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MacNeil #1
Knight Tenebrae
When British reporter Lindsay Palowski and American pilot Alex MacNeil are transported back in time to Scotland during the rule of Robert the Bruce, they soon discover, while acclimating themselves to their dangerous new surroundings, that something inhuman has followed them through the vortex. Original.
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
2 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Julianne Lee
12 books40 followersIn the words of Bill Cosby, "I started out as a child." I was born in California, at the age of about zero, on the United States Naval Base at Point Mugu. Dad was a pilot and Mom a former WAVE. For about a year I was an only child, but then my brother was born, and over the years I collected siblings like they were beanie babies. A brother, two sisters, later on a half sister, and we'll not get into the scads of stepbrothers and former stepbrothers.
At twelve I began to write for fun, which I think is the only real reason to write fiction. I figured it beat reality any old day, and I liked sitting at the desk in my room, pretending to be doing something worthwhile. Daydreaming with a purpose, and gradually I realized I could gain approval for the very thing teachers used to criticize me for in class. I wanted to be an actor, and by the age of sixteen my dream - pipe dream - was to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts . But I knew it would never happen. The Academy was in New York, and that was too far away to even contemplate seriously. So I started college as an art major. I was a terrible artist. I did a good job of fooling myself and everyone around me, but eventually I gave up the charade and left home for Los Angeles at twenty.
What, ho! When I got there I found the American Academy had recently opened
up a campus in Pasadena. By the kindness of some people I met in L.A., I was recommended to the school and accepted. The following two years was a turning point, that changed my life in ways that are still unfolding. Though an education in theatre bestows skills that are not terribly marketable in ordinary life, the things I learned at that school have benefited me every day since. Stage fright has not since held the terror it once did. At the school, I discovered I could be funny, a fact that might have saved me a lot of grief had I known it in grammar school. I could have been a fabulous class clown. In addition to this self-discovery, while I was at the Academy I wrote my first novel. In longhand. I still had no idea I wanted to be a writer; all I knew was that there could be peace in living inside a story about someone else.
Almost immediately after graduating from the Academy, I met and married Dale Lee. We left Los Angeles, but I was kicking and screaming the whole way. Twenty-odd years later, I still miss the place. We had two kids right away, so I now had three children, one of each: a boy, a girl, and a husband. There were a couple of acting jobs, most notably two days on "At Close Range," a feature film starring Christopher Walken and Sean Penn, and a TV movie starring Ann-Margaret. But in trying to be an actor in Nashville, I realized most of the other actors in town were looking forward to their big chance to leave for Los Angeles, and I knew that would never be a possibility for me. At thirty I decided I was getting old faster than I was getting famous, so I looked for something to do besides acting and changing diapers. Throughout this time I'd kept writing, though sporadically, and about then I began a second novel. Gradually an inkling came there might be a possibility of becoming published. I sure wasn't any good at anything else I might have done locally. On January 27, 1987 I bought my first copy of Writers Digest. Another turning point in my life. For the next several years I wrote manuscripts, sent the work out, joined writers groups, and workshopped my novels with the Green River Writers in Louisville, KY. After seven years I sold my first short story, Culture Control, to the now defunct Cosmic Unicorn. Immediately afterward I was hired by the local newspaper. From there I went to writing actor interviews for Starlog Magazine , a job for which I was singularly qualified.
I also wrote some video sleeve copy for Fox Home Video. That stands as the most highly paid time per hour I've ever spent, and I loved it even if it did attract sympathy from misguided folks who thought it less
At twelve I began to write for fun, which I think is the only real reason to write fiction. I figured it beat reality any old day, and I liked sitting at the desk in my room, pretending to be doing something worthwhile. Daydreaming with a purpose, and gradually I realized I could gain approval for the very thing teachers used to criticize me for in class. I wanted to be an actor, and by the age of sixteen my dream - pipe dream - was to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts . But I knew it would never happen. The Academy was in New York, and that was too far away to even contemplate seriously. So I started college as an art major. I was a terrible artist. I did a good job of fooling myself and everyone around me, but eventually I gave up the charade and left home for Los Angeles at twenty.
What, ho! When I got there I found the American Academy had recently opened
up a campus in Pasadena. By the kindness of some people I met in L.A., I was recommended to the school and accepted. The following two years was a turning point, that changed my life in ways that are still unfolding. Though an education in theatre bestows skills that are not terribly marketable in ordinary life, the things I learned at that school have benefited me every day since. Stage fright has not since held the terror it once did. At the school, I discovered I could be funny, a fact that might have saved me a lot of grief had I known it in grammar school. I could have been a fabulous class clown. In addition to this self-discovery, while I was at the Academy I wrote my first novel. In longhand. I still had no idea I wanted to be a writer; all I knew was that there could be peace in living inside a story about someone else.
Almost immediately after graduating from the Academy, I met and married Dale Lee. We left Los Angeles, but I was kicking and screaming the whole way. Twenty-odd years later, I still miss the place. We had two kids right away, so I now had three children, one of each: a boy, a girl, and a husband. There were a couple of acting jobs, most notably two days on "At Close Range," a feature film starring Christopher Walken and Sean Penn, and a TV movie starring Ann-Margaret. But in trying to be an actor in Nashville, I realized most of the other actors in town were looking forward to their big chance to leave for Los Angeles, and I knew that would never be a possibility for me. At thirty I decided I was getting old faster than I was getting famous, so I looked for something to do besides acting and changing diapers. Throughout this time I'd kept writing, though sporadically, and about then I began a second novel. Gradually an inkling came there might be a possibility of becoming published. I sure wasn't any good at anything else I might have done locally. On January 27, 1987 I bought my first copy of Writers Digest. Another turning point in my life. For the next several years I wrote manuscripts, sent the work out, joined writers groups, and workshopped my novels with the Green River Writers in Louisville, KY. After seven years I sold my first short story, Culture Control, to the now defunct Cosmic Unicorn. Immediately afterward I was hired by the local newspaper. From there I went to writing actor interviews for Starlog Magazine , a job for which I was singularly qualified.
I also wrote some video sleeve copy for Fox Home Video. That stands as the most highly paid time per hour I've ever spent, and I loved it even if it did attract sympathy from misguided folks who thought it less
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 29, 2012
Der Zeitreise-Roman hat mir wieder sehr gut gefallen. Ich gebe 09/10 oder 5/5 Punkte.
HIER geht es zu meiner Rezension.
HIER geht es zu meiner Rezension.
February 2, 2024
I could not finish this book. The main character is really unlikeable and a misogynist. The female lead is erratic and seems unwilling to make any logical decisions. There is so much focus on the sexual tension between the characters it becomes objectifying and gross. The male main is so consumed with the need to “claim” the female lead he is often distracted from actually surviving. They also encounter magical beings and spend very little time talking about that or wondering how they ended up where they are.
June 15, 2019
I loved the first book (Son of the Sword) I read by Julianne Lee. So it makes me sad to say that I did not enjoy this book at all. Main reason for this is, that I absolutely can not stand the main character Alex. So I'm definitely not going to read the other two books in this trilogy.
April 7, 2013
Lindsey comes to interview fighter pilot Alex aboard an aircraft carrier, and on his mission to fly her back, they get caught in a "cloud" that transports them from modern day to feudal Scotland.
The plot? Take a modern day warrior and plunk him down into an army with Robert the Bruce and see what happens. From an historical standpoint, it was very interesting. From a story standpoint, I struggled to get through this one.
Both of the characters are somewhat unlikeable. Alex, because he blends so easily into the barbarian mentality, much to the chagrin of Lindsey, who nags at him for knowing how to survive in such brutal times. The author spends much of the book showing us how much Alex is enjoying the blood lust in his veins, determined to paint him into a self-serving bad guy, and yet he's supposed to be the hero. The plot was thin - normally a time travel book aims you back to the future, but Alex wasn't interested in returning to his own time, he was having too much fun being a knight and a raider and it wasn't until his arm was twisted that he even took an interest in going back to his own time.
There also seemed to be some translation issues with the electronic book - several "b"'s became "h"s.
So if your interest is in Scottish history and the campaigns of Robert the Bruce, you'll find this story historically interesting. If you're looking for a time travel romance, I'd steer you in another direction.
The plot? Take a modern day warrior and plunk him down into an army with Robert the Bruce and see what happens. From an historical standpoint, it was very interesting. From a story standpoint, I struggled to get through this one.
Both of the characters are somewhat unlikeable. Alex, because he blends so easily into the barbarian mentality, much to the chagrin of Lindsey, who nags at him for knowing how to survive in such brutal times. The author spends much of the book showing us how much Alex is enjoying the blood lust in his veins, determined to paint him into a self-serving bad guy, and yet he's supposed to be the hero. The plot was thin - normally a time travel book aims you back to the future, but Alex wasn't interested in returning to his own time, he was having too much fun being a knight and a raider and it wasn't until his arm was twisted that he even took an interest in going back to his own time.
There also seemed to be some translation issues with the electronic book - several "b"'s became "h"s.
So if your interest is in Scottish history and the campaigns of Robert the Bruce, you'll find this story historically interesting. If you're looking for a time travel romance, I'd steer you in another direction.
January 30, 2023
When American fighter pilot Alexander MacNeil and English journalist Lindsay Pawlowski take off on what should be a routine flight, they don’t expect to crash land in 14th century Scotland. But when they come face to face with King Robert the Bruce himself they need to quickly adapt to their new reality to ensure their survival in a country ravaged by war.
The story is entertaining enough to hold my attention, although there is surprisingly little focus on the two questions of how our main characters got to where they are and whether there is a way for them to get back until the last part of the novel.
I found it hard to connect to the characters. It might be because Alex slips into the role of knight a little too easily. Through his eyes, Lindsey is portrayed as silly and unreasonable when she points that out to him.
As a reader I have to agree with her. Medieval traits might be reasonable in a medieval character, but when a modern day character acts the same way it makes him look like a jerk.
When Alex develops an almost toxic jealousy towards anyone going near Lindsay it is hard to find sympathy for his actions.
The Early Review copy I got had an appalling number of spelling mistakes, that took me out of the story again and again. It wasn’t a simple mistype here and there, but rather a series of buts turning out as huts and the like. Something a half way decent editor should have caught.
The story is entertaining enough to hold my attention, although there is surprisingly little focus on the two questions of how our main characters got to where they are and whether there is a way for them to get back until the last part of the novel.
I found it hard to connect to the characters. It might be because Alex slips into the role of knight a little too easily. Through his eyes, Lindsey is portrayed as silly and unreasonable when she points that out to him.
As a reader I have to agree with her. Medieval traits might be reasonable in a medieval character, but when a modern day character acts the same way it makes him look like a jerk.
When Alex develops an almost toxic jealousy towards anyone going near Lindsay it is hard to find sympathy for his actions.
The Early Review copy I got had an appalling number of spelling mistakes, that took me out of the story again and again. It wasn’t a simple mistype here and there, but rather a series of buts turning out as huts and the like. Something a half way decent editor should have caught.
March 31, 2013
Received from LibraryThing's March 2013 Early Reviewers.
Alex is interviewed by Lindsay, a female English journalist, after the discovery of a fighter jet too deep in the Scottish waters. When flying her home, both of them crash through a strange vortex, and find themselves in 14th Century Scotland during one of the most politically active times in the country's history. They need to tread carefully to survive, and consider getting home somehow.
Both seem to be particularly "lucky" - Lindsay somehow has enough knowledge of Old English to get them through the first few encounters, and Alex has enough fighting experience to make him useful. The book is focussed mainly on Alex, never showing us a view on Lindsay when it's not in relation to Alex, and we never get to see the situation from her standpoint. Alex seems to settle in well and fast, and doesnt seem to think about finding a way back to the 21st Century.....the "fairy folk" seem to be barely threatening and rarely make much of an appearance - the book seems focussed on the historical and fighting portion rather than the need to get back
There are at least 2 other books in this series, so I presume these are addressed in later books
Alex is interviewed by Lindsay, a female English journalist, after the discovery of a fighter jet too deep in the Scottish waters. When flying her home, both of them crash through a strange vortex, and find themselves in 14th Century Scotland during one of the most politically active times in the country's history. They need to tread carefully to survive, and consider getting home somehow.
Both seem to be particularly "lucky" - Lindsay somehow has enough knowledge of Old English to get them through the first few encounters, and Alex has enough fighting experience to make him useful. The book is focussed mainly on Alex, never showing us a view on Lindsay when it's not in relation to Alex, and we never get to see the situation from her standpoint. Alex seems to settle in well and fast, and doesnt seem to think about finding a way back to the 21st Century.....the "fairy folk" seem to be barely threatening and rarely make much of an appearance - the book seems focussed on the historical and fighting portion rather than the need to get back
There are at least 2 other books in this series, so I presume these are addressed in later books
June 9, 2009
The two protagonists are thrown back in time quickly, and the action gets going right away, so that's good. What's not so good is that there is almost no emotional reaction to their dilemma, or anything else in the book. One tearful breakdown from the female character, but no discussion of their plight whatsoever. The female main character is also preternaturally quick to react to the situation and knows everything that the pair needs to know in order to survive.
While I'm no big fan of the obligatory "Oh my God! We're in the PAST!" scene, at least some emotional process needs to happen.
It felt totally plot-driven, not much character at all. Plus a couple of things had no logical consistency. The pair get thrown 7 years into the future by an angry elf (another strange plot point) and talk their way out of it when the nobles that they deserted (albeit inadvertently) catch up to them and demand answers. Too easy. Also too easy was the male main character rising in the noble hierarchy.
While I'm no big fan of the obligatory "Oh my God! We're in the PAST!" scene, at least some emotional process needs to happen.
It felt totally plot-driven, not much character at all. Plus a couple of things had no logical consistency. The pair get thrown 7 years into the future by an angry elf (another strange plot point) and talk their way out of it when the nobles that they deserted (albeit inadvertently) catch up to them and demand answers. Too easy. Also too easy was the male main character rising in the noble hierarchy.
March 30, 2016
I actually won these on LibraryThing.com and the only reason I wanted to read them was because of how much I loved the movie TIMELINE with Gerard Butler.
Now, that movie got only 2 1/2 Stars and that’s really bad because I really, really liked it. It’s not a masterpiece and it’s not meant to be. It’s a cute little story, well acted and filled with action. It did what aimed to do, and that’s entertain a certain audience.
This novel did exactly the same. I enjoyed the mix of contemporary, historical and fantasy aspect of it. I also thought the relationship between Alex and Lindsay was interesting, fun and well written. Alex was one of those heroes you’ll really like a lot, and Lindsay in the end turned out to be strong and courageous woman who helped Alex to adept to their new surroundings and a life neither really ever expected to share.
And let’s not forget the plot’s twists and turns as well as great action.
If you like time travel romance and you loved BRAVEHEART, Scotland and its history, I’m pretty sure you’ll like this book.
Melanie for b2b
Now, that movie got only 2 1/2 Stars and that’s really bad because I really, really liked it. It’s not a masterpiece and it’s not meant to be. It’s a cute little story, well acted and filled with action. It did what aimed to do, and that’s entertain a certain audience.
This novel did exactly the same. I enjoyed the mix of contemporary, historical and fantasy aspect of it. I also thought the relationship between Alex and Lindsay was interesting, fun and well written. Alex was one of those heroes you’ll really like a lot, and Lindsay in the end turned out to be strong and courageous woman who helped Alex to adept to their new surroundings and a life neither really ever expected to share.
And let’s not forget the plot’s twists and turns as well as great action.
If you like time travel romance and you loved BRAVEHEART, Scotland and its history, I’m pretty sure you’ll like this book.
Melanie for b2b
June 21, 2013
I really wanted to enjoy this book. The time period, the history, everything about it screamed that I would enjoy the story. Time travel, two present day characters set in the midst of Bannockburn, it had so much potential.
First and foremost I couldn't root for Alex, didn't feel sympathetic to him, he felt entitled and petulant, and I didn't get drawn into his story, even the points where he was introspective felt most like justification rather than actual introspection.
I couldn't get an adequate read on Lindsay, and the parts where she was justified in her anger and fear, felt more like whining.
The biggest problem I had though was that the last half of the book felt rushed and just set up for book two. The problem is, I'm not invested enough in the characters to want to know what happens to them.
I wish I could give a more positive review. I think that's why I've avoided reviewing the book until now. I hope other enjoy it. The history is accurate, my memory of Scottish history from college is vague but that part was engaging.
First and foremost I couldn't root for Alex, didn't feel sympathetic to him, he felt entitled and petulant, and I didn't get drawn into his story, even the points where he was introspective felt most like justification rather than actual introspection.
I couldn't get an adequate read on Lindsay, and the parts where she was justified in her anger and fear, felt more like whining.
The biggest problem I had though was that the last half of the book felt rushed and just set up for book two. The problem is, I'm not invested enough in the characters to want to know what happens to them.
I wish I could give a more positive review. I think that's why I've avoided reviewing the book until now. I hope other enjoy it. The history is accurate, my memory of Scottish history from college is vague but that part was engaging.
June 7, 2013
I love time travel stories. The juxtaposition of future, contemporary and vintage or ancient people and things is fascinating to me. Julianne Lee clearly shares this fascination, but while I write time travel stories using technology, Julianne does it with magic. I found her handling of the subject made for a wonderful read. So much so that I devoured all three books in the Knight Tenebrae series and went on to read Kindred Spirits and Interloper at Glencoe as well.
Lee has a strong voice, creates vivid characters, and writes action superbly. She is also a master of immersive world building and her details of period life are deftly revealed.
Though I admit there were times I wanted to brain each of the protagonists in these books, I realized it meant that I was deeply invested in their story, which is what a writer hopes will happen. Well done!
Lee has a strong voice, creates vivid characters, and writes action superbly. She is also a master of immersive world building and her details of period life are deftly revealed.
Though I admit there were times I wanted to brain each of the protagonists in these books, I realized it meant that I was deeply invested in their story, which is what a writer hopes will happen. Well done!
June 7, 2013
I love time travel stories. The juxtaposition of future, contemporary and vintage or ancient people and things is fascinating to me. Julianne Lee clearly shares this fascination, but while I write time travel stories using technology, she does it with magic. I found her handling of the subject made for a wonderful read. So much so that I devoured all three books in the Knight Tenebrae series and went on to read Kindred Spirits and Interloper at Glencoe as well.
Lee has a strong voice, creates vivid characters, and writes action superbly. She is also a master of immersive world building and her details of period life are deftly revealed.
Though I admit there were times I wanted to brain each of the protagonists in these books, I realized it meant that I was deeply invested in their story, which is what a writer hopes will happen. Well done!
Lee has a strong voice, creates vivid characters, and writes action superbly. She is also a master of immersive world building and her details of period life are deftly revealed.
Though I admit there were times I wanted to brain each of the protagonists in these books, I realized it meant that I was deeply invested in their story, which is what a writer hopes will happen. Well done!
July 7, 2013
Time travel back to the 14th century Scotland. This first book in the series takes you on the trials of Alex and Lindsey as they find themselves thrown into a different century and what they go through to settle in. Lots of battle action, but not the average romance story for those looking for that. Lee writes as if you are there smack in the middle of all the chaos. The hero and heroine are not perfect and that's what I like about this series. It's real. There is love found between them but it's not like picking up a straight romance novel. It's about life and how they survive. There are also elves and fairy type characters and honestly who can talk about Scotland and not believe in magic and other-worldly things? I'm itching to get started on the 2nd in the series!
July 26, 2016
Alex is a U.S. Navy fighter pilot assigned to fly journalist Lindsay back to Scotland from the ship where she's been interviewing crew members. Closing in on their destination, they suddenly find themselves facing a giant ring of fire mid-air and are forced to eject. They manage to reach the ground safely, but soon realize that they have no idea where.....or when......they are.
Although I love time-travel stories, this one ultimately left me unsatisfied. The two characters seem rigid in that they stay in their fixed - and not-quite-credible stances - pretty much without changing, or developing, throughout the book. The resolution seems forced, as though it was just time to end the story. Interesting concept, but in the end disappointing.
Although I love time-travel stories, this one ultimately left me unsatisfied. The two characters seem rigid in that they stay in their fixed - and not-quite-credible stances - pretty much without changing, or developing, throughout the book. The resolution seems forced, as though it was just time to end the story. Interesting concept, but in the end disappointing.
June 7, 2013
I wanted to love this book but didn't. The premise sounded quite intriguing. I did, however, end up liking it.
The historical aspects made me feel as if I could see and smell everything the author described. Very good job.
I liked the interactions between Alex and Lindsay to a point. They both had to overcome their own misgivings about where they'd suddenly found themselves in order to move forward. Overall, I did like the story enough to grab the next book and I'm hoping I'll like the characters better.
The historical aspects made me feel as if I could see and smell everything the author described. Very good job.
I liked the interactions between Alex and Lindsay to a point. They both had to overcome their own misgivings about where they'd suddenly found themselves in order to move forward. Overall, I did like the story enough to grab the next book and I'm hoping I'll like the characters better.
October 14, 2011
Rating: 1.5
Not my thing. I couldn't get past Lindsay's exposition dumps and Alex's luck. I gave up on page 116, so I can't really say anything for the rest of the novel.
Not my thing. I couldn't get past Lindsay's exposition dumps and Alex's luck. I gave up on page 116, so I can't really say anything for the rest of the novel.
May 7, 2013
SO much fun - overflowing with historical detaiil and surprisingly well-written. (based on the embarrassingly-cheesy covers the editors chose for these books)
September 22, 2013
A pretty well done going-back-into-time romance.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews