What do you think?
Rate this book
Legends of Love #3
The Sentinel
Haunted by the memories of a tragic betrayal, Turi has been forced to endure a torturous existence. He is a mercenary warrior, his soul tainted by the sinful distractions of a reclusive life. When at last the promise of redemption beckons, Turi returns to the land of his birth, eager to find the peace that has eluded him for so long. Cristen St. Clair is a fugitive. Alone and defenseless, she is easy prey for men who would do her harm - until an enigmatic warrior comes to her aid. It is a fated meeting. Turi and Cristen each have something to offer – and they each have something to hide. But before their shocking secrets are even brought to light, they are faced with another daunting challenge. The Black Death has already decimated the lands across the narrow sea. It is merciless. Deadly. And it has just arrived on England’s southern shores
232 pages, Paperback
Published July 18, 2017
87 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Avril Borthiry
33 books56 followersUnique tales. Unforgettable characters.
Facebook page: Avril Borthiry, author
Email: avrilborthiry@gmail.com
Facebook page: Avril Borthiry, author
Email: avrilborthiry@gmail.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 23, 2017
What a great read this is. An unusual story and what fabulous characters. There was so many exciting moments as well as romantic ones. Secondary characters were great too. I wouldn't miss this book or series. A wonderful author.
July 12, 2023
Wonderous
Turi took pity on a woman, and then took her to his bed. She betrayed him, causing the deaths of 26 villagers. His punishment should have been death, although he said living with his guilt would be worse, and so he is given temporary immortality, never forgetting the reason. Until he meets Cristen.
This is a beautifully written story, set in ancient Britain at first. Turi's honour shines through, although he thinks little of himself. I really enjoyed it.
Turi took pity on a woman, and then took her to his bed. She betrayed him, causing the deaths of 26 villagers. His punishment should have been death, although he said living with his guilt would be worse, and so he is given temporary immortality, never forgetting the reason. Until he meets Cristen.
This is a beautifully written story, set in ancient Britain at first. Turi's honour shines through, although he thinks little of himself. I really enjoyed it.
December 15, 2017
4.5/5.0
"The Sentinel" is emotionally provocative and intricately detailed.
Read full review in the 2017 December issue of InD'tale Magazine.
"The Sentinel" is emotionally provocative and intricately detailed.
Read full review in the 2017 December issue of InD'tale Magazine.
July 18, 2017
This is one of the best books of 2017, my favorite of the series. As punishment, Turi is destined to roam the Earth for 1300 years. At the end of his sentence, he meets Cristen. Turi obtains a certain peace with her and she with him. They forge a formidable team on a quest and against her evil brother in law. I didn't like Turi's father at the beginning of the book, but he does redeem himself. The writing of book three is superb. The book flows effortlessly and holds you until the last page. THE SENTINEL will be in my To Read Again Collection on my Kindle.
August 1, 2017
Author Avril Borthiry does a marvelous job in creating a very worthwhile and entertaining series. Each book is a stand-alone story and I’ve enjoyed each thoroughly with their touch of magic.
The Sentinel sweeps the reader into the story setting with Welsh mythological terminology. We learn of Turi’s infraction, why he is punished by Pendaran, Head Priest of Ellan Vannin, and what he should expect from the punishment in the year AD 48. The tale picks up again in AD 1348, the purported time The Black Death comes to England, and the time Turi is to revert to being mortal.
In Sentinel, Borthiry's writing style fits perfectly with the hardship, anguish and horror of the times, her descriptions show the reader no mercy. With the ever-present danger, either through pestilence or wicked men, the gods and magic help Cristen and Turi find their happy ever after.
Borthiry delves into a most devastating time on the continent and England. The pestilence, also known as the blue sickness and The Black Death is a fear a person can’t escape, no matter how mighty they are as warriors or pure of heart. Yes, they can run, but can they hide? It marches across the land, finds its new home on the shores of England, spread by flea bites and person to person transmission.
