What do you think?
Rate this book
Lady Knight
Rhiannon, outcast and female knight, seeks a cause worthy of a chivalric hero in a medieval world of magic and misogyny.
Eleanor, a wealthy widow, has given up all hero of finding passionate love and her perfect knight - until she meets Rhiannon.
Aveline, a powerful priestess, needs a warrior for her secret mission of starting a holy war. She binds Rhiannon with double-edged oaths and a magical sword.
A love affair worthy of troueroours' songs clashes with loyalty, intrigue, ambition, and war, tangling the three women in a web that perhaps not even Rhiannon's sword can cut through.
Eleanor, a wealthy widow, has given up all hero of finding passionate love and her perfect knight - until she meets Rhiannon.
Aveline, a powerful priestess, needs a warrior for her secret mission of starting a holy war. She binds Rhiannon with double-edged oaths and a magical sword.
A love affair worthy of troueroours' songs clashes with loyalty, intrigue, ambition, and war, tangling the three women in a web that perhaps not even Rhiannon's sword can cut through.
323 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2007
16 people are currently reading
1362 people want to read
About the author
L.-J. Baker
6 books92 followersL-J Baker lives in New Zealand with her civilly united spouse, more cats than is sensible, and various other critters. She spent a long time at school pursuing studies that had nothing to do with writing. She is the site admin for the online Lesbian Fiction Forum. And, yes, L-J really is her whole name.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 16, 2012
It was a good book, at the beginning half. It had romance, action, suspense and drama. Unfortunately, for me, most of the other half of the story, kind of let me down. I was expecting something better than this, and the ending left a lot of questions to me. You will mostly like the first half, but you probably won't like the turn it makes somewhere around the half of the story. This is the first time I do not give a story that I read 5 stars. Hope to read a better story than this one from this author.
June 1, 2014
TW – killing (she’s a knight and at war most of the time), rape, mentions of rape, arranged marriage, victim blaming, love spells, misogyny, slurs…
I think I got all of it.
Good Points: Written by a lesbian about a lesbian! Well, Riannon is a lesbian at least. Aveline is also a lesbian.
Riannon is a bad ass knight! Who, eventually, everyone respects. She’s a war hero!
Aveline is stone cold and lets no one fuck with her and no one get in her way.
It’s really, really well written.
The romance is adorable, the flirting is FUCKING ADORABLE.
THE SEX IS FANTASTIC.
Srsly these are the most fun sex scenes I’ve read this week.
Riannon avenges Eleanor’s rape, murdering her rapist. Her family backs her up and she and Eleanor ride off into the sunset together to live HAPPILY EVER AFTER ALRIGHT.
Bad Points: Eleanor has no interest in other women besides Riannon. WHILE THAT IS TOTALLY OKAY and sexuality and gender are both incredibly fluid things it is a little irksome that instead of a lesbian/bisexual romance you have a lesbian/straight except for Riannon romance. Sorry, that might just be my pet peeve.
Lots and lots and lots of misogyny. Until Riannon comes out as the hero of Vahl she is ostracized by pretty much everyone.
Aveline is a stone cold bitch and screws anyone who gets in her way over. She arranges for Eleanor to become married to an old man for political influence. Geoffrey, the old man, is at least not his son, Ralph, who is a misogynistic ass hat.
Who rapes Eleanor.
Geoffrey proceeds to blame Eleanor.
I’m a little skeeved out by the crusades/holy war plotline too.
I think I got all of it.
Good Points: Written by a lesbian about a lesbian! Well, Riannon is a lesbian at least. Aveline is also a lesbian.
Riannon is a bad ass knight! Who, eventually, everyone respects. She’s a war hero!
Aveline is stone cold and lets no one fuck with her and no one get in her way.
It’s really, really well written.
The romance is adorable, the flirting is FUCKING ADORABLE.
THE SEX IS FANTASTIC.
Srsly these are the most fun sex scenes I’ve read this week.
Riannon avenges Eleanor’s rape, murdering her rapist. Her family backs her up and she and Eleanor ride off into the sunset together to live HAPPILY EVER AFTER ALRIGHT.
Bad Points: Eleanor has no interest in other women besides Riannon. WHILE THAT IS TOTALLY OKAY and sexuality and gender are both incredibly fluid things it is a little irksome that instead of a lesbian/bisexual romance you have a lesbian/straight except for Riannon romance. Sorry, that might just be my pet peeve.
Lots and lots and lots of misogyny. Until Riannon comes out as the hero of Vahl she is ostracized by pretty much everyone.
Aveline is a stone cold bitch and screws anyone who gets in her way over. She arranges for Eleanor to become married to an old man for political influence. Geoffrey, the old man, is at least not his son, Ralph, who is a misogynistic ass hat.
Who rapes Eleanor.
Geoffrey proceeds to blame Eleanor.
I’m a little skeeved out by the crusades/holy war plotline too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2012
Nice, enjoyed this a great deal. I used to read a lot of fantasy and this can stand with some of the best. Would be wonderful if this were the start of a trilogy as the world has been so well realised.
April 27, 2011
Beautiful little medieval romance with a twist <3
July 12, 2015
Warning, there are rape triggers in this book so avoid it if you're sensitive to that.
As for my book review, this is a well written book with plenty of character and depth. Rhiannon is a great hero character but Eleanor is FANTASTIC. I absolutely loved her and rarely see someone so resolute. What's torture is that the two, Rhiannon and Eleanor, can't be together for SO long...or worse, they come together and then are split apart.
***SPOILER ALERT***
It's also absolutely tragic what happens to Eleanor's character at the end. It was already bad enough when we get the news halfway through and endure the long suffering wait but then talk about stomping on a reader's heart and handing it back to them. Things get worse for her! Horrible!
The prose of the story is nearly poetic at times and it's written in a manner that lends itself to a medieval type feel though this book is a fantasy that exists in no real history (it's not actual medieval history).
The narrative of the story is really vivid and many times I was completely drawn into its world as if I was there myself. Though there are sweet and amazing moments in it, this is not a happy, happy story by any means. We do get a somewhat happy ending though you also have the lump in your stomach as they go off into the sunset.
I agree with the others in that it feels there are some loose ends, especially when it comes to the character Aveline. The book ends as if it's the first of a series, hinting at things to come but not unfolding them, so in that way it feels like an abrupt ending. At the same time, the story wraps itself up as closing out a chapter, so to speak. I think the author left it to our imaginations on where it would go.
Despite any hard feelings, the book is well done and should be read for the character of Eleanor alone. Recommend.
As for my book review, this is a well written book with plenty of character and depth. Rhiannon is a great hero character but Eleanor is FANTASTIC. I absolutely loved her and rarely see someone so resolute. What's torture is that the two, Rhiannon and Eleanor, can't be together for SO long...or worse, they come together and then are split apart.
***SPOILER ALERT***
It's also absolutely tragic what happens to Eleanor's character at the end. It was already bad enough when we get the news halfway through and endure the long suffering wait but then talk about stomping on a reader's heart and handing it back to them. Things get worse for her! Horrible!
The prose of the story is nearly poetic at times and it's written in a manner that lends itself to a medieval type feel though this book is a fantasy that exists in no real history (it's not actual medieval history).
The narrative of the story is really vivid and many times I was completely drawn into its world as if I was there myself. Though there are sweet and amazing moments in it, this is not a happy, happy story by any means. We do get a somewhat happy ending though you also have the lump in your stomach as they go off into the sunset.
I agree with the others in that it feels there are some loose ends, especially when it comes to the character Aveline. The book ends as if it's the first of a series, hinting at things to come but not unfolding them, so in that way it feels like an abrupt ending. At the same time, the story wraps itself up as closing out a chapter, so to speak. I think the author left it to our imaginations on where it would go.
Despite any hard feelings, the book is well done and should be read for the character of Eleanor alone. Recommend.
April 19, 2016
This book is a classic example of Mimika's Law [all media that has wlw in it is also rascist].
I loved the first 50% of this book, with it's slowburn gays and it's adorable characters. But then, the subplot of "crusades against the Brown Infidels" and really ruined the book and I finished it feeling icky and awful.
I loved the first 50% of this book, with it's slowburn gays and it's adorable characters. But then, the subplot of "crusades against the Brown Infidels" and really ruined the book and I finished it feeling icky and awful.
December 29, 2017
Two and a half stars, if GR would let me use halves.
While the romance itself is lovely the rest of the plot/worldbuilding... Sure is about how great the Crusades were and how people who worship different gods to you deserve to die horribly.
While the romance itself is lovely the rest of the plot/worldbuilding... Sure is about how great the Crusades were and how people who worship different gods to you deserve to die horribly.
March 16, 2020
This book, objectively, is worthy of only 1 star. But in honor of Lady Eleanor being so very charming with her intelligence and witty dialogues, I gave it a bonus.
First, praises. Half of the book, when the focus is on Rhiannon and Eleanor's interactions, is truthfully a great pleasure to read through. The ladies are beyond likable and so is their romance. The dialogues are especially nice and well-done, I like how the speech is mostly very formal, yet never stiff, they flow naturally into conversations as well as playful flirtations. Unfortunately, those great features can not save the book from its latter half, which is both boring and infuriating. At the same time! Now isn't that an accomplishment?
So, let's talk about the things that give me headaches. This book never goes anywhere with its overarching plot. The ending is a big disappointment. The holy war, the religious obsession, the crazy naer-cousin, everything is irrelevant. This book might as well be called "The Poor Aborted Story Arc". And even if it wasn't abandoned, the story would still be bad, considering how the whole "plot" is brought about by Aveline's stupid prophecy dreams. Prophecies! Because who on earth wouldn't like a dose of "fate" forcing characters to do things, just to move stuff forward?
Worst of all, the author decides to end the book with the laziest, most hideous excuse for a climax
Other pain-inducing problems are not to be overlooked. One of those is Rhiannon's reluctance to be there when her lover needs her The fact that Eleanor is always the one who has to nurse Rhiannon's confidence back, even though she, too, is suffering (a lot more, even), does not sit well with me. I do not know if this is an unfortunate implication or not, but the worst, the shittiest shite Rhiannon possesses is her weird distaste of who owns Eleanor. Yes, that's the word.
It might be me being sensitive, but even if we cross that detail out, it is well proved that Rhiannon has serious trust issues. She is also very childish, with a severe lack of self-confidence. As you may guess, none of these issues is resolved at the end of the book, Rhiannon doesn't grow a tiny little bit. And don't even get me started on Aveline. Oh my friggin god my head.
All in all, bad book. It has a very poor plot, if there ever is one. Rhiannon is a very flawed character, yet her mental flaws are never acknowledged and thus, she never learns anything. Eleanor is an interesting, charming, lovely lady. Unfortunately, she is subjected to being used for shock factor. Even the nice first half can not save the book from being a total trainwreck. Believe me, it crashed so hard my head almost flew off my neck trying to keep from yelling at the book while throwing myself against a wall. Urgh, never again (except for Eleanor, 'cause goddamnit how can one be so perfect?).
First, praises. Half of the book, when the focus is on Rhiannon and Eleanor's interactions, is truthfully a great pleasure to read through. The ladies are beyond likable and so is their romance. The dialogues are especially nice and well-done, I like how the speech is mostly very formal, yet never stiff, they flow naturally into conversations as well as playful flirtations. Unfortunately, those great features can not save the book from its latter half, which is both boring and infuriating. At the same time! Now isn't that an accomplishment?
So, let's talk about the things that give me headaches. This book never goes anywhere with its overarching plot. The ending is a big disappointment. The holy war, the religious obsession, the crazy naer-cousin, everything is irrelevant. This book might as well be called "The Poor Aborted Story Arc". And even if it wasn't abandoned, the story would still be bad, considering how the whole "plot" is brought about by Aveline's stupid prophecy dreams. Prophecies! Because who on earth wouldn't like a dose of "fate" forcing characters to do things, just to move stuff forward?
Worst of all, the author decides to end the book with the laziest, most hideous excuse for a climax
Other pain-inducing problems are not to be overlooked. One of those is Rhiannon's reluctance to be there when her lover needs her The fact that Eleanor is always the one who has to nurse Rhiannon's confidence back, even though she, too, is suffering (a lot more, even), does not sit well with me. I do not know if this is an unfortunate implication or not, but the worst, the shittiest shite Rhiannon possesses is her weird distaste of who owns Eleanor. Yes, that's the word.
It might be me being sensitive, but even if we cross that detail out, it is well proved that Rhiannon has serious trust issues. She is also very childish, with a severe lack of self-confidence. As you may guess, none of these issues is resolved at the end of the book, Rhiannon doesn't grow a tiny little bit. And don't even get me started on Aveline. Oh my friggin god my head.
All in all, bad book. It has a very poor plot, if there ever is one. Rhiannon is a very flawed character, yet her mental flaws are never acknowledged and thus, she never learns anything. Eleanor is an interesting, charming, lovely lady. Unfortunately, she is subjected to being used for shock factor. Even the nice first half can not save the book from being a total trainwreck. Believe me, it crashed so hard my head almost flew off my neck trying to keep from yelling at the book while throwing myself against a wall. Urgh, never again (except for Eleanor, 'cause goddamnit how can one be so perfect?).
December 20, 2020
Okay-ish.
Someone mentioned that the story takes a bad or dull turn at the half mark, but I actually liked that not-at-all-surprising turn of event. As much as I agree in the sense that the more feminine of the two main characters in love ends being depicted basically and uncharaceristically as little more than a damsel in distress longing for her strong honorable knight; it was, in my opinion, a realistic difficulty to surmount for our main characters, very much in keeping with the priestess conniving schemes. Although the unnecessary and just plain lazy writing trope used – in line with the chosen damsel-in-distress/honorable-knight atmosphere of the romance – () to resolve everything was awful and dropped my rating, even had it not been too abrupt and almost-unresolved.
The writing is fairly good. The characters are mostly well fleshed out, and the dialogue well-crafted. The story doesn't get dull, although the priestess' storyline feels side stepped by the others in the second half. I have to say that I only liked the femme character. I even prefered the priestess to the knight, because at least she is aware of the way she treats people instead of pretending she does everything for honor.
On the other hand, the book is very racist in a way that may be believable for a fake-middle-ages story but that is never nuanced in any way by the writing. Similarly, the author fails to balance the misogyny of it all, especially when the femme main character is more or less explicitly described as "not like other girls", the butch one is little more than a man too often – especially in her notion of owning the woman she loves or how broody she gets or how she resorts to violence to get her way, and the conniving almost-