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The Montbryce Legacy #1
Conquest
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
It’s a bitter battle between the Normans and the Saxons for the fate of the English throne, and it promises to be the epic beginning of the legendary Montbryce Legacy.
A True War Hero...
Ram de Montbryce is an ambitious young warrior who valiantly serves William the Conqueror at the epic Battle of Hastings, where more than 10,000 soldiers were slain.
A Sacrificial Pawn...
Mabelle de Valtesse is an heiress-turned-refugee whose volatile father forfeits all his estates. At the very moment her inheritance is set to be restored, her exiled father negotiates a marriage of strategic importance.
Can a warrior who is greedy for glory find true love with a willful refugee brought to his bed in an arranged marriage?
It’s a bitter battle between the Normans and the Saxons for the fate of the English throne, and it promises to be the epic beginning of the legendary Montbryce Legacy.
A True War Hero...
Ram de Montbryce is an ambitious young warrior who valiantly serves William the Conqueror at the epic Battle of Hastings, where more than 10,000 soldiers were slain.
A Sacrificial Pawn...
Mabelle de Valtesse is an heiress-turned-refugee whose volatile father forfeits all his estates. At the very moment her inheritance is set to be restored, her exiled father negotiates a marriage of strategic importance.
Can a warrior who is greedy for glory find true love with a willful refugee brought to his bed in an arranged marriage?
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2021
475 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
About the author
Anna Markland
238 books252 followersAnna Markland is a Canadian author with a keen interest in genealogy. She writes historical romance about family honor, ancestry and roots. Her novels are intimate love stories filled with passion and adventure. Following a fruitful career in teaching, Anna transformed her love of writing and history into engaging works of fiction. One of the things she enjoys most about writing historical romance is the in-depth research required to provide the reader with an authentic experience.
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January 2, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/2/2020)! 🎁
February 4, 2018
Two love stories, deceit, manipulation... this story had me on the edge of my seat and on an emotional roller coaster. Was sorry when it ended. Had everything I look for in a satisfying read.
February 5, 2018
Skillfully plotted and immersed in history from beginning to end, you will be taken away on this wonderful journey. The story introduces the three Montbryce brothers and focuses on Rambaud (Ram) who is the eldest. Ram is a strong warrior and is very focused on conquering lands for his friend William the Conqueror. Being victorious in his campaigns, he is not even thinking about marriage. But when the opportunity comes to his father to strengthen the Montbryce fighting force and holdings, he betroths Ram to Mabelle de Valtesse. Mabelle and her father had been ousted out of their castle by her brother when she was very young. They had been going from place to place trying to survive and her father finally agrees to go see Montbryce, his liege lord. The Montbryce's mount a group to take back their lands and find that her brother has just been killed. There are so many twist and turns with intrigue, betrayal and intense passion in this story that it will keep you glued to the pages. Mabelle is surprisingly strong willed due to all she has gone through and Ram, as a military man is use to control. So the two have a tumultuous relationship in trying to find their happy ever after. For the reader that loves medieval tales and history, you will absolutely love this book.
January 28, 2018
What a excellent, entertaining read. This book got my attention from the first page to the last.
Loved it and will read more by this author.
Voluntarily reviewed this advance copy.
Loved it and will read more by this author.
Voluntarily reviewed this advance copy.
January 29, 2018
Fast paced and full of adventure and passion.
Ram is a warrior of a great reputation and a favourite to the king. His father has announced that he’s to marry Mabelle he has no choice but to agree. On the way to his wedding he comes across a young woman sleeping in the forest by the lake -unbeknownst to him it’s his betrothed - and he’s in lust. When he realizes it’s Mabelle he decides to postpone the wedding till he returns from the war.
Mabelle is devastated and after a while with no word she decides to break the betrothal. Things are not over between them Ram can’t get her out of his mind and goes after her. It could have all gone wrong for them but theirs was a passionate love affair. The marriage started off with both in love but too proud to admit. Years later a foe makes his appearance and Mabelle and his sons are abducted, he vows to confess his great love to his wife.
This was a fantastic story of greed, treachery and deceit. Loyalty and love that conquers the betrayals and strengthens the bonds of an epic love.
I recieved a complimentary copy from the author for my honest unbiased opinion.
Ram is a warrior of a great reputation and a favourite to the king. His father has announced that he’s to marry Mabelle he has no choice but to agree. On the way to his wedding he comes across a young woman sleeping in the forest by the lake -unbeknownst to him it’s his betrothed - and he’s in lust. When he realizes it’s Mabelle he decides to postpone the wedding till he returns from the war.
Mabelle is devastated and after a while with no word she decides to break the betrothal. Things are not over between them Ram can’t get her out of his mind and goes after her. It could have all gone wrong for them but theirs was a passionate love affair. The marriage started off with both in love but too proud to admit. Years later a foe makes his appearance and Mabelle and his sons are abducted, he vows to confess his great love to his wife.
This was a fantastic story of greed, treachery and deceit. Loyalty and love that conquers the betrayals and strengthens the bonds of an epic love.
I recieved a complimentary copy from the author for my honest unbiased opinion.
January 30, 2018
Very in-depth, detailed and passionate historical romance. There is lots of action and entertaining aspects in their story which is an adventurous one shadowed by insecurities & filled with so many challenges during a time of war, spies and jealousy. Their struggle to live, trust and love is well written and heartwarming.
February 6, 2018
Epic storytelling at its best. If you love history and romance, this book is for you. It has love, romance, kidnapping, revenge, betrayal, war. A great read. I highly recommend it.
I was given an advance copy for an honest review.
I was given an advance copy for an honest review.
January 27, 2018
Wonderful, sweeping story. A great portrayal of the battle of Hastings, the author not only brings the battle to life vividly, she also weaves the strategies and details seamlessly into the tale. Filled with deep emotion, the characters and their motivations are artfully described.
May 2, 2019
I can't (from my admittedly limited knowledge) fault the research into the time period surrounding the Norman Conquest that the author has done. Unfortunately, I find her style of storytelling insufferably dull and weak.
Conquest is epic in the sense of length. It covers many many different characters over, what, around ten - fifteen years or so. This is too broad a scope and necessitates shallow writing. Plot events are simplistically solved. There are several convenient deaths, mostly so characters don't have to wait to become lord/lady of the manor but also to avoid characters having to make any difficult decisions.
Years pass in a few lines. The characters' personalities are barely touched upon. There are numerous tangents and untied threads. One of the heroes takes a widow under his protection but doesn't notice when she disappears. And That's going to be a shock for someone one day.
Our first couple, Mabelle and Ram fall in instalove, well, instantly. There are a few delays, due to male pigheadedness and that romance novel favourite, a failure to communicate. Ram reminded me of that Katy Perry song "Hot 'n' Cold" because seriously - he does change his mind like a girl changes clothes. In fact the two have such an outstanding failure to communicate that by the end of this 450 ish page novel, they have only just admitted that they love each other. At this point they've been married for at least ten years.
There's less to say about the other main couple, simply because we see less of them but their story is just as much about instalove and fate and blah blah blah. I sort of liked Rhodri but could never quite get past that charming passage in Chapter: The Patriot in which he describes the eleven year old Morwenna's "alluring" smile and "promising breasts" and gets hard thinking about them. Umm, EWWWW .*
Markland rather disappointed me with Morwenna's character actually. I really don't like when hypersexual women are made into villains. It feels like slut shaming and, in this case, like an attempted justification for a grown man lusting over a child. As if her sexuality as an adult means it was ok to sexualise her as a child.
I'm interested in history, generally, but particularly in the Normans. I come across a lot of Tudor fiction, but precious little medieval plus I have a kind of familial interest. At the time of writing this review, Conquest has an average rating of 4.26 Stars. I was expecting to love it. I feel truly let down.
*For those of you who might point out that people married younger back in those days, I have but one thing to say: IDGAF. This is FICTION.
Conquest is epic in the sense of length. It covers many many different characters over, what, around ten - fifteen years or so. This is too broad a scope and necessitates shallow writing. Plot events are simplistically solved. There are several convenient deaths, mostly so characters don't have to wait to become lord/lady of the manor but also to avoid characters having to make any difficult decisions.
Years pass in a few lines. The characters' personalities are barely touched upon. There are numerous tangents and untied threads. One of the heroes takes a widow under his protection but doesn't notice when she disappears. And That's going to be a shock for someone one day.
Our first couple, Mabelle and Ram fall in instalove, well, instantly. There are a few delays, due to male pigheadedness and that romance novel favourite, a failure to communicate. Ram reminded me of that Katy Perry song "Hot 'n' Cold" because seriously - he does change his mind like a girl changes clothes. In fact the two have such an outstanding failure to communicate that by the end of this 450 ish page novel, they have only just admitted that they love each other. At this point they've been married for at least ten years.
There's less to say about the other main couple, simply because we see less of them but their story is just as much about instalove and fate and blah blah blah. I sort of liked Rhodri but could never quite get past that charming passage in Chapter: The Patriot in which he describes the eleven year old Morwenna's "alluring" smile and "promising breasts" and gets hard thinking about them. Umm, EWWWW .*
Markland rather disappointed me with Morwenna's character actually. I really don't like when hypersexual women are made into villains. It feels like slut shaming and, in this case, like an attempted justification for a grown man lusting over a child. As if her sexuality as an adult means it was ok to sexualise her as a child.
I'm interested in history, generally, but particularly in the Normans. I come across a lot of Tudor fiction, but precious little medieval plus I have a kind of familial interest. At the time of writing this review, Conquest has an average rating of 4.26 Stars. I was expecting to love it. I feel truly let down.
*For those of you who might point out that people married younger back in those days, I have but one thing to say: IDGAF. This is FICTION.
December 21, 2018
When you're reading this book, you will be able to tell right away that this author does her research well! It's books like this one that makes me love historical romances so much...you've got history, action, romance, twists and turns, a strong heroine, a strong hero, passion, etc... I really enjoyed reading Ram and Mabelle's story which takes place in the aftermath of the Norman Conquest of England. Well done and highly recommend.
February 6, 2018
Awesome
Fast paced, well written with well developed characters and an intriguing storyline.
I enjoyed watching these characters grow and find their HEA. Danger, passion, romance, intrigue and suspense bring readers to a satisfying and enjoyable read. Can't wait to read the other two Montbryce siblings stories.
A must read!!
Fast paced, well written with well developed characters and an intriguing storyline.
I enjoyed watching these characters grow and find their HEA. Danger, passion, romance, intrigue and suspense bring readers to a satisfying and enjoyable read. Can't wait to read the other two Montbryce siblings stories.
A must read!!
January 3, 2019
lacks detail and any kind of in depth story telling or character development-- everything felt glossed over-- Problem happens, problem solved, next.
February 5, 2018
5+ Stars- Definitely a very captivating read for me! You cannot help but fall in love with the Montbryce brothers Rambaud, Antoine and Hugh!
Rambaud Montbryce and Mabelle's story will have you hooked from the very beginning.
Ram is the eldest of the Montbryce brother, who is a magnificent Warrior and he has earned an Earldom along the Welsh marches for his heroism. His father has chosen a bride for him and he knows he must do his duty for his family's legacy, eventhough he feels the woman chosen for him is extremely unsuitable. Ram will not let anything get in the way of firming his legacy. Not only does he have to deal with a strong willed wife but he also has to hold at bay the Welsh rebels. Their leader, Rhodri AP Owan, has become a thorn in his side.
Mabelle has been wondering for some time with her father, who has lost everything. She is a lady who has had to do everything in her power to put food in their mouths. Her father gets his lands restored to him, but he also betroths her to Ram Montbryce. She is a very strong woman who can hold her own.
Fate will tempt not only these two characters, but also the leader of the rebellious Welsh.
I am so pleased with this story because I was able to view and live this story through the conquerors and conquered eyes. It was wonderful.
I received this as a gift from a friend and I am so happy to be introduced to the Montbryce family and Rhodri ap Owan. I look forward to the what the next storm is! I truly believe you will fall in love with all of these characters.
Rambaud Montbryce and Mabelle's story will have you hooked from the very beginning.
Ram is the eldest of the Montbryce brother, who is a magnificent Warrior and he has earned an Earldom along the Welsh marches for his heroism. His father has chosen a bride for him and he knows he must do his duty for his family's legacy, eventhough he feels the woman chosen for him is extremely unsuitable. Ram will not let anything get in the way of firming his legacy. Not only does he have to deal with a strong willed wife but he also has to hold at bay the Welsh rebels. Their leader, Rhodri AP Owan, has become a thorn in his side.
Mabelle has been wondering for some time with her father, who has lost everything. She is a lady who has had to do everything in her power to put food in their mouths. Her father gets his lands restored to him, but he also betroths her to Ram Montbryce. She is a very strong woman who can hold her own.
Fate will tempt not only these two characters, but also the leader of the rebellious Welsh.
I am so pleased with this story because I was able to view and live this story through the conquerors and conquered eyes. It was wonderful.
I received this as a gift from a friend and I am so happy to be introduced to the Montbryce family and Rhodri ap Owan. I look forward to the what the next storm is! I truly believe you will fall in love with all of these characters.
February 5, 2018
Ram de Montbryce is an ambitious warrior, greedy for glory and power in the service of his friend and duke, William the Conqueror in hopes one day to gain a title and lands. His heroism make him invaluable to the William in battle. Mabelle de Valtesse’s bastard half-brother has taken over her ancestral home and she and her father were exiled and have spent years wandering through Normandy. Her father appeals to Montbryce for aide in regaining these lands. The two fathers arrange a marriage betwee Ram and Mabelle when the lands are restored to the rightful heir.
Ram recognizes he has an obligation to marry, but believes the woman his father has chosen for him is unsuitable especially after he comes across a young woman sleeping in the forest by the lake unbeknownst to him it’s his betrothed. He’s in lust with her, but feels she not the maid she portrays. At the wedding alter he postpones the wedding and this starts an avalanche of events. Ram goes off to war and after a while Mabelle decides she’s tired of waiting and calls of the betrothal, as Ram can’t get her out of his mind and goes after her when the battle is over. They are both too stubborn to realize they are perfect for each other, theirs is a passionate love affair. Years later his family is threatened and Ram he vows to confess his great love to his wife. A sweeping saga that’s filled battle scenes, romance and intrigue that make for a great story!!!
This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.
Ram recognizes he has an obligation to marry, but believes the woman his father has chosen for him is unsuitable especially after he comes across a young woman sleeping in the forest by the lake unbeknownst to him it’s his betrothed. He’s in lust with her, but feels she not the maid she portrays. At the wedding alter he postpones the wedding and this starts an avalanche of events. Ram goes off to war and after a while Mabelle decides she’s tired of waiting and calls of the betrothal, as Ram can’t get her out of his mind and goes after her when the battle is over. They are both too stubborn to realize they are perfect for each other, theirs is a passionate love affair. Years later his family is threatened and Ram he vows to confess his great love to his wife. A sweeping saga that’s filled battle scenes, romance and intrigue that make for a great story!!!
This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.
November 13, 2019
Frustrating and Irritating
The author tells a good story, she writes well, and i can see why some would rate this highly. Sadly, I gave up in frustration just over a third of the way in. Here’s why:
* The failure to marry. We spent pages and chapters reading in the hope they would get together. If there had been a good enough reason for them not to that would have been ok, but there really just wasn’t. I gave up before it happened.
* As the lead character, Ram was aggravating. How much time did he waste thinking of and lusting for Mabelle, coming to realise what a clever and intelligent prize she was, yet still he didn’t marry her. Utterly pitiful. #eyeroll
* Ram’s father & Mabelle’s maid in cahoots. #moreeyerolling
* if you are going to use different languages and words like ‘ouster’ and ‘gambeson’, then have an appendix where they are explained and/or translated. Not all readers are the same nationality as the writer, and regardless of education, not all readers speak French or Welsh, or can translate Latin, never mind having a detailed knowledge of medieval armour, equipment, flags, banners, etc etc.
* Historical inaccuracy. I’m an historian, yet I overlook some inaccuracies when the rest of the book is good. Sadly in this case it was just another irritation.
I’m sure many readers will find the book engaging and love the characters, but it was too frustrating and irritating for me.
I will try some of the author’s other books however...you just never know...
The author tells a good story, she writes well, and i can see why some would rate this highly. Sadly, I gave up in frustration just over a third of the way in. Here’s why:
* The failure to marry. We spent pages and chapters reading in the hope they would get together. If there had been a good enough reason for them not to that would have been ok, but there really just wasn’t. I gave up before it happened.
* As the lead character, Ram was aggravating. How much time did he waste thinking of and lusting for Mabelle, coming to realise what a clever and intelligent prize she was, yet still he didn’t marry her. Utterly pitiful. #eyeroll
* Ram’s father & Mabelle’s maid in cahoots. #moreeyerolling
* if you are going to use different languages and words like ‘ouster’ and ‘gambeson’, then have an appendix where they are explained and/or translated. Not all readers are the same nationality as the writer, and regardless of education, not all readers speak French or Welsh, or can translate Latin, never mind having a detailed knowledge of medieval armour, equipment, flags, banners, etc etc.
* Historical inaccuracy. I’m an historian, yet I overlook some inaccuracies when the rest of the book is good. Sadly in this case it was just another irritation.
I’m sure many readers will find the book engaging and love the characters, but it was too frustrating and irritating for me.
I will try some of the author’s other books however...you just never know...
June 3, 2021
I liked this book, but I didn't love it. I was able to sink my teeth into the beginning and then about a quarter of the way through the book, it went an entirely different direction. It had its up and down moments, but at the end of the day, I disliked Ram Montbryce. That wasn't supposed to happen. I thought he was too mean to Mabelle and I didn't appreciate the way he spoke to her and how he treated her. It did improve as the book progressed, but all he wanted was to do the wild thing with her.
Mabelle and her father were banished from their home by her half-brother when she was nine years old. Her father dragged her from place to place, making her work with the servants and basically earning their keep, while he sat around and moaned and groaned about the injustice of it all, yet did nothing to rectify it. She was tired of it all. I get it. But Ram didn't do her much good, either and he was supposed to be her salvation.
The story takes place over a span of years, is loaded with history. and was more of a love story than a romance. Some will disagree. I didn't feel Ram and Mabelle falling in love, but I did feel Rhodari and Rhonwen falling in love, almost to the point where it upstaged Ram and Mabelle. That wasn't supposed to happen, either. Honestly, I cared more about how they were going to end up than Ram and Mabelle.
There are some great action scenes, a fair amount of rated PG-13+ steam, and a degree of mystery that kept me reading. This would've been a five-star read for me, but I couldn't warm up to Ram.
Mabelle and her father were banished from their home by her half-brother when she was nine years old. Her father dragged her from place to place, making her work with the servants and basically earning their keep, while he sat around and moaned and groaned about the injustice of it all, yet did nothing to rectify it. She was tired of it all. I get it. But Ram didn't do her much good, either and he was supposed to be her salvation.
The story takes place over a span of years, is loaded with history. and was more of a love story than a romance. Some will disagree. I didn't feel Ram and Mabelle falling in love, but I did feel Rhodari and Rhonwen falling in love, almost to the point where it upstaged Ram and Mabelle. That wasn't supposed to happen, either. Honestly, I cared more about how they were going to end up than Ram and Mabelle.
There are some great action scenes, a fair amount of rated PG-13+ steam, and a degree of mystery that kept me reading. This would've been a five-star read for me, but I couldn't warm up to Ram.
February 12, 2018
Be warned, if you purchased CONQUERING PASSION AND DEFIANT PASSION that is what this bundle is. I hadn't read Conquering Passion, but did read Defiant Passion and as far as I can tell it is word for word, a little out of order mixing the two together near the last half.
This review is for Conquering Passion aka Conquest.
Heavy on history and not much as far as romance because they are apart for most of story. H is pigheaded and not communicative. There is a misunderstanding and he could have cleared it up by asking the h or his middle brother but he doesn't.
He does something that I felt was dishonorable with someone. I was so disgusted with his actions, I almost quit reading at near the 50% mark, but I did finish it. Your heart will ache for the h and what the H does. Another thing that they both fall short, is for over 10 years neither tells the other that they love them. Really, 10 years and it is just lust?
That is the reason I never felt a connection to this couple, no romance, miscommunication and dishonorable. There is descriptive lovemaking, but because they lacked a connection their wasn't passion.
We do get HEA and no cliffhanger. There is a nice epilogue for both books. (ljb)
This review is for Conquering Passion aka Conquest.
Heavy on history and not much as far as romance because they are apart for most of story. H is pigheaded and not communicative. There is a misunderstanding and he could have cleared it up by asking the h or his middle brother but he doesn't.
He does something that I felt was dishonorable with someone. I was so disgusted with his actions, I almost quit reading at near the 50% mark, but I did finish it. Your heart will ache for the h and what the H does. Another thing that they both fall short, is for over 10 years neither tells the other that they love them. Really, 10 years and it is just lust?
That is the reason I never felt a connection to this couple, no romance, miscommunication and dishonorable. There is descriptive lovemaking, but because they lacked a connection their wasn't passion.
We do get HEA and no cliffhanger. There is a nice epilogue for both books. (ljb)
February 18, 2018
Conquest is an Anniversary Edition of the combining of the books Conquering Passion and Defiant Passion by Anna Markland.
I have previously read both books and have to say I do prefer reading the overlapping storylines together in this one story rather than re-reading the same half of the story that is printed in both books. From my previous reviews I had high hopes the author might have made some changes but, unfortunately, I was disappointed to see the same distractions from both individual books were still there. The distractions for me in Ram and Mabelle's story was the overload of unneccessary naming of places, battles, and the inconsequential names of charaters that weren't note worthy or apart of the continuing storyline. It became confusing to try to note who, where, and what was going on and why. It took me many tries to keep reading in hopes the story would become interesting and keep a readers attention. I'm glad I didn't give up but it was close. The distraction that ruined Rhodri Rhonwen's story was the relationship between Rhodri and Rhonwen was too easily come by and was not believable. Im my opinion, this story has the potential to become a 5 star read, just not in its current form.
I have previously read both books and have to say I do prefer reading the overlapping storylines together in this one story rather than re-reading the same half of the story that is printed in both books. From my previous reviews I had high hopes the author might have made some changes but, unfortunately, I was disappointed to see the same distractions from both individual books were still there. The distractions for me in Ram and Mabelle's story was the overload of unneccessary naming of places, battles, and the inconsequential names of charaters that weren't note worthy or apart of the continuing storyline. It became confusing to try to note who, where, and what was going on and why. It took me many tries to keep reading in hopes the story would become interesting and keep a readers attention. I'm glad I didn't give up but it was close. The distraction that ruined Rhodri Rhonwen's story was the relationship between Rhodri and Rhonwen was too easily come by and was not believable. Im my opinion, this story has the potential to become a 5 star read, just not in its current form.
July 28, 2018
Not a bad book, but not "epic," as so many reviews state. The historical aspects were fine and the romance-y parts were okay (if frustrating), but there was something about the storytelling that just felt like I was reading a laundry list. It sounded like a monotone in my head.
And why the weird bastard-begetting infidelity bit Ram told himself he'd have to admit to before he married Mabelle and came up repeatedly during the story, but never happened? I get that this is a series, but to build this up as a big deal, sending the Saxons to Scotland to rally, and this son he didn't know about, mother inheriting property when her brother and nephew died... and then not another word? Seems like a lot of effort to build a dead end. I don't get the point if nothing's to come of it.
Lastly and least importantly, did anyone else find it laughable he was named Rambaud? I had to fight not to picture Sylvester Stallone every time I read that. Four years of high school French and this is all it's good for? 😜
And why the weird bastard-begetting infidelity bit Ram told himself he'd have to admit to before he married Mabelle and came up repeatedly during the story, but never happened? I get that this is a series, but to build this up as a big deal, sending the Saxons to Scotland to rally, and this son he didn't know about, mother inheriting property when her brother and nephew died... and then not another word? Seems like a lot of effort to build a dead end. I don't get the point if nothing's to come of it.
Lastly and least importantly, did anyone else find it laughable he was named Rambaud? I had to fight not to picture Sylvester Stallone every time I read that. Four years of high school French and this is all it's good for? 😜
November 12, 2025
Ah, what a ridiculous book. If, when reading a book about war, conquest, determinism, epic battles the main point the author makes is how many times the male MC gets an erection, then this book will settle your questions. Apparently, quite often. Also apparently, over very little arousal or any other noted stimulation, this guy gets hard.
I did NOT finish this book. The writing is childish and immature, the dialogue is part and parcel generic French, a tiny bit of Latin and enough "Anglo-Saxon" or English to pave the road from London to Brighton Beach (which of course is near what became East Sussex, so about 47-50 miles from London. But there's no actual story to follow. Just pages of garbage dialogue followed by battles small and large, the greatest being the initial Battle of Hastings, in 1066.
I think I felt a few brain cells die trying to muck my way through this nonsense. The bio says the author has a fondness for history; if so, she should go and study it rather than making up nonsense about it.
Absolutely do not recommend reading this 10th grade crap.
I did NOT finish this book. The writing is childish and immature, the dialogue is part and parcel generic French, a tiny bit of Latin and enough "Anglo-Saxon" or English to pave the road from London to Brighton Beach (which of course is near what became East Sussex, so about 47-50 miles from London. But there's no actual story to follow. Just pages of garbage dialogue followed by battles small and large, the greatest being the initial Battle of Hastings, in 1066.
I think I felt a few brain cells die trying to muck my way through this nonsense. The bio says the author has a fondness for history; if so, she should go and study it rather than making up nonsense about it.
Absolutely do not recommend reading this 10th grade crap.
February 8, 2018
A well-written tale set at the times of William the Conqueror
CONQUEST combines two of Anna Markland’s books and involves two sets of characters – Rambaud de Montbryce/Mabelle de Valtasse and Rhodri ap Owain/Rhonwen Gda.
That was an interesting tale set at the times of William the Conqueror, filled with historical details that make for a great read for anyone in love with “History”, which is my case. The love story between Rambaud and Mabelle felt right – it certainly wasn’t love at first sight for them but they learned, through time, to trust and love each other. But, for Rhodri, a Welsh prince, and shy healer Rhonwen Gda, the attraction was mutual and very strong, even though they were, so to speak, on different sides of the fence.
I like that the two stories were combined as for me, it made it more realistic – passion, betrayal, antagonism, betrayal. Nothing comes easy and nothing is as it seems on the surface. Well done, well written.
I was gifted a copy of this book.
CONQUEST combines two of Anna Markland’s books and involves two sets of characters – Rambaud de Montbryce/Mabelle de Valtasse and Rhodri ap Owain/Rhonwen Gda.
That was an interesting tale set at the times of William the Conqueror, filled with historical details that make for a great read for anyone in love with “History”, which is my case. The love story between Rambaud and Mabelle felt right – it certainly wasn’t love at first sight for them but they learned, through time, to trust and love each other. But, for Rhodri, a Welsh prince, and shy healer Rhonwen Gda, the attraction was mutual and very strong, even though they were, so to speak, on different sides of the fence.
I like that the two stories were combined as for me, it made it more realistic – passion, betrayal, antagonism, betrayal. Nothing comes easy and nothing is as it seems on the surface. Well done, well written.
I was gifted a copy of this book.
July 16, 2018
I'll keep this review short and sweet. I really like Markland's narrative style and the tone of the story. It balanced romance and action well. Overall, the best part of novel is its structure where you get a good sense of the world Mabelle and Ram live in. Now for the reason I give it 3 stars. One of the surprises is seeing Ram and Ascha! I liked that there were risks taken, and I KNEW she would get pregnant! All through the novel, I waited for Ram to tell Mabelle the truth OR for him to find out he has another son. But not, doesn't happen. I couldn't root for Mabelle and Ram afterwards know that there was such a big secret out there, and although Mabelle had released Ram of his obligations, he knew that he could have gotten Ascha pregnant. I really didn't enjoy the ending but Rhodri's story line kind of saved the day...so there was that. Character development for Mabelle worked out great, but Ram seemed very one note from start to finish. I'm much more interested in Hugh's story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2018
I think this was an epic romance story. There is everything here, battles, intrigues, betrayal and love. Ram, the oldest son, has been told by his father he is to marry. Mabelle de Valtesse is the daughter of one of Montbryce's nobles. She has kept them alive thru six years of being exiled from their home. She has kept them fed and done all the necessary things to keep them alive.
This is one twisted and complicated plot but then history usually is. They meet rebels, but they also meet Normans that are very blood thirsty. Ram prefers Diplomacy to fighting, but he will fight if necessary The characters were vivid, exciting and so alive. The descriptions are amazing. Any way , I think the author did a marvelous job and I am so grateful I got a chance to read this mesmerizing book.
I received this as an ARC and voluntarily reviewed it.
This is one twisted and complicated plot but then history usually is. They meet rebels, but they also meet Normans that are very blood thirsty. Ram prefers Diplomacy to fighting, but he will fight if necessary The characters were vivid, exciting and so alive. The descriptions are amazing. Any way , I think the author did a marvelous job and I am so grateful I got a chance to read this mesmerizing book.
I received this as an ARC and voluntarily reviewed it.
February 5, 2018
Men can be sometimes be such idiots. Apparently this was as true in the days of William the Conqueror as it is now. Although this book is a complication of two earlier books, it is the first I read it. The story was fast moving , but I was shaking my head often at Ram, his decisions, and one big secret he kept from Mabelle. I am sure that secret will come to bite him in the back end at some point in a future book. Mabelle was a strong woman, though at times a ninny, more in the beginning but she quickly discovered her worth. All in all I really enjoyed reading this book, especially since Anna Maryland writes some of the best Medieval reads around. She rea!ly researches historical facts. I received this eBook from the author for an honest review. These opinions are my own.
February 6, 2018
It was nice to start at the beginning of the Montbryce Legacy. Set in the time of the Norman Invasion of England, our Hero and Heroine take a very long time to finally set aside their stubbornness and realize that they do belong together. Mabelle is such a very, very strong heroine. It was nice that she knew her worth and would not settle for anything less than to have all that she should in love. Ram loves her, but doesn't act as if he does. He expects her love and loyalty-but he doesn't exactly return the same. (I'm sure this will be an upcoming issue for the two.) Fantastic story, historical accuracy and two very strong people who find their HEA.
December 12, 2019
This was little longer than I like it to be given the storyline. Even though the story had a couple of twists and turns along with multiple characters that cross each other's path, the length of the book is still not justified. Also there were a couple things without closure. The characters were true to form but there wasn't much going on in the storyline itself. I did like Rhodri, Rhonwen, Ram and Mabelle.
All in all, it wasn't encouraging enough for me to pick up other works of the author.
All in all, it wasn't encouraging enough for me to pick up other works of the author.
February 9, 2018
This is an epic tale of love, war, heartache and hope. It's full of drama, intrigue and history. The characters are all interesting, both good and bad ones, and the storyline is engrossing and full of surprises. Ram is stubborn, proud, loyal, brave and confident. Mabelle is strong, independent and brave, yet also insecure. The rebel prince, Rhodri, is caring, honorable and strong. The story flows nicely so that your reeled in little by little until you can't put it down. I loved it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
July 3, 2018
The book's original title was "Conquering Passion," so I had to look for it thru' the author's name not its title in order to give a review. A pretty good and graphic account of the Battle of Hastings and the Viking~inspired shield wall adopted from Alfred the Great as seen from "The Last Kingdom" and also "Game of Thrones." The imagination boggles and the book becomes more visually epic recalling those scenes. Thank you dear author, for taking me thru Time and the world of Ram and Mabelle Montbryce (this of course, includes Wales and its giant waterfall and wild untamed beauty).
May 5, 2020
Loved this book ♥️
I don't want to put in any spoilers,but l have to say l really enjoyed this start to this series. Talk about nail biting moments..part of me was saying, don't do it..oh no..he has done it now..how will this end ?
Anna really pulls you into the lives of the people of this period, the hardships ,the senseless loss of life with fighting to conquer, and even though it seems no one can find peace or happiness love will find a way ..cant wait to read the next one.This book is a complete story .Five stars from me
I don't want to put in any spoilers,but l have to say l really enjoyed this start to this series. Talk about nail biting moments..part of me was saying, don't do it..oh no..he has done it now..how will this end ?
Anna really pulls you into the lives of the people of this period, the hardships ,the senseless loss of life with fighting to conquer, and even though it seems no one can find peace or happiness love will find a way ..cant wait to read the next one.This book is a complete story .Five stars from me
January 31, 2018
This book is a story about war and love in 11th century England. There is a lot of history in this book. And the description of one battlefield in particular is extremely detailed. Personally, I could have done with less blood and guts and body parts. There is treachery and betrayal and love that conquers all. However, the reader has to wait a long time for the love part. All in all the book is very well written and should appeal to history lovers especially.
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