Cristen St. Clair escapes from the accidental death of her husband, fearing the reciprocation of his brother, who’s had his eye on Cristen throughout her marriage, and is looking for a reason to pursue the woman. He’s the devil himself. But with Cristen’s fleeing, she’s put herself in serious danger. Anything can happen to a woman alone on the road. She travels to an abbey seeking a man who may know the whereabouts of her young son who was taken from her in a fit of anger by her husband to parts unknown. She has lots of problems, but her determination is very commendable. Will her strength of character, and will be enough?
Turi has been living for a very long time, 13 centuries, his punishment for believing the words of a woman who betrayed their village. For those who died, his penance and punishment is immortality for 13 centuries, plagued with guilt and wrong doing as if it just happened, even suffering nightly nightmares.
Turi was sired by Pendaran, the Head Priest of Ellan Vannin. He is the last survivor of the Setantii tribe, conceived with a human woman. Turi punishment is almost over. Turi has lived a life he is not proud of and soon judgement will be at hand.
From the moment Turi lays eyes on Cristen in the tavern, he feels she will be important to him. When she leaves the tavern and another man follows her, he quickly disengages himself from the tavern wench and follows her. His instincts are correct, honed by centuries of reading people and battle.
Cristen and Turi are destined to meet, possibly orchestrated by the gods. Turi finds he needs her probably more than she needs him, becoming very protective. Her very touch silences the demons who haunt him every waking hour. Each hold secrets and with their blossoming trust, all is revealed. But can Cristen accept such an unbelievable, fantastic tale Turi tells?
If you are a reader of fantasy and romance, set in a medieval historical setting, Borthiry’s Legends of Love series will captivate and delight your senses.
The Sentinel sweeps the reader into the story setting with Welsh mythological terminology. We learn of Turi’s infraction, why he is punished by Pendaran, Head Priest of Ellan Vannin, and what he should expect from the punishment in the year AD 48. The tale picks up again in AD 1348, the purported time The Black Death comes to England, and the time Turi is to revert to being mortal.
In Sentinel, Borthiry's writing style fits perfectly with the hardship, anguish and horror of the times, her descriptions show the reader no mercy. With the ever-present danger, either through pestilence or wicked men, the gods and magic help Cristen and Turi find their happy ever after.
Borthiry delves into a most devastating time on the continent and England. The pestilence, also known as the blue sickness and The Black Death is a fear a person can’t escape, no matter how mighty they are as warriors or pure of heart. Yes, they can run, but can they hide? It marches across the land, finds its new home on the shores of England, spread by flea bites and person to person transmission.
Cristen St. Clair escapes from the accidental death of her husband, fearing the reciprocation of his brother, who’s had his eye on Cristen throughout her marriage, and is looking for a reason to pursue the woman. He’s the devil himself. But with Cristen’s fleeing, she’s put herself in serious danger. Anything can happen to a woman alone on the road. She travels to an abbey seeking a man who may know the whereabouts of her young son who was taken from her in a fit of anger by her husband to parts unknown. She has lots of problems, but her determination is very commendable. Will her strength of character, and will be enough?
Turi has been living for a very long time, 13 centuries, his punishment for believing the words of a woman who betrayed their village. For those who died, his penance and punishment is immortality for 13 centuries, plagued with guilt and wrong doing as if it just happened, even suffering nightly nightmares.
Turi was sired by Pendaran, the Head Priest of Ellan Vannin. He is the last survivor of the Setantii tribe, conceived with a human woman. Turi punishment is almost over. Turi has lived a life he is not proud of and soon judgement will be at hand.
From the moment Turi lays eyes on Cristen in the tavern, he feels she will be important to him. When she leaves the tavern and another man follows her, he quickly disengages himself from the tavern wench and follows her. His instincts are correct, honed by centuries of reading people and battle.
Cristen and Turi are destined to meet, possibly orchestrated by the gods. Turi finds he needs her probably more than she needs him, becoming very protective. Her very touch silences the demons who haunt him every waking hour. Each hold secrets and with their blossoming trust, all is revealed. But can Cristen accept such an unbelievable, fantastic tale Turi tells?
If you are a reader of fantasy and romance, set in a medieval historical setting, Borthiry’s Legends of Love series will captivate and delight your senses.
July 18, 2017
Legendary tale!
This is the third in a series, and a terrific story. It's about Turi and Cristen, two people who have experienced darkness only to find each other. It takes place during the middle ages in Great Britain and the black death is crossing the land. Turi is paying an unusual price for a past transgression and Cristen is attempting to escape a dark situation when fate throws them together. Neither character is particularly able to trust others, and their relationship develops carefully. They are fleeing an evil pursuer, searching for another, while seeking redemption and falling for each other. The plot is one that unusual and enthralling. The author's descriptions are so specific you feel as if you are physically part of their journey, and it's wonderful- I couldn't put this one down.
I highly recommend this to historical romance readers, especially those who want a story that has a great deal of research and interesting history included in the romance. This reader thoroughly enjoyed it!
This is the third in a series, and a terrific story. It's about Turi and Cristen, two people who have experienced darkness only to find each other. It takes place during the middle ages in Great Britain and the black death is crossing the land. Turi is paying an unusual price for a past transgression and Cristen is attempting to escape a dark situation when fate throws them together. Neither character is particularly able to trust others, and their relationship develops carefully. They are fleeing an evil pursuer, searching for another, while seeking redemption and falling for each other. The plot is one that unusual and enthralling. The author's descriptions are so specific you feel as if you are physically part of their journey, and it's wonderful- I couldn't put this one down.
I highly recommend this to historical romance readers, especially those who want a story that has a great deal of research and interesting history included in the romance. This reader thoroughly enjoyed it!
July 30, 2017
This was an enjoyable read. I have read book 2 and now Turi and Cristen's story. Turi is an immortal for now. He has been paying a hefty price for past transgressions and now that he is almost to the end of his punishment he becomes the savior of a wee slip of a lass who's mere presence soothes his soul. He has decided to be her protector. He is hoping that the Gods will allow him to be something more to her. She appears to be fated to him.
Cristen St. Claire has been fleeing and steps into a tavern to ask for directions. Unfortunately, she draws the attention of several people she is unaware of. As she leaves...she is accosted by a drunk who had been in the tavern. He tries to rape her, but someone else intervenes to save her.
There is evil in pursuit of the lass, but Turi takes her along a journey that just might save them both.
Cristen St. Claire has been fleeing and steps into a tavern to ask for directions. Unfortunately, she draws the attention of several people she is unaware of. As she leaves...she is accosted by a drunk who had been in the tavern. He tries to rape her, but someone else intervenes to save her.
There is evil in pursuit of the lass, but Turi takes her along a journey that just might save them both.
July 18, 2017
A Love for Life
Turi had nightmares caused by a bad decision that affected his whole life and the place he called home. His father was immortal and he sentenced Turi to 13 centuries of life. He had just gotten off the ship when he sees the tavern. He wanted only 2 things wine and a women. His plans suddenly changed when he see a lady asking for directions to an abbey. Turi sees the unkept man leave right after the lady leaves. He follows them and stops the man from raping her. This begins the journey for Turi and Christen. They are running from bad memories, the Black Plague and enemies. This is a great story and I recommend reading Avril Borthiry.
Turi had nightmares caused by a bad decision that affected his whole life and the place he called home. His father was immortal and he sentenced Turi to 13 centuries of life. He had just gotten off the ship when he sees the tavern. He wanted only 2 things wine and a women. His plans suddenly changed when he see a lady asking for directions to an abbey. Turi sees the unkept man leave right after the lady leaves. He follows them and stops the man from raping her. This begins the journey for Turi and Christen. They are running from bad memories, the Black Plague and enemies. This is a great story and I recommend reading Avril Borthiry.
July 18, 2023
The Sentinel
This is my first book of Avril Borthiry and I truly enjoyed it. The story of Turi and Cristen is quite the story. Turi begins this tale as a cursed immortal who is drawn to protect Cristen, an abused woman running to escape being captured. Cristen believes she left her husband dead after fighting back from from his abuse. She also searches for her son Jacob who was taken away from her by her husband and thus sent away. There are so many twists and turns as Turi and Cristen travel together into an unknown future filled with fear, violence and the Black Death hot on their heels. It is definitely full of twists and turns and well worth the time to read!!
This is my first book of Avril Borthiry and I truly enjoyed it. The story of Turi and Cristen is quite the story. Turi begins this tale as a cursed immortal who is drawn to protect Cristen, an abused woman running to escape being captured. Cristen believes she left her husband dead after fighting back from from his abuse. She also searches for her son Jacob who was taken away from her by her husband and thus sent away. There are so many twists and turns as Turi and Cristen travel together into an unknown future filled with fear, violence and the Black Death hot on their heels. It is definitely full of twists and turns and well worth the time to read!!
October 10, 2024
This story had it all. A bit of fantasy or paranormal, but that didn't detract from the realistic details that the author used in depicting life in 14th century England during the bubonic plague.
The main characters were well-written and easy for the reader to sympathize with. Turi is being punished for having inadvertently brought about a disaster on his village and so is sentenced to 1300 years of immortality. He doesn't believe himself to be a good person, but his actions say otherwise. Cristen has had a lot of bad things happen in her life, and she is understandably scared as she runs away. Thus begins a love story which is truly beautiful.
It was one of those stories that I didn't want to see end. This was the first book I've read by this author, but it won't be the last.
The main characters were well-written and easy for the reader to sympathize with. Turi is being punished for having inadvertently brought about a disaster on his village and so is sentenced to 1300 years of immortality. He doesn't believe himself to be a good person, but his actions say otherwise. Cristen has had a lot of bad things happen in her life, and she is understandably scared as she runs away. Thus begins a love story which is truly beautiful.
It was one of those stories that I didn't want to see end. This was the first book I've read by this author, but it won't be the last.
October 12, 2024
A well written tale!
I loved Turi and Cristen. Turi has known so much hardship and betrayal, cursed to live thirteen centuries in order to atone for his mistakes. At the end of the thirteen centuries, which I would have loved to read more of, he would become mortal once again.
He had a vision of a young boy and one of a beautiful but very sad woman. When he comes upon the woman, his life begins.
Guilt, loyalty, compassion, and love are all woven through the pages and with the characters. It is a surprisingly fresh idea and a worthy read.
I loved Turi and Cristen. Turi has known so much hardship and betrayal, cursed to live thirteen centuries in order to atone for his mistakes. At the end of the thirteen centuries, which I would have loved to read more of, he would become mortal once again.
He had a vision of a young boy and one of a beautiful but very sad woman. When he comes upon the woman, his life begins.
Guilt, loyalty, compassion, and love are all woven through the pages and with the characters. It is a surprisingly fresh idea and a worthy read.
October 14, 2024
I LOVE THIS BOOK!!
Such a great story!
I enjoyed this from start to finish and didn’t want it to end! The author is so talented in storytelling. The characters are wonderful. The dialogues meaningful. The hearts of Turi and Cristen are precious and their love so sweet. I was moved by their deep love and relationship. A beautiful book!
I loved it!!
I’ve only just now discovered this author and can’t wait to read more!
pamarella
PRCS
Such a great story!
I enjoyed this from start to finish and didn’t want it to end! The author is so talented in storytelling. The characters are wonderful. The dialogues meaningful. The hearts of Turi and Cristen are precious and their love so sweet. I was moved by their deep love and relationship. A beautiful book!
I loved it!!
I’ve only just now discovered this author and can’t wait to read more!
pamarella
PRCS
August 5, 2017
A Love Story written by the Gods
I gave this book a five star rating because of the uniqueness of the storyline. Well written, very different and read in hopeful expectation of a happily ever after ending. I read this book both in hope and fear that the Gods would be kind to its lovers. I'll never tell so you'll have to read it yourself!
I gave this book a five star rating because of the uniqueness of the storyline. Well written, very different and read in hopeful expectation of a happily ever after ending. I read this book both in hope and fear that the Gods would be kind to its lovers. I'll never tell so you'll have to read it yourself!
May 30, 2020
As I discover Avril Borthiry’s books I’m hooked on to them.Each book has a unique story and it’s difficult to put it down once you start reading them.The story of Turi and Cristen is beautifully written and totally captivating.Avril has a way to involve you in her stories.While reading the story of Turi and Cristen we embark upon a journey of magic, wonder and love so pure and beautiful that it brings tears to your eyes.A touching and enthralling book.Highly recommended.
November 6, 2017
Little bit of everything
This story is interesting and moves every fast very enjoyable story tho I would say I like the first two better, all in all still a very good story.
This story is interesting and moves every fast very enjoyable story tho I would say I like the first two better, all in all still a very good story.
October 6, 2024
Truly enjoyable read!
Lovely book with a well laid out plot and great characters. Will read more of Avril's books. Please enjoy it yourself.
Lovely book with a well laid out plot and great characters. Will read more of Avril's books. Please enjoy it yourself.
November 3, 2024
an interesting read
I was not sure if I would like this book. I normally don’t read such books but I stuck with it and found it quite engaging.
I was not sure if I would like this book. I normally don’t read such books but I stuck with it and found it quite engaging.
August 25, 2019
Excellent
I highly recommend this book! Love the history and characters. The story, the urgency and Turi set in England as the Plague was starting. Can’t imagine the horror of it. Turi is a tortured soul, but finds his solace in Cristen. He is her Sentinel. Definitely shed a few tears.
I highly recommend this book! Love the history and characters. The story, the urgency and Turi set in England as the Plague was starting. Can’t imagine the horror of it. Turi is a tortured soul, but finds his solace in Cristen. He is her Sentinel. Definitely shed a few tears.
December 9, 2019
Unique story
I truly enjoyed the story of Turi, a man torn by his past mistakes, but still hopeful for a future redemption. The setting place and time was intruiging and worrisome for the characters as the black plague spread. The ending was what I hoped for. Definately will be trying another book by Borthiry.
I truly enjoyed the story of Turi, a man torn by his past mistakes, but still hopeful for a future redemption. The setting place and time was intruiging and worrisome for the characters as the black plague spread. The ending was what I hoped for. Definately will be trying another book by Borthiry.
August 13, 2017
4.5 ⭐
Poor Turi. I felt really bad for this guy, but envied him in a way, too. Having 1300 years of experience as a warrior sounds pretty awesome, but to have to live with soul crushing guilt for his crimes for so many centuries would be unbearable. The best part about this character, and Avril Borthiry did an exceptional job portraying this, is that he truly seems like an old soul who has roamed the Earth for over a thousand years. Humble, yet extremely capable, I would have loved to see him do battle more than what we were able to "see."
Christen has her own set of issues. She's on the run. Not only because she believes she killed her husband, who simply fell and brained himself while in his cups, she's running from her perverted brother-in-law whom she knows will seek to punish her. This guy is a real piece of work, too.
Compound all of this with the threat of the plague, and the fact that Turi will become mortal at any time, you have one heck of a story here!
My favorite thing about this story is that while Turi was the sentinel for Christen's body, Christen was the sentinel for Turi's soul. Perfect.
*I received an ARC from Dragonblade Publishing in exchange for a honest review.
Poor Turi. I felt really bad for this guy, but envied him in a way, too. Having 1300 years of experience as a warrior sounds pretty awesome, but to have to live with soul crushing guilt for his crimes for so many centuries would be unbearable. The best part about this character, and Avril Borthiry did an exceptional job portraying this, is that he truly seems like an old soul who has roamed the Earth for over a thousand years. Humble, yet extremely capable, I would have loved to see him do battle more than what we were able to "see."
Christen has her own set of issues. She's on the run. Not only because she believes she killed her husband, who simply fell and brained himself while in his cups, she's running from her perverted brother-in-law whom she knows will seek to punish her. This guy is a real piece of work, too.
Compound all of this with the threat of the plague, and the fact that Turi will become mortal at any time, you have one heck of a story here!
My favorite thing about this story is that while Turi was the sentinel for Christen's body, Christen was the sentinel for Turi's soul. Perfect.
*I received an ARC from Dragonblade Publishing in exchange for a honest review.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews