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Masters: The Archers of Saint Sebastian III
“I’ve recently sworn to make a whole string of impossibilities possible this year”— Marieke (disguised as the squire Marek)Marieke Verbeke has survived a tough winter packed with plague, violence, bitter disappointment, and heartache. But like her beloved archers’ guild of Saint Sebastian, though she may be battered, she’s not broken. Everything she’s suffered has left her more determined than ever to help handsome Journeyman archer Tristan defeat his arch-rival Taran in the guild archery competitions. Only the six best boys are left, with two more to be cut in the upcoming trial. The problem is, Tristan is currently at the bottom of the rankings. Keeping him from elimination will take more than a brilliant plan — it’ll take a miracle. But with the help of some old friends and some new faces, there is one thing of which Marieke is she’s going to find a way to make Tristan the prince’s newest Guardsman — even if it means having to face down the boy who broke her heart in the process.Join Marieke and all your favorite boys from Saint Sebastian’s as they head into their veteran year of competitions in this exciting third installment of the Archers of Saint Sebastian tetralogy.Old mysteries will be solved and new questions raised, as our dauntless heroine proves that when you hit rock bottom, there’s nowhere to go but up from the ashes.Masters is part of a continuous four-book series. If you’re new to the adventure, you’ll want to start with the Archers of Saint Sebastian.
652 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2023
43 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Jeanne Roland
6 books94 followersRoland hails from Davis, California, where she spent most of her youth lounging at the pool, soaking up the sun, and daydreaming. She had a key ring that read 'I’m running away to join the circus,' and her favorite moment of the day was when the local movie theater went dark, and the slogan 'escape to the movies' appeared on the screen. As an adult, her passions include all things melodramatic and beautiful — everything from classic movies, British romantic poetry, ancient tragedy and epic, to Italian opera. She is now a professor of Classics in a small midwestern town, where she lives with her Greek husband, her fraternal twins, and a Bernese mountain dog named Franco Corelli.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 17, 2025
Feb. 2025 reread update:
Bumping up to 5 stars because I enjoyed it so much. After all the learning/growing Marieke has done in the first two books, she is finally beginning to find her footing in the guild. The re-read was a great time to pick up little hints I missed the first time around, and appreciate more certain lines since I knew where the story was going.
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Original review:
Book 3 in the story of Marieke, who is masquerading as boy squire Marek in the local archery guild in a fictional medieval Belgium. This book was nearly 1000 pages long, but was well enough written that it felt shorter. This book had all of the great pieces from the earlier installments - archery, friendships, fights, intrigue, romantic relationships, comedy, tragedy, vivid characters - but everything was balanced better throughout.
I enjoyed how most of the plot threads were handled. Lots of progress on the story of Marieke's father, interesting political happenings both within guild and country, lots of antics with the guild members, and even if the relationship between Marieke and Taran is more off than on, at least we get some legitimate understandings of why. If only they could actually talk to each other. Marieke is even (very slightly) beginning to figure out that things aren't always as they seem. Her growth from completely clueless to mostly clueless was pretty small, but really, it was such a source of frustration to me in the previous two books that any improvement was a relief. And that ending.... it wasn't exactly a cliffhanger, but it was incredibly open-ended and I am very intrigued to see what will happen (and where) in the next installment.
A high 4 or 4.5 stars. Definitely my favorite of the series so far, and has potential for reread.
Bumping up to 5 stars because I enjoyed it so much. After all the learning/growing Marieke has done in the first two books, she is finally beginning to find her footing in the guild. The re-read was a great time to pick up little hints I missed the first time around, and appreciate more certain lines since I knew where the story was going.
~~~~~~~~~~
Original review:
Book 3 in the story of Marieke, who is masquerading as boy squire Marek in the local archery guild in a fictional medieval Belgium. This book was nearly 1000 pages long, but was well enough written that it felt shorter. This book had all of the great pieces from the earlier installments - archery, friendships, fights, intrigue, romantic relationships, comedy, tragedy, vivid characters - but everything was balanced better throughout.
