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The Golden Chronicles #6
The Dedicated Villain
HOW THE DEVIL COULD A FELLOW MAKE LOVE TO A GIRL WHO GIGGLED WHEN HE TRIED TO KISS HER?!
Fiona Bradford was more amused than offended by handsome Roland Fairleigh Mathieson's passionate ardour. He was acting, she suspected--a talent that seemed to come quite naturally as he managed to wangle his way into the caravan of traveling actors led by Fiona's father.
Indeed, everyone had a part to play. The troupe was actually a band of Jacobite sympathizers secretly transporting Bonnie Prince Charlie's treasure. And Roland, a self-professed rake, duellist, soldier of fortune, and dedicated villain--who had every intention of profiting from these turbulent times--planned to steal the loot for himself. That is, until he encountered the charming, unpredictable, and thoroughly confounding Fiona...
Fiona Bradford was more amused than offended by handsome Roland Fairleigh Mathieson's passionate ardour. He was acting, she suspected--a talent that seemed to come quite naturally as he managed to wangle his way into the caravan of traveling actors led by Fiona's father.
Indeed, everyone had a part to play. The troupe was actually a band of Jacobite sympathizers secretly transporting Bonnie Prince Charlie's treasure. And Roland, a self-professed rake, duellist, soldier of fortune, and dedicated villain--who had every intention of profiting from these turbulent times--planned to steal the loot for himself. That is, until he encountered the charming, unpredictable, and thoroughly confounding Fiona...
358 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
14 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Veryan
75 books99 followersPatricia Valeria Bannister was born in London. After World War II, she married Allan Louis Berg and moved to the United States; she lived on the West Coast and was the author of many historical novels from 1978 until 2002, using the pen names Patricia Veryan and Gwyneth Moore.
At the time of her death, she was living in Bellevue, Washington, USA.
At the time of her death, she was living in Bellevue, Washington, USA.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 19, 2018
I was a little bit worried before starting this last book in the series. I have not read it in quite a while, and was afraid I would not like it as much.
But I need not have worried. The story still worked for me. The redemption of Roland Fairleigh Mathieson is harrowing - and it must be, to make up for his earlier misdeeds. At least if you follow the logic of Veryans novels.
Luckily, amongst some truly horrid stuff, there is also lots of sweetness and laughter in this one. There is some exceedingly fine comedy throughout.
While most of the other books in the series seem to focus more on the female point of view, in this book we spend most of the time with the hero.
We already know from the books that went before that while Roly is a villain, he is also kind of lovable and can be very charming. He is proud, bold, quick witted and a fantastic fighting man. And in most (all?) of those books he did things that were unexpectedly kind or almost honorable.
He is full of contradictions, and even when we look through his eyes, there is a constant discrepancy between his thoughts and actions. Is this what „unreliable narrator“ means?
Roland is wonderful with animals and children, even if he pretends otherwise. He starts to enjoy the life with the caravan of actors long before he actually admits it to himself. He is hungry for acceptance and love, but does not believe he deserves it.
I like his unfailing optimism, his refusal to „whine“ and the humorous way he talks to his patron saint and his horse.
The way he treats Hassell, a former (very nasty) accomplice in crime, is used in a convincing way to set him apart from Lambert, who in many ways is very similar to him (spectacularly good looking, great military record, no money, ambitious) but totally different in character and outlook.
Very good example of „show, don’t tell“.
While the whole backstory is overly dramatic (but quite fitting for a book by this author), the scenes between Muffin and Roland are masterpieces.
And now my question to you, dearest Rebekah: why don’t you like Fiona? I thought her quite refreshing. And I so enjoyed it when - especially in their first scene together - she so hilariously foils his attempts at seduction. What a comeuppance for the dastardly rake :-)
This is the book in the series I most want to see as a movie. But a tv show on the whole series would be even better, of course.
I want to see Mathiesen in a sword fight, ride his beloved Rump, decked out in all his sartorial glory, play the hero and the villain in that play...
Added the next day:
I was thinking about how much I enjoy Roly when he is funny, or flirting, or provoking, or exhilarated in a fight or otherwise dangerous situation... But when he turns serious - wow.
Also I liked Rob MacTavish much better in this book than in his own.
Added even later:
I keep thinking about the book, reliving certain scenes, and analyzing what makes Roly such a fascinating character (to me).
He does not change his entire personality when he decides to mend his ways. He stays totally in character, just changes his focus. He fights for what he wants, against all odds, which makes the moment when he finally gives up all the more devastating.
Isn’t it lovely that kind and loyal Thad finally gets his love? And that in Veryan’s books some of the older couples get to be as romantic as the younger ones?
But I need not have worried. The story still worked for me. The redemption of Roland Fairleigh Mathieson is harrowing - and it must be, to make up for his earlier misdeeds. At least if you follow the logic of Veryans novels.
Luckily, amongst some truly horrid stuff, there is also lots of sweetness and laughter in this one. There is some exceedingly fine comedy throughout.
While most of the other books in the series seem to focus more on the female point of view, in this book we spend most of the time with the hero.
We already know from the books that went before that while Roly is a villain, he is also kind of lovable and can be very charming. He is proud, bold, quick witted and a fantastic fighting man. And in most (all?) of those books he did things that were unexpectedly kind or almost honorable.
He is full of contradictions, and even when we look through his eyes, there is a constant discrepancy between his thoughts and actions. Is this what „unreliable narrator“ means?
Roland is wonderful with animals and children, even if he pretends otherwise. He starts to enjoy the life with the caravan of actors long before he actually admits it to himself. He is hungry for acceptance and love, but does not believe he deserves it.
I like his unfailing optimism, his refusal to „whine“ and the humorous way he talks to his patron saint and his horse.
The way he treats Hassell, a former (very nasty) accomplice in crime, is used in a convincing way to set him apart from Lambert, who in many ways is very similar to him (spectacularly good looking, great military record, no money, ambitious) but totally different in character and outlook.
Very good example of „show, don’t tell“.
While the whole backstory is overly dramatic (but quite fitting for a book by this author), the scenes between Muffin and Roland are masterpieces.
And now my question to you, dearest Rebekah: why don’t you like Fiona? I thought her quite refreshing. And I so enjoyed it when - especially in their first scene together - she so hilariously foils his attempts at seduction. What a comeuppance for the dastardly rake :-)
This is the book in the series I most want to see as a movie. But a tv show on the whole series would be even better, of course.
I want to see Mathiesen in a sword fight, ride his beloved Rump, decked out in all his sartorial glory, play the hero and the villain in that play...
Added the next day:
I was thinking about how much I enjoy Roly when he is funny, or flirting, or provoking, or exhilarated in a fight or otherwise dangerous situation... But when he turns serious - wow.
Also I liked Rob MacTavish much better in this book than in his own.
Added even later:
I keep thinking about the book, reliving certain scenes, and analyzing what makes Roly such a fascinating character (to me).
He does not change his entire personality when he decides to mend his ways. He stays totally in character, just changes his focus. He fights for what he wants, against all odds, which makes the moment when he finally gives up all the more devastating.
Isn’t it lovely that kind and loyal Thad finally gets his love? And that in Veryan’s books some of the older couples get to be as romantic as the younger ones?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2022
Splendid! Gorgeous! Simply perfect an adventure historical romance!
First of all: Roly... [sigh] You could see in my reviews of previous parts of the series how my opinion of him changed. Now, he goes to "my-hero" shelf because he was my perfect hero (no 'perfect human'). His story was thought through by Mrs. Veryan, his past/background and his personality were fitted thoroughly. What is also very important, his change was believable. No 'he met her and from now on was a good man'. For example, it was brilliant how he maneuvered to not break a word given to Lady Clorinda and simultaneously tie Fiona to him (although at this point of his transformation his inner voice whispered "Despicable!" for such behavior).
This was the last part of the series and it was a perfect final (like The Mandarin of Mayfair was a perfect final of 'The Tales of the Jewelled Men'). I met again many characters and the adventure side of the story kept my attention completely.
I love Veryan's wit and this novel was full of it.
The second best aspect was the love story. I know, I repeat myself but really, it was perfect.
And let me stress it out, Fiona was a perfect heroine/woman for Roly. They matched wonderfully.
There is no need to write more. Read it! Really, there were so many levels/things that made this book a masterpiece of the genre, e.g. Roly's relationship with his horse or with his patron saint or with his grandfather.
PS I completely agree with Christa Schönmann Abbühl, so if you have still any doubts, read her review.
First of all: Roly... [sigh] You could see in my reviews of previous parts of the series how my opinion of him changed. Now, he goes to "my-hero" shelf because he was my perfect hero (no 'perfect human'). His story was thought through by Mrs. Veryan, his past/background and his personality were fitted thoroughly. What is also very important, his change was believable. No 'he met her and from now on was a good man'. For example, it was brilliant how he maneuvered to not break a word given to Lady Clorinda and simultaneously tie Fiona to him (although at this point of his transformation his inner voice whispered "Despicable!" for such behavior).
This was the last part of the series and it was a perfect final (like The Mandarin of Mayfair was a perfect final of 'The Tales of the Jewelled Men'). I met again many characters and the adventure side of the story kept my attention completely.
I love Veryan's wit and this novel was full of it.
The second best aspect was the love story. I know, I repeat myself but really, it was perfect.
"I do not believe the love of any woman can change a man. Particularly, if he is worthless and unprincipled and a rascal. I do believe that in rare - alas, very rare - instances, a man's love for a woman can inspire him to change. But - 'twould be a long and hard road for such a man as you describe, and his love would have to be exceeding deep and faithful."
"He thinks of her as his madonna, and because each time she looks at him she sees a knight in shining armour - he will make very sure that she never sees him in any other light."
And let me stress it out, Fiona was a perfect heroine/woman for Roly. They matched wonderfully.
There is no need to write more. Read it! Really, there were so many levels/things that made this book a masterpiece of the genre, e.g. Roly's relationship with his horse or with his patron saint or with his grandfather.
PS I completely agree with Christa Schönmann Abbühl, so if you have still any doubts, read her review.
August 3, 2016
This book started out really good. I loved that the hero was a past villain from other books. I didn't read the prior books but a reviewer did a great job at outlining his character in the past stories. It was an enjoyable read at times, and Patricia Veryan is a very good writer but there is so much going on in this book that has noting to do with the romance.
The few romantic scenes were the best of the book. I loved that it took some time for the hero to start warming up to the heroine. He wasn't blown away by her at first. Not until she saved his life. I also liked the scenes with the hero and his grandfather and how they both needed to forgive each other. Traveling with the acting caravan... not so much. Things got boring after a while and I just wanted them to reach somewhere already! Anyway, this wasn't a bad book. It depends on your taste I guess. I get bored pretty easy and 400 plus pages of what should be considered a traditional regency was a bit much but it had other qualities that I enjoyed.
The few romantic scenes were the best of the book. I loved that it took some time for the hero to start warming up to the heroine. He wasn't blown away by her at first. Not until she saved his life. I also liked the scenes with the hero and his grandfather and how they both needed to forgive each other. Traveling with the acting caravan... not so much. Things got boring after a while and I just wanted them to reach somewhere already! Anyway, this wasn't a bad book. It depends on your taste I guess. I get bored pretty easy and 400 plus pages of what should be considered a traditional regency was a bit much but it had other qualities that I enjoyed.
February 1, 2018
Wonderful conclusion to the series, maybe its tacky just a four star book, but I feel that five is right because of how it wraps everything up so well. Watching the characters grow and change for the better is great. Especially when it comes to the hero who was a cad.
I feel that this series was good and I recommend reading it before The Jeweled Men series. That said you can read them out of order, you just won't have as full a picture.
PG
I feel that this series was good and I recommend reading it before The Jeweled Men series. That said you can read them out of order, you just won't have as full a picture.
PG
February 19, 2015
I've discovered Patricia Veryan's books only very recently and I have to say they're worth reading. I finished The Dedicated Villain with a little twist in my heart. Of all the characters in the series I think Roland Mathieson is certainly the most unforgettable, contemptible and yet loveable-- besides being breathtakingly handsome, debonair-ish and oh-so dashing. He started out as a villain and I admit I hated him in the first book. Half-way through the series as he proves he is, after all, capable of some humane feelings I started to fall in love with him. Who would have thought that behind the evil facade lie an unwavering loyalty and a yearning to feel loved, too?
I think the heroine, innocent, trusting and intrepid Miss Fiona Bradford is very perfect for him. There are several cute moments between them which I really enjoyed. I cannot say that theirs is the perfect love story but it is very moving especially towards the end. I cried for Roly, I swear!
The only thing I do not like about this book is that some parts seemed a little dragging for me. But the engaging characters, the superb writing, and the very happy and satisfying ending make up for that little flaw.
I think the heroine, innocent, trusting and intrepid Miss Fiona Bradford is very perfect for him. There are several cute moments between them which I really enjoyed. I cannot say that theirs is the perfect love story but it is very moving especially towards the end. I cried for Roly, I swear!
The only thing I do not like about this book is that some parts seemed a little dragging for me. But the engaging characters, the superb writing, and the very happy and satisfying ending make up for that little flaw.
May 7, 2018
Upon finishing The Dedicated Villain, the last of the Golden Chronicles, I bumped my 3 star rating up to 4. I liked Fiona much better this go around and I now see her as a worthy match for Roly. Of all of the pairs throughout this series, I really believe that Fiona’s and Roly’s romance is the strongest. Their love and devotion for each other was the most fully realized. Patricia did right by Roly’s full reclamation.
I did find some parts to be too drawn out and tedious, but as soon as I started to consider speed-reading through, I would come to a good part that induced me to keep reading. This one did not have too many scenes of rollicking humor of most of the previous books, but in fairness the stakes were too high. Although the action scenes were masterfully done, they were a bit long. Also I was very confused by the race across the Sands of Dee to take the treasure to the barge. Yet when they got back, the treasure was still on land in the caravans. I was like… Huh?! Apparently they only took half of it. I was not clear about this and I don’t think it was my fault. Some of the quieter scenes with Fiona and Roly did not hold my interest as much as some of the previous love stories. There was never any conflict between the two. Fiona worshipped the ground he walked on from the very beginning, and Roly was always respectful and fond of her. Conflict is a great source of humor, suspense, witty banter, and satisfying Ah Ha! Moments. One more quibble: During and after his recovery, Roly was a little too much of an angel. I could have done with a few signs of his former roguery. My goodness, he seemed to cry quite a bit! I am uncomfortable pitying my heroes.
Some Highlights:
Roly’s discovery and actions concerning William Bond and the list.
Thad Briley’s major role and his happy ending. Same with Robert MacTavish.
The scene at home in Wales with Rosamunde, Robert and company.
The referrals and reappearances of many, if not all, of our favorite characters from previous books.
Even Mariner Fotheringay! Kit and Leone Aynsworth!
The fact that Freemon Torrey mended his ways but did not turn into a hero. When I first started re-reading I thought I remembered him being an annoying jerk throughout and even involved in
Roland’s torture. Glad I was wrong.
I was moved to tears several times during Roly’s recovery at Dominer.
When and how Muffin learns the whole truth about his son. Although really, he should not have been so blind to evil Dudley’s treatment of his grandson.
The wedding scene and the descriptions of Roly’s white velvet suit trimmed in black and his diamond studded eyepatch. Ka-ching! One of the reasons I liked this description is that it showed Roly had regained some of his old dash and personality even though he was fully converted from villain to hero.
Regardless of some weak areas, as always, PV’s mastery of her characters, fights and action scenes, plotting, and how she weaves it all together throughout the series just fills me with awe.
I did find some parts to be too drawn out and tedious, but as soon as I started to consider speed-reading through, I would come to a good part that induced me to keep reading. This one did not have too many scenes of rollicking humor of most of the previous books, but in fairness the stakes were too high. Although the action scenes were masterfully done, they were a bit long. Also I was very confused by the race across the Sands of Dee to take the treasure to the barge. Yet when they got back, the treasure was still on land in the caravans. I was like… Huh?! Apparently they only took half of it. I was not clear about this and I don’t think it was my fault. Some of the quieter scenes with Fiona and Roly did not hold my interest as much as some of the previous love stories. There was never any conflict between the two. Fiona worshipped the ground he walked on from the very beginning, and Roly was always respectful and fond of her. Conflict is a great source of humor, suspense, witty banter, and satisfying Ah Ha! Moments. One more quibble: During and after his recovery, Roly was a little too much of an angel. I could have done with a few signs of his former roguery. My goodness, he seemed to cry quite a bit! I am uncomfortable pitying my heroes.
Some Highlights:
Roly’s discovery and actions concerning William Bond and the list.
Thad Briley’s major role and his happy ending. Same with Robert MacTavish.
The scene at home in Wales with Rosamunde, Robert and company.
The referrals and reappearances of many, if not all, of our favorite characters from previous books.
Even Mariner Fotheringay! Kit and Leone Aynsworth!
The fact that Freemon Torrey mended his ways but did not turn into a hero. When I first started re-reading I thought I remembered him being an annoying jerk throughout and even involved in
Roland’s torture. Glad I was wrong.
I was moved to tears several times during Roly’s recovery at Dominer.
When and how Muffin learns the whole truth about his son. Although really, he should not have been so blind to evil Dudley’s treatment of his grandson.
The wedding scene and the descriptions of Roly’s white velvet suit trimmed in black and his diamond studded eyepatch. Ka-ching! One of the reasons I liked this description is that it showed Roly had regained some of his old dash and personality even though he was fully converted from villain to hero.
Regardless of some weak areas, as always, PV’s mastery of her characters, fights and action scenes, plotting, and how she weaves it all together throughout the series just fills me with awe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2012
The only reason this book is not a five star is the fact that I didn't like the girl. She doesn't go with Roland at all. Other than that though, a great read. I really enjoyed it. Roland Otton (or Matheison) is a very interesting character: an amazingly gorgeous (epitome of tall, dark, and handsome)cutthroat bounty hunter after the Jacobite Treasure. One thing I love about this guy is the fact that he makes no bones about the fact that he is a villain. He admits it. Explanation below:
*POSSIBLE SPOILERS* (skip if you haven't read the series up to this point and want to. I highly suggest that you do. This story will make a whole lot more sense if you read the others first. If you don't want to, you can read this and it will give you some insight into this complicated character.)
Book 1. Practice to Decieve: A literally DROP-DEAD gorgeous Captain Roland Otton helps torture and hunt the hero of the story to gain access to the treasure and makes unwelcome advances on the girl. Despicable.
Book 2. Journey to Enchantment: Still after the treasure and remains despicable except for the fact that he didn't rat out the hero and shows a love for his horse, Rumplestilskin.
Book 3. The Tyrant: Shows up as a close friend to the hero. Say WHAT?! It makes a little bit more sense that he starts to rat out said friend, but continues to astonish when he helps him near the end. (Interesting tidbit: During this book, we get the quote from which the name of Otton's book comes from. The hero of this story is trying to save the girl and asks Otton what he should do. He replies,
"I know what I'd do in the matter, but I'm a dedicated villain."
Book 4. Love Alters Not: Further surprise comes when he helps the girl near the end and makes the promise not to turn in Jacobites. (The only thing you can trust about him is the fact that he always keeps his given word.)
Book 5. Cherished Enemy: Still on the hunt for the treasure, but doesn't rat out the hero and heroine when he has the chance due to promise.
*POSSIBLE SPOILERS* (skip if you haven't read the series up to this point and want to. I highly suggest that you do. This story will make a whole lot more sense if you read the others first. If you don't want to, you can read this and it will give you some insight into this complicated character.)
Book 1. Practice to Decieve: A literally DROP-DEAD gorgeous Captain Roland Otton helps torture and hunt the hero of the story to gain access to the treasure and makes unwelcome advances on the girl. Despicable.
Book 2. Journey to Enchantment: Still after the treasure and remains despicable except for the fact that he didn't rat out the hero and shows a love for his horse, Rumplestilskin.
Book 3. The Tyrant: Shows up as a close friend to the hero. Say WHAT?! It makes a little bit more sense that he starts to rat out said friend, but continues to astonish when he helps him near the end. (Interesting tidbit: During this book, we get the quote from which the name of Otton's book comes from. The hero of this story is trying to save the girl and asks Otton what he should do. He replies,
"I know what I'd do in the matter, but I'm a dedicated villain."
Book 4. Love Alters Not: Further surprise comes when he helps the girl near the end and makes the promise not to turn in Jacobites. (The only thing you can trust about him is the fact that he always keeps his given word.)
Book 5. Cherished Enemy: Still on the hunt for the treasure, but doesn't rat out the hero and heroine when he has the chance due to promise.
August 31, 2020
This is a lesson for all new authors on how the redemption of a villain should be properly handled. No glossing over his past transgressions nor everyone from the past books welcoming him to the group without any reservation. He has to earn it. And how Roland suffered. Which more than anything else gets the readers' as well as the other characters' sympathy. And finally we get to know his past...especially his family. And Fiona. I don't know why her grandmother,father and everyone else underestimate her. For all that she has a soft heart, she's a good judge of character and plucky to the bone. She has faith in Roland and is his polar star. Her Grandmother should be taken out and shot for trying to put her down. "Oh Roland is too handsome for a plain little thing like you. Now if it was my other beautiful grand daughter..." Fortunately Fiona stands strong and Roland is too much of a scoundrel to give up what he wanted. And Roland's horse Rumplesteltskin steals your heart. That little epilogue at the end must be the most unusual ending in a romance novel. Patricia Veryan's books always stands special because there's the right mix of swashbuckling with the romance. Very true to the period.
June 24, 2010
I almost gave this book four stars because it is about the villian from all the other books and how can you possibly like the bad guy? But alas, I finished the book and feel so happy with the ending. Someone said before that this book stands alone as a love story but I would highly recommend reading the other five first. I'm one who likes the whole story and this book refers quite a bit to other characters from the other books. I already know I'll be reading this series a second time now that I know how things end.
September 1, 2017
I read this a long time ago when I was going through a Patricia Veryan phase. 4* for Roland. He's one of my favourite villains of all time. Boy does he suffer at the end, Patricia Veryan is a master at making her poor heros go through the wringer. Unfortunately Fiona felt a little flat for me, I could never really see her as Roland's life partner. But he ended up happy and that's all that mattered to me! Strictly speaking you could read this as a standalone but it's better to read the series. The characters have popped up in the others and it gives you a bit of depth to the story.
June 11, 2008
This is the final book in the Golden Chronicle Series. The main character has been a dedicated villain throughout the previous five books. How fun to finally understand why he thinks he is so bad and behaves as he does. He turns out to be the most heroic of all the main characters involved in the series, and his love story one of my favorite.
October 2, 2022
It is my opinion that the author wrote this whole series around Roland. Her aim was to introduce a very unappealing young man and gradually through these books redeem him and reward him. If in fact, that was her objective, she succeeded.
December 30, 2025
I liked this a lot more than I thought I would from the description and the beginning. Fun plot, great drama, even some decent characterization which is not Veryan's strong suit. Not sure that it's one I'll read over and over, but I did enjoy it a lot!
February 11, 2018
One of my favorites!
December 11, 2023
Maybe deserves a better rating. But don't remember it at all. OTOH I kept it.
December 13, 2024
I always love a redemption story, this book caused so many smiles and tears
August 21, 2020
This is a reread of one of an old series of books my sister and I enjoyed 30 years ago, before she died of breast cancer at age 37. Rereading it brought back many memories of her, and memories of how much fun it was to just sit down and read for pleasure, to escape the real world and for a few hours a day to enter into an 18th century romance. To me, Patricia Veryan's books are right up there with The Three Musketeers and the Legend of Robin Hood. I really love this author's writing style, the meticulous way she builds the characters in the series to this climatic tale where the villain throughout the previous books turns out to be the hero in this one. I like her writing so much that I can overlook the preposterous coincidences--really that's the only criticism I have. Now, I have to work on losing the southern drawling British accent I've gained and a tendency to use terms such as "hoist with his own petard." Thanks for the well-timed diversion, Patricia Veryan.
June 7, 2013
I did not love this book. The beginning was promising, but I had a hard time reconciling the relationship between Roland and Fiona. It was also tedious throughout parts. I ended skimming through quite a bit to get to the more adventurous parts. The ending had a Jane Eyre-esque flare that I did like. On the whole, though, I was not overly impressed.
October 8, 2010
I thought this was a great end to the series. Roly has tried to play the villain through each book, but in the end he finds himself playing the hero and losing his heart even though he may lose his life.
There is one part that borders too much sexual content, but in all a clean read.
There is one part that borders too much sexual content, but in all a clean read.
April 24, 2011
Solidly enjoyable conclusion to Patricia Veryan's Golden Chronicles, a romance/adventure series. It's been so many years since I last read this book that I could plunge into the story again with true enjoyment.
September 12, 2014
This was more a 3,5 star read.
I do love how Roland develops from villain to hero. And I did like Fiona.
But I wished for more for Roland's story - he was so often a character in the other books in the series, and so this came as a bit of a disappointment.
I do love how Roland develops from villain to hero. And I did like Fiona.
But I wished for more for Roland's story - he was so often a character in the other books in the series, and so this came as a bit of a disappointment.
Read
April 2, 2010The Dedicated Villian (The Golden Chronicles, Book 6) by Patricia Veryan (1990)
December 27, 2021
The equivalent of cotton candy and I love it.
Read
January 2, 2016I enjoy most of Ms Veryan's books. They provide good character development, a strong plot and historical accuracy.
May 27, 2016
Mostly skimmed. Appears worth re-reading all the way through.
March 30, 2017
Uno scrittore, certo, ha diritto di vita e di morte sui suoi personaggi; ma, una volta che li ha creati e lasciati vivere fino a dotarli di una loro personalità, deve, credo, in qualche misura rispettarli. Ad esempio, la Lucia dei 'Promessi Sposi' non avrebbe mai potuto intrecciare una 'liaison' con l'Innominato, per quanto questo imprevisto sviluppo avrebbe reso molto più gradevoli le ore di studio di molte adolescenti.
Allo stesso modo ('si licet…'), nell'ultimo racconto della serie 'The Golden Chronicles', la nostra Autrice avrebbe fatto molto meglio a non infierire sul bellissimo, sfuggente, cinico mascalzone che vi svolgeva una parte non sempre marginale. E se si segue con un certo divertimento la sua degradazione a Capitan Fracassa in una falsa troupe di saltimbanchi, si rimane del tutto sconcertati quando la storia prende inaspettatamente una piega 'pulp' e il 'villain' diventa un eroe da romanzo d'appendice, affrontando, per la salvezza dell'amata, torture e addirittura menomazioni fisiche.
You made a true mess of it, dear Mrs. Veryan.
Allo stesso modo ('si licet…'), nell'ultimo racconto della serie 'The Golden Chronicles', la nostra Autrice avrebbe fatto molto meglio a non infierire sul bellissimo, sfuggente, cinico mascalzone che vi svolgeva una parte non sempre marginale. E se si segue con un certo divertimento la sua degradazione a Capitan Fracassa in una falsa troupe di saltimbanchi, si rimane del tutto sconcertati quando la storia prende inaspettatamente una piega 'pulp' e il 'villain' diventa un eroe da romanzo d'appendice, affrontando, per la salvezza dell'amata, torture e addirittura menomazioni fisiche.
You made a true mess of it, dear Mrs. Veryan.
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