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The Montbryce Legacy #5
Haunted Knights
Readers have requested it and here at last is the story of Denis de Sancerre, the dwarf who appears in many of Ms. Markland's previous books. Can Denis find love in a cruel medieval world? He has never risked his heart before. His half brother Adam must come to terms with physical losses caused by illness. Can he trust the woman he loves with his terrible secret?
The story unfolds in 12th century England, Normandy and Brittany. Set against the backdrop of the magnificent Arundel Castle, and the eerie ancient monoliths of Carnac in Brittany, Haunted Knights is the tale of The Giant and the Dwarf, Adam and Denis, brothers haunted by secrets, and challenged by physical limitations.
The heroes and heroines struggle to come to terms with physical impairments in a medieval world where survival of the fittest is a stark reality.
Is love the secret to their survival and happiness?
The story unfolds in 12th century England, Normandy and Brittany. Set against the backdrop of the magnificent Arundel Castle, and the eerie ancient monoliths of Carnac in Brittany, Haunted Knights is the tale of The Giant and the Dwarf, Adam and Denis, brothers haunted by secrets, and challenged by physical limitations.
The heroes and heroines struggle to come to terms with physical impairments in a medieval world where survival of the fittest is a stark reality.
Is love the secret to their survival and happiness?
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2013
128 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Anna Markland
246 books254 followersAnna Markland is a Canadian author with a keen interest in genealogy. She writes historical romance about family honor, ancestry and roots. Her novels are intimate love stories filled with passion and adventure. Following a fruitful career in teaching, Anna transformed her love of writing and history into engaging works of fiction. One of the things she enjoys most about writing historical romance is the in-depth research required to provide the reader with an authentic experience.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 8, 2017
++Spoilers++
Read as part of an HR collection.
I really liked this story. It was unique, a breath of fresh air.
We have two brothers, one a giant and the other a dwarf. The giant (Adam) is heir to the estate and has produly kept himself a virgin for his bride out of honor. Sadly Adam has come down with an illness that has left him deaf and impotent. Since he can no longer produce an heir, he steps aside and allows his youger "normal" brother the position of heir .
Devestated, Adam and his older brother Denis (the dwarf)leave together to check on their fathers estates, in hopes of also doing some soul searching. Enroute they encounter Vincent and Lucein, brothers who have 2 sisters, one is a mute the other a dwarf. The sisters have been kept hidden away from society by their parents in their estates attic. Vincent and Lucein don't like the situation their sisters live in, and when they encounter Adam (deaf) and Denis (dwarf) they decide to bring them home in hopes of matchmaking them with their sisters.
The story becomes more involved and interesting than what I have briefly described. But needless to say the couples end up falling in love and there is a hEA.
Bravo to the author for originality!
I have only a few criticisms.
1. When Adam and Denis first meet the sisters, they are very alpha and the "mine" thing spews from their lips. Which is fine except if you're going to make a character alpha, than keep them alpha. I didn't like how Adam flip flopped and decided to try to find a husband for Rosamund because he thought she deserved a husband who could give her a child. What happened to "mine?"
2. Do we really need to add the detail about Adam knowing how to and having pleasured women in other manners? OK he's a virgin technically, but I felt having this bit of information was unnecessary, at least it was not necessary to explain how he can use his tongue and fingers without having to plunge. It was awkward IMHO.
3. The epilogue was was more of a flash summary. I would have liked a little more detail.
All in all I really liked this story and would certainly recommend to others.
Read as part of an HR collection.
I really liked this story. It was unique, a breath of fresh air.
We have two brothers, one a giant and the other a dwarf. The giant (Adam) is heir to the estate and has produly kept himself a virgin for his bride out of honor. Sadly Adam has come down with an illness that has left him deaf and impotent. Since he can no longer produce an heir, he steps aside and allows his youger "normal" brother the position of heir .
Devestated, Adam and his older brother Denis (the dwarf)leave together to check on their fathers estates, in hopes of also doing some soul searching. Enroute they encounter Vincent and Lucein, brothers who have 2 sisters, one is a mute the other a dwarf. The sisters have been kept hidden away from society by their parents in their estates attic. Vincent and Lucein don't like the situation their sisters live in, and when they encounter Adam (deaf) and Denis (dwarf) they decide to bring them home in hopes of matchmaking them with their sisters.
The story becomes more involved and interesting than what I have briefly described. But needless to say the couples end up falling in love and there is a hEA.
Bravo to the author for originality!
I have only a few criticisms.
1. When Adam and Denis first meet the sisters, they are very alpha and the "mine" thing spews from their lips. Which is fine except if you're going to make a character alpha, than keep them alpha. I didn't like how Adam flip flopped and decided to try to find a husband for Rosamund because he thought she deserved a husband who could give her a child. What happened to "mine?"
2. Do we really need to add the detail about Adam knowing how to and having pleasured women in other manners? OK he's a virgin technically, but I felt having this bit of information was unnecessary, at least it was not necessary to explain how he can use his tongue and fingers without having to plunge. It was awkward IMHO.
3. The epilogue was was more of a flash summary. I would have liked a little more detail.
All in all I really liked this story and would certainly recommend to others.
July 5, 2018
This is an intense, fascinating and captivating story of love and courage. Adam is a broken and defeated man, but he is also loyal, brave and caring. Denis is a confident, caring and loyal man who is lonely because of his circumstances. He longs for a woman to love who will also love him. Rosamunda is an intelligent, vivacious, curious and mute woman who has been locked up for her entire life. Paulina is a timid, insecure and cranky who has also been locked up for life. As the story begins Adam gets sick and becomes deaf and impotent, so he must concede his role of heir to his younger brother. He is upset by the pitying looks that his family give him that he decides he must leave, journeying to his father's other estates. As his loyal brother and best friend, Denis insists on going with him. We also meet Rosamunda and Paulina, whose parents have locked them up in an attic, their mother so distraught about their deformities that she refuses to acknowledge them. Their brothers, on the other hand, adore both sisters and do whatever they can to make them feel loved. When Adam and Denis appear at the keep where the girls live, they know something is not right there. When they discover the girls, both of them start thinking that maybe fate has handed them what their hearts desire. But it is anything but a smooth courtship that follows. This is the best book so far in an amazing series and I can't wait to read the next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
June 30, 2018
Two families destined to unite by the unexpected birth of two children each who would find each other as fate directs. Adam de Montbryce, first born was destined by his birthright to take over from his father one day. Adam unexpectedly suffers a terrible loss that changes everything. Adam journeys with is half brother Denis, who is a dwarf to other holdings of the Montbryces. Coming into contact with two sisters who have been hidden away due to their physical disabilities, it seems they are set to rescue the maidens. One of the sisters is small in stature and the other tall and mute.
This is such a heartwarming story full of strong family ties as well as misunderstandings of physical challenges at this time in history. Compelling characters who bring you into their feelings and take you on their journey of discovery. Can happiness be found?
In the usual Anna Markland fashion with her wonderful prose, you will be taken into 1100 AD Normandie and experience the history and social norms of that time. Prepare to pulled in until the last page is turned..
This is such a heartwarming story full of strong family ties as well as misunderstandings of physical challenges at this time in history. Compelling characters who bring you into their feelings and take you on their journey of discovery. Can happiness be found?
In the usual Anna Markland fashion with her wonderful prose, you will be taken into 1100 AD Normandie and experience the history and social norms of that time. Prepare to pulled in until the last page is turned..
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July 16, 2018To me, each Legacy book is an epic story. Birthright is no different. Anna Markland is such a wonderful storyteller. This is book 5 in the Montbryce Legacy Anniversary series. It can be read as a stand alone.
It is such a beautiful love story about two brothers and two sisters. They all must overcome afflictions and self-doubt, prejudices of the time. They are faced with drownings, kidnappings, murder, court life and much more. It is definitely one of those books that I could read over and over.
It is such a beautiful love story about two brothers and two sisters. They all must overcome afflictions and self-doubt, prejudices of the time. They are faced with drownings, kidnappings, murder, court life and much more. It is definitely one of those books that I could read over and over.
November 3, 2014
Five stars for the story and five stars for the author.
This is the story of two brothers -- the giant Adam and the dwarf Denis -- who were already close but became moreso when Adam was struck by a terrible sickness that took his hearing, but most importantly his ability to ever create children. Adam, however, does not refuse to live. He gives his birthright to his brother Mathieu, and he and Denis begin a journey to survey the Montbryce lands. In doing so they meet Vincent and Lucien who are brothers to two sisters who were imprisoned by their parents because each was deformed -- Paulina was an exquisitely proportioned dwarf whereas Rosamunda was a mute.
In our day and age children with birth defects, or deformities, are taken care of, and loved. In the 12th Century any child not born perfect is killed by the midwife immediately as being a personification of evil. Denis nearly met that same fate but his parents both wanted him, and indeed it was a fight to keep the midwife from performing her duty.
Paulina and Rosamunda only survived because their parents were too cowardly to destroy their children. Hence, the mother goes mad.
A tragedy becomes a gateway to freedom for the girls, and also opens the way to romance and love.
Along the way, in the midst of the real world, danger is around every corner for the two innocent maidens. At least they have their protectors. Right?
I have not read a story with Denis or Adam in it so it was fresh meeting them. As I read I saw the actor Peter Dinklage from Game of Thrones as Denis, and Rosamunda had the infectious innocence that the Disney Rapunzel had.
This was a fun read but also sobering as I kept in mind the trials of the body each character was dealing with. I wanted to applaud every "normal" person who was accepting of Adam, Denis, Paulina, and Rosamunda.
This is a story to read again, and I shall. Thank you, Ms. Markland!
This is the story of two brothers -- the giant Adam and the dwarf Denis -- who were already close but became moreso when Adam was struck by a terrible sickness that took his hearing, but most importantly his ability to ever create children. Adam, however, does not refuse to live. He gives his birthright to his brother Mathieu, and he and Denis begin a journey to survey the Montbryce lands. In doing so they meet Vincent and Lucien who are brothers to two sisters who were imprisoned by their parents because each was deformed -- Paulina was an exquisitely proportioned dwarf whereas Rosamunda was a mute.
In our day and age children with birth defects, or deformities, are taken care of, and loved. In the 12th Century any child not born perfect is killed by the midwife immediately as being a personification of evil. Denis nearly met that same fate but his parents both wanted him, and indeed it was a fight to keep the midwife from performing her duty.
Paulina and Rosamunda only survived because their parents were too cowardly to destroy their children. Hence, the mother goes mad.
A tragedy becomes a gateway to freedom for the girls, and also opens the way to romance and love.
Along the way, in the midst of the real world, danger is around every corner for the two innocent maidens. At least they have their protectors. Right?
I have not read a story with Denis or Adam in it so it was fresh meeting them. As I read I saw the actor Peter Dinklage from Game of Thrones as Denis, and Rosamunda had the infectious innocence that the Disney Rapunzel had.
This was a fun read but also sobering as I kept in mind the trials of the body each character was dealing with. I wanted to applaud every "normal" person who was accepting of Adam, Denis, Paulina, and Rosamunda.
This is a story to read again, and I shall. Thank you, Ms. Markland!
July 2, 2018
Adam de Montbryce must come to terms with his health after a devastating illness and his brother Denis de Sancerre, is determined to stand by his beleaguered brother. Adam and Denis have a special bond, Denis is a dwarf and his brother Adam has always been there for him his whole life. After Adam is disinherited the two go on a journey and meet two sisters who locked in the attic of their manor home their entire lives because of their afflictions, they were essentially dead to their parents. Thankfully they had two brothers who looked out for them and tried to keep them comfortable in the attic. This is a tale of how each over comes their afflictions and obstacles they find in their lives as they struggle to overcome their physical impairments and find true love and a place called home along the way. A kidnapping leads the group on a harrowing rescue and happy ever after for the two couples that will have you rooting for them to find the happiness they so richly deserve. The author does an excellent job of integrating history and romance in this tale of the Giant and the Dwarf who find two young women in need of rescuing and find their hearts desire. This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.
June 29, 2018
This story had my heart clenching because here we have two brothers who are both Knights. Adam de Montbryce is a giant of a man and the other, Denis de Sancerre, is a very proud dwarf who is Adam's half-brother.
Adam suffers a devastating loss that does cost him his birthright. He has a secret he feels he cannot share, only his closest family knows. He trusts Denis more than anyone.
Denis knows in his mind that he will never get married for there is no one who would want to have him as a husband, but in his heart he wishes to have a wife and a loving life with her. He never would want to risk putting his heart out there...for he knows it could be shattered very easily no matter how tough on the outside he is. Would it be worth the risk?
These two brothers are thick as thieves and they both support one another and this is very touching. Now fate, perhaps may have a solution to their longings.
Can they both trust the women who fate puts in their paths?
This story is phenomenal and I'm glad this author decided to make this Anniversary Edition.
Adam suffers a devastating loss that does cost him his birthright. He has a secret he feels he cannot share, only his closest family knows. He trusts Denis more than anyone.
Denis knows in his mind that he will never get married for there is no one who would want to have him as a husband, but in his heart he wishes to have a wife and a loving life with her. He never would want to risk putting his heart out there...for he knows it could be shattered very easily no matter how tough on the outside he is. Would it be worth the risk?
These two brothers are thick as thieves and they both support one another and this is very touching. Now fate, perhaps may have a solution to their longings.
Can they both trust the women who fate puts in their paths?
This story is phenomenal and I'm glad this author decided to make this Anniversary Edition.
July 1, 2024
Exceptional
Adam is the son and heir of Antoine lord of Belisle. He becomes ill with fever and swelling of his private parts and becomes deaf. Denis his dwarf brother is very concerned for him.They are called the giant and the dwarf and are very close.
Rosamunda Lallement had spent all of her 17 years in captivity, hidden away as soon as her impediment was noticeable. Her sister Paulina also shared her confinement, their door not barred but were not allowed to go downstairs. They had Thomas and Agnes who were peasants take care of them. The only other people who came to see them were their brothers Lucien and Vincent and their father would come in frequently, they had not seen their mother since they were infants because she grieved that she had birthed 2 deformed children and refused to acknowledge them.
So much excitement in this story, keeps you reading.
Adam is the son and heir of Antoine lord of Belisle. He becomes ill with fever and swelling of his private parts and becomes deaf. Denis his dwarf brother is very concerned for him.They are called the giant and the dwarf and are very close.
Rosamunda Lallement had spent all of her 17 years in captivity, hidden away as soon as her impediment was noticeable. Her sister Paulina also shared her confinement, their door not barred but were not allowed to go downstairs. They had Thomas and Agnes who were peasants take care of them. The only other people who came to see them were their brothers Lucien and Vincent and their father would come in frequently, they had not seen their mother since they were infants because she grieved that she had birthed 2 deformed children and refused to acknowledge them.
So much excitement in this story, keeps you reading.
July 1, 2018
Don't start this book if you have anything important to do! I was hooked from page one and didn't put it down until the very end. I loved the characters and although the romance seems obvious early on, the journey to their HEA was quite a wild ride. Ms. Markland has created a series about a family that is both compelling and intriguing, vivid characters bring this period to life as you absorb the political and historic facts. If I can offer only one criticism, it would be that the epilogue didn't provide me with enough about the family that Adam and Denis eventually have (they're mentioned in passing), I can only hope that their stories will be told in subsequent stories in the series as I hope Ms. Markland doesn't run out of tales about this family!
August 11, 2018
What and amazing and creative story! Birthright by Anna Markland is truly an original. Anna is one of the great writers of medieval story of our time and has yet to disappoint me with one of her books. She can create these amazing characters that are far from perfect and wonderful descriptions that just come alive! This story has danger, fire, abuse, madness, family love, guilt, a mute, kidnapping, bravery, imprisonment, murder, kindness, insecurities, human sacrifice, illness, deception, scandal, rescue but can they find love? Yes, there are 2 heroes in this story and you will have to read this book to find out. I highly recommend that you do!!
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
June 29, 2018
Wow. Ms. Markland has another hit in the continuing saga of the Montbryce family. In this story, we meet two Montbryce half-brothers - one has lost his hearing due to illness, and the other was born a dwarf. They meet and rescue - several times - two sisters, who have been hidden away - one is mute, the other is a small person. Story is full of history, romance, and evil characters - and a pagan sacrifice.
May 10, 2020
Wow...what a story ♥️
I cant express how much l loved this story..beautifully wrote with such compassion. Two half brothers both with a story to tell. I wont put any spoilers in but I don't think you will be disappointed. It held all the suspense you expect and rightly gave these two heroes hope, and love that will conquer all. Five stars from me .
I cant express how much l loved this story..beautifully wrote with such compassion. Two half brothers both with a story to tell. I wont put any spoilers in but I don't think you will be disappointed. It held all the suspense you expect and rightly gave these two heroes hope, and love that will conquer all. Five stars from me .
July 18, 2022
Another great story
This series just keeps getting better and better.
I am enjoying meeting new characters and discovering how they are related to the other characters in the other books of the series.
This series just keeps getting better and better.
I am enjoying meeting new characters and discovering how they are related to the other characters in the other books of the series.
August 5, 2018
Enjoyable
I must say that the story is very very good
I thought that the characters were comp!ex
However that didn't make them lovable
I must say that the story is very very good
I thought that the characters were comp!ex
However that didn't make them lovable
August 6, 2018
Could not put the book down
It breaks your heart then makes you cry with joy. The struggles the characters go through and their joy at the end is worth every minute
It breaks your heart then makes you cry with joy. The struggles the characters go through and their joy at the end is worth every minute
August 6, 2018
Excellent addition to Montbryce saga. Glad Adam and Denis found wives. Looking forward to next installment.
July 15, 2018
I still loved it, but was disappointed that is was a reissue of a book (with a new name) that I have kept since it's original debut. I would rather spend my limited funds of a new book by this author. It is still a great story.
January 16, 2018
I had this book on my reading list for a long time and I'm glad I finally managed to go through it. I love historical romances and Anna Markland is a master when it comes to getting readers into the intricate world of medieval England and Normandy.
In addition, the less than perfect main characters in this book are a welcome change from the male model knights and outstandingly beautiful women of most novels. The book portrays a reality that you rarely see in other historical romances and shows you that deformities and other human impairments were accepted by some and strongly shunned by others in the middle ages - sadly, much as it happens still today in many places. But it was heartwarming to read a book where physically imperfect people have pure and brave hearts and also manage to find their happily ever afters.
I only had two concerns with Haunted Knights, and they are the reason I'm rating the book with four stars instead of five. First, there's too much erotic detail throughout the story, in places where it was perfectly dispensable. I found myself doubting, for example, that Dennis could be lusting after Paulina (whom he's just seeing for the first time) after a tragic fire almost killed them, when they are still working to save themselves and their belongings and just a short time after Paulina's parents - however much unloved - have been killed. And second, at some point the story expands to include an array of additional characters and the plot sometimes shifts to their point of view, which is confusing. It's true I didn't read all of the previous books (but I did read Dark Irish Knight, the book immediately before Haunted Knights), but I suspect that even if I had I would still be half lost anyway.
Still, if you manage to overcome the two details above, Haunted Knights is a fast paced book that you will have a hard time putting down.
In addition, the less than perfect main characters in this book are a welcome change from the male model knights and outstandingly beautiful women of most novels. The book portrays a reality that you rarely see in other historical romances and shows you that deformities and other human impairments were accepted by some and strongly shunned by others in the middle ages - sadly, much as it happens still today in many places. But it was heartwarming to read a book where physically imperfect people have pure and brave hearts and also manage to find their happily ever afters.
I only had two concerns with Haunted Knights, and they are the reason I'm rating the book with four stars instead of five. First, there's too much erotic detail throughout the story, in places where it was perfectly dispensable. I found myself doubting, for example, that Dennis could be lusting after Paulina (whom he's just seeing for the first time) after a tragic fire almost killed them, when they are still working to save themselves and their belongings and just a short time after Paulina's parents - however much unloved - have been killed. And second, at some point the story expands to include an array of additional characters and the plot sometimes shifts to their point of view, which is confusing. It's true I didn't read all of the previous books (but I did read Dark Irish Knight, the book immediately before Haunted Knights), but I suspect that even if I had I would still be half lost anyway.
Still, if you manage to overcome the two details above, Haunted Knights is a fast paced book that you will have a hard time putting down.
September 8, 2013
Markland pens a suspenseful tale that will have readers on the edge of their seats with "Haunted Knights." It's the reign of Henry III, and the Montbryce family is thriving in Normandy and England. When Adam Montbryce, heir to Belisle Castle, is incapacitated, he seeks his fortune in England, never expecting to find hope.
Adam is a vital young man who loses his hearing and his ability to produce children after an illness. He sets out with his brother, Denis, who is a dwarf, to England to find his fortune. There he meets the Lallemont brothers. When a fire breaks out at Kingston Gorse, Adam and Denis help rescue the Lallemont sisters, Rosamunda and Paulina. Rosamunda is mute and Paulina is a dwarf as well. While the women appear to be perfect for Adam and Denis, can they overcome threats, kidnapping, and ridicule to find not just hope, but happiness?
Markland's researched her topic and it shows, giving a voice to disabilities. The plot is straight forward. What Markland does well is offer a metaphor for those with disabilities that challenge them. Denis may be a dwarf, but he doesn't let his condition stop him from doing what he wants. He's an aspiring character. Adam is also noble and honest, but doubts Rosamunda at a critical time, leaving the women vulnerable.
There's plenty of action, adventure, and excitement that will keep the reader wondering what's coming next. "Haunted Knights" is a historical romance that contains several sensual romantic scenes. For those who enjoy historical stories with medieval knights I recommend this story. Overall, "Haunted Knights" proves chivalry never goes out of style.
June 4, 2016
A Powerful Voice
Thank you from deep in my heart and soul Anna, for allowing the unseen and misunderstood a voice. I have struggled with both visible and invisible degrees of disability since the birth on my first child. I am now 58 years young and I've found that an unwillingness to "settle" for things deemed unattainable has been one of my mantras, stubbornness has also served me well. My son knew only pain and was my joy for 27 years.
I could relate to Denis due to scoliosis and constant pain with physical exertion. To Adam, though I'm only 60% deaf. To Penelope WO body issues having swung between obesity & anorexia for many years and lastly as with both women forced to use invisibility to minimize abuse. Like Rosamond I longed to break out of my cocoon and in High School via Choir I found my singing voice. I taught myself to play 6 steel string guitar in one week (and yes my fingers bled but pure joy obliterated any pain).
I became a woman I did not recognise - my "Authentic Self" - whooo hooo!
I picked up my Babe at one of my gigs in 1979 and found that Love along with my previous penchant for perseverance through what life throws at you sideways can not only be endured but surmountable and that, just as in your books having a lover to share life's trials and tribulations is what creates a precious and lasting life together,...
Thank you from deep in my heart and soul Anna, for allowing the unseen and misunderstood a voice. I have struggled with both visible and invisible degrees of disability since the birth on my first child. I am now 58 years young and I've found that an unwillingness to "settle" for things deemed unattainable has been one of my mantras, stubbornness has also served me well. My son knew only pain and was my joy for 27 years.
I could relate to Denis due to scoliosis and constant pain with physical exertion. To Adam, though I'm only 60% deaf. To Penelope WO body issues having swung between obesity & anorexia for many years and lastly as with both women forced to use invisibility to minimize abuse. Like Rosamond I longed to break out of my cocoon and in High School via Choir I found my singing voice. I taught myself to play 6 steel string guitar in one week (and yes my fingers bled but pure joy obliterated any pain).
I became a woman I did not recognise - my "Authentic Self" - whooo hooo!
I picked up my Babe at one of my gigs in 1979 and found that Love along with my previous penchant for perseverance through what life throws at you sideways can not only be endured but surmountable and that, just as in your books having a lover to share life's trials and tribulations is what creates a precious and lasting life together,...
October 25, 2013
I have mixed feelings about this book. The male characters were more interesting and carefully-developed than those in your average romance novel, however, the story was not more interesting than that in your average romance novel. I also liked that the disabled male characters were on different ends of the spectrum--one who was born disabled and had lived many years with the subsequent difficulties and one who was recently disabled and was facing the resulting difficulties for the first time. The female characters were not as well developed and added little to the story except just to be there so that the story could be a romance, but they were sadly left rather insipid. The secondary characters were just cardboard cut-outs and didn't add much more to the story than Snidely whiplash popping up to add the requisite danger. In summary we have five-star heroes and three-star heroines in a two-star romance.
October 24, 2013
Haunted Knights was ok. Not great, and certainly not the worst thing I read. It was pretty predictable, and a little boring, if I'm honest. What I did find interesting was that it was based on 2 brothers, Adam and Denis. Adam , which also causes him to step down as heir. But he meets a mute woman, Rosamunda, and falls for her. Denis is a dwarf, which I though was pretty cool, considering there really aren't any romance novels starring a dwarf. He meets and falls for Rosamunda's older, but much, much smaller sister, Paulina.
And so there's the story. There's episodes and fighting and blah blah blah. It was well written, but way too predictable for my tastes.
And so there's the story. There's episodes and fighting and blah blah blah. It was well written, but way too predictable for my tastes.
June 17, 2013
This is the latest in a marvellous historical romance series. We get two love stories in one book ,because there are two half brothers. Adam is struck down by a devastating illness, and is forced to give up his birthright. Denis who has battled against his own dissabilities all his life goes with his brother to help him find a way to cope. Although this book deals with the harsh realities of living in the middle ages with dissabilities it is a book full of action and intense love. Our lead characters are so strong and brave .You will not feel sorry for them at all. Follow them on their journey to a full and happy life.
April 3, 2015
Wow. Wow. Wow.
I wish I'd read the first book in the series but it doesn't prevent the reader from following the plot or understanding the amazing characters that grip your heart. Anna has done a wonderful job creating a beautiful story with such strong emotions that you can't help but love and feel for them. Faults and all. I think that's what makes them so much more perfect. They aren't beautiful, their lives aren't what dreams are made of, and their story is one that speaks to the deepest part of you. I really loved it.
I wish I'd read the first book in the series but it doesn't prevent the reader from following the plot or understanding the amazing characters that grip your heart. Anna has done a wonderful job creating a beautiful story with such strong emotions that you can't help but love and feel for them. Faults and all. I think that's what makes them so much more perfect. They aren't beautiful, their lives aren't what dreams are made of, and their story is one that speaks to the deepest part of you. I really loved it.
November 21, 2015
Forth book in the bundle of Magnificent Medieval Knights
This is a strange tale where one family accepts & another locks up, hides with shame those born with small statue or mute. A house fire releases two young women & they have to overcome the fear of a world they've never been part of.
A spiteful virago teams with a deviant French Lord to kidnap one of the women & use for sadistic spot.
It's a tale of overcoming fear & finding courage.
This is a strange tale where one family accepts & another locks up, hides with shame those born with small statue or mute. A house fire releases two young women & they have to overcome the fear of a world they've never been part of.
A spiteful virago teams with a deviant French Lord to kidnap one of the women & use for sadistic spot.
It's a tale of overcoming fear & finding courage.
May 4, 2014
Wonderful book
Wonderful book
I loved every minute of this story! it is very well written and kept my attention very well because I was dying to see what happened next! http://abookjunkysobsession.com
Wonderful book
I loved every minute of this story! it is very well written and kept my attention very well because I was dying to see what happened next! http://abookjunkysobsession.com
June 30, 2018
Riveting story of brothers and sisters providing needed healing to each other as they cope with the tragedies in their lives: an insane Mother who had locked the girls up from infancy and kept them away from her; an unfortunate man, twisted in body from birth but who was strong of spirit and brave of heart.
Their story unwinds back in the day of King Henry Beauclerc, descendent of William the Conquerer who had taken power within the last year. The girls are locked in their room in the upper levels when their unbalanced mother goes insane when Denis, the crippled-from-birth man, and his tall, handsome brother Adam come to check on their neighbors. The mother sets the house afire and the visitors rescue the 2 girls when they become aware of their existence. Thus the 2 couples meet, and the story begins.
The suffering life of the girls and the dwarfed Denis is matched by the pain and loss of hope for the future that Adam was experiencing after an adult case of the mumps left him deaf and impotent. His father took away his birthright and gave it to his brother, as it seemed clear that Adam would never bear offspring. However, when he meets Rosemunde, he begins to see that people live with all kinds of deformities and still are happy. The characters grown in their self-confidence and overcome their fears during the story, examples for all of us in facing our future with a positive attitude despite whatever deficiencies we may have.
I think the plot was well thought out and the characters well drawn. I could scarcely put the book down as I was so drawn into the story. I also enjoyed how Ms. Markland fit these characters into the framework of families she has already established in prior books, giving continuity to her work. Readers acquainted with Ms. Markland’s work, as well as new readers, will enjoy their book, and not be disappointed.
Their story unwinds back in the day of King Henry Beauclerc, descendent of William the Conquerer who had taken power within the last year. The girls are locked in their room in the upper levels when their unbalanced mother goes insane when Denis, the crippled-from-birth man, and his tall, handsome brother Adam come to check on their neighbors. The mother sets the house afire and the visitors rescue the 2 girls when they become aware of their existence. Thus the 2 couples meet, and the story begins.
The suffering life of the girls and the dwarfed Denis is matched by the pain and loss of hope for the future that Adam was experiencing after an adult case of the mumps left him deaf and impotent. His father took away his birthright and gave it to his brother, as it seemed clear that Adam would never bear offspring. However, when he meets Rosemunde, he begins to see that people live with all kinds of deformities and still are happy. The characters grown in their self-confidence and overcome their fears during the story, examples for all of us in facing our future with a positive attitude despite whatever deficiencies we may have.
I think the plot was well thought out and the characters well drawn. I could scarcely put the book down as I was so drawn into the story. I also enjoyed how Ms. Markland fit these characters into the framework of families she has already established in prior books, giving continuity to her work. Readers acquainted with Ms. Markland’s work, as well as new readers, will enjoy their book, and not be disappointed.
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