I enjoyed how most of the plot threads were handled. Lots of progress on the story of Marieke's father, interesting political happenings both within guild and country, lots of antics with the guild members, and even if the relationship between Marieke and Taran is more off than on, at least we get some legitimate understandings of why. If only they could actually talk to each other. Marieke is even (very slightly) beginning to figure out that things aren't always as they seem. Her growth from completely clueless to mostly clueless was pretty small, but really, it was such a source of frustration to me in the previous two books that any improvement was a relief. And that ending.... it wasn't exactly a cliffhanger, but it was incredibly open-ended and I am very intrigued to see what will happen (and where) in the next installment.
A high 4 or 4.5 stars. Definitely my favorite of the series so far, and has potential for reread.
October 24, 2023
“Masters” is book three in author Jeanne Roland’s 5 star series, The Archers Of Saint Sebastian. I’ve been a major fan of her works since I read “Journeys,”the first in the series, and then happily read all the succeeding books published to-date Roland is a master storyteller and writer. Her books are set in the 14th century in Belgium and evolve around the world and members of the medieval St. Sebastian Archer’s Guild.
Roland weaves an ongoing tale of Marieke, the young girl of a murdered father who was once a top archer at the Guild until a mysterious accident reduced him to a fletcher, a maker of arrows. She herself narrowly escapes her father’s unknown killer and, in danger and cast adrift, is drawn to the Guild, a place of legend and glamour. Once outside the gates she faces a dilemma—girls may not enter the Guild. Ever. With a face marred by the kick of a mule, she disguises herself as the boy Marek and, by a stroke of fortune, is taken on by archer Tristan as his squire. Now she must keep up the charade while living, working, and sleeping in close quarters with boys near her age, many of whom are swoon-worthy handsome.
Author Roland raises the bar in each book with enchanting complications, engrossing plot lines, sub-plots, mysteries, love triangles and unrequited love. In “Masters” Marieke/Marek faces head-spinning tension and suspense as she come ever closer to understanding her father’s true history and fate while inching toward identifying his murderer. She wrestles with her feelings for two boys, her master, Tristan, and another archer. If that were not enough, she is determined to ensure Tristan emerges victorious in the all-important competition before them, one that will cement his place at the Guild or see both of them cast out.
Equal to Roland’s deftly-told story is how she brings to life a large cast of diverse and appealing characters. With each book, I’ve become more and more attached to her characters just as I’ve fallen headlong into the world she has created which includes fascinating aspects of archery in that era and the grueling competitions the characters must undertake.
“Masters” and The Archers of Saint Sebastian series is engrossing historical fiction laced with adventure, romance, mystery and intrigue. I highly recommend it to lovers of great stories, well told. For the best experience, try to read the books in order.
Roland weaves an ongoing tale of Marieke, the young girl of a murdered father who was once a top archer at the Guild until a mysterious accident reduced him to a fletcher, a maker of arrows. She herself narrowly escapes her father’s unknown killer and, in danger and cast adrift, is drawn to the Guild, a place of legend and glamour. Once outside the gates she faces a dilemma—girls may not enter the Guild. Ever. With a face marred by the kick of a mule, she disguises herself as the boy Marek and, by a stroke of fortune, is taken on by archer Tristan as his squire. Now she must keep up the charade while living, working, and sleeping in close quarters with boys near her age, many of whom are swoon-worthy handsome.
Author Roland raises the bar in each book with enchanting complications, engrossing plot lines, sub-plots, mysteries, love triangles and unrequited love. In “Masters” Marieke/Marek faces head-spinning tension and suspense as she come ever closer to understanding her father’s true history and fate while inching toward identifying his murderer. She wrestles with her feelings for two boys, her master, Tristan, and another archer. If that were not enough, she is determined to ensure Tristan emerges victorious in the all-important competition before them, one that will cement his place at the Guild or see both of them cast out.
Equal to Roland’s deftly-told story is how she brings to life a large cast of diverse and appealing characters. With each book, I’ve become more and more attached to her characters just as I’ve fallen headlong into the world she has created which includes fascinating aspects of archery in that era and the grueling competitions the characters must undertake.
“Masters” and The Archers of Saint Sebastian series is engrossing historical fiction laced with adventure, romance, mystery and intrigue. I highly recommend it to lovers of great stories, well told. For the best experience, try to read the books in order.
February 12, 2024
The adventures continue in the third book of the series. The mystery and Marieke’s world begins unfolding. The author does a good job portraying the complexities of human emotions, and actions. Hoping Marieke gets her happy ending and I can’t wait to see how it all wraps up in the final book, Guards, when it comes out! I love a slow burn but I do hope the boy I want for Marieke get their time to shine together and it isn’t rushed in the final book.
October 11, 2023
There are not enough superlatives to praise this series
It's hard to find an author who can be consistently good in every book of a series, but it's precisely the case with Jeanne Roland and her third installment of the Archers of Saint Sebastian. I literally devoured this book, looking forward for Guards
It's hard to find an author who can be consistently good in every book of a series, but it's precisely the case with Jeanne Roland and her third installment of the Archers of Saint Sebastian. I literally devoured this book, looking forward for Guards
October 15, 2024
I'm glad Marek/Marieke finally figured some things outabout her father and her relationships. The results of Firsts were disappointing. not only for the characters in the book but also for the reader. Now need to wait for book 4 to see how everything finally resolves itself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2023
Intrigue and drama!!
What a beautiful book! Jeanne Roland is an excellent weaver of stories! I love the characters even more in each installment. I feel Marieke is really growing as a person in this book, and I like that she finally gets some answers to some of her questions from the previous books. I'm excited to see what happens in book four! I definitely recommend you take the time to read all of Jeanne Roland's books! They are quite wonderful! Prost!!
What a beautiful book! Jeanne Roland is an excellent weaver of stories! I love the characters even more in each installment. I feel Marieke is really growing as a person in this book, and I like that she finally gets some answers to some of her questions from the previous books. I'm excited to see what happens in book four! I definitely recommend you take the time to read all of Jeanne Roland's books! They are quite wonderful! Prost!!
May 28, 2024
Masters.
For many reasons, I think "Masters" has been my favorite of the "Archers of Saint Sebastian" series.
I can't even put my finger on WHY this installment affected me so. Yes, the previous two books have been fabulous. And, in this book---except for the addition of a few new characters---there are the same wonderful, rousing, jaunty, strong, noble, talented, handsome, memorable characters as in the previous books. In this journey, though, maybe it was, for me, this nice getting-to-REALLY know some of my favorite characters. That being, I think, because this installment brings the reader (and our heroine, Marieke) closer and closer to revelations that we've been waiting for. And, with that drawing nearer, of course, comes a chance to see more depth as our gallant lads and Marieke mature and blossom.
The plague is behind them, new life within the walls of Saint Sebastian's begins. Rebuilding, getting back to normal life, THE life...archery.
One of the new introductions, a character named Poncellet, quickly became one of my favorites and was, delightfully, a brilliant, colorful addition to the series. I can't even begin to describe him...but I promise that, when YOU meet him, you'll just...KNOW why he SO appealed to me. You will be able to say you've had a Poncellet in your own life, and you'll love the character. Unique, painted so truly that I am STILL thinking about him, even after the book is closed.
As for the gang we already know. If I thought I loved this one character, now I am sure of it, and crushing on him more than ever. Not going to reveal his name, but his initials are T.A.R.A.N.
This installment revealed, much to my glee, much more of a glimpse into this delicious character's real psyche, let us inch closer and closer to his heart. To know more and more what makes his glorious self tick.
And...
There are some MAJOR truths revealed in this book, some questions that Marieke, with the support of her darling Tristan, will uncover. One truth, especially, that surprised me. One truth that answered a mystery about one of my most beloved characters. A truth that Marieke needed so badly to know. Something that gave her peace.
Ah, but evil still lives within the walls of Saint Seastian's, in more than one form, and events bring it nearer and nearer to the sure-to-be-coming ultimate truth. Events that made me anxious. And, at some points, I found myself wanting...WANTING...to say, "Aha! I told you so!"
You don't think I'm going to TELL it all, do you? No!
I WILL say, though, that one secret, perhaps the biggest one of all, one that readers are all wanting to know...is what is leading into the upcoming Book Four, 'Guards.'
So now I'm waiting for "Guards", which will be the last book in the series. I'm ready to go back in with Marieke and the boys on the last leg of this poignant, rousing, mysterious journey.
For many reasons, I think "Masters" has been my favorite of the "Archers of Saint Sebastian" series.
I can't even put my finger on WHY this installment affected me so. Yes, the previous two books have been fabulous. And, in this book---except for the addition of a few new characters---there are the same wonderful, rousing, jaunty, strong, noble, talented, handsome, memorable characters as in the previous books. In this journey, though, maybe it was, for me, this nice getting-to-REALLY know some of my favorite characters. That being, I think, because this installment brings the reader (and our heroine, Marieke) closer and closer to revelations that we've been waiting for. And, with that drawing nearer, of course, comes a chance to see more depth as our gallant lads and Marieke mature and blossom.
The plague is behind them, new life within the walls of Saint Sebastian's begins. Rebuilding, getting back to normal life, THE life...archery.
One of the new introductions, a character named Poncellet, quickly became one of my favorites and was, delightfully, a brilliant, colorful addition to the series. I can't even begin to describe him...but I promise that, when YOU meet him, you'll just...KNOW why he SO appealed to me. You will be able to say you've had a Poncellet in your own life, and you'll love the character. Unique, painted so truly that I am STILL thinking about him, even after the book is closed.
As for the gang we already know. If I thought I loved this one character, now I am sure of it, and crushing on him more than ever. Not going to reveal his name, but his initials are T.A.R.A.N.
This installment revealed, much to my glee, much more of a glimpse into this delicious character's real psyche, let us inch closer and closer to his heart. To know more and more what makes his glorious self tick.
And...
There are some MAJOR truths revealed in this book, some questions that Marieke, with the support of her darling Tristan, will uncover. One truth, especially, that surprised me. One truth that answered a mystery about one of my most beloved characters. A truth that Marieke needed so badly to know. Something that gave her peace.
Ah, but evil still lives within the walls of Saint Seastian's, in more than one form, and events bring it nearer and nearer to the sure-to-be-coming ultimate truth. Events that made me anxious. And, at some points, I found myself wanting...WANTING...to say, "Aha! I told you so!"
You don't think I'm going to TELL it all, do you? No!
I WILL say, though, that one secret, perhaps the biggest one of all, one that readers are all wanting to know...is what is leading into the upcoming Book Four, 'Guards.'
So now I'm waiting for "Guards", which will be the last book in the series. I'm ready to go back in with Marieke and the boys on the last leg of this poignant, rousing, mysterious journey.
September 11, 2025
This third installment of Jeanne Roland’s Archers of Saint Sebastian series is everything I hoped for - and so much more. I fell in love with this series the moment I opened the first book, Journeys, and was utterly blown away by the second, Squires. I honestly didn’t know if the author could pull off another masterpiece, but she has, and with a style and artistry that take my breath away. Marieke, still disguised as a boy in order to remain at Saint Sebastian’s Guild, has endured tragedy and adventures that would break most people. Yet her determination burns stronger than ever as she fights to help her archery master and friend, Tristan, rise in the ranks at the next competition, while grappling with dangerously strong and confusing feelings for his greatest rival. Returning to Saint Sebastian’s, she is more conflicted than ever by her feelings for both boys, shaken by shocking revelations about her father’s past, and haunted by the way that past has begun to resonate disturbingly with her own present. I’ve loved Marieke from the very beginning, and this book has only deepened that love. She is loyal even in the midst of conflict, fierce yet vulnerable, tenderhearted yet the toughest heroine I’ve ever encountered. She wrestles with her overwhelming feelings for a boy she believes despises her, adores another to whom she must lie, and in a world that insists she is the “weaker sex,” her courage blazes on every page.
Once again, Jeanne Roland’s writing is nothing short of stunning. The plot is both heart-stopping and intricately woven, brimming with both tension and ingenuity. Her prose is often breathtaking, capturing beauty in a way that lingers in the mind. At one point, she describes a scene: “In the moon’s unearthly light they look so flawless and unreal they could be statues, temporarily brought to life by the moon’s magic.” Lines like this remind me why I keep coming back to this series - the storytelling isn’t just thrilling, it’s magical. Utterly compelling. Completely immersive. Truly incredible. This series has captured my heart completely, and this latest installment proves it only grows stronger with every book. I said this in my last review, but I need to say it again – I truly can’t recommend this book - and this whole series - highly enough. A must read. You won’t regret it!
Once again, Jeanne Roland’s writing is nothing short of stunning. The plot is both heart-stopping and intricately woven, brimming with both tension and ingenuity. Her prose is often breathtaking, capturing beauty in a way that lingers in the mind. At one point, she describes a scene: “In the moon’s unearthly light they look so flawless and unreal they could be statues, temporarily brought to life by the moon’s magic.” Lines like this remind me why I keep coming back to this series - the storytelling isn’t just thrilling, it’s magical. Utterly compelling. Completely immersive. Truly incredible. This series has captured my heart completely, and this latest installment proves it only grows stronger with every book. I said this in my last review, but I need to say it again – I truly can’t recommend this book - and this whole series - highly enough. A must read. You won’t regret it!
November 22, 2023
One of the best feelings is getting a new book in a series you love, from an author you love. “Masters” is the third book in the “Archers of St. Sebastian” series, and if you enjoyed the first two, you will also highly enjoy this one. From the first scene, Jeanne Roland sets the tone for Marieke. After learning that the boy she’s in love with took a dirty shot at her beloved Journeyman, Tristan, Marieke is determined to refocus on being the best squire for her master. But though she tries her best to tamp down her attraction to Taran, she’s in for a struggle. The boy is just too darn hot. Luckily, she has other things to keep her busy, like finding a clue to her father’s past and potentially his killer, while also figuring out a trick that will guarantee Tristan a win over Taran in the next round of archery competitions. But when a ghost from Marieke’s own past unexpectedly appears, her plans take a nasty turn.
The end was quite satisfying, and I can’t wait for book 4, the finale! I have to say my favorite scenes involved 1) Falko learning about the birds and the bees, and 2) one that takes place in a confessional. I was laughing my head off.
The end was quite satisfying, and I can’t wait for book 4, the finale! I have to say my favorite scenes involved 1) Falko learning about the birds and the bees, and 2) one that takes place in a confessional. I was laughing my head off.
December 23, 2023
The energy of these dynamic characters throughout this compelling story was astonishing. Marek (Marieke) and her many friends seemed to constantly be in a state of turmoil or the world around them seemed to be falling apart. I was immediately drawn back into their lives as I shared their trials and disappointments. I can't say enough about these wonderful young people: their stamina, their resourcefulness, and their dedication to their craft and each other. I thoroughly enjoyed discovering some of the answers to many of the mysteries presented during the first two books. However, there are still questions to be answered and mysteries left unsolved. I can't wait to read the conclusion. I can only hope that Gilles was correct and happy endings are the order of the day. Wonderful, Outstanding Read! Don't Miss This Moving Adventure- More Stars Than Five!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 17, 2024
This is more like 3.5 stars... I couldn't stop reading again, but this time, part of that was just sunk cost.
In this book, I really got to wondering why Taran even still likes dumdum Marieke anymore. She's not really motivated for herself anymore, and she's still so DENSE!
The author mixes up "discrete" and "discreet."
In this book, I really got to wondering why Taran even still likes dumdum Marieke anymore. She's not really motivated for herself anymore, and she's still so DENSE!
The author mixes up "discrete" and "discreet."
November 20, 2023
I’m Torn.
Another great installment. My opinion on this one is torn, though. On the one hand, I loved the deepened tension, especially between Marieke and Gilles. On the other, I feel like the miscommunication between Marieke and Taran has reached an irritatingly irrational level. If they would just speak plainly with each other this book would be half the length it is. That being said, I’m still head over heels for this series and I can’t wait to see how it all ends.
Another great installment. My opinion on this one is torn, though. On the one hand, I loved the deepened tension, especially between Marieke and Gilles. On the other, I feel like the miscommunication between Marieke and Taran has reached an irritatingly irrational level. If they would just speak plainly with each other this book would be half the length it is. That being said, I’m still head over heels for this series and I can’t wait to see how it all ends.
December 5, 2023
I say that this was a virtuoso performance on the part of the author. I was happy to dive back into the world of the Journeys and Marek, and eager to see the boys again. There was so much intrigue, so much suspense, that I was holding my breath through much of the book. I also laughed a lot too. Lots of good comedy and shenanigans. The characters were so amazing in this book, and the twists and turns left my jaw open. I look forward to the last book.
December 29, 2023
Another fabulous installment in the Archers series! After recovering from plague, the boys are preparing for another tournament and Marek has a trick that's sure to put Tristan on top! Hopefully she can focus between her anxiety over Taran, secrets found in chapels, and mysteries on top of questions on top of intrigue. I particularly loved how Marek matured throughout the book in parallel to the revelations she discovered. I'll be on edge waiting for the final book!
January 13, 2025
The adventure continues in the medieval world of the Archers of St Sebastian—part poignant love story, then unrequited love, part Shakespearean in mistaken identities and intents of the characters.
Encompassing all the angst of the world filled with plague and impending invasion, all the while, the characters strive to prove their worth and win the prize of being The Archer of St Sebastian.
Encompassing all the angst of the world filled with plague and impending invasion, all the while, the characters strive to prove their worth and win the prize of being The Archer of St Sebastian.
March 19, 2024
Book 3 in this series which I love. This book started out a little slower for me than the previous 2 books but it was worth the wait. Tied up some loose ends but leaves you really in anticipation of book 4 which will end the series. Hope that book will be out soon but will be sorry to see it end.
May 4, 2024
continues with excellence
Jeanne has a way to keep pulling you in. She’ll reel you in and then give the line some slack. Over and over until she has you.. hook, line and sinker. Impatiently waiting for her last installment!
Jeanne has a way to keep pulling you in. She’ll reel you in and then give the line some slack. Over and over until she has you.. hook, line and sinker. Impatiently waiting for her last installment!
January 27, 2025
Just finished 3rd book in series...new one not yet out! Check back often to look for Guards!
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March 4, 2024
What am I supposed to do with my life now? Compelling and the will they won’t they is just perfection. I need more and I need it now.
June 9, 2025
Wow. So many things get wrapped up in this book and Marieke gets closer to finding out what Taran truly thinks of her. (Actually, she figures it out.)
We also learn of traitors and secrets / lies. We discover who the woman is that the priest painted / drew in book one. We find out if Marieke has a sister, and who is the father of said sister. We find out who loves who and why.
I could watch Taran brood and stare longingly at her all through the book. The amount of patience he has for her is too funny, too maddening.
We also learn of traitors and secrets / lies. We discover who the woman is that the priest painted / drew in book one. We find out if Marieke has a sister, and who is the father of said sister. We find out who loves who and why.
I could watch Taran brood and stare longingly at her all through the book. The amount of patience he has for her is too funny, too maddening.
December 21, 2023
Very detailed characters with well developed character background. A multi-layered suspenseful story line with an unpredictable plot which will keep you guessing and speculating.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews