sido un libro más, sin interés en la historia ni en los personajes. Una lástima que no publicaran el tercer libro, porque creo que me quedaré sin saber qué ha ocurrido con los galeses, pero si el tercer libro resulta ser cómo éste segundo, me da igual.
April 8, 2024
Reread. 2024
Down graded from 5 to 3 star.
I didn't like the development of their romance. Don't really understand how I rated this a 5 star LOL.
The heroine wasn't to my liking and her tricking the hero to conceive her child really bothered my (he was drugged).
The development of their romance was off as well.
Down graded from 5 to 3 star.
I didn't like the development of their romance. Don't really understand how I rated this a 5 star LOL.
The heroine wasn't to my liking and her tricking the hero to conceive her child really bothered my (he was drugged).
The development of their romance was off as well.
November 24, 2008
Master of Torment by Karin Tabke
Mass Market Paperback Medieval Historical – November 25, 2008
4 Stars
Master of Torment explores the political intrigues of Medieval times as the 2 main characters are thrust into a complex tale of deception. This book was filled with so much tension I was anxious to discover how the hero and heroine would ever live happily together.
Wulfson is the trusted vassal of King William and has been sent on a mission to kill the Lady Tarian, a warrior of noble blood who is a threat to William's reign. Wulfson arrives to find the Lady Tarian near death but instead of killing her, he is moved to let her live. As Wulfson learns more about the Lady Tarian, his feelings for her torment him as he battles against his lord's orders and his growing admiration for the courageous Lady Tarian.
Wulfson is fiercely loyal to his king and admirable but in this case, I loved the heroine more than the hero! Lady Tarian is one of the strongest heroines I have ever read. She is resourceful, valiant and highly intelligent. She is a woman caught between the curse of her royal lineage her need for independence. Lady Tarian faces her tenuous situation head on as she tries to work her way within the increasing restraints and stressful conditions she encounters. Although she comes to love Wulfson she realizes he cannot be disloyal to his king and he will probably be ordered to kill her.
Lady Tarian is one of the strongest heroines I have ever read. However, because of this I felt the hero Wulfson wasn't quite a match. He struggles against his attraction to her even as he acknowledges he may have to kill her even towards the end of the story! He is a real alpha male but I really wanted him to admit his love for her sooner. The tension between his duty and his love kept me on edge throughout the book. This story explodes with tension that kept me intrigued and stressed as I waited for the final harrowing outcome.
Reviewed by Steph from Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Mass Market Paperback Medieval Historical – November 25, 2008
4 Stars
Master of Torment explores the political intrigues of Medieval times as the 2 main characters are thrust into a complex tale of deception. This book was filled with so much tension I was anxious to discover how the hero and heroine would ever live happily together.
Wulfson is the trusted vassal of King William and has been sent on a mission to kill the Lady Tarian, a warrior of noble blood who is a threat to William's reign. Wulfson arrives to find the Lady Tarian near death but instead of killing her, he is moved to let her live. As Wulfson learns more about the Lady Tarian, his feelings for her torment him as he battles against his lord's orders and his growing admiration for the courageous Lady Tarian.
Wulfson is fiercely loyal to his king and admirable but in this case, I loved the heroine more than the hero! Lady Tarian is one of the strongest heroines I have ever read. She is resourceful, valiant and highly intelligent. She is a woman caught between the curse of her royal lineage her need for independence. Lady Tarian faces her tenuous situation head on as she tries to work her way within the increasing restraints and stressful conditions she encounters. Although she comes to love Wulfson she realizes he cannot be disloyal to his king and he will probably be ordered to kill her.
Lady Tarian is one of the strongest heroines I have ever read. However, because of this I felt the hero Wulfson wasn't quite a match. He struggles against his attraction to her even as he acknowledges he may have to kill her even towards the end of the story! He is a real alpha male but I really wanted him to admit his love for her sooner. The tension between his duty and his love kept me on edge throughout the book. This story explodes with tension that kept me intrigued and stressed as I waited for the final harrowing outcome.
Reviewed by Steph from Bookaholics Romance Book Club
March 18, 2010
Yet another great read for me. I know this series is not for everyone but I am truely enjoying it and am glad I finally started reading this series. I have one more book to read in this series, Master Of Craving and I am going to read it in the very near future.
June 9, 2013
By the end of the book, it turned out interesting, but the first parts were a bit slow. Lots of intrigue, betrayal, and angst. Kings and knights and Lords and Ladies. It was okay.
February 7, 2017
I'm obsessed with this series! Love it and highly recommend!!!
January 23, 2011
10 STARS +
Karin Tabke is AWESOME....... Yup thats the word this author should be titled with because every single page in her books are brilliant page turners..
I read so much regencey and medievil books that i find they all start to sound the same and bore me to death.. once the union is consumated i lose interest..
but not in karen Tabkes books nooooooooooooo.
This book had me yet again at page one.. and the first scene in the book introduced us to the beautiful royal warrior Tarian..
Tarian was different to everyother heroine in most regency and medievil books she was a Warrior she knew her way around the sword and boy could she fight...
She lied to him.. fought against him.. ran from him ... stole from him... but then she fell in love with him
The hero Wulf was relentless in his persue of Tarian and his forfillment of the obligation to his king.
but To honour his king meant he had to dishonour his heart...
so he fought to reason.. he fought to find a way.. he fought for their lives..
There where so many really good fighting scenes in this book they where brilliant..
and such suspence the stroy kept changing and kept me on my toes the whole way
This book is truley an entertaining read ..
The hero and the heroine have amazing chemistry and when they hit the sack its on fireeeee totally HOT!
there devotion to eachother was a stand out
MUST MUST MUST Read
Karin Tabke is AWESOME....... Yup thats the word this author should be titled with because every single page in her books are brilliant page turners..
I read so much regencey and medievil books that i find they all start to sound the same and bore me to death.. once the union is consumated i lose interest..
but not in karen Tabkes books nooooooooooooo.
This book had me yet again at page one.. and the first scene in the book introduced us to the beautiful royal warrior Tarian..
Tarian was different to everyother heroine in most regency and medievil books she was a Warrior she knew her way around the sword and boy could she fight...
She lied to him.. fought against him.. ran from him ... stole from him... but then she fell in love with him
The hero Wulf was relentless in his persue of Tarian and his forfillment of the obligation to his king.
but To honour his king meant he had to dishonour his heart...
so he fought to reason.. he fought to find a way.. he fought for their lives..
There where so many really good fighting scenes in this book they where brilliant..
and such suspence the stroy kept changing and kept me on my toes the whole way
This book is truley an entertaining read ..
The hero and the heroine have amazing chemistry and when they hit the sack its on fireeeee totally HOT!
there devotion to eachother was a stand out
MUST MUST MUST Read
March 31, 2012
Wow. I don't know how she managed it but this was actually better than the first one. Tabke is an incredibly talented author and elevates the genre standard. These stories have adventure, romance, thrilling battles and nasty bad guys. Consummate writing technique with intelligence and a remarkable command of the language for the time period that brings the book alive. There is not much held back on the violence so not for anyone looking for fluff, pretty graphic but it's true to the time. The moment you start reading you are literally transported back in time and sit front row as a witness to the story as it unfolds. Characters are complex and have a presence that is solid and unwavering throughout the story. One particular battle scene held such intensity and emotion, even though I could predict the out come, it still choked me up. Great read. So glad I found it. Whole heartedly recommend.
Problem is there is only one left. Since I am unable to put these books down once I start them, when I finish, I will be left in that horrible state of limbo where nothing will appeal to me for at least a week. I love but hate that.
Problem is there is only one left. Since I am unable to put these books down once I start them, when I finish, I will be left in that horrible state of limbo where nothing will appeal to me for at least a week. I love but hate that.
February 13, 2009
Book 2 is even better than book 1 (Master of Surrender). It has the classic storyline: fight, fight, fight, lust, lust, heroine in harms way, hero saves her. fight, fight, fight, hero in harms way, heroine sacrifices all to save his life. LOVE is the result.
