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Dragonblade #1
Dragonblade
1326 A.D. – Tate Crewys de Lara is the son of kings.
The illegitimate son of Edward Longshanks, Tate has the qualities of a magnificent king. But fate is cruel, leaving him a mere knight protecting young Edward III during the uncertain days following the horrific murder of Edward II.
While gathering allies for the young heir in Northumberland, he meets the Lady Elizabetha “Toby” Cartingdon. Daughter of the Lord Mayor of Cartingdon Parrish, Toby is a gorgeous woman with a mind for business. It is she who runs the parrish, not her father. Taken aback by the strong, bitter female, Tate is nonetheless intrigued with her. He soon discovers why Toby seems so hard; her father is a drunkard and her mother is an invalid, leaving Toby responsible to not only provide for the family, but also for the welfare of her small sister.
Feeling something more than curiosity, Tate begins to break through the hard surface to discover the warm and compassionate woman beneath. Yet factions who would see the young heir dead make a sudden appearance, drawing Toby into their malevolent plan. Soon she finds herself linked to both Tate and the quest to take the throne from Roger Mortimer. It becomes Tate's destiny to not only win a throne for young Edward, but to win Toby's heart as well.
The illegitimate son of Edward Longshanks, Tate has the qualities of a magnificent king. But fate is cruel, leaving him a mere knight protecting young Edward III during the uncertain days following the horrific murder of Edward II.
While gathering allies for the young heir in Northumberland, he meets the Lady Elizabetha “Toby” Cartingdon. Daughter of the Lord Mayor of Cartingdon Parrish, Toby is a gorgeous woman with a mind for business. It is she who runs the parrish, not her father. Taken aback by the strong, bitter female, Tate is nonetheless intrigued with her. He soon discovers why Toby seems so hard; her father is a drunkard and her mother is an invalid, leaving Toby responsible to not only provide for the family, but also for the welfare of her small sister.
Feeling something more than curiosity, Tate begins to break through the hard surface to discover the warm and compassionate woman beneath. Yet factions who would see the young heir dead make a sudden appearance, drawing Toby into their malevolent plan. Soon she finds herself linked to both Tate and the quest to take the throne from Roger Mortimer. It becomes Tate's destiny to not only win a throne for young Edward, but to win Toby's heart as well.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2005
521 people are currently reading
573 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Le Veque
325 books2,082 followersJuggernaut Indie author Kathryn Le Veque is a 'tour de force' in publishing.
Kathryn is a critically acclaimed 21-time USA TODAY Bestselling author, a charter Amazon All-Star author, an Indie Reader top seller, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance with over 100 published novels.
Among her many accomplishments, she is the CEO of Dragonblade Publishing, the #1 Historical Romance e-book publisher on Amazon. In 2020, Kathryn collaborated with Sourcebooks publishing for a Medieval Fight Club series set in Scotland.
Kathryn is a critically acclaimed 21-time USA TODAY Bestselling author, a charter Amazon All-Star author, an Indie Reader top seller, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance with over 100 published novels.
Among her many accomplishments, she is the CEO of Dragonblade Publishing, the #1 Historical Romance e-book publisher on Amazon. In 2020, Kathryn collaborated with Sourcebooks publishing for a Medieval Fight Club series set in Scotland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
February 22, 2016
Book Two of the Dragonblade Series Dragonblade Trilogy book 1
This book is about Tate who is the illegitimate son of Edward Longshanks. Tate is set to guard and protect young Edward III. Edward III is pretending to be a young squire for Tate. While on their travels Tate meets Lady Elizabetha “Toby” Cartingdon. Tate is their to do business which leads him to be more involved in Toby's life.
I did like this book but I did feel there was some family member that died really for not reason. I won't say who as not to give it away but I could understand the first two family members but Toby last one I totally didn't get. But overall a great read.
This book is about Tate who is the illegitimate son of Edward Longshanks. Tate is set to guard and protect young Edward III. Edward III is pretending to be a young squire for Tate. While on their travels Tate meets Lady Elizabetha “Toby” Cartingdon. Tate is their to do business which leads him to be more involved in Toby's life.
I did like this book but I did feel there was some family member that died really for not reason. I won't say who as not to give it away but I could understand the first two family members but Toby last one I totally didn't get. But overall a great read.
September 10, 2024
Re-Reading.
June 10, 2016
3.5 stars. Not one of Le Veques best, but entertaining. The h was feisty without being too over the top, she was also somewhat intelligent as well. She did cry alot but with good reason, so much had happened to her in such a brief time (1 week). I think the timing could have been stretched out, for 1 week is awfully short for so many tradgedies to occurr .
There could have been more tension and conflict, but as is it made for a nice comfortable read.
I liked it overall and may consider reading the next in the series.
There could have been more tension and conflict, but as is it made for a nice comfortable read.
I liked it overall and may consider reading the next in the series.
January 5, 2015
This was a decent story. Not nearly or even close to being as good as The Dark One: Dark Knight.
The hero was awesome, the heroine was okay. She is described as smart and very strong minded but cried to much for me, although in her defense she did have a lot to cry about.
The story line was okay, it could have been better in my opinion. The relationship between the hero and heroine seemed to move way to quickly, like in just a few days time they were in love and married. There is sex in the book, only one time and it was very nicely written, not erotica at all.
It did become somewhat boring at times, and just sort of dragged on a bit on nonsense so I sped the narration up to 1.25 to get through it faster.
There was a lot of dialogue throughout the book which was good. Lots of dialogue in a story is always good for me. I did like the secondary characters, Kenneth in particular.
As for the narration, Tim Campbell did a fine job. He made the women sound like women so that is always good. And everyone had their own distinct voice. His reading voice was nice.
I did get this as a free listen with my KU subscription and 1.99 for the audible version so it was definitely worth the money.
The hero was awesome, the heroine was okay. She is described as smart and very strong minded but cried to much for me, although in her defense she did have a lot to cry about.
The story line was okay, it could have been better in my opinion. The relationship between the hero and heroine seemed to move way to quickly, like in just a few days time they were in love and married. There is sex in the book, only one time and it was very nicely written, not erotica at all.
It did become somewhat boring at times, and just sort of dragged on a bit on nonsense so I sped the narration up to 1.25 to get through it faster.
There was a lot of dialogue throughout the book which was good. Lots of dialogue in a story is always good for me. I did like the secondary characters, Kenneth in particular.
As for the narration, Tim Campbell did a fine job. He made the women sound like women so that is always good. And everyone had their own distinct voice. His reading voice was nice.
I did get this as a free listen with my KU subscription and 1.99 for the audible version so it was definitely worth the money.
August 26, 2021
Fighting🐺🔪🐎 For The Boy King 👑
ADULT Historical Medieval 🏰Romance💕 and Adventure🔪🐎.This is a wonderful work of fiction based on historical FACT.
Winter 1326 AD , Northumbria, England.
Tate🐺🍆⛲🔪🐎 Crewys de Lara, a great knight, and the illegitimate son of Edward I, or Longshanks. He is now is fighting for Edward III, the hidden boy King 👑, and the rightful King 👑 of England. So that makes Tate, Edward III's uncle.
Isabella, is the Queen from France who was married to the deviant Edward II, the son of Edward I, Longshanks,. She is Edward III mother , she is ruling as regent for her son with a heavy hand, but there is peace. She is ruling with the assistance of Roger Mortimer, Earl of March. Together ,they forced Edward II to resign in favor of his son.
In the movie, Braveheart, it was made to seem that Edward III was either the son of William Wallace, or the son of Longshanks, not sired by Isabella's gay or bisexual husband, Edward II ( FACT ). I think the timeline was wrong for William Wallace to have been his father, but was changed for the movie. Regardless, FACT says Edward III became a good king 👑.
This is a book filled with the scope and texture of these violent times. Great world 🌎 building!
ADULT Historical Medieval 🏰Romance💕 and Adventure🔪🐎.This is a wonderful work of fiction based on historical FACT.
Winter 1326 AD , Northumbria, England.
Tate🐺🍆⛲🔪🐎 Crewys de Lara, a great knight, and the illegitimate son of Edward I, or Longshanks. He is now is fighting for Edward III, the hidden boy King 👑, and the rightful King 👑 of England. So that makes Tate, Edward III's uncle.
Isabella, is the Queen from France who was married to the deviant Edward II, the son of Edward I, Longshanks,. She is Edward III mother , she is ruling as regent for her son with a heavy hand, but there is peace. She is ruling with the assistance of Roger Mortimer, Earl of March. Together ,they forced Edward II to resign in favor of his son.
In the movie, Braveheart, it was made to seem that Edward III was either the son of William Wallace, or the son of Longshanks, not sired by Isabella's gay or bisexual husband, Edward II ( FACT ). I think the timeline was wrong for William Wallace to have been his father, but was changed for the movie. Regardless, FACT says Edward III became a good king 👑.
This is a book filled with the scope and texture of these violent times. Great world 🌎 building!
Want to read
March 7, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/7/2020)! 🎁
September 7, 2018
This is a really lovely tale of love and honour. Sir Tate is a massive knight who is herioc, honourable and handsome but with a gentle open heart, who falls for the outspoken, intelligent, honest and beautiful Lady Elizabetha or Toby as she is known to her family and friends. Not only is it a great adventure with Tate and Toby keeping the young Edward III alive through daring feats, but is also a humorous book and what I particularly love about this tale is the camaraderie and friendship between Tate de Lara, Stephen of Pembury and Sir Kenneth Le Hevre. Their bond is very special and it certainly adds to this roller coaster of an adventure. Kathryn Le Veque has a wonderful way of weaving historical facts and stories through her books and this one is no exception.. This is a thoroughly enjoyable and oh so romantic tale. Tate is a real family man and lovely character and Toby with her keen intelligence, is my kind of herione.
March 19, 2022
Dragonblade #1 has Tate de Lara protecting young Edward III from Mortimer until Edward was old enough to assume the throne. Tate was the illegitimate son of the Longshanks, and therefore young Edward’s uncle. On a mission to gather men and money for Edwards army, they meet a beautiful, stubborn, opinionated young woman, Elizabetha. There is a lot of action, drama, betrayals and ultimately a deep unexpected love. Kathryn Le Veque’s book are always excellent, very emotional so have your tissues ready. Easy to recommend. ❤️ 5 Stars
March 23, 2015
Pure enjoyment! Toby is a strong, refreshing heroine. Not the normal "Lady" of Manor-type but one the reader loves immediately because of her inner strength and kindness in spite of her very hard circumstances. Tate? Well, he is just magnificent from first word to last sigh! For those who love a great medieval historical that reads like a realistic fairytale complete with a sigh-worthy happily-ever-after. This is one for you!
September 1, 2020
3.5
the fact that H was a widow which his wife died on childbirth and the baby died along with her and he loved her and she was still pretty much involved in his life even after the h came into his life was kinda ugh for me. He loved the h more than he ever loved his dead wife but still.. they named their daughter after the ex-wife. not a fan of that but i did enjoy this quite a bit. epilogue with 4 kids and 1 on the way.
the fact that H was a widow which his wife died on childbirth and the baby died along with her and he loved her and she was still pretty much involved in his life even after the h came into his life was kinda ugh for me. He loved the h more than he ever loved his dead wife but still.. they named their daughter after the ex-wife. not a fan of that but i did enjoy this quite a bit. epilogue with 4 kids and 1 on the way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2013
I love kathryn le veque!
March 29, 2018
Atmosfere antiche, clangore di spade, guerrieri belli e fascinosi e una storia d’amore degna dei racconti de le Mille e una notte: ecco cosa aspetta il trepidante lettore che si sta per tuffare nella lettura di questo interessante romanzo a sfondo storico.
Toby è la figlia di un Lord che ha fatto la sua fortuna lavorando duramente e che è a capo di una piccola comunità di pastori nel Northumberland. La giovane è una donna indipendente e ribelle, ma anche estremamente intelligente, tanto da aiutare il padre nelle sue faccende e a far fruttare in modo egregio il patrimonio di famiglia.
Toby non è la classica nobildonna alla quale si è abituati, ma un’eroina forte e coraggiosa che subito cattura l’attenzione di Tate, figlio illegittimo di Edoardo I Plantageneto e che ha come missione quella di trovare alleati per la sua nobile lotta: riportare sul trono che gli spetta il giovane Edoardo II, che l’amante della madre desidera morto, in modo da usurparne il potere. Proprio durante la sua missione i destini di questi affascinanti personaggi si intrecciano.
I modi poco delicati e decisi di Toby incuriosiscono il guerriero; poche donne riuscirebbero a tenere testa a un uomo come lui, ma è la dolcezza sorprendente della ragazza a far capitolare il cuore del freddo combattente che tanto aveva sofferto in passato.
Amore, passione e storia si sposano magistralmente in un romanzo che mi sento di consigliare, nonostante qualche riserva iniziale.
Piccolo neo, a mio parere, è l’inizio, a tratti lento, e che stenta a decollare. La premessa in questo genere di storia è fondamentale, ma spero non faccia desistere quei lettori non troppo appassionati alla disciplina storica. Detto questo, il plot narrativo si sviluppa bene, mostrandoci dei personaggi completi e accattivanti, che non potranno non catturarvi il cuore.
I colpi di scena non mancheranno e il valoroso Tate e la coraggiosa Toby dovranno faticare molto prima di poter vivere finalmente il loro amore, dopo tanta sofferenza.
Mi permetto di fare un altro piccolo appunto che alcune volte mi ha fatto storcere il naso… a mio avviso un editing migliore avrebbe potuto rendere questo romanzo una vera perla della letteratura del suo genere. Purtroppo termini poco azzeccati e costruzioni delle frasi un po’ macchinose hanno reso opache alcune pagine, pur senza sminuire la bellezza della trama.
Mi sento di consigliare questo romanzo a tutti coloro abbiano voglia di intraprendere un viaggio meraviglioso e magico nella Gran Bretagna dei tempi andati, profumata di un amore romantico e che solo i grandi romanzi sanno regalare.
Dopotutto un Tate non si può negare a nessuno!
Toby è la figlia di un Lord che ha fatto la sua fortuna lavorando duramente e che è a capo di una piccola comunità di pastori nel Northumberland. La giovane è una donna indipendente e ribelle, ma anche estremamente intelligente, tanto da aiutare il padre nelle sue faccende e a far fruttare in modo egregio il patrimonio di famiglia.
Toby non è la classica nobildonna alla quale si è abituati, ma un’eroina forte e coraggiosa che subito cattura l’attenzione di Tate, figlio illegittimo di Edoardo I Plantageneto e che ha come missione quella di trovare alleati per la sua nobile lotta: riportare sul trono che gli spetta il giovane Edoardo II, che l’amante della madre desidera morto, in modo da usurparne il potere. Proprio durante la sua missione i destini di questi affascinanti personaggi si intrecciano.
I modi poco delicati e decisi di Toby incuriosiscono il guerriero; poche donne riuscirebbero a tenere testa a un uomo come lui, ma è la dolcezza sorprendente della ragazza a far capitolare il cuore del freddo combattente che tanto aveva sofferto in passato.
Amore, passione e storia si sposano magistralmente in un romanzo che mi sento di consigliare, nonostante qualche riserva iniziale.
Piccolo neo, a mio parere, è l’inizio, a tratti lento, e che stenta a decollare. La premessa in questo genere di storia è fondamentale, ma spero non faccia desistere quei lettori non troppo appassionati alla disciplina storica. Detto questo, il plot narrativo si sviluppa bene, mostrandoci dei personaggi completi e accattivanti, che non potranno non catturarvi il cuore.
I colpi di scena non mancheranno e il valoroso Tate e la coraggiosa Toby dovranno faticare molto prima di poter vivere finalmente il loro amore, dopo tanta sofferenza.
Mi permetto di fare un altro piccolo appunto che alcune volte mi ha fatto storcere il naso… a mio avviso un editing migliore avrebbe potuto rendere questo romanzo una vera perla della letteratura del suo genere. Purtroppo termini poco azzeccati e costruzioni delle frasi un po’ macchinose hanno reso opache alcune pagine, pur senza sminuire la bellezza della trama.
Mi sento di consigliare questo romanzo a tutti coloro abbiano voglia di intraprendere un viaggio meraviglioso e magico nella Gran Bretagna dei tempi andati, profumata di un amore romantico e che solo i grandi romanzi sanno regalare.
Dopotutto un Tate non si può negare a nessuno!
October 30, 2018
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
This tale will keep you riveted to the events. As in all Kathryn Le Veque’s Medieval romances, they include so much more. They are set in a historical setting where factions are divided, gritty with battles, sometimes gore, and completely saturated with emotion–not to mention they have very satisfying and passionate love scenes.
Edward III has two problems. He’s 14, which is just about the time a boy wants to be a man. However, being the King makes it a precarious existence—not yet having the skill set to govern or make wise decisions. It’s hard to be a King in hiding, fearing your enemies will find you and destroy you before you attain your rightful place on the throne. Luckily, he has his uncle to protect him, Tate Crewys de Lara, who has the best of qualities within himself. As the illegitimate son of King Edward II, he steps up to the challenge.
When Tate does his duty by the King, hoping to raise an army and possibly find a way to finance it, he comes upon a parrish and a town meeting of sorts. Toby, Lady Elizabetha, has spoken contradicting the head of the parrish, who happens to be her father. Unbeknownst to the village folk, Tate and several large knights are at the back of the crowd. Tate dislikes the beautiful, but disrespectful, assertive approach Toby has. But this dislike slowly changes as he discovers and understands what Toby endures. This part of the story shows what Tate and Toby are made of—hero and heroine material!
Toby is an intelligent woman and through several events and the terrible destruction of her home she discovers all that Tate has not told her. This is where Le Veque puts the reader on edge, as it were.
Where Tate is all good intention, he falls flat on his face with Toby. Toby, not only surprises Tate, she will surprise the reader with the powerful, determined will she possesses. She’s a gutsy woman I came to respect and admire.
I look forward to the rest of the Dragonblade series.
A note about the narrator – Tim Campbell. I have listened to many of his narrations and he has become one of my favorites. He takes a talented writer’s story and makes it all the more pleasurable. I hear the emotion of the characters within dialogue—even in their thoughts. His deep bass voice is melodious, at times dramatic, with a pace capturing the mood of the scene. He’s also very flexible with character personification, using tone, dialect, and various accents when called to do so. Check out the sample of his narration on Audible.com.
This tale will keep you riveted to the events. As in all Kathryn Le Veque’s Medieval romances, they include so much more. They are set in a historical setting where factions are divided, gritty with battles, sometimes gore, and completely saturated with emotion–not to mention they have very satisfying and passionate love scenes.
Edward III has two problems. He’s 14, which is just about the time a boy wants to be a man. However, being the King makes it a precarious existence—not yet having the skill set to govern or make wise decisions. It’s hard to be a King in hiding, fearing your enemies will find you and destroy you before you attain your rightful place on the throne. Luckily, he has his uncle to protect him, Tate Crewys de Lara, who has the best of qualities within himself. As the illegitimate son of King Edward II, he steps up to the challenge.
When Tate does his duty by the King, hoping to raise an army and possibly find a way to finance it, he comes upon a parrish and a town meeting of sorts. Toby, Lady Elizabetha, has spoken contradicting the head of the parrish, who happens to be her father. Unbeknownst to the village folk, Tate and several large knights are at the back of the crowd. Tate dislikes the beautiful, but disrespectful, assertive approach Toby has. But this dislike slowly changes as he discovers and understands what Toby endures. This part of the story shows what Tate and Toby are made of—hero and heroine material!
Toby is an intelligent woman and through several events and the terrible destruction of her home she discovers all that Tate has not told her. This is where Le Veque puts the reader on edge, as it were.
Where Tate is all good intention, he falls flat on his face with Toby. Toby, not only surprises Tate, she will surprise the reader with the powerful, determined will she possesses. She’s a gutsy woman I came to respect and admire.
I look forward to the rest of the Dragonblade series.
A note about the narrator – Tim Campbell. I have listened to many of his narrations and he has become one of my favorites. He takes a talented writer’s story and makes it all the more pleasurable. I hear the emotion of the characters within dialogue—even in their thoughts. His deep bass voice is melodious, at times dramatic, with a pace capturing the mood of the scene. He’s also very flexible with character personification, using tone, dialect, and various accents when called to do so. Check out the sample of his narration on Audible.com.
September 11, 2025
Saya baca buku ini tanpa ekspektasi karena udah lama banget ga baca buku dari Kathryn Le Veque dan kebetulan lagi mood tema medieval. Yang jelas saya lupa kalau Kathryn Le Veque ini bukan buku yang fun ya, soalnya saya malah ngalami emosi naik turun kaya rollercoaster pas baca buku ini. Tapi buku ini emang sebagus itu ya. Susah berhenti baca. Heroinenya strong dan karakternya greget! Di buku ini female lead yang kuat bukan berarti harus jago pedang. Female lead yang berani bukan berarti dia gak bisa takut, nangis, tantrum dan anxiety. Suka banget sama Toby atau Elizabetha Cordington yang setroooong banget!
Bayangin aja di usia 12 th Toby udah ngambil alih pengasuhan adiknya yang baru lahir karena ibunya mengalami stroke dan lumpuh usai melahirkan, ditambah lagi ayahnya biarpun pengusaha ternak domba sukses tapi nyatanya yang ngurus usahanya malah Toby, dan belum lagi Toby masih harus ngurus ibunya yang sakit dan kena abuse jg. Hidup Toby berubah setelah kedatangan Tate De Lara ke kotanya yang bertujuan mengumpulkan dana dan pasukan untuk pemberontakan dan menaikkan King Edward III ke tahta yang saat ini dikuasai Queen Isabel dan kekasihnya Roger Mortimer. Sejak saat itu hidup Toby jadi mengalami kesialan beruntun, mulai dari ternaknya diserang raiders, rumahnya dibakar penjahat, ortunya terbunuh dan dll yang endingnya ia diungsikan ke Kastil de Lara. Masih diikuti kesialan, ehhh kastilnya diserang pasukan musuh de Roche. Intinya sejak ketemu Tate, Toby mengalami tragedi demi tragedi. 😅
Tapi di sini saya suka banget cara Tate dan Toby jatuh cinta dan chemistry yang terbangun di antara mereka, sampe saya ga sadar klo semua itu terbangun hanya dalam waktu seminggu saja. Seminggu ketemu langsung nikah sih ya. Habis nikah pun ga bisa happy ever after ya... karena musuh masih mengintai. Gimana engga? Secara Tate ini membawa King Edward III yang disamarkan sebagai squire. Si Edward ini masih bocil 14th dan diincar mulu sama Roger Mortimer, kekasih ibunya--Queen Isabel, dan Tate ini punya duty untuk melindungi Edward sampe dia berhasil naik tahta.
Overall, semua karakter di buku ini hidup dan sangat enggaging ke pembaca, makanya konflik demi konflik yang terjadi bisa bikin gregetan dan agak ga baik jg utk anxiety ya soalnya penasaran mulu gimana ending ceritanya. Wkwkw...
Bayangin aja di usia 12 th Toby udah ngambil alih pengasuhan adiknya yang baru lahir karena ibunya mengalami stroke dan lumpuh usai melahirkan, ditambah lagi ayahnya biarpun pengusaha ternak domba sukses tapi nyatanya yang ngurus usahanya malah Toby, dan belum lagi Toby masih harus ngurus ibunya yang sakit dan kena abuse jg. Hidup Toby berubah setelah kedatangan Tate De Lara ke kotanya yang bertujuan mengumpulkan dana dan pasukan untuk pemberontakan dan menaikkan King Edward III ke tahta yang saat ini dikuasai Queen Isabel dan kekasihnya Roger Mortimer. Sejak saat itu hidup Toby jadi mengalami kesialan beruntun, mulai dari ternaknya diserang raiders, rumahnya dibakar penjahat, ortunya terbunuh dan dll yang endingnya ia diungsikan ke Kastil de Lara. Masih diikuti kesialan, ehhh kastilnya diserang pasukan musuh de Roche. Intinya sejak ketemu Tate, Toby mengalami tragedi demi tragedi. 😅
Tapi di sini saya suka banget cara Tate dan Toby jatuh cinta dan chemistry yang terbangun di antara mereka, sampe saya ga sadar klo semua itu terbangun hanya dalam waktu seminggu saja. Seminggu ketemu langsung nikah sih ya. Habis nikah pun ga bisa happy ever after ya... karena musuh masih mengintai. Gimana engga? Secara Tate ini membawa King Edward III yang disamarkan sebagai squire. Si Edward ini masih bocil 14th dan diincar mulu sama Roger Mortimer, kekasih ibunya--Queen Isabel, dan Tate ini punya duty untuk melindungi Edward sampe dia berhasil naik tahta.
Overall, semua karakter di buku ini hidup dan sangat enggaging ke pembaca, makanya konflik demi konflik yang terjadi bisa bikin gregetan dan agak ga baik jg utk anxiety ya soalnya penasaran mulu gimana ending ceritanya. Wkwkw...
March 7, 2019
“I will always return to you.”
The bastard son of a king, Sir Tate Crewys de Lara is tasked with the responsibility to keep his young nephew and future king of England safe from the clutches of Roger Mortimer, who looks to overthrow the young heir to the throne. Fleeing the court, Sir Tate hides his nephew amongst his trusted knights under the guise of being his squire. But time is ticking away, and Sir Mortimer is gaining on them. While seeking refuge and funds to fight, Sir Tate finds himself captivated by the Lady Elizabetha Cartingdon, the Mayor of Cartingdon’s daughter. Sir Tate finds her to be a woman as strong and smart as she is beautiful.
Lady Elizabetha is known as “Toby” to most everyone in the village. With an invalid mother and a drunkard for a father, Toby has led the small parish into prosperity. When Sir Tate approaches her family seeking funds and support for the king, Toby sees this as an act that will bring death and destruction to them all. As if she could predict the future, her simple life is snuffed out and in its wake is a tale of death and heartache that almost breaks her.
Sir Tate and Lady Elizabetha are two characters that go through so much, but their hearts always find a way to mend the broken soul within. Dragonblade had me running through the gauntlet of emotions…I laughed, I cried, and I cheered for the happily ever after they so richly deserved.
Kathryn LeVeque is an amazing author, and I can’t recommend her stories enough!
The bastard son of a king, Sir Tate Crewys de Lara is tasked with the responsibility to keep his young nephew and future king of England safe from the clutches of Roger Mortimer, who looks to overthrow the young heir to the throne. Fleeing the court, Sir Tate hides his nephew amongst his trusted knights under the guise of being his squire. But time is ticking away, and Sir Mortimer is gaining on them. While seeking refuge and funds to fight, Sir Tate finds himself captivated by the Lady Elizabetha Cartingdon, the Mayor of Cartingdon’s daughter. Sir Tate finds her to be a woman as strong and smart as she is beautiful.
Lady Elizabetha is known as “Toby” to most everyone in the village. With an invalid mother and a drunkard for a father, Toby has led the small parish into prosperity. When Sir Tate approaches her family seeking funds and support for the king, Toby sees this as an act that will bring death and destruction to them all. As if she could predict the future, her simple life is snuffed out and in its wake is a tale of death and heartache that almost breaks her.
Sir Tate and Lady Elizabetha are two characters that go through so much, but their hearts always find a way to mend the broken soul within. Dragonblade had me running through the gauntlet of emotions…I laughed, I cried, and I cheered for the happily ever after they so richly deserved.
Kathryn LeVeque is an amazing author, and I can’t recommend her stories enough!
October 21, 2016
I have to say, this was a completely charming and wonderful story. I wasn't sure at first if I would like it, I'm usually a paranormal kind of girl but I was wonderfully surprised. The writer knows how to build up her characters and how to pull you into the story.
This is a story about Toby, a daughter of a sheep rancher and the mayor of their small town. An agent of the King, Sir Tate de Lara, stops in their town trying to raise funds for King Edward. They end up staying at Toby's father's house. Then all of Toby's worse fears come true. Assassins trying to kill Sir Tate and his riders. In the middle of all this is Toby and her family. First her parents are killed. Then her sister, whom she loves like a daughter, is taken from her and with no one left to her, she's feeling alone for the first time in her life.
Luckily, Sir Tate de Lara is more than willing to end her loneliness. A true love story with passion, sacrifice and everything else thrown in.
The thing I loved the most? The story ended at the end. No cliff hangers. No wondering what was going to happen next. Although, the beauty of the story only made me want to read the next in the series even more.
This is a story about Toby, a daughter of a sheep rancher and the mayor of their small town. An agent of the King, Sir Tate de Lara, stops in their town trying to raise funds for King Edward. They end up staying at Toby's father's house. Then all of Toby's worse fears come true. Assassins trying to kill Sir Tate and his riders. In the middle of all this is Toby and her family. First her parents are killed. Then her sister, whom she loves like a daughter, is taken from her and with no one left to her, she's feeling alone for the first time in her life.
Luckily, Sir Tate de Lara is more than willing to end her loneliness. A true love story with passion, sacrifice and everything else thrown in.
The thing I loved the most? The story ended at the end. No cliff hangers. No wondering what was going to happen next. Although, the beauty of the story only made me want to read the next in the series even more.
August 1, 2025
My 2nd Book from the Author
I did enjoy most of the book but do have some complaints…the Queen’s sudden surge of dominance seemed forced…(even when she knew that Mort had a wife and additional lovers…why change something she already expected and agreed too). I feel like some content was added just to move the story to a close…so in some regards, it felt forced.
I did not enjoy Toby’s bravery (it seemed foolish and irrational when people’s lives were at stake), it came off as impulsive and reckless.
There was a lot of loss in this story, which was unexpected. I suppose that is the price of war…there is a high cost when people lives are on the line.
I would read more from this author but hope the third book is not centered around the same plot…a man previously married, lost his family tragically, and loves the newer interest far greater than his previous wife and kids…this would be an overkill!
I did enjoy most of the book but do have some complaints…the Queen’s sudden surge of dominance seemed forced…(even when she knew that Mort had a wife and additional lovers…why change something she already expected and agreed too). I feel like some content was added just to move the story to a close…so in some regards, it felt forced.
I did not enjoy Toby’s bravery (it seemed foolish and irrational when people’s lives were at stake), it came off as impulsive and reckless.
There was a lot of loss in this story, which was unexpected. I suppose that is the price of war…there is a high cost when people lives are on the line.
I would read more from this author but hope the third book is not centered around the same plot…a man previously married, lost his family tragically, and loves the newer interest far greater than his previous wife and kids…this would be an overkill!
October 13, 2018
Tate and Toby!
What more can I say ,that I've not previously said.
This tale of Tate and Toby , how they meet , the trials they endure, and the journey to their happiness is rich , vibrant and purely gratifying.
The epilogue , which I found most fulfilling was the fact that the life which our characters are leading in the times they are living was as close to truth as you could ask. The king requests , the servant does his bidding ...another reason why I favor Kathryn's books ..a touch of " reality" mixed in the story...
On to the next one ( smiling gleefully and with much anticipation 🤗🤗😀😀🤗🤗)
What more can I say ,that I've not previously said.
This tale of Tate and Toby , how they meet , the trials they endure, and the journey to their happiness is rich , vibrant and purely gratifying.
The epilogue , which I found most fulfilling was the fact that the life which our characters are leading in the times they are living was as close to truth as you could ask. The king requests , the servant does his bidding ...another reason why I favor Kathryn's books ..a touch of " reality" mixed in the story...
On to the next one ( smiling gleefully and with much anticipation 🤗🤗😀😀🤗🤗)
March 13, 2020
From devastation to elation in the blink of an eye!
This is one of my all time favorites of Kathryn Le Veque's novels and that is saying a lot! Tate de Lara is the quintessential man and perfect example of what it means to be the Noblest of Knights. Willing to forego his rightful claim to protect his young nephew's life and position as King, while putting his own life and the lives of those he loves in constant danger he lives each day putting his country's needs first! I love that he falls in love with Toby who isn't hesitant or afraid to take action to protect the people she loves! Great story full of many twists and turns.
This is one of my all time favorites of Kathryn Le Veque's novels and that is saying a lot! Tate de Lara is the quintessential man and perfect example of what it means to be the Noblest of Knights. Willing to forego his rightful claim to protect his young nephew's life and position as King, while putting his own life and the lives of those he loves in constant danger he lives each day putting his country's needs first! I love that he falls in love with Toby who isn't hesitant or afraid to take action to protect the people she loves! Great story full of many twists and turns.
March 25, 2020
Prepare to be wisked away!
As with Kathryn Le Veque books you will be drawn in to a story that will hold your attention through out.
You will be taken on a journey of loyalty to family and loyalty to duty. You will experience many laugh out loud moments, several times that you gasp, Oh No and then experience tender heart warming episodes of story.
As with Kathryn's books this story is rich with intriguing characters.
You will not be able to figure out the ending ahead of time and you will definitely be left wanting more. Thank goodness this book is part of a series!
Dragonblade Series: Fragments of Grace, Dragonblade, The Fallen One, Island of Glass, The Savage One
As with Kathryn Le Veque books you will be drawn in to a story that will hold your attention through out.
You will be taken on a journey of loyalty to family and loyalty to duty. You will experience many laugh out loud moments, several times that you gasp, Oh No and then experience tender heart warming episodes of story.
As with Kathryn's books this story is rich with intriguing characters.
You will not be able to figure out the ending ahead of time and you will definitely be left wanting more. Thank goodness this book is part of a series!
Dragonblade Series: Fragments of Grace, Dragonblade, The Fallen One, Island of Glass, The Savage One
November 25, 2022
Strength of a woman.
I loved this book and had a very hard time putting it down. Tate also known as Dragonblade is tasked with protecting young king Edward from his mother Isadora and her lover Mortimer. In his effort to raise funds and troop support for the rightful king, he arrives at a wealthy farmers home and meets his beautiful defiant daughter Toby. He soon realizes she is more than that and she finds a similar attraction to him. Their journey finds friendly completion, evil forces plotting to kill the king, a kidnapping, strong male friendships and a love that won’t die.
.
I loved this book and had a very hard time putting it down. Tate also known as Dragonblade is tasked with protecting young king Edward from his mother Isadora and her lover Mortimer. In his effort to raise funds and troop support for the rightful king, he arrives at a wealthy farmers home and meets his beautiful defiant daughter Toby. He soon realizes she is more than that and she finds a similar attraction to him. Their journey finds friendly completion, evil forces plotting to kill the king, a kidnapping, strong male friendships and a love that won’t die.
.
October 21, 2019
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title.
On first encounter, Tate, the knight known as Dragonblade and Toby, the outspoken daughter of a well to do farming family and the local mayor, didn't hit it off well.
In fact he was rather scathing in his comments about her lack of decorum.
However, this attitude does change, exactly how, is what you need to read the book for.
It is a good yarn, with drama and suspense, as well as the typical female stupidity that good heroines seem to engender.
On first encounter, Tate, the knight known as Dragonblade and Toby, the outspoken daughter of a well to do farming family and the local mayor, didn't hit it off well.
In fact he was rather scathing in his comments about her lack of decorum.
However, this attitude does change, exactly how, is what you need to read the book for.
It is a good yarn, with drama and suspense, as well as the typical female stupidity that good heroines seem to engender.
July 9, 2023
Classic Kathryn Le Veque! The reader always gets what was promised! I do appreciate this and this is why I’m a returning reader. I’m well aware that there is the classical mix and the author rarely deviates from this pattern - but I absolutely enjoy the ride every time.
Also “Dragonblade” didn’t disappoint. Well elaborated plot, nicely described scenery, main characters that met each other on eye level, a moving love story and a rewarding HEA. As usual, I loved it. Despite the seasoned mix.
Also “Dragonblade” didn’t disappoint. Well elaborated plot, nicely described scenery, main characters that met each other on eye level, a moving love story and a rewarding HEA. As usual, I loved it. Despite the seasoned mix.
May 31, 2025
Another interesting storyline in this series. Tate and Toby meet when Tate is escorting the young King Edward around the country to keep him safe from those who wish to take his throne. Tate finds Toby to be opinionated and too forward for a woman and dislikes her on sight. However, this is set to change as they embark on adventures together. One night Toby’s house is attacked as Edward’s enemies have tracked him to Cartingdon. Their relationship goes on from strength to strength after this harrowing event. A sad story with danger around every corner!
May 21, 2020
What’s not to love about Tate and Toby. Toby is so much more than anyone knows. How can Tate not begin to have feelings for her? Frustration, intrigue, impressed, sorrow, and love? DRAGONBLADE is a phenomenal historical fiction book and a great start to the Dragonblade series (which are all stand alone books).
5 stars!
5 stars!
December 5, 2020
This book was fantastic!! I had read the Heros name in other stories, as well as his comrades. Passing musings in other stories, but to read the great Tate de Lara’s story was everything you could hope for it to be! No wonder he is so respected and so fearsome! The love story was quick but totally enrapturing!! Love a good strong heroin and Toby does not disappoint!!
August 28, 2024
A very good book that will take you away to English Knights.
It seems that I can not let a week go by with out reading one of Kathryn Le Veque's books of the English Knights. Tate and Elizabethan's meeting did not go so well but through the adventures they had in keeping the young King safe made for such a good tale, an amazing story. I sure loved reading this book!
It seems that I can not let a week go by with out reading one of Kathryn Le Veque's books of the English Knights. Tate and Elizabethan's meeting did not go so well but through the adventures they had in keeping the young King safe made for such a good tale, an amazing story. I sure loved reading this book!
October 26, 2018
Dragon blade: Book Two of the Dragon blade Series
Brilliant, I couldn't put it down, I recommend this to all Amazon readers. I'm just about to start reading the next book in the series of Dragonblade.
Brilliant, I couldn't put it down, I recommend this to all Amazon readers. I'm just about to start reading the next book in the series of Dragonblade.
January 30, 2021
As usual another great story from Kathryn!
I love a knight in shining armor! Love at first sight and showing their love is always refreshing. I love medieval stories!! 2 thumbs up again for Kathryn.
I love a knight in shining armor! Love at first sight and showing their love is always refreshing. I love medieval stories!! 2 thumbs up again for Kathryn.
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