This is an alternate cover edition - ASIN: B00CYR4NKK
1515 A.D.
The Lady Micheline le Bec was pledged in marriage to Edmund de Cleveley, Baron Bowland, in payment for her father’s gambling debt. When de Cleveley’s big Irish captain, Sir Kirk Connaught, arrives to escort Micheline to her marriage, Micheline is apprehensive but submissive. In fact, she’s not the real problem; the real issue is her sister, the Lady Mara. Dark-haired and beautiful, she is fiery and reckless. When Kirk should be focused on his liege’s bride, he finds himself talking a foolish young woman off the window ledge. Mara comes down, but not before a struggle nearly costs both her and Kirk their lives. So begins their fire and ice association.
Upon arriving at de Cleveley’s seat, Anchorsholme Castle, Mara and Micheline are informed by the servants that the fortress has another name, a far more sinister name - The Darkland. The House of the Death. Young women that have visited the castle have never been seen again. All of the deaths have one thing in common – Kirk Connaught. When Mara finds out, she tries to flee in fear, but Kirk catches her and explains the rumors behind the disappearances. They are not as Mara has suspected. She discovers that Kirk is not the perpetrator; he is the victim as much as the young women were.
As Mara and Kirk fall more deeply in love, dark forces are working against them. There is an uprising in Ireland on de Cleveley lands and Kirk is called away to quell it. Meanwhile, Edmund de Cleveley secretly betroths Mara to a local baron in order to remove her from Anchorsholme and away from Kirk. Mara is scheduled to marry the baron even as Kirk fights his own people in Ireland, unaware of his beloved Mara’s predicament. But he accidentally discovers the truth and Kirk races back to England to prevent the marriage even as a mad series of event happen at The Darkland that will change all of their lives forever. It’s an exciting ride to the finish as good triumphs over evil.
Join Kirk and Mara as their romance overcomes the evils of The Darkland.
Juggernaut 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.
Two sisters have recently lost both parents. The older, Mischa was betrothed to a baron by their father to pay a gambling debt. Mischa is meek and submisssive, while Mara is a hellion. Sir Kirk comes to escort the ladies to the baron and falls in love with Mara. In between, there are many secrets that are slowly revealed. Like the baron has a sexual relationship with his step sister Johanna who is "mad." and obsessed with sir Kirk. The manor is thought to be "cursed" since 9 women have disappeared over the years, all of whom have shown an interest in Sir Kirk.
Le Veque tries to hold true to the woman's historical role in th 1500's and the political laws and ways of that time as well. So I can't complain that I hated that the hero because of how he acted, or rather did not act when grave injustices were going on, since at the time, no one would have. I would not have been so forgiving had I not been reading up on some history as of late. But in all honesty, staying true to history has made the romance and the likability of the hero falter for me.
The story as a whole was good, and the pace was steady, although predictable, I read the book in one sitting. The characters were for the most part likable. The conflict was good and rather logical, not too easily resolved. The romance was meh. I don't see why the hero falls in love the h. The only reason is because she's beautiful and has spirit, yet he tries to kill her spirit at every turn. The same holds true for the h. Why does she love the H? He's handsome. He also spanks her, fails to protect her sister as promised, and continues to ignore her at the Le Vey's and pay attention to Lily even though he knows it upsets her. He explains she isn't a threat since she is betrothed to another and he must act politely towards her out of respect... Umm not buying 100% because she was fawing all over him and he did nothing to thwart her, but he did no encourage her either.
The beginning of the story was really dumb IMHO and the h was so immature almost TSTL but eventually her character evolved and she was likable. I feel that there could have been a better way to show her character change. I did like her strength and the fact she said what was on her mind. It was the only saving grace that kept me reading.
I disliked the Twin characters intensley. Not for their personailties, but the whole finishing each others sentences. It was truly stupid, cartooinish, and annoying. They were flat and I didn't see the point of them being twins or the purpose of them finishing each others sentences.
I thought it weak how Johanna didn't realize that Mara and Kirk had eyes for each other. Her character was also very flat and I just didn't get her obsession with Kirk when she was so enamored with her step brother.
List of things were irritating
-"venus mound" just should not be used, as well as "curb it" -spanking the heroine to curb her spirit needs to be re thought. -the hero was borderline unlikable and i'm not sure why I was able to overlook his inactions and his overlooking injustices. I did find myself eventually liking him anyway.
Things that may bother some readers
-sex between step siblings -an attempted, but failed rape scene (not between H & h) -insta love/lust
A good point is the hero was not a rake or at least it was not thrown in our face. He only has eyes for the h, and no one has ever caught his heart before. Since most of his admirers were done away with it, it made me think he had few OW.
'The Darkland' is a dark read but at the heart of it, it is a romantic tale. One of the opening scene's is one of the funniest I have read in any medieval romance. For such a dark tale it does have some refreshingly lighter moments.
The hero is a big handsome Irish knight called Sir Kirk Connaught. Sir Kirk is slow to anger and as you get to witness has infinite patience with a certain hellion named Mara. Once Kirk does anger though it's deadly, they don't call him 'The Master' for nothing. The story starts with Sir Kirk fetching Mara and her sister Misha from their home. He is the escort that will take them deep into the belly of evil. The evil that is called 'Darkland'. A large fortress that belongs to Misha's intended.
Mara doesn't start out as that likable of an heroine. She comes across as arrogant and willful; but that changes quickly when you realize she is what circumstances have made her become. She is FIERCELY protective of her more timid sister Misha. It made me instantly connect with her, after seeing the way she was with her sister. I too have a sister and WOE to anyone that threatens her. Mara is like a mama bear looking after her cub. I wanted to yell at Mara "bite 'em...tear 'em limb from limb!!" I'm a little bloodthirsty sometimes. ; ) Especially with all the evil in this story...Mara is hellion with out a doubt, but she's a hellion as Kirk puts it 'with a heart of gold.' Some of the other characters stand out as well...the twins being one. Those two about drove me daft! Believe me, you will know what I mean when you read the story...
This like I said, this is a dark and twisty tale...it has shades of incest (step-brother & sister aka the villains) death, battle, and betrayal. But all of that plays a second fiddle to the beautiful love story of Mara and Sir Kirk. They will fight for each other...to the very death if need be.
If you want a nice light carefree read this is not it. But if you like a dark gritty medieval romance you must check it out! Enter 'The Darkland' if you dare...; )
Kathryn Le Veque is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Her novels draw me in right from the first page and take me on an amazing journey through medieval times. The Darkland is no exception...I was pulled right in to another world, beautifully crafted by Le Veque. Her characters are always compelling and captivating and I found Mara and Kirk didn't disappoint. Kirk being a giant, handsome knight and Mara so wild and reckless that the two of them together are explosive. Some really funny moments give some much needed comic relief to a very dark and twisted tale. The plot is complicated with parts that will make you squirm along with lots of action, adventure, passion and betrayal. There is something so dynamic about Le Veque's style of writing. The details of the scenes and the thoughts of the characters become so real and so emotionally engrossing. There is a depth that I so appreciate because it is not easily found in many of today's novels. I will continue to cherish finding this incredible author and look forward to reading more of her intriguing stories.
I have read all of Kathryn Le Veque's Medieval books to date. This one was different then the others. It was some what dark, and I found it to be very good. I gave it still 5 stars, even though it was not a Lespada or a Dark Knight. It still deserved the 5 stars because it kept me turning the page and wanting to know more.
The relationship between Mara and Kirk was great. There was constant fire. Now the relationship between Edmund and Johanne was understandable/believable if you truly know/understand the "going ons" in the Medieval time period. I really liked it. This was a regular size book and I finished it quickly. This was because it kept my interest throughout. You cannot go wrong with a Le Veque book.
Probably, the best Le Veque's I read so far. A dark medieval story with murders, betrayals and deranged minds. I found less licences to medieval society rules and less contemporary sayings than usual. I would have avoided the cheesy epilogue with rough warriors becoming family men, but ... never mind.
Formidable ! J'aime la façon dont l'auteur écrit ses livres. Ses histoires sont épiques, romanesques avec une petite touche sombre qui fait partie de la nature de l'Homme. On ne s'ennuie pas une seule seconde.
Micheline and her sister Mara lived at Haslingden castle, their parents had passed on and Micheline was to marry Sir Edmund de Clevely of Anchorsholme Castle in Ireland. Sir Edmonds knight Sir Kirk Connaught was sent to bring her back. Micheline wanted her sister to go with her but she refused, Sir Kirk said he would persuade her to go but her sister told him how stubborn she was. He went to her room where she had locked herself in and swore if he tried to come in she would jump from the window which was a death sentence. When he breaks down the door he finds that she had tied bed sheets around her and was sitting outside the window. When he finally talks her into coming in her sheet around her waist starts slipping. He goes out the window with the help of his knights he rescues her just as she starts falling and brings her back into the room as he holds onto her he starts feeling things. Edmund de Clevely, Baron Bowland and his step sister had a relationship together ever since she was eleven years old. She believed she had the will to do away with people and animals when she wanted them gone when in actuality it was her brother. It started when a rabbit bit her then a cat scratched her and then Edmund would get rid of them then it started with people that were attracted to Kirk Connaught the one man she loved. This was an exciting story.
Although dark, it is an interesting story that reflects the times. There is a lot of evil and murder. Having said that, Mara and her sister find love in the vicinity. Dark land is a castle that has known a lot of death because the lord and his sister are sick. When Mara and Micheline arrive things start to change. Mara finds an instant connection with Kirk who is the commander of the castle. Their love doesn’t come easy but at a price. An emotional rollercoaster.
Darkland was a place where madness and evilness lived! Michline and her sister Mara were being escorted to Darkland by Kirk Connaught and his knights. Michline was to wed Edmund who was the Baron . As you read the story you see the madness and how it effects everyone.
Farmland has a most dastardly secret. Not only is it filled with incestuous siblings but mental illness is rampant. The seriously mentally ill sister believes she can"wish" people away and her brother has them murdered. Always young women who show interest in the captain of the guard. It is her secret love. This was not my favorite novel.
This is truly a five star rated story because of the none stop action of an epic love story of the main characters but also because is has an underlying story of incest which is the first time it has been brought in more that 40 medieval romances story that I have read on kindle unlimited.
I really enjoy this author. In the note from her she gives the reader the understanding this may not be for everyone as it is so dark. I read a third and then the ending looking for some hope. She is always good so I will try again as I like the ending. Hard to get through at this time.
Very dark, rather nauseating in some places. It deals with rather disturbing matter, including incest and murder. Still, the basic story between Mara and Kirk were good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
★★★★★ A wonderful medieval romance, from one of my favourite authors.
Sir Kirk Connaught has arrived to take Lady Micheline le Bec to her betrothed. The contract was signed by her father before his death . He used her to settle his debts to Lord Edmund de Cleveley. She is all ready to leave but, her slightly younger sister Mara wants to stay behind and is being difficult. There is no way that she can stay because Micheline is her only guardian. Kirk must somehow get the very stubborn young woman off the edge and into his care. Kirk is a strong and brave knight but this hellion is trying his temper. Micheline and Mara have had a strange upbringing for ladies of their rank. The keep they are travelling to has a very bad reputation. Several young women have vanished without trace. The Lord and his sister are truly vile people. When Mara finds out how bad Darkland is she is very worried that her sister and her might be the next to die. Although Kirk is an honourable knight he is sworn to obey his Lord. He has always been away from the keep when the women vanish and does not know what has been happening. He vows to Mara that he will keep both of them safe . That is much easier said than done.
This is a story with what looks like a straight forward romance but quickly turns dangerous. Our hero is maybe a little too trusting. Our heroine is too headstrong for anyone´s good. She tends to cause trouble when she is trying to protect someone. The villains of the book are worse than any I have read about before. Madness only accounts for so much the rest is pure evil. A wonderful adventure into the twisted and complicated lives of the people of Darkland. I have never read a book by this author that I haven´t loved.
A very dark and disturbing historical romance. This book had some elements in it that I have NEVER read in a historical romance before. The dark nature and mysteries surrounding this book suck you and and glue you to the book from start to finish. It was like I was in a trance, I just couldn't put this book down until I finished it! I read 90% in one sitting!!! There are preversities in this book, if you don't care for things that are considered taboo, don't read this book. i, mysrlf, don't normally read books that have these type of dark themes, but once started, I couldn't put it down. I'm sure these types of things (I won't say what they are and spoil your read, read the book to find out if you're curious) did happen in past eras, they were just not talked about, as was somewhat the case in this book. It was known, but just ignored...I think that made the book all that much more realistic. the author handled the subject matter very well, not oversensationalizing it. I also enjoyed the h/h. They were both strong, unique characters. The supporting characters were so well done. I highly recommend this book and Kathryn Le Veque's other books. I haven't read one book of hers that I didn't like.
I did not mind the darkland secrets although they were cringe-worthy, dark, disgusting and evil. What made me not like this was that the heroine is, in my opinion, not worthy of such devotion and love from the H and others who were smitten with her. I don't mind feisty, independent, even sometimes naivety and foolishness in heroines but they have to have redeeming qualities like being brilliant or compassionate or something positive. Mara was just immature and rude especially in the beginning. This is one of the very few out of many Le Veque books that I did not like at all. Too bad it had such great promise with a unique conflict in the plot (the dark secrets).
I'm such a huge sucker for historical romance!! this was an amazing read (even with the sibling relationship) I understand some people will completely pass on this book because of the warning about the brother/sister relationship... but honestly, w/o them... this story would have made no sense. each person, or character rather plays an extremely important part in getting all key people to where they end up. worth the read!! :)
Yes, this was a dark novel but very well written and had a dynamic story line. Some people would be bothered by the relationship between siblings in this book ,I suppose, and the sexual content. I felt this book to be no difference in content to today's thriller books author's write. Kathryn Le Veque is a dynamic imaginary author who never lets me down
This book, like many of Kathryn's, was an emotional read. There is so much going on that it is almost impossible to put the book down. The characters were well written. I liked Kirk and felt he made a great Medieval hero. I like that a man if war can become soft and caring. The heroine, Mara, was immature at times, but in the book it says this is because she and her sister basically raised themselves. It was a great book, but not for those looking for a clean read.
Kathryn Le Veque's The Darkland is a medieval mystery/thriller/romance of good versus evil. The Darkland is known throughout the realm as the House of Death. Young women mysteriously disappear, and the rulers of Darkland are evil to the core.
Highly recommend Sir Kirk and Lady Mara's tale of romance and adventure as they work towards unraveling the mysteries of The Darkland.
I've read nearly all of this author's books and LOVED them but this was a first for me. I stayed up all night reading it because I just had to find out what happened in the end. Since I, unfortunately, don't command a castle, I'll have to figure out how to get the workday on no sleep. But definitely worth it!
This book should have a trigger warning for graphic incest. Disgusting. I hated the heroine. For me she crossed the line from spirited to obnoxious. The hero was so p whipped as to be nearly unbelievable. I'm sorry Kathryn but I just can't. I'm actually going to delete it from my account.
I love Mara's and Kirk's love story. I loved the whole book. It ad its suspenseful moments where I was on the edge of my seat. So wonderful. I would love to hear about the love between Misha and spencer. It's got to be a great read.
Awesome read. Couldn't put it down. Interaction of characters was great.
A totally awesome read as all of her books are. Couldn't put it down. I loved the interaction of all the characters. I would recommend this book to family and friends.