The path to this conclusion is terrific and had me on the edge of my seat, literally. This book deals with the fighting between the Welsh, the Saxons and the Normans in 1067. Little bit of bloodlust and sword fighting (especially from the heroine) but not enough to detract from the storyline.
The final 30 pages or so were the hardest to read as it was difficult to see through my tears -- very heart-wrenching. This is truly one of those books that you don't want to end but need to know how it ends.
I can't wait til book 3.
The path to this conclusion is terrific and had me on the edge of my seat, literally. This book deals with the fighting between the Welsh, the Saxons and the Normans in 1067. Little bit of bloodlust and sword fighting (especially from the heroine) but not enough to detract from the storyline.
The final 30 pages or so were the hardest to read as it was difficult to see through my tears -- very heart-wrenching. This is truly one of those books that you don't want to end but need to know how it ends.
I can't wait til book 3.
November 25, 2012
I like a female character who is strong in personality and beliefs but I couldn't connect with this small woman being physically strong. I also couldn't feel the connection between the two main characters.
The book is better than 2 stars but not quite 3 in my opinion. I liked the first book better than this one. I think I will take a brake from this series and maybe come back to it in the future.
The book is better than 2 stars but not quite 3 in my opinion. I liked the first book better than this one. I think I will take a brake from this series and maybe come back to it in the future.
March 31, 2011
Great story, but I didn't realize this was a series. Not I have to get the first book. I hate reading out of order. It was fine as a stand alone. Tarian's character was well written as was Wulfson ( ~sigh~ ). They were perfect together. I love a strong h and Tarian was just that!
March 16, 2016
I love this series, the romances are so rough and more realistic of the time than so many novels I've read!
Would serious recommend if you love historic romances and want one that's romantic... But still believable and isn't all hearts and flowers!!!
Would serious recommend if you love historic romances and want one that's romantic... But still believable and isn't all hearts and flowers!!!
April 6, 2012
Great romance and I truly enjoyed it. A quick read to anyone who love medieval romance.
April 11, 2012
WOW! Can this woman write a gritty, realistic medieval, or what? Excellent!
October 10, 2023
#virginwidow #hurtssogood
OMFG! THIS WAS EVEN BETTER THAN THE LAST BOOK!! 😍😵😍😵 I can't believe I nearly dumped this into my filtered shelf! It's f**king rare to find a series whereby the second book tops the first, but HERE YOU HAVE IT, FOLKS! WULFSON's story was riddled with SO MUCH EMOTION - heartbreak, passion, a little betrayal and of course, LOVE. ❤️
I knew WULFSON was a good guy when we met him in Rohan's book. But it's weird to see him taking over as Captain of the Blood Swords when he didn't get that much 'screen-time' in the previous story. So, I assumed he was a quiet type of guy.
Was I wrong? Well, a little.
WULFSON reminded me of a 'less savage' version of Rohan, not to say he was easy to walk all over. The man took his responsibilities seriously, and if anyone told him that he'd fall in love with his enemy one day, I reckon he'll laugh and then run a sword through your gut - in that order.
As trouble brews in Mercia, the Blood Swords were dispatched to settle a dispute or rather trouble that arises between our heroine, and the uncle of her late husband - all for claiming property. It was supposed to be simple mission - get in, kill the woman and get out. But unfortunately, things became complicated. They had to reside in the enemy's halls, and even worse, Wulfson found himself captivated yet suspicious of the ethereal beauty who refuses to leave her home. THEIR ATTRACTION WAS TO DIE FOR~~ I swear, Karin Tabke writes the best sexual tension everrrr! The seggs was HOTTTT! 👅🔥🔥
Why do I believe that Wulfson tops Rohan's story? 😚 Closet masochist that I am, Wulfson's story was more emotionally intense and volatile compared to Rohan's. Tasked to kill the vilified woman he's coming to respect and adore; who was more than a simple target or a hindrance to his King, matters complicate when he wavers in his duty for love.
Was the heroine worth it? Heck, yes! If Isabel was beautiful, strong and intelligent, then TARIAN was MORE. I can't help but respect a woman of her time, one who unwilling to accept the lousy lot life has given to her. She and Wulfson have in common parents who didn't love them; basically orphans. Tarian's half royal blood makes an enemy of William the Conqueror, because she could incite a war if ever she has an army. Obviously, William won't allow that to stand, thus it's OFF WITH HER HEAD! What I meant by respect is, despite her constant plotting and cunning behaviour, I find her intelligence admirable. Living in a man's world, she had to keep her wits, eyes and ears everywhere - to always have the upper hand. Not entirely hard-worn yet by the world, she didn't hesitate to throw it all away for love.
Final Thoughts? It was emotionally exhausting, but WORTH IT. I couldn't quite see how Tarian and Wulfson could achieve their HEA - the dire and difference in their loyalties, circumstances and identities - were obstacles enough. Indeed, it was a long battle and I only regret the epilogue didn't show a future timeline where Wulfson and Tarian have children, after the lost of their unborn child at the ending.
OMFG! THIS WAS EVEN BETTER THAN THE LAST BOOK!! 😍😵😍😵 I can't believe I nearly dumped this into my filtered shelf! It's f**king rare to find a series whereby the second book tops the first, but HERE YOU HAVE IT, FOLKS! WULFSON's story was riddled with SO MUCH EMOTION - heartbreak, passion, a little betrayal and of course, LOVE. ❤️
I knew WULFSON was a good guy when we met him in Rohan's book. But it's weird to see him taking over as Captain of the Blood Swords when he didn't get that much 'screen-time' in the previous story. So, I assumed he was a quiet type of guy.
Was I wrong? Well, a little.
WULFSON reminded me of a 'less savage' version of Rohan, not to say he was easy to walk all over. The man took his responsibilities seriously, and if anyone told him that he'd fall in love with his enemy one day, I reckon he'll laugh and then run a sword through your gut - in that order.
As trouble brews in Mercia, the Blood Swords were dispatched to settle a dispute or rather trouble that arises between our heroine, and the uncle of her late husband - all for claiming property. It was supposed to be simple mission - get in, kill the woman and get out. But unfortunately, things became complicated. They had to reside in the enemy's halls, and even worse, Wulfson found himself captivated yet suspicious of the ethereal beauty who refuses to leave her home. THEIR ATTRACTION WAS TO DIE FOR~~ I swear, Karin Tabke writes the best sexual tension everrrr! The seggs was HOTTTT! 👅🔥🔥
Why do I believe that Wulfson tops Rohan's story? 😚 Closet masochist that I am, Wulfson's story was more emotionally intense and volatile compared to Rohan's. Tasked to kill the vilified woman he's coming to respect and adore; who was more than a simple target or a hindrance to his King, matters complicate when he wavers in his duty for love.
Was the heroine worth it? Heck, yes! If Isabel was beautiful, strong and intelligent, then TARIAN was MORE. I can't help but respect a woman of her time, one who unwilling to accept the lousy lot life has given to her. She and Wulfson have in common parents who didn't love them; basically orphans. Tarian's half royal blood makes an enemy of William the Conqueror, because she could incite a war if ever she has an army. Obviously, William won't allow that to stand, thus it's OFF WITH HER HEAD! What I meant by respect is, despite her constant plotting and cunning behaviour, I find her intelligence admirable. Living in a man's world, she had to keep her wits, eyes and ears everywhere - to always have the upper hand. Not entirely hard-worn yet by the world, she didn't hesitate to throw it all away for love.
Final Thoughts? It was emotionally exhausting, but WORTH IT. I couldn't quite see how Tarian and Wulfson could achieve their HEA - the dire and difference in their loyalties, circumstances and identities - were obstacles enough. Indeed, it was a long battle and I only regret the epilogue didn't show a future timeline where Wulfson and Tarian have children, after the lost of their unborn child at the ending.
gotta-get-this-read-now
November 22, 2016Norman Rohan du Luc awaited death in a brutal Iberian prison along with his brothers at arms, fellow mercenaries and an unknown Saracen. Punished for surviving the horrific brutality inflicted on them, the men are bound as the Brotherhood of the Blood Swords and began sharing a legacy and cutting swaths of victory across the continent.
Seven years later, having become a notorious death squad for William the Conqueror, Rohan and the Brotherhood seize Rossmoor, easily overwhelming the unskilled Saxon villagers. As part of his personal booty, Rohan lays claim to Lady Isabel of Alethorpe while the squad settles into their new home.
Humiliated and proud, Isabel tries to protect herself as well as her people from the horrors Rohan has learned to inflict on others after years as a mercenary and at the hands of the Iberian prison's torturer. Rohan brings ruthlessness, a hard hand and his inexplicable attraction to the battle of wits and wills that he has started with the fierce, spirited, warrior-like noblewoman destined to be his.
While Isabel's actions seem to contradict her words and veer from her goal, make no mistake, Rohan's not a moral and virtuous knight in the popular vernacular, he's thoroughly a blackguard with his own sense of honor and at times. For my taste, their traits and actions added to the heat between them and their presence was felt whether they were being unlikeable and/or villainous, on or off the page.
War is hell and gentle readers may have difficulty with the visceral, brutal and generally horrific treatment inflicted on and by characters the medieval time period is infamous for in this well written and detailed read. To the victor go the spoils.
Rating: 4stars
Seven years later, having become a notorious death squad for William the Conqueror, Rohan and the Brotherhood seize Rossmoor, easily overwhelming the unskilled Saxon villagers. As part of his personal booty, Rohan lays claim to Lady Isabel of Alethorpe while the squad settles into their new home.
Humiliated and proud, Isabel tries to protect herself as well as her people from the horrors Rohan has learned to inflict on others after years as a mercenary and at the hands of the Iberian prison's torturer. Rohan brings ruthlessness, a hard hand and his inexplicable attraction to the battle of wits and wills that he has started with the fierce, spirited, warrior-like noblewoman destined to be his.
While Isabel's actions seem to contradict her words and veer from her goal, make no mistake, Rohan's not a moral and virtuous knight in the popular vernacular, he's thoroughly a blackguard with his own sense of honor and at times. For my taste, their traits and actions added to the heat between them and their presence was felt whether they were being unlikeable and/or villainous, on or off the page.
War is hell and gentle readers may have difficulty with the visceral, brutal and generally horrific treatment inflicted on and by characters the medieval time period is infamous for in this well written and detailed read. To the victor go the spoils.
Rating: 4stars
June 25, 2018
Wulfson of Trevelyn, one of William the Conqueror, trusted Black Swords Knights, has never met a man that he could not master, however, the tempestuous young widow Tarian of Trent, known as Lady Warrior is another matter. Wulf may have finally met his match. Ordered by the King to curb an armed dispute between Tarian and her dead husband's uncle. Wulf captures the lady but falls captive himself to her seductive dark beauty. To Lady Tarian's dismay, however, neither her fighting spirit nor her wiles are sufficient to bend Wulfson to her will. She vows she will not be the loser in their passionate battle, but her own desire for this overpowering stranger threatens her body, her life, and her very heart.
February 19, 2024
2.5
🙄🙄🙄
I’m a virgin but I’m fierce because I wield a sword.
Oh. but I like your sword better than any other and I want you to stick me with it. Even though I’m a virgin. Because you’re like so HAWT and even though I’m dry as the desert sand down there when you stick it in you’re so HAWT I’m taking a trip to the stars anyway.
If you like a one-dimensional heroine who’s “not like all the other girls” (so she says but then talks all the time about using her feminine wiles to hoodwink men) then this is the book for you.
🙄🙄🙄
I’m a virgin but I’m fierce because I wield a sword.
Oh. but I like your sword better than any other and I want you to stick me with it. Even though I’m a virgin. Because you’re like so HAWT and even though I’m dry as the desert sand down there when you stick it in you’re so HAWT I’m taking a trip to the stars anyway.
If you like a one-dimensional heroine who’s “not like all the other girls” (so she says but then talks all the time about using her feminine wiles to hoodwink men) then this is the book for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2013
Le premier tome nous avait offert une belle nouveauté dans le style et dans la façon de nous décrire l'époque de la conquête normande. Cette suite nous confirme le talent de l'auteur, même si elle ne nous satisfait pas totalement.
Lady Tarian est une épine dans le pied du nouveau roi d'Angleterre, Guillaume. Elle est la nièce du roi Harold, l'ancien roi défait par Guillaume, mais elle est aussi membre de nombreuses familles puissantes qui entourent l'Angleterre. Elle se retrouve dans une mauvaise situation après qu'elle ait assassiné son époux et que l'oncle de celui-ci l'eut enfermée dans un cachot pour la forcer à l'épouser et récupérer ainsi le domaine de son neveu. Mais Tarian est surtout une guerrière, qui souhaite par tous les moyens devenir maîtresse de son destin et donc de son château. Pour résoudre ce problème, de manière définitive, Guillaume envoie ses Épées rouges, sous le commandement de Wulfson de Trevelyn. Mais une fois sur place, Wulfson se rend compte qu'éliminer la jeune femme pourrait précipiter l'Angleterre dans une guerre non seulement contre le Pays de Galles mais aussi les pays nordiques. Il tente donc de démêler la situation avec tact, ce qu'il n'apprécie pas puisqu'il est un guerrier, pas un diplomate.
Les personnages de Karin Tabke sont toujours aussi intéressants. Lady Tarian est une femme forte, qui tente de garder en main sa destinée et de ne pas laisser les hommes décider pour elle. Mais face à Wulfson, elle a un peu de mal à réagir comme il faudrait. Wulfson est fidèle à l'image du guerrier que l'on imagine et n'est pas prêt à reconnaître qu'il est attiré par la jeune femme. Le plus gros défaut de ce livre n'est pas l'histoire en elle-même ou ses personnages mais sa longueur : le dénouement arrive tard et l'auteur perd un peu l'attention du lecteur au fil des pages. On est quand même tenté de découvrir la fin et voir comment le nœud du problème sera résolu. Espérons que le prochain tome sera un peu plus passionnant.
Lady Tarian est une épine dans le pied du nouveau roi d'Angleterre, Guillaume. Elle est la nièce du roi Harold, l'ancien roi défait par Guillaume, mais elle est aussi membre de nombreuses familles puissantes qui entourent l'Angleterre. Elle se retrouve dans une mauvaise situation après qu'elle ait assassiné son époux et que l'oncle de celui-ci l'eut enfermée dans un cachot pour la forcer à l'épouser et récupérer ainsi le domaine de son neveu. Mais Tarian est surtout une guerrière, qui souhaite par tous les moyens devenir maîtresse de son destin et donc de son château. Pour résoudre ce problème, de manière définitive, Guillaume envoie ses Épées rouges, sous le commandement de Wulfson de Trevelyn. Mais une fois sur place, Wulfson se rend compte qu'éliminer la jeune femme pourrait précipiter l'Angleterre dans une guerre non seulement contre le Pays de Galles mais aussi les pays nordiques. Il tente donc de démêler la situation avec tact, ce qu'il n'apprécie pas puisqu'il est un guerrier, pas un diplomate.
Les personnages de Karin Tabke sont toujours aussi intéressants. Lady Tarian est une femme forte, qui tente de garder en main sa destinée et de ne pas laisser les hommes décider pour elle. Mais face à Wulfson, elle a un peu de mal à réagir comme il faudrait. Wulfson est fidèle à l'image du guerrier que l'on imagine et n'est pas prêt à reconnaître qu'il est attiré par la jeune femme. Le plus gros défaut de ce livre n'est pas l'histoire en elle-même ou ses personnages mais sa longueur : le dénouement arrive tard et l'auteur perd un peu l'attention du lecteur au fil des pages. On est quand même tenté de découvrir la fin et voir comment le nœud du problème sera résolu. Espérons que le prochain tome sera un peu plus passionnant.
August 26, 2016
I liked this one better than the first Blood Swords book.
Lady Tarian has murdered her husband, has her own army and has royal blood in her veins. The King sees her as a possible threat so he sends one of his trusted Knights, Wulfson of Trevelyn to take care of her before she can cause any problems for King William. When Wulfson arrives, he finds her locked up in the dungeon, tortured and half dead already, by her uncle in law.
I loved this book. It was such a good story line, Wulfson so loyal to his King who has sent him to kill the one woman Wulfson finds that could hold his heart. My favorite part is near the end when Wulfson thinks he lost Lady Tarian, his anguish went straight to my gut.
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Favorite Quote
haha Nothing like putting your foot in your mouth!
Lady Tarian has murdered her husband, has her own army and has royal blood in her veins. The King sees her as a possible threat so he sends one of his trusted Knights, Wulfson of Trevelyn to take care of her before she can cause any problems for King William. When Wulfson arrives, he finds her locked up in the dungeon, tortured and half dead already, by her uncle in law.
I loved this book. It was such a good story line, Wulfson so loyal to his King who has sent him to kill the one woman Wulfson finds that could hold his heart. My favorite part is near the end when Wulfson thinks he lost Lady Tarian, his anguish went straight to my gut.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Favorite Quote
When she breached the last step, every Norman eye in the hall settled on her, their voices trailing off to mute. As one they grinned, and she scowled. What had the chivalrous knight imparted to them? Heat rose in her cheeks.
"Do you gossip like a girl and tell secrets that are not yours to tell?" she demanded of Wulfson as she strode into the hall.
The men grinned wider. So, he had told them of their little tryst, had he? "Do your men make sport of the fact I nearly cut your heart out with nary a stitch on my back?"
When all eyes widened, Tarian flushed hard. "'Tis what you told them, is it not?"
Wulfson grinned and slowly shook his head. "I but extolled your prowess with bow and sword. Would you have me tell them of your other virtues I discovered this day?"
haha Nothing like putting your foot in your mouth!
October 29, 2016
Tras "Marcada por el destino", en que conocimos la historia de Rohan du Luc e Isabel de Alethorpe, ahora es el turno de Wulfson de Trevelyn, otro de los bastardos de la hermandad que conocimos en esta primera novela.
Para el rey Guillermo el Conquistador, lady Tarian de Godwinson es sinónimo de problemas sobre todo cuando su esposo, Malcor de Dunloc, muere repentinamente apenas quince días después de la boda. Wulfson de Trevelyn es el capitán de la guardia de élite del rey Guillermo al que se le encomienda acabar con la vida de la joven debido a la sangre real que corre por sus venas y que puede poner en peligro la supremacía del nuevo rey, sin embargo, Wulfson no estará preparado para la visión de una bella princesa torturada en un oscuro agujero de las mazmorras de Draceadon.
Tarian no había tenido una vida sencilla. Bastarda sajona, guerrera, con sangre real, y casada por conveniencia con un hombre despreciable, es torturada a la muerte de este y encerrada en las mazmorras para que muera. Sin embargo, Wulfson será incapaz de acabar con su vida y Tarian no estará preparada para lo que el hombre enviado a matarla le hará sentir. Me ha gustado mucho el tira y afloja entre los protagonistas, sus diálogos, discusiones y pensamientos. Una lectura ambientada en el cruel medievo con misterio, acción, mucha pasión y un ritmo que no decae en ningún momento. Me ha gustado mucho.
Para el rey Guillermo el Conquistador, lady Tarian de Godwinson es sinónimo de problemas sobre todo cuando su esposo, Malcor de Dunloc, muere repentinamente apenas quince días después de la boda. Wulfson de Trevelyn es el capitán de la guardia de élite del rey Guillermo al que se le encomienda acabar con la vida de la joven debido a la sangre real que corre por sus venas y que puede poner en peligro la supremacía del nuevo rey, sin embargo, Wulfson no estará preparado para la visión de una bella princesa torturada en un oscuro agujero de las mazmorras de Draceadon.
Tarian no había tenido una vida sencilla. Bastarda sajona, guerrera, con sangre real, y casada por conveniencia con un hombre despreciable, es torturada a la muerte de este y encerrada en las mazmorras para que muera. Sin embargo, Wulfson será incapaz de acabar con su vida y Tarian no estará preparada para lo que el hombre enviado a matarla le hará sentir. Me ha gustado mucho el tira y afloja entre los protagonistas, sus diálogos, discusiones y pensamientos. Una lectura ambientada en el cruel medievo con misterio, acción, mucha pasión y un ritmo que no decae en ningún momento. Me ha gustado mucho.
January 10, 2009
This is the second book in "The Blood Sword Legacy" series by Karin Tabke. I really enjoyed this book and was thrilled to read about the warriors in the brotherhood again.
This story focuses on Wulfson, he is sent with some of his Bloodsword knights by King William to clear up a dispute between Lady Tarian and her dead husband's uncle. The story gets a little more involved when King William orders that she should be disposed of because she is a blood relation to the former King Harold. She is also a Lady Warrior with her own army who at anytime could rise up against King William with the help of her Welsh relatives.
The story becomes very interesting because there is a lot more going on at Draceadon then King William or his Bloodsword where aware of. This book moves very fast and also gives you a brief update with in the story on Sir Rohan du Luc and his Lady Isabel from "Master of Surrender".
This story focuses on Wulfson, he is sent with some of his Bloodsword knights by King William to clear up a dispute between Lady Tarian and her dead husband's uncle. The story gets a little more involved when King William orders that she should be disposed of because she is a blood relation to the former King Harold. She is also a Lady Warrior with her own army who at anytime could rise up against King William with the help of her Welsh relatives.
The story becomes very interesting because there is a lot more going on at Draceadon then King William or his Bloodsword where aware of. This book moves very fast and also gives you a brief update with in the story on Sir Rohan du Luc and his Lady Isabel from "Master of Surrender".
December 5, 2014
Now, it probably would have been a five star read, I really enjoy her writing but I have to so be in the mood for medieval times romance and while I loved the character especially how strong she was I had to really get my head in the game. She has great detail, funny scenes, and I love the main characters, very little upsets them,they move on but their are tender parts, and violence and sex and role that into one untouchable warrior, who's found a woman who can wield a sword like no ones business you have HOT HOT HOT Historical romance I have the series, and vaguely remember book one and am now reading book three but pick her up the team of men who are friends are worth the read.
March 2, 2012
I'm sorry to say that I was disappointed and frustrated with this story. Mainly because of the heroine character continually deceives and plots, when to me all honesty can make things sooooo much easier but then there wouldn't be much of a story I suppose. From the get go, the relationship started with deceit without a fleeting thought. I battled through it and hope the next is not as frustrating but I have a liking for these Knights and will continue to read for their sakes.
September 3, 2010
This was the secound book in the blood sword legency book , which tells the tales of 8 bloodsword soldiers who are the elite squad to william the conquer, again this book was well written, great plots and good charecters and love story, i again could not put this book down and thouroughly enjoyed it again, cant wait for the next one
January 8, 2013
another amazing story in the series.the reason I'm giving it 4 n not 5 stars is that Karin never connected the thread of Aisha's or Zulema's prophecy. other than that it's absolutely thrilling book.
and I def. liked the part where the heroin force weds her husband and kills him not 15 days later... all of course with good reason. she is one hell of a character which happens to be my fav kind .
and I def. liked the part where the heroin force weds her husband and kills him not 15 days later... all of course with good reason. she is one hell of a character which happens to be my fav kind .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2014
Tarian is a strong female character who can wield a sword, shoot an arrow and has a small army at her beck and call. She needs a husband and an heir to secure her fortune and future. The new Norman King wants her dead. He sends Wulfson to take care of it but he cannot seem to complete this particular mission.
July 22, 2014
The third book in Karin Tabke's Blood Sword Legacy. Set in Medieval England in the times of William the Conqueror and the conquest of England.
Like the first book, it is gritty and intense at times but ultimately made a good read.
Like the first book, it is gritty and intense at times but ultimately made a good read.
November 26, 2009
Lady Tarian is a warrior in her own right. She fights to protect her lands and her people from the legendary and deadly Black swords. Lady Tarian soon discovers she also needs to protect her heart from the dark knight Sir Wulfson.
I read this book first and loved it. I couldn't put it down.
I read this book first and loved it. I couldn't put it down.
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