Deliverance

The Lion Of Kent #1.5

by Aleksandr Voinov

Once a renowned tournament fighter known as the "Lion of Kent," William Raven joined the Templars in the Holy Land to escape his past and the political machinations of his enemies. Called to protect travelling pilgrims bound for Jerusalem, William comes face to face with Guy de Metz, his lover from the past. But Guy is no longer the foppish young noble William knew.

Guy de Metz once tamed the famous Lion, but failed to hold onto the man. Rumours and intrigue tore them apart, and William left seemingly without a thought. Now as they meet again, William claims he has sworn himself to God and God alone, but Guy believes that somewhere inside William’s chest, the proud, fierce man he used to love is still alive, and he will prove it.

Genres: M M Romance, Historical, Romance, Historical Fiction, Short Stories, M M Historical Romance, Military Fiction

30 pages, ebook

First published January 10, 2015

About the author

https://aleksandrvoinov.substack.com/

Reviews

[Aleksandr Voinov]

Exact same version as published in Another Place In Time. Now has a new cover. (More man, less horse.)

[Meags · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Set during the crusades, this story follows Templar Knight, William Raven, as he fights his sexual yearnings for another man when he is fortuitously reunited with his long lost love, Guy de Metz.

This medieval romance, although very well-written, particularly in terms of the author's vivid depiction of time and place, is still perhaps a bit too short and light on the character interactions for me to have been truly bowled over by the romance between William and Guy.

Despite the fact that Deliverance can be read as a stand-alone, this is not the only short featuring William Raven. Prior to this stories release (originally in the Another Place in Time anthology), Voinov (along with co-author Kate Cotoner) wrote The Lion of Kent, which is a prequel to Deliverance, set roughly a decade earlier and following William when he was a young squire and exploring love for the first time with his master, Sir Robert de Cantilou.

Although these stories can be read as standalones, or even in reverse chronological order, I don’t think the order of reading had any impact on my enjoyment this time around. Instead, I have a sneaking suspicion that my liking this one a little less than The Lion of Kent had to do with the fact that William had a totally different love interest here than he did the first time I read about him. What can I say? I simply like reading about one great love for my characters, even if the time period and circumstances being depicted make happily ever afters hard to achieve (at least believably so).

Personal preferences aside, this was another impressively immersive medieval short by Voinov and I will stay on the lookout for that elusive third story he so long ago mentioned writing about our hero William.

[BevS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave it 5 stars in the anthology, and by golly, I'll give it 5 stars now.

I love the historical stories that Aleks does, and this one carries on from the , woot!! Oops, nearly forgot...a big shout out to GD Leigh for the cover (thanks Garrett)!!

[Ninni · Rating 3 out of 5]

This sequiel to The Lion of Kent is to short in my opinion. Read somewhere that a third book was planned but haven't seen it anywere. Rating it 3,5 cause even if it was a short story and I wanted more it was still hot knights doing hot things.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I've heard them say that love is like a falcon, but I'd never felt the falcon's claw pierce my heart until you kissed me."

Deliverance made me feel this so vividly. William and his fate, the love he feels for Guy, the shame and guilt he carries with him, this all pierced my heart like a falcon's claw. This was intense and heart-breaking, powerful and hopeful still.


Their shields clashed and William met Guy's eyes through the visor. When did I learn to hate you? The thought made him draw back in shock, giving Guy the opening he needed.

Deliverance takes place several years after The Lion of Kent and a lot has happened to William.

Guy's very presence in the same fortress made William's body betray him, reminding him of a lust he'd hoped he'd left behind.


What will become of these two? What will become of my beloved knight William? Will he be able to overcome his shame and his vows? Will he be set free once and for all? Will love conquer all, the shackles of sin?

I want to read more. I need to know more. Please, give me more.

Brilliant.

I read the story within the anthology 'Another Place in Time'

[Lyn❤Loves❤Listening to Real Voices Only!!!!❤️🎧📚 Addict ON HIATUS · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audio..5 stars
Story..3 stars

[Mein Regal voller Regenbögen · Rating 5 out of 5]

„Deliverance – Erlösung“ ist ganz spontan auf meinem Reader gelandet und war meine erste Begegnung mit Aleksandr Voinov. Nach dieser Kurzgeschichte war es aber sicherlich nicht die letzte. Was der Autor hier auf nicht einmal 40 Seiten eingefangen hat, ist große Kunst.

Als Leser lernt man zwar nur einen ganz kurzen Ausschnitt aus dem Leben von William Raven und Guy de Metz kennen, trotzdem entsteht vom ersten Satz an eine Atmosphäre, die über die Grenzen dieser Geschichte hinauszureichen scheint und mich völlig vereinnahmt hat. Auch die Charaktere besitzen eine bemerkenswerte Tiefe, weshalb der emotionale Zwiespalt, in dem sie sich befinden, sehr eindrücklich und bewegend bei mir angekommen ist.

Für mich ist „Deliverance – Erlösung“ definitiv ein Highlight unter den Kurzgeschichten, also unbedingt lesen!

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.8

I'm a Voinov fan but this one was so short I didn't feel very connected with the charecters. Read as a par of the Another Place in Time anthology

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never tire of a story from Aleksandr Voinov. This is no exception. Just WOW! If you have read Voinov before then you know what an emotional ride you will have. If you have never read Voinov, correct that mistake now.

[Gabis Laberladen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darum geht’s:

Eine Gruppe Tempelritter, unter ihnen William Raven, hat gerade Pilger vor einem Sarazenenangriff gerettet. Zuerst erkennt William nicht, wer sich in der Pilgergruppe befindet. Doch als ihm klar wird, dass ausgerechnet der Mann, vor dem er weggelaufen ist, wieder vor ihm steht, ist er der Verzweiflung nahe. William trifft auf Guy de Metz, mit dem er eine unvorstellbare Sünde begangen hat und nach dem er sich immer noch sehnt.

So fand ich’s:

In historischem Setting wird natürlich auch gekämpft. In erster Linie geht es in dieser Kurzgeschichte aber um die Begegnung von William und Guy, die Versprechen und Gefühle an einander binden, die die Gesellschaft nicht toleriert, die sie ihr Leben kosten könnte und vor denen William weggelaufen ist.

Diese Episode mit explosiver Leidenschaft wirft einen Blick auf Guy und William, erzählt aber nicht ihr ganzes Leben, nicht einmal ihre ganze Beziehung wird beleuchtet. Doch was wir erfahren, reicht dafür, um die beiden zu verstehen und mit zufühlen, wie zerrissen sie sind. Aber auch, wie mächtig ihre Gefühle sind. Eine mitreißende Kurzgeschichte, die ich sehr genossen habe.

[Lena Grey · Rating 4 out of 5]

"And think not that you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course." ~ Khalil Gibran

When someone vows to love someone forever, they are bound by those words until they are released either by mutual agreement or death of one or the other or both parties. William Raven of 'Deliverance' made such a promise to his lover, Guy de Metz, but when the rumors and pressures of being Guy's lover get to be too much, William runs as far and fast as he can, trying to escape his sins. He eventually joins the Knights of Templar, holy men who defend Christians against the infidels during the Crusades. To become part of this elite group, they make a vow of chastity and, before giving their love to Christ, they are required to declare that no one else has a claim on their hearts. Years later, out in the middle of nowhere, William’s former lover unexpectedly shows up. Guy is older, stronger, and much more determined that the young man William left behind. He's also very angry with William. Needless to say, William is also furious because Guy, the man he sinned with, is in his life again after he has tried so hard to put those transgressions behind him. There's a great deal of conflict between them and they try to avoid each other, seeing Guy stirs up feelings William thought he left behind, causing him even more problems. William starts to remember how it felt to be with Guy and his resolve is weakening, but Guy is not going to let him get away this time without William disavowing his love for him. If he does, Guy will release him; William has a huge decision to make. Does he lie to Guy, tell him that he doesn't love him when he still does and continue on his chosen path to salvation? Or does William find salvation in his love for Guy?

I read a shorter version of this story a few years ago and enjoyed it, but this new, enhanced version has made it even more enjoyable. Aleksandr has fleshed out the characters some by giving more personal history which vastly improved my understanding of the dilemma William and Guy find themselves in, making their experiences more personal. I found it much easier to identify with the characters and wanted even more for them to find a solution. Thanks, Aleksandr, for introducing me to these two proud men and their devotion to each other.


NOTE: The anthology this story was originally published in was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Ottilee B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book left me wanting to read more! About them, about their next adventure, everything! I was so unhappy when it ended. I've always wondered about the Crusaders and this story made me think long and hard about them (no pun intended). To think of them as 'just men' following a Holy Crusade was an eye-opener to me.

[Dig · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a thing about period pieces that are just so tragic and epic at the same time. This was short, too short, and so f-ing hot. I really loved it, as I do love Aleksandr Voinov, a lot. Just a quick and fantastic, and a hot hot read. I'd read this again just for all the angst and barn!sex.

[Karen Wellsbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow closer to release date

[Marc · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the Lion of Kent and really enjoyed this story as well. It is well-written, with a great audiobook narration and an interesting, authentic setting.

[Morgiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was an OK read, maybe I could enjoy it better if I read its prequel.

[Ben Howard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super short story, following William from The Lion of Kent. He's very different here, seemingly compensating for his lonliness by devoting himself to the Templars.

Robert from the first book is only briefly mentioned, William is noted as mourning Robert, so I assume he died but they could have broken up.

Guy de Metz, who as a history with William, reapears in his life making him realise that he can't wallow by himself and bottle up his feelings.

There was too much new information introduced here, to leave it as a short story. If it was a short story following William and Robert, I'd be ok with it, because we have an established history of them in the first book.

Overall enjoyable, but there wasn't much room to evoke any kind of emotion.

[Amarilli 73 · Rating 4 out of 5]

da www.sognipensieriparole.com

“Non cerco più il perdono. Era una follia. Se amarti è un peccato, sarò felice di bruciare all’inferno”.
E’, non era. William si sentì quasi soffocare.

4,5 - Ho una grande passione per il racconto la novella, perché lì si può vedere la vera misura di uno scrittore: la capacità di condensare emozioni, storie e personaggi in poche pagine. Quindi con molte meno armi a disposizione per conquistare il lettore.
Qui Voinov ci offre appena uno squarcio nella vita di William Raven, il Leone del Kent, pochi giorni, poche ore, che però sono in grado di cambiare il corso di una vita. William è divenuto un monaco guerriero tra le fila dei Templari, ha rinunziato a ciò che era, ha rinnegato ciò che era, ha soffocato ogni sentimento che non fosse conforme alla sua nuova immagine. Eppure tutto si rivela così fragile e così artificioso non appena in Terrasanta giunge il suo Guy, con tutto il carico di ricordi rinnegati e soffocati…
Ho visto che qualche lettore si è interrogato sulla mancanza di un vero finale, o meglio sul non-finale.
Personalmente sono convinta che questa potesse essere l’unica soluzione possibile: sfumare quando l’amore è ancora forte per poter dare un messaggio di speranza.
E’ chiaro che una relazione così nella realtà storica non può aver avuto sbocco, sia perché in quel luogo e in quel contesto la morte era dietro l’angolo, sia perché troppe erano le pressioni esterne per poter ritenere credibile un rapporto di lunga durata. Dieci pagine ancora e Voinov sarebbe stato costretto per coerenza a rimettere il lettore di nuovo di fronte alla la sofferenza e all’isolamento dei due, forse persino alla scoperta del peccato e alla loro condanna.
Quindi ho trovato stilisticamente perfetta la dissolvenza sulla presa di consapevolezza di William, sul suo sentimento al massimo grado d’intensità per Guy, sulla volontà di quel momento di voler vivere a modo loro, senza vincoli, senza divieti. In una parola, liberi.
Del loro domani non ci viene detto nulla, ma in quell’oggi William e Guy sono liberi.

[Hpstrangelove · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Audiobook Review. Narrator: Matthew Lloyd Davies) This was a very short audio book, less than an hour, but a lot seemed to be going on in the story so it seemed longer. As usual, Matthew Lloyd Davies deliveres a wonderful performance.

This story is somewhat of a sequel to Lion in Kent, although you don't have to have read that one to enjoy this one. It does help, though, to have some insight into one of the main characters, William Raven. I was confused at first as to how William and Guy de Metz came to be lovers since in Lion of Kent, William was with another man, but this story does answer that question. Wondering about what happened distracted a little from what was happening in this story at first, but then the action took over and all thoughts of William's other lover left my mind.

This author has a way of writing conflict between characters that ends up as hot and steamy sex. His characters come together because they 'hate' each other and the sex scene in this story didn't disappoint. He certainly knows how to balance plot with sex.

My only disappointment is that the story so short and seemed to end abruptly. I think one more scene could have left the reader with a better sense of closure for the two.

[Anita Bianchi · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://bianchianita1971.blogspot.it/2...

Quest'opera è tutto ciò che un racconto dovrebbe essere: breve, intensa, emozionante e completa.
William e Guy si ritrovano casualmente (destino? fato?) dopo essersi "persi" sei anni prima: William aveva cercato il perdono e la redenzione dai suoi peccati unendosi ai templari e Guy non aveva mai capito perchè il suo amante se ne fosse andato. Non è facile per il "Leone di Kent" mettere nuovamente in discussione i suoi voti (che non ha certo preso alla leggera!), ma Guy saprà far valere la forza dei loro sentimenti e della loro passione.
Non ho letto molti storici nel genere M/M, e ancora meno medievali, ma vi consiglio veramente questo piccolo gioiellino!

[Marlobo ♥ epilogues · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read twice as part of Forbidden Love and Another Place In Time Anthologies.

Same rating in both readings. Am I coherent or what? :P!

[Fenriz Angelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a thing for templars and religious characters whose nature is forbidden by its religion. So yeah, perfect fast read for me.
Love the cover.

[Ersilia Stecchi · Rating 5 out of 5]

E' uno storico, è un m/m, è scritto bene e la traduzione è una garanzia. Avrei voluto che fosse più lungo, questo sì, ma sono contenta di aver potuto finalmente leggere qualcosa di questo autore.

[Enid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely quick read.

[Julissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too short!

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this story was very short it was full of punch. I felt the full impact of the characters and the events without a lot of history or back story. Sure, the author could have made it a full novel with the addition of such, but what we got was the story of reuniting lovers in the time of the Templars.

Mathew Lloyd Davies did a great job providing the right gravitas for the time and passion to the voices of William and Guy.

[Lapis Lazuli · Rating 2 out of 5]

Non so se è stata la traduzione a tratti veramente acerba, ma mi è sembrata una novella con un gran potenziale che però resta sprecato. Non so se poi sia diventato un romanzo o se sia il preludio di qualche romanzo, ma sembra giusto una cosa buttata lì senza alcun approfondimento (cosa che succede con le novelle e i racconti, ma qui dà proprio la sensazione di qualcosa di interrotto).

[M. D. Ferres · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐

[Taylor Kinney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prima di tutto è necessario che io vi dica che i racconti storici, almeno per quanto riguarda il genere M/M, non sono tra i miei preferiti. Raramente li trovo coinvolgenti, forse perché mentre leggo so già che un lieto fine realistico non potrà esserci, quindi non ero affatto sicura di voler leggere “Liberato”. Visto che molte persone me lo hanno caldamente consigliato e che si trattava solo di poche pagine ho deciso di tentare comunque la lettura. Posso dire tranquillamente che è stata un’ottima decisione. È un racconto brevissimo, ma non per questo meno bello di tanti libri più corposi, anzi proprio perché breve penso che l’autore sia stato veramente bravo nel caratterizzare i personaggi e nel farci immergere completamente nella storia.
William Raven è scappato da un grande amore considerato immorale e peccaminoso, proprio per espiare i suoi peccati ha preso i voti, entrando a far parte dell’ordine dei Templari e andando a combattere gli infedeli in Terra Santa. Dopo sei anni, quando finalmente pensa di aver dimenticato il suo passato, non si aspetta assolutamente di trovarsi davanti proprio Guy de Metz, la causa della sua fuga. Guy d’altronde, ora che lo ha ritrovato non intende più lasciarlo andare senza lottare e rivendica ciò che è suo di diritto. Ciò che William gli ha promesso durante la loro intensa storia d’amore. Un amore profondo e passionale che nonostante gli enormi sensi di colpa di William, alla fine riesce ad avere il sopravvento.
Non posso dire di più per non spoilerare qualcosa di rilevante, ma posso dire tranquillamente che nonostante si tratti di un racconto storico, l’autore è riuscito a dare un lieto fine credibile e abbastanza realistico.
Ho sicuramente adorato questo breve racconto e ho amato entrambi i protagonisti, soprattutto Guy, che è sicuramente il più forte e coerente tra i due.
Ottima anche la traduzione, scorrevole e fluida, lo consiglio caldamente a chiunque abbia voglia di leggere una bella storia d’amore. Spero di poter leggere presto altri racconti di questo bravissimo autore.

**Recensione pubblicata su Romanticamente Fantasy Sito**
http://www.romanticamentefantasy.it/d...

[Giulia · Rating 3 out of 5]

E' un breve racconto, quasi un epilogo di una storia più ampia, di genere mm e ambientazione storica. I nostri due protagonisti si muovono infatti ai tempi delle Crociate. E la cosa bella sapete qual è? Che il sapore storico della storia si percepisce già nei dialoghi ancor prima che nelle ambientazioni. Romantici. Che richiamano subito alla mente il mondo dei cavalieri medievali. Un mondo fatto di promesse di fedeltà e onore.La lotta per conquistare la Terra Santa si mescola al racconto dell'epilogo di una dolce storia d'amore. Epilogo perchè dalle poche pagine di cui il racconto si compone si percepisce un passato comune, condiviso dai due protagonisti, William Raven, il crociato, e Guy de Metz. Entrambi i cavalieri sono legati ferreamente ai propri doveri, entrambi sono alla ricerca della redenzione e il perdono per i propri "peccati". E se il peccato più grande di cui si sono macchiati fosse proprio quello capace di renderli completi? "Non cerco più il perdono. Era una follia. Se amarti è un peccato, sarò felice di bruciare all'Inferno". Ho trovato Liberato un racconto brevissimo e molto carino, scorrevole e dolcemente romantico.