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Lady Ilena #2
Way of the Warrior
Lady Ilena still can’t believe she is hereditary chief of Dun Alyn, her new home in the North. She eagerly awaits the return of her betrothed, Durant of Arthur’s table, and the time when Durant will rule beside her. But Britain is in a state of unrest. Despite Durant’s and Arthur’s efforts at unification, several neighboring fortresses have allied with Saxon invaders in the South. These tribes want Dun Alyn, and one tribal leader called Faolan will stop at nothing to get it. When Ilena refuses to accept Faolan’s marriage proposal in her loved one’s absence, she sets off a bloody battle–with grave results.
A warrior can commit no greater crime than to falter under attack, and now Ilena faces the ultimate punishment: she must leave Dun Alyn, alone, and may not return to her people until she has proved herself worthy to be their leader. The journey will take Ilena to old friends–and new ones–as she searches for Durant and for Britain’s protector, the legendary Arthur.
From the Hardcover edition.
A warrior can commit no greater crime than to falter under attack, and now Ilena faces the ultimate punishment: she must leave Dun Alyn, alone, and may not return to her people until she has proved herself worthy to be their leader. The journey will take Ilena to old friends–and new ones–as she searches for Durant and for Britain’s protector, the legendary Arthur.
From the Hardcover edition.
208 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
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192 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Malone
8 books12 followersBorn in 1932, Patricia Malone is a former teacher who began a second career as a children's author with her debut novel, The Legend of Lady Ilena.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 26, 2019
i hadn’t known malone wrote a sequel to the legend of lady ilena until i sought it out for a reread! i was STOKED. some things about this sequel i loved and some things i...did not love.
loved: the entire sequence in the vale of enfert. it really satisfied my cathartic angst stuff as ilena works through her sh*t and ALSO my desire for material, day-to-day living (even if they’re also fighting off bandits).
hated: durant’s whole death. i mean 1) i understand that romances don’t always work out and 2) sometimes the guy you love dies and you never get v good closure, but it felt so...blah to me. i think what ultimately leaves me hanging here is that we know durant has a son from his first marriage, and he’s named and mentioned in the first chapter and then never again even as his father dies. why doesn’t ilena think of him in her time when she thinks durant’s dead in the vale of enfert? arthur literally only mentions him to say his son will know him as a hero. i h mate this hanging plot thread, thanks.
i didn’t love the entrance of arthur as a figure. while malone sets him up as a different figure than malory’s arthur, i still felt he was too...Large for the universe she has created. i almost wish he had stayed a mentioned figure and not became a character in the novel, though i understand his role.
the ending feels set up for a sequel, but afaik there isn’t one. while i feel like this is a place some books could end, it feels like an odd place for a book about a mythic figure in a bard and balladry culture to end, since any song written about ilena, or arthur, or any other characters aside from durant would have ended with their victory or defeat at cameliard. malone has paid much tribute to the strong oral traditions & ballads of northern britain throughout these two books so it’s unsatisfying & also feels inadequate given the context of the story.
i feel like i talked a lot about stuff i didn’t like but again, malone describes this era with love & richness. the details in her author’s notes are just as lovely, and i like her prose & ilena’s voice. it’s just not the strongest or most satisfying conclusion to ilena’s story, imo.
edited to add: don’t call it the dark ages, patricia, thanks
loved: the entire sequence in the vale of enfert. it really satisfied my cathartic angst stuff as ilena works through her sh*t and ALSO my desire for material, day-to-day living (even if they’re also fighting off bandits).
hated: durant’s whole death. i mean 1) i understand that romances don’t always work out and 2) sometimes the guy you love dies and you never get v good closure, but it felt so...blah to me. i think what ultimately leaves me hanging here is that we know durant has a son from his first marriage, and he’s named and mentioned in the first chapter and then never again even as his father dies. why doesn’t ilena think of him in her time when she thinks durant’s dead in the vale of enfert? arthur literally only mentions him to say his son will know him as a hero. i h mate this hanging plot thread, thanks.
i didn’t love the entrance of arthur as a figure. while malone sets him up as a different figure than malory’s arthur, i still felt he was too...Large for the universe she has created. i almost wish he had stayed a mentioned figure and not became a character in the novel, though i understand his role.
the ending feels set up for a sequel, but afaik there isn’t one. while i feel like this is a place some books could end, it feels like an odd place for a book about a mythic figure in a bard and balladry culture to end, since any song written about ilena, or arthur, or any other characters aside from durant would have ended with their victory or defeat at cameliard. malone has paid much tribute to the strong oral traditions & ballads of northern britain throughout these two books so it’s unsatisfying & also feels inadequate given the context of the story.
i feel like i talked a lot about stuff i didn’t like but again, malone describes this era with love & richness. the details in her author’s notes are just as lovely, and i like her prose & ilena’s voice. it’s just not the strongest or most satisfying conclusion to ilena’s story, imo.
edited to add: don’t call it the dark ages, patricia, thanks
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2023
I loved this second work with Ilena. I rarely like a sequel as much as the original, but this was a good continuation or Ilena's story, if a sad one. There's a lot to admire in a character like Ilena.
December 27, 2017
I love this two-part series. Enough plot twists to engage adult readers. Enough action to satisfy that desire. Lots of tough, fighting women; and England too!
July 9, 2020
Tragic, but I loved it! King Arthur is a gem, and so is Ilena's narration. I wish the third book would come out.
May 17, 2023
Would be higher rating except for DURANT DIDN'T DESERVE THAT
January 15, 2024
Strong start
Weak Ending
Weak Ending
October 14, 2025
Great sequel to the first Lady Ilena book. Perfect for 6th grade readers to 99 year olds. Arthurian tale with female warrior badass!
July 7, 2008
A Realistic Take on Britain in Arthur’s Times
It’s 500 AD and Britain is divided: the south and east regions of the island are under Saxon’s rule, while the northern tribes have rallied under Arthur, the Dragon Chief, in an effort to keep their customs and their lands. Among those who have sworn fealty to Arthur are Ilena, the 15 year old chieftain of Dun Alyn and Durant her betrothed who is also Arthur’s cousin.
As the novel starts Durant is leaving Ilena to serve with Arthur, and promises her he will return at the end of winter to marry her. But when spring arrives, it’s Faolan the chieftain of Dun Struan who comes to ask for her hand and not Durant. Ilena refuses Faolan’s request. Her refusal brings war between their people, and to Ilena, disgrace when she freezes in battle and falls behind the fighting line.
Exiled by Druid law until she proves herself worthy, Ilena travels the war savaged lands of northern Britain in search of her beloved Durant, and her liege King Arthur, the only one who can defeat the Saxons, who allied with Faolan are pressing north once more.
I love this world Patricia Malone has created, a primitive Britain the Romans have just left, where tribes struggle to survive out of the land while fighting enemy neighbors, Saxon invaders and Irish raiders by the strength of their warriors’ swords. This is the world the legendary King Arthur would have lived in, if he ever was.
Although the ending felt a little rushed and the plot forced at times, that didn’t stopped me from reading late into the night, unable to put the book down.
I hope Malone is working in a sequel, as I, for one, am looking forward to learn more about Ilena and her warrior ways.
It’s 500 AD and Britain is divided: the south and east regions of the island are under Saxon’s rule, while the northern tribes have rallied under Arthur, the Dragon Chief, in an effort to keep their customs and their lands. Among those who have sworn fealty to Arthur are Ilena, the 15 year old chieftain of Dun Alyn and Durant her betrothed who is also Arthur’s cousin.
As the novel starts Durant is leaving Ilena to serve with Arthur, and promises her he will return at the end of winter to marry her. But when spring arrives, it’s Faolan the chieftain of Dun Struan who comes to ask for her hand and not Durant. Ilena refuses Faolan’s request. Her refusal brings war between their people, and to Ilena, disgrace when she freezes in battle and falls behind the fighting line.
Exiled by Druid law until she proves herself worthy, Ilena travels the war savaged lands of northern Britain in search of her beloved Durant, and her liege King Arthur, the only one who can defeat the Saxons, who allied with Faolan are pressing north once more.
I love this world Patricia Malone has created, a primitive Britain the Romans have just left, where tribes struggle to survive out of the land while fighting enemy neighbors, Saxon invaders and Irish raiders by the strength of their warriors’ swords. This is the world the legendary King Arthur would have lived in, if he ever was.
Although the ending felt a little rushed and the plot forced at times, that didn’t stopped me from reading late into the night, unable to put the book down.
I hope Malone is working in a sequel, as I, for one, am looking forward to learn more about Ilena and her warrior ways.
June 26, 2010
While not nearly as good as the first book in this duo, "Way of the Warrior" was a decent tale of the Dark Ages. I first read this one when I was about sixteen, and I loved it then, re-reading it now, I find that it simply isn't as exciting as I once thought it was. Still, a solid read.
Ilena is back and is adjusting to life as the chief of Dun Alyn. Durant is forced to return to Arthur and must leave Ilena with only the memories of their times together, his gold ring, and a promise that he'll return in the Spring and they'll get married. The months pass and Durant still hasn't returned. Worse still, Faolan from a rival Dun is asking for Ilena's hand in marriage. According to Druidic law, since Durant isn't by Ilena's side, she can't just say no. This is only the start of Ilena's problems. Sorcha is still angry at Ilena for usurping her (suppossed) position as chief and convinces Faolan to attack Dun Alyn.
During the battle that ensues, Faolan makes sure that Ilena sees that he has Durant prisoner. The shock of seeing her betrothed on the enemy line causes Ilena to forget her duty to her father. The shame is great, and so is the punishment demanded by law...
Ilena is back and is adjusting to life as the chief of Dun Alyn. Durant is forced to return to Arthur and must leave Ilena with only the memories of their times together, his gold ring, and a promise that he'll return in the Spring and they'll get married. The months pass and Durant still hasn't returned. Worse still, Faolan from a rival Dun is asking for Ilena's hand in marriage. According to Druidic law, since Durant isn't by Ilena's side, she can't just say no. This is only the start of Ilena's problems. Sorcha is still angry at Ilena for usurping her (suppossed) position as chief and convinces Faolan to attack Dun Alyn.
During the battle that ensues, Faolan makes sure that Ilena sees that he has Durant prisoner. The shock of seeing her betrothed on the enemy line causes Ilena to forget her duty to her father. The shame is great, and so is the punishment demanded by law...
July 3, 2023
That was... surprisingly awful. I loved the first book of this duology (trilogy? but I think the third book was never completed?)
And I would have done myself a favor to just stop there. 😭 I can honestly say I wish I had just left the characters alone and walked away happy.
Soooo many problems with this book's plot, characters, arcs, etc. and none of the intrigue and twists of the first book.
A myriad of new, largely boring characters are introduced, the beloved supporting characters are absent, and Ilena is now inexplicably the worst and gets into dilemmas that are extremely contrived.
(Also: DURANT. Whose idea was that?!)
The ending was abrupt, unsatisfactory, and not well thought through. Not sure where she was planning to go - felt like an unwelcome extension of the first book, stepping backwards even, with no true destination in sight.
Sorry, Patricia Malone. This was a massive disappointment.
And I would have done myself a favor to just stop there. 😭 I can honestly say I wish I had just left the characters alone and walked away happy.
Soooo many problems with this book's plot, characters, arcs, etc. and none of the intrigue and twists of the first book.
A myriad of new, largely boring characters are introduced, the beloved supporting characters are absent, and Ilena is now inexplicably the worst and gets into dilemmas that are extremely contrived.
(Also: DURANT. Whose idea was that?!)
The ending was abrupt, unsatisfactory, and not well thought through. Not sure where she was planning to go - felt like an unwelcome extension of the first book, stepping backwards even, with no true destination in sight.
Sorry, Patricia Malone. This was a massive disappointment.
July 23, 2008
Lady Ilena is content because she will be the next chief of Dun Alyn and will be married to her betrothed, Durant who is a member of Arthur’s table. While Durant is absent aiding Arthur, Lady Ilena faces problems with an unwanted suitor - Faolan. During a battle, Lady Ilena falters and journeys in order to reclaim her honor. Themes include love, loss, and honor. This book will appeal to girls looking for an independent and strong female character and those interested in Arthurian settings. Since the plot moves quickly, it was an entertaining read, though nothing truly exceptional set this book apart from other Arthurian based stories. e Warrior
February 20, 2012
Lady Ilena: Way of the Warriorintroduces a part of history that may be unfamiliar to many readers. Ilena defends her land, leads her people, and goes on a quest to redeem herself when she stumbles in her duty. The action moves quickly and the ending is satisfying while still allowing for the natural addition of a third book.
This book contains alcohol consumption.
This book contains alcohol consumption.
March 2, 2010
So this was the second, again did not know, but seriously loved the book. It is short, very fast paced and still flows really well. It was interesting to learn about woman's roles during the time period. The author stayed very true to it. I didn't know that women of this time period were such fearsome warriors.
April 20, 2012
It had been so long since I read book one that initially I was scrambling to remember the story. I liked this story alright. I remember being very taken with book one. I liked book two but not as much as I hazily recall liking book one. This story seemed rather short and I felt a bit of disappointment at the end, as it seemed to end abruptly.
August 31, 2011
Lady Ilena is content as the chief of Dun Alyn and betrothed to Arthur's man Durant. But unrest is in the country, and Ilena turns down neighbor Faolin's betrothal, leading to a battle where she freezes. Cast out of Dun Alyn untl she has committed mighty deeds to prove her worth, Ilena struggles to protect her friends and prepare for the coming battle. Can she free Arthur in time?
January 13, 2016
This one is even better than the first, if that's possible. You're there, with Ilena, fighting for her hold, her people, and her love. An Arthurian fantasy that is solidly historical and vastly entertaining.
December 1, 2021
I love this series. Though the sequel was spotty and it ended abruptly. What bothered me was that the first book was set up around Ilena and Durant eventually getting married, but then Durant died. It wasn't even clear he did die. I loved the first book though, so I had to read the sequel.
July 22, 2012
i loved it! just as good as the first one! i cant wait for the next!!
December 22, 2012
Not brilliant, but not bad. Unfortunately, it doesn't feel like quite the end of the story, but my library doesn't have any more in the series. Assuming there is more in the story.
February 22, 2015
I really liked this sequel to 'Lady Ilena'. But what was up with that ending!?!?!?
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews