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Child of the Phoenix
In 1218 an extraordinary princess is born, whose mystical powers and unquenchable spirit will alter the course of history... Raised by her fiercely Welsh nurse to support the Celtic cause against the predatory English king, Princess Eleyne is taught to worship the old gods, to look into the future and sometimes the past. However, unable to identify time and place in her terrifying visions, she is powerless to avert forthcoming tragedy... Remarkable events follow Eleyne all her life as, despite impassioned resistance, her world s shaped by powerful men. But her tempestuous life and loves tie her to the destinies of England, Scotland and Wales...
1086 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
141 people are currently reading
1785 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Erskine
54 books1,278 followersAn historian by training, Barbara Erskine is the author of six bestselling novels that demonstrate her interest in both history and the supernatural, plus two collections of short stories. Her books have appeared in at least twenty different languages. She lives with her family in an ancient manor house near Colchester, and in a cottage near Hay-on-Wye.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
March 30, 2012
One of Erskine's best that I've read -- when she gets it right, she's GOOD!!!! The strength of this book for me, besides a page-turning, compelling plot, was that she set it entirely in the 13th century, (rather than a time-slip story as some of her other novels are) and nobody can recreate the past like Erskine. She can weave a magical spell and tell a tale of the old gods and ancient beliefs and blend it with bits and pieces of history that makes you feel as if you've been transported to another time and place. A hefty novel, but it moves quickly and is a rich and rewarding read. Highly recommended!
August 20, 2008
Awesome piece of Fiction! And fiction it is, based upon historical characters and NOT historical fiction. The main character, Elyne, is (according to the author's notes at the end) a composite of two characters, one of them being Ellen, the daughter of Llewellyn the Great and Joanna. I admit to being a bit put off at the first part of the book at the characterizations of some of the Welsh court, particularly Joanna. Having read SKP's Here Be Dragons, and having adored Joanna and Llewlleyn and their great love, I admit to grumbling abit at having Joanna being portrayed as such a sanctimonious biddy. Then I realized this was strictly a piece of fiction and I kicked back and thoroughly enjoyed the story. Lots of truly evil villains, two timing false tongued kings, some wonderful heros and a spooky ghost or two. What more can you ask for in a book?
Apparently some of the reviewers were put off by the size of the book. It went very quickly for me, but then I'm the type that doesn't like to read any book under 500 pages if I can help it. As a side note, Erskin's books are not readily available in the US, except by special order and thus paying freight. I was in Vancouver, BC recently and found two of her books on the shelf at a major bookstore in downtown Vancouver on Robson street. If you're in Canada it's worth checking out.
Apparently some of the reviewers were put off by the size of the book. It went very quickly for me, but then I'm the type that doesn't like to read any book under 500 pages if I can help it. As a side note, Erskin's books are not readily available in the US, except by special order and thus paying freight. I was in Vancouver, BC recently and found two of her books on the shelf at a major bookstore in downtown Vancouver on Robson street. If you're in Canada it's worth checking out.
December 3, 2010
Initially, 'Child of the Phoenix' was a fairly solid example of the historical fiction genre. It’s a bit cliched (can we say beautiful and willful heroine?) and nothing spectacular, but the story races along quite well and I found it an engaging and quick read despite its size. Characterisation is patchy and inconsistent: Eleyne is described throughout as an independent, opinionated, fiery woman and yet she submits without question when her first husband beats her to punish her for her actions, then has willing sex with him and snuggles up to him for comfort, which is utterly unbelieveable. I would have expected, shock, anger and hurt, not the strange meekness which Erskine suddenly gives her. I could live with that though, as most of the enjoyment of historical novels for me is in the plot rather than the characters.
Halfway through, however, the book runs into major problems. The story goes round and round in circles as similar events happened repeatedly with seemingly no attempt to differentiate between them. Then the paranormal romance strikes! Now, I have nothing against a bit of magic in books, particularly the occasional use of the Sight or references to the old gods which seems to be ubiquitous in any historical novel with an even vaguely celtic setting, but this combination of strange visions and a ghostly love triangle was far too much for my tastes.
Erskine explains in her afterward that very little is known about her central character. In fact, she may even be two entirely different people that Erskine has erroneously combined, historical records are that vague and incomplete. To me, the paranormal subplot which quickly takes over is a lazy way of attempting to inject excitement into the times when very little was happening in Eleyne’s life without having to develop the story and characters in a more difficult way without such instant appeal. The paranormal occurrences are noticeably absent at times when important and interesting historical events are occurring, and so they really do just seem like a way to fill in the gaps without trying.
Ultimately, I would have preferred this book if Erskine had avoided the problem of long periods when nothing happened by making the book much shorter. There are plenty of examples of time being skipped over, just indicated by a dated heading, and so, at over 1,000 pages, I feel that she could have trimmed a lot of fat from this book and made it a much tighter read, without the need for a silly ghostly lover.
Halfway through, however, the book runs into major problems. The story goes round and round in circles as similar events happened repeatedly with seemingly no attempt to differentiate between them. Then the paranormal romance strikes! Now, I have nothing against a bit of magic in books, particularly the occasional use of the Sight or references to the old gods which seems to be ubiquitous in any historical novel with an even vaguely celtic setting, but this combination of strange visions and a ghostly love triangle was far too much for my tastes.
Erskine explains in her afterward that very little is known about her central character. In fact, she may even be two entirely different people that Erskine has erroneously combined, historical records are that vague and incomplete. To me, the paranormal subplot which quickly takes over is a lazy way of attempting to inject excitement into the times when very little was happening in Eleyne’s life without having to develop the story and characters in a more difficult way without such instant appeal. The paranormal occurrences are noticeably absent at times when important and interesting historical events are occurring, and so they really do just seem like a way to fill in the gaps without trying.
Ultimately, I would have preferred this book if Erskine had avoided the problem of long periods when nothing happened by making the book much shorter. There are plenty of examples of time being skipped over, just indicated by a dated heading, and so, at over 1,000 pages, I feel that she could have trimmed a lot of fat from this book and made it a much tighter read, without the need for a silly ghostly lover.
August 6, 2016
This would perhaps be one of my favorite novels ever, recommended by a friend I wasn't sure I would love it- but it was amazing!
The description the author uses is easy to relate to and as a reader makes it easy to live within the story and imagine what it was like to live in that era.
The authors description of places was beautiful and brief also (the reader doesn't get bored) plus I personally loved the detail the author used with the outfits and the minor details of embroidery and color vs textile - every female loves that.
A lot of drama I must admit but I loved it.
A few of the chapters were a bit disturbing (E's marriage to de Quincy) and Rhonwen was quiet annoying and disturbing but it is what kept the novel moving and very interesting.
The description the author uses is easy to relate to and as a reader makes it easy to live within the story and imagine what it was like to live in that era.
The authors description of places was beautiful and brief also (the reader doesn't get bored) plus I personally loved the detail the author used with the outfits and the minor details of embroidery and color vs textile - every female loves that.
A lot of drama I must admit but I loved it.
A few of the chapters were a bit disturbing (E's marriage to de Quincy) and Rhonwen was quiet annoying and disturbing but it is what kept the novel moving and very interesting.
October 4, 2014
Barbara Erskine’s ancestress, The Child of the Phoenix, is Eleyne of Mar, daughter of Prince Lewellyn and King John’s illegitimate daughter, Joanna.
In this epic novel of requited and unrequited love, happy and unhappy marriage, the author uses a blend of fact, fiction and fantasy to create Eleyne, the Welsh princess gifted with second sight. The love of her life is Alexander II of Scotland whose love for her transcends the grave.
I believe in reincarnation but I found the concept of sexual encounters between flesh and blood Eleyne and Alexander’s ghost unbelievable. Neverthelss, overall, it did not spoil my enjoyment of the tale of Eleyne’s trials and tribullations, murder and her relationships with each of her four husbands and her lover, the king, during his lifetime.
The first lines of the novel gripped me and compelled me to read on. “The full moon sailed high and cold above the streaming clouds, aloof from the rising tide and the white whipped waves. At the door of the hall a woman stared out across the water towards the glittering snows which mantled the peaks of Yr Wyddfa. Near her a man stood waiting in the shadows, silent, still, his hands clasped on his staff. Einion Gweledydd was tall, white-haired austere in his patience. Soon the child would be born: the child whose destiny he had foretold: the child whose hands would hold three crowns: the child he would claim for the ancient gods of Albion.”
Fascinated I raced through the book and, when I reached the last pages read until midnight (much too late) to find out how the tale would end.
Barbara Erskine’s ancestress, The Child of the Phoenix, is Eleyne of Mar, daughter of Prince Lewellyn and King John’s illegitimate daughter, Joanna.
In this epic novel of requited and unrequited love, happy and unhappy marriage, the author uses a blend of fact, fiction and fantasy to create Eleyne, the Welsh princess gifted with second sight. The love of her life is Alexander II of Scotland whose love for her transcends the grave.
I believe in reincarnation but I found the concept of sexual encounters between flesh and blood Eleyne and Alexander’s ghost unbelievable. Neverthelss, overall, it did not spoil my enjoyment of the tale of Eleyne’s trials and tribulations, murder and her relationships with each of her four husbands and her lover, the king, during his lifetime.
The first lines of the novel gripped me and compelled me to read on. “The full moon sailed high and cold above the streaming clouds, aloof from the rising tide and the white whipped waves. At the door of the hall a woman stared out across the water towards the glittering snows which mantled the peaks of Yr Wyddfa. Near her a man stood waiting in the shadows, silent, still, his hands clasped on his staff. Einion Gweledydd was tall, white-haired austere in his patience. Soon the child would be born: the child whose destiny he had foretold: the child whose hands would hold three crowns: the child he would claim for the ancient gods of Albion.”
Fascinated I raced through the book and, when I reached the last pages read until midnight (much too late) to find out how the tale would end.
April 17, 2009
Finishing Child of the Phoenix meant that I have now read all of Barbara Erskine's novels (even if I was too chicken to finish Hiding from the Light). If you track her literary style during her career as a published author, there are definant similarities between all her novels. She writes about head-strong women and their interactions with the paranormal. Many of these books are ghost stories of sorts.
However, Child of the Phoenix is different in that it is the only one of Barbara Erskine's novels that is only set in one time period. It's a historical saga with that distinct Erskine flavour that makes it so special.
This book tracks Eleyne through the course of her life and as a modern woman, it served as a reminder of the adversity my own decendants have faced to achieve female equality. The things that Eleyne endures in her marriages are just horrific and she does fight back sometimes but the reality is that if she fought against every wrong committed against her, her life would've known no moments of peace. Whilst she is a forward-thinking, spirited woman for her time, she does pick her battles wisely. Which means that some of the characters get away with doing things to her that they would be jailed for today. Eleyne knew happiness but she by no means had a happy life.
This book really is such an epic. So if you're going to read it, devote a good two weeks to immersing yourself in the pages. I would certainly recommend it to anyone who likes Sharon Kay Pennman.
However, Child of the Phoenix is different in that it is the only one of Barbara Erskine's novels that is only set in one time period. It's a historical saga with that distinct Erskine flavour that makes it so special.
This book tracks Eleyne through the course of her life and as a modern woman, it served as a reminder of the adversity my own decendants have faced to achieve female equality. The things that Eleyne endures in her marriages are just horrific and she does fight back sometimes but the reality is that if she fought against every wrong committed against her, her life would've known no moments of peace. Whilst she is a forward-thinking, spirited woman for her time, she does pick her battles wisely. Which means that some of the characters get away with doing things to her that they would be jailed for today. Eleyne knew happiness but she by no means had a happy life.
This book really is such an epic. So if you're going to read it, devote a good two weeks to immersing yourself in the pages. I would certainly recommend it to anyone who likes Sharon Kay Pennman.
March 16, 2015
There were aspects of this book that I loved, but equally, there were parts that I found grating, frustrated and in some parts tired.
Growing up, I remember my mother always loved Barbara Erskine, and she had always told me to try her novels. Lady of Hay, her most famous was the most obvious choice, but I've never been a big fan of time travel/or split time novels, so I thought I would try Child of the Phoenix, a straight historical fiction, especially as I had recently finished Sharon Kay Penman's 'Here Be Dragons' which also features Llewellyn the Great and Joan, so I thought a novel about their daughter would be fascinating. I appreciated the historical note at the end of this novel, where Erskine explains that the character of Eleyne was a composite of different historical figures, so some inaccuracies/stretches of the imagination with the timeline I can forgive.
For the most part, the writing was well done, descriptive, but not too much so. Each character has understandable virtues and flaws and were not just binary villains and heroes, and yet, in some places, I found some characters unnecessarily frustrating- particularly Rhonwen, and Eleyne when it comes to her blindness to Rhonwens faults. I can understand giving a character depth by having flawed reasoning, but at points I think it was just too repetitive- the characters weren't learning from their mistakes to the point where their blindness was borderline unbelievable.
The treatment of events, was well done, and the relationships between most characters was believable, but like with a large number of historical fiction, there was a large focus on witchcraft. Now this is not necessarily a problem, and given the Celtic elements of this novel, I can understand the inclusion, but you could barely go five pages before there was a reference to ghosts, magic, special poisons, conjuring visions, etc. Sometimes it was interesting, sometimes, it would have been better if the history had been allowed to speak for itself.
I gave it three stars because it is mostly well written and quite enjoyable, but sometimes the reliance on magical elements (in what is a historical and not a fantasy novel) and the frustrating actions of the characters just took away from it too much. I'd still receommend it though as it's a fun novel to get involved with, but if magic isn't your thing- maybe give it a miss!
Growing up, I remember my mother always loved Barbara Erskine, and she had always told me to try her novels. Lady of Hay, her most famous was the most obvious choice, but I've never been a big fan of time travel/or split time novels, so I thought I would try Child of the Phoenix, a straight historical fiction, especially as I had recently finished Sharon Kay Penman's 'Here Be Dragons' which also features Llewellyn the Great and Joan, so I thought a novel about their daughter would be fascinating. I appreciated the historical note at the end of this novel, where Erskine explains that the character of Eleyne was a composite of different historical figures, so some inaccuracies/stretches of the imagination with the timeline I can forgive.
For the most part, the writing was well done, descriptive, but not too much so. Each character has understandable virtues and flaws and were not just binary villains and heroes, and yet, in some places, I found some characters unnecessarily frustrating- particularly Rhonwen, and Eleyne when it comes to her blindness to Rhonwens faults. I can understand giving a character depth by having flawed reasoning, but at points I think it was just too repetitive- the characters weren't learning from their mistakes to the point where their blindness was borderline unbelievable.
The treatment of events, was well done, and the relationships between most characters was believable, but like with a large number of historical fiction, there was a large focus on witchcraft. Now this is not necessarily a problem, and given the Celtic elements of this novel, I can understand the inclusion, but you could barely go five pages before there was a reference to ghosts, magic, special poisons, conjuring visions, etc. Sometimes it was interesting, sometimes, it would have been better if the history had been allowed to speak for itself.
I gave it three stars because it is mostly well written and quite enjoyable, but sometimes the reliance on magical elements (in what is a historical and not a fantasy novel) and the frustrating actions of the characters just took away from it too much. I'd still receommend it though as it's a fun novel to get involved with, but if magic isn't your thing- maybe give it a miss!
April 20, 2013
Took me some time to read as I felt it was very involved but it's an excellent story
July 2, 2018
A tale of love, loss and anguish
Prepare yourself for a long haul when reading ‘Child of the Phoenix’. Just short of 1100 pages, you are probably going to be reading this for quite a while. But the reward is a rich, intriguing story that draws you in and leaves you sharing the protagonist’s love, loss and anguish.
The novel follows Eleyne throughout her lifetime, and it is a pretty eventful life at that. Fiery, rebellious and strong-willed, you can’t help but support Eleyne through all her campaigns - from a young girl against her parents to those helping defend Scotland. But the tragedy that follows her throughout her life is heart-breaking and I just desperately wanted her to have a chance for happiness in her life. Every time it seemed that things were going Eleyne’s way at last, fate comes along and destroys it with a vengeance! You definitely feel sorry for her and simply, just want to give her a big hug.
Erskine writes cracking historical novels and this is no exception. I have read many of her novels and they always deliver with the depth of plot and enigmatic characters. Based on fact, you get the sense of how much research was carried out to create such a developed storyline. But don’t let that put you off, whilst it is based on historical fact, it is not a dense read and it was easy to have the chapters slipping away as I became engrossed in the novel. It was only in the last 100 pages that I found the plot less gripping; I'm not sure if this was because I knew I was close to completion or that the plot, like Eleyne's old age, had started to slow.
Whilst I wouldn’t necessarily start with ‘Child of the Phoenix ‘ if you are new to Erskine’s writing, (despite giving this a 5 star rating, I think there are even better ones that Erskine has written), if historical novels with romance and tragedy are of interest, then you can’t afford to miss this one in your reading lifetime. True, the vast number of characters can be confusing, but there is a very helpful family tree at the beginning of the novel, so definitely use this as a reference guide. Don’t be put off by the length and topic, you won’t be disappointed.
Prepare yourself for a long haul when reading ‘Child of the Phoenix’. Just short of 1100 pages, you are probably going to be reading this for quite a while. But the reward is a rich, intriguing story that draws you in and leaves you sharing the protagonist’s love, loss and anguish.
The novel follows Eleyne throughout her lifetime, and it is a pretty eventful life at that. Fiery, rebellious and strong-willed, you can’t help but support Eleyne through all her campaigns - from a young girl against her parents to those helping defend Scotland. But the tragedy that follows her throughout her life is heart-breaking and I just desperately wanted her to have a chance for happiness in her life. Every time it seemed that things were going Eleyne’s way at last, fate comes along and destroys it with a vengeance! You definitely feel sorry for her and simply, just want to give her a big hug.
Erskine writes cracking historical novels and this is no exception. I have read many of her novels and they always deliver with the depth of plot and enigmatic characters. Based on fact, you get the sense of how much research was carried out to create such a developed storyline. But don’t let that put you off, whilst it is based on historical fact, it is not a dense read and it was easy to have the chapters slipping away as I became engrossed in the novel. It was only in the last 100 pages that I found the plot less gripping; I'm not sure if this was because I knew I was close to completion or that the plot, like Eleyne's old age, had started to slow.
Whilst I wouldn’t necessarily start with ‘Child of the Phoenix ‘ if you are new to Erskine’s writing, (despite giving this a 5 star rating, I think there are even better ones that Erskine has written), if historical novels with romance and tragedy are of interest, then you can’t afford to miss this one in your reading lifetime. True, the vast number of characters can be confusing, but there is a very helpful family tree at the beginning of the novel, so definitely use this as a reference guide. Don’t be put off by the length and topic, you won’t be disappointed.
November 27, 2012
My mum owns both Lady of Hay and Kingdom of Shadows and last year she showed them to me properly and said they were books she had really loved when she was younger (and of course still loves them) and she thought I would like them, which I did. Since then I've been looking in libraries in suburbs surrounding me and I've found most of the books Barbara Erskine has written. Child of the Phoenix was the first I read out of two I borrowed and I'm glad I did because I got to revisit characters from both the aforementioned books, who had really resonated with me, even though sometimes they annoyed me. Here was Eleyne, another female herione whose (fictional) attitude was at odds with the time as she didn't see why she should be at the beck and call of any man. I think this makes it a lot easier for the reader to identify with this character because we can almost imagine her as a modern woman of today. However, terrible things happened to Eleyne which are not acceptable today, this is one of the stark contrasts in this book as compared to our own lives, and it seemed the general opinion of harsh punishment in that time was that it was accepted without question by most. It serves as an example of how far we have come since the time the book was set, but how not a lot has changed because there will always be someone trying to control someone else. Another reader's review also made the point that if Eleyne had not chosen her battles, she would never have had a moment of peace, which makes me sad even though she's partly a fictional character, but I know it's how it would have been for most women throughout history, so at least their stories are being told.
Also, loved the book and was sad when I finished it!
Also, loved the book and was sad when I finished it!
June 21, 2021
This is one of my absolute favorite books! It's a sweeping saga that takes you from Wales, to England to Scotland. Set in the 13th century with Christianity and Druidism as backdrops to the political dealings between all three countries centered around Eleyne, a girl/woman of noble birth and whose destiny is linked to three crowns. Birth, life, death, fire, prophecy and psychic abilities are all connected in a story that is a page turner you are unable to put down. I've read and reread this book numerous times throughout the years. Absolutely love it!
June 8, 2013
Slightly different from my other two favourite books of hers - Child Of The Phoenix is based around Eleyne and whilst not historical accurate meaning the Ellen who was the grandmother of the Royal House of Stewarts was probably not the Eleyne in the book having been born about 15yrs too late its a great read....
May 8, 2015
Easy and very interesting reading. I have all Barbara's novels over the years, but I read this one again for the third time on Kindle. Both this one and 'The Lady of Hay' are my two favourites of them all.
June 18, 2013
if u are seeking adventure, romance and magic or say miracle then its for you.. it will take you back in time, the castles, the wild nights behind the curtains and the controversies surrounding kingdoms...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2017
Really enjoyed, however the ending was in my opinion very rushed.
December 4, 2017
Minu mõtted on kirjas siin
April 13, 2018
Minu arvamuse leiab blogist https://triinuraamatud.wordpress.com/...
April 21, 2025
I'm obsessed by this book, it's so captivating! I didn't want to stop reading until the end because Eleyne's story was unputdownable.
It tells the story of a Welsh princess from the start of her life as the daughter of Llywelyn of Gwynedd to the end as a grandmother to an almost Queen. Spanning 80 years, it's a turbulent tale with 4 marriages, 2 great loves and many children. It's definitely a rollercoaster!
I'm a sucker for stories set in Plantagenet England and this book didn't disappoint. Our main character, Eleyne, is fascinating and armed with an old kind of magic from Welsh folklore. She has the gift of the Sight, almost like Cassandra of Troy, but it's not necessarily accurate. The cast of characters and the scene setting was for the most part excellent.
The only thing that stops this being a 5 star read is that at times I found it dragging. It's quite a bloated novel and could have been edited down to be shorter.
But, I enjoyed it nonetheless!
It tells the story of a Welsh princess from the start of her life as the daughter of Llywelyn of Gwynedd to the end as a grandmother to an almost Queen. Spanning 80 years, it's a turbulent tale with 4 marriages, 2 great loves and many children. It's definitely a rollercoaster!
I'm a sucker for stories set in Plantagenet England and this book didn't disappoint. Our main character, Eleyne, is fascinating and armed with an old kind of magic from Welsh folklore. She has the gift of the Sight, almost like Cassandra of Troy, but it's not necessarily accurate. The cast of characters and the scene setting was for the most part excellent.
The only thing that stops this being a 5 star read is that at times I found it dragging. It's quite a bloated novel and could have been edited down to be shorter.
But, I enjoyed it nonetheless!
October 13, 2015
Overall this book was great, I would have given it 5 stars if not for that part near the end
Some of the characters where a little bit flat, it's probably because I read Here be Dragons by Sharon Kay Penman which honestly probably no one can top but I already had a picture in my mind how Llywelyn, Joan, Dafydd and Gruffydd would be like. In here be dragons they truly came to life, sometimes you hated them but you understood why they did what they did and most importantly you could relate to them. In Child of the Phoenix they where a little one-dimensional. Maybe it's because Eleyne was truly 'the Welsh child' but Dafydd didn't really get away favorably here and for the most part neither did Joan. With a little bit more character development it could have given this novel the extra spark which would pushed it in the league of the wonderfull mrs Penman.
It's seems that I only ever mention the bad parts about a book but it shouldn't stop anyone from reading the story. Overall this was just a great book, set during a very interesting time in history and I can't wait to begin with Kingdom of Shadows which will tell the story of Eleyne's grandchild.
Some of the characters where a little bit flat, it's probably because I read Here be Dragons by Sharon Kay Penman which honestly probably no one can top but I already had a picture in my mind how Llywelyn, Joan, Dafydd and Gruffydd would be like. In here be dragons they truly came to life, sometimes you hated them but you understood why they did what they did and most importantly you could relate to them. In Child of the Phoenix they where a little one-dimensional. Maybe it's because Eleyne was truly 'the Welsh child' but Dafydd didn't really get away favorably here and for the most part neither did Joan. With a little bit more character development it could have given this novel the extra spark which would pushed it in the league of the wonderfull mrs Penman.
It's seems that I only ever mention the bad parts about a book but it shouldn't stop anyone from reading the story. Overall this was just a great book, set during a very interesting time in history and I can't wait to begin with Kingdom of Shadows which will tell the story of Eleyne's grandchild.
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May 14, 2013Alright, so you should know that I have currently stopped at page 282. Why you ask? I just realized that I am basically reading a soap opera!
Now, don't get me wrong! But seriously, this.. Just... Yeah. I can't go on much longer! Now, I have read longer and bigger books but the thing is that this story is just making me laugh at its ridiculousness!
I seriously feel like If Someone turned this into a TV series then it would be very popular! This just has so many turns and betrayals that I just want to strangle some of these characters! I suppose that I should credit the writer for bringing these emotions. But like some of the reviewers before me, the main character just acts completely out of character sometimes! Okay, so the Main Character gets beaten and instead of being angry, sullen, or depressed, she just willingly has sex with him and snuggles up with him like he didn't hit her with his belt a few nights ago! Jeez!
If your wondering where I stopped and why it was when Eleyne's husband dies and we find out Eleyne's indirectly poisoned him! I barely got passed the part where people Isabel laughed at her Ex friends beating! It's absurdly ridiculous! Now, maybe I am just letting outside activities get the best of me, but I just can't go on right now!
To be honest, I just need to get these thoughts down, haha.
Now, don't get me wrong! But seriously, this.. Just... Yeah. I can't go on much longer! Now, I have read longer and bigger books but the thing is that this story is just making me laugh at its ridiculousness!
I seriously feel like If Someone turned this into a TV series then it would be very popular! This just has so many turns and betrayals that I just want to strangle some of these characters! I suppose that I should credit the writer for bringing these emotions. But like some of the reviewers before me, the main character just acts completely out of character sometimes! Okay, so the Main Character gets beaten and instead of being angry, sullen, or depressed, she just willingly has sex with him and snuggles up with him like he didn't hit her with his belt a few nights ago! Jeez!
If your wondering where I stopped and why it was when Eleyne's husband dies and we find out Eleyne's indirectly poisoned him! I barely got passed the part where people Isabel laughed at her Ex friends beating! It's absurdly ridiculous! Now, maybe I am just letting outside activities get the best of me, but I just can't go on right now!
To be honest, I just need to get these thoughts down, haha.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2016
The story of a Welsh princess Eleyne of Mar who was born in a burning hall and rescued from the flames. Like a phoenix she is touched by destiny from the ancient Gods and druids of of her home country to be the mother of a line of kings. She goes through four husbands, produces around 9 children and lives to an old age. Her character is akin to Eleanor of Aquitaine in that she is tough, but more spiritual and has premonitions of the future and past. Her lineage produces the Scottish Stuart dynasty (e.g. Mary Queen of Scots). William Wallace (aka Braveheart) appears in the background and Robert the Bruce make a cameo appearance.
This book dovetails nicely as a sequel to 'Lady of Hay' which was about Eleyne of Mar's grandmother, Matilda de Braose who built Hay castle in Wales and was imprisoned in later life by King John at Corfe Castle and starved to death. This book is a prequel to 'Kingdom of Shadows' about Isobel Countess of Buchan who is the mistress of Robert the Bruce and crowns him. Isobel is the great granddaughter of Eleyne of Mar.
This book dovetails nicely as a sequel to 'Lady of Hay' which was about Eleyne of Mar's grandmother, Matilda de Braose who built Hay castle in Wales and was imprisoned in later life by King John at Corfe Castle and starved to death. This book is a prequel to 'Kingdom of Shadows' about Isobel Countess of Buchan who is the mistress of Robert the Bruce and crowns him. Isobel is the great granddaughter of Eleyne of Mar.
July 20, 2013
I read "Lady of Hay" years ago and liked it, and recently finished "Kingdom of Shadows." Little did I know this was the middle book of a very loose trilogy. I certainly wish I had read it before "Kingdom" just for historical continuity. "Kingdom" takes up in history where this book ends.
It's the tale of strong woman who survives 5 husbands, nine children, and a lot of intrigue, believing she will give birth to a king.
She's Welsh, four hubbies were Scots, one an Englishman.
This is purely historical fiction, and,ike most of Erskine's books which jump between past and future, it has a good dose of the paranormal.
Frankly I could have done without the prophecies, and all the ghostly wooo-woo. While parts of this book moved quickly, some of it dragged.
I don't often put a book down for a day (almost never) but I did it quick easily here.
It's the tale of strong woman who survives 5 husbands, nine children, and a lot of intrigue, believing she will give birth to a king.
She's Welsh, four hubbies were Scots, one an Englishman.
This is purely historical fiction, and,ike most of Erskine's books which jump between past and future, it has a good dose of the paranormal.
Frankly I could have done without the prophecies, and all the ghostly wooo-woo. While parts of this book moved quickly, some of it dragged.
I don't often put a book down for a day (almost never) but I did it quick easily here.
April 25, 2017
I like her books, great detailed historical novels. Most of them jump back and forth from the present to the past but this keeps to the past only and tells the story of Eleyne who is a daughter of one of the princes of Wales in the 13th century. She marries four times to four very different men and falls in love with a king, a man who won't let her go even after he's dead. She's got a mad woman for a nurse and though she has the Sight, she can't stop things from happening and can't see her own future very well. I read this years ago and liked it a lot. On second reading, it's still good but parts of it seem a bit much (the dead lover's continued presence). Still a good read, and she's based on what may be a real person, according to the author's notes but it's not very historically accurate for the most part.
July 2, 2016
This is a purely historical novel from Erskine, and despite the long and complicated life the heroine goes through it's definitely the best I've read so far.
There is real history here and you can see the results of the actions of this book in the present day just by following the family tree in the book. Be warned that the heroine goes through numerous marriages and love affairs and terrible things happen to her and her children.
But there is a legacy here and that is fascinating. As is the Welsh background and important events and people covered.
My only gripe was Alexander. The obsessive 'love' went on far too long as did the interference of the maidservant character.
There is real history here and you can see the results of the actions of this book in the present day just by following the family tree in the book. Be warned that the heroine goes through numerous marriages and love affairs and terrible things happen to her and her children.
But there is a legacy here and that is fascinating. As is the Welsh background and important events and people covered.
My only gripe was Alexander. The obsessive 'love' went on far too long as did the interference of the maidservant character.
May 30, 2011
I have loved all Barbara Erskine's book. I love the way her characters continues to live book after book even though none of them are a sequel. In this book, you could see what had happened to the characters from the authors first book, and second.
I'm also a great fan of historic novels and this book made me really believe that it all had happened in real life. Some of it has, but not all.
I cried a few times because of the destinies of some of the characters, but that just shows how great the book is.
I'm also a great fan of historic novels and this book made me really believe that it all had happened in real life. Some of it has, but not all.
I cried a few times because of the destinies of some of the characters, but that just shows how great the book is.
April 15, 2019
Nope. I got to the 420ish mark and gave up.
This is more historical romance than fantasy. And it's WAY longer than it needed to. The first 300 pages held my interest but the character Rhonwen was extremely annoying and I wanted her to just go away. The John/Eleyne stuff was good, but once her second husband entered the story it was just super rapey and kind of boring. I didn't really care about what happened to anyone because there was so much back and forth between characters and castles, especially Rhonwen, etc, I just can't be bothered investing for another 600 pages
This is more historical romance than fantasy. And it's WAY longer than it needed to. The first 300 pages held my interest but the character Rhonwen was extremely annoying and I wanted her to just go away. The John/Eleyne stuff was good, but once her second husband entered the story it was just super rapey and kind of boring. I didn't really care about what happened to anyone because there was so much back and forth between characters and castles, especially Rhonwen, etc, I just can't be bothered investing for another 600 pages
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2015
As wonderful as her other book that I've read, Lady of Hay, well researched, a little slow towards the end, but a good book. Has supernatural elements that blend in well with the history. This book is more about the main women characters than about the history, so if you're looking for a Bernard Cornwell, this book isn't for you. If you're looking for a Sharon Kay Penman, this is more the book for you.
March 12, 2017
This book gave me goose bumps...
The names are tough though, long names....I had to visualize short forms of the names.
I loved this book.
I have two more books here by Barbara Erskine that I haven't started to read yet. I had two by her earlier books and I didn't care for them as much as Child of The Phoenix...but I'm still hopeful and will try these other two when I get the time.
The names are tough though, long names....I had to visualize short forms of the names.
I loved this book.
I have two more books here by Barbara Erskine that I haven't started to read yet. I had two by her earlier books and I didn't care for them as much as Child of The Phoenix...but I'm still hopeful and will try these other two when I get the time.
March 20, 2010
I loved this book enough to read it twice. It's pure entertainment which keeps you hooked from beginning to end. Set in the middle ages it is a historical romance with villains and heroes, love and tragedy, loosely based and woven into historical events. If you enjoy it try the Here be Dragons trilogy by Sharron Penman.
January 4, 2009
I would actually give this 4.5 stars if I could. It was impossible to put down once i got into it...pure escapist historical fiction. The only downside is that I had a bit of a hard time keeping track of who everyone was. The book spans several generations and it seems like everyone is named Duncan, Robert or Alexander. The women were a little easier, but still. Overall, I loved it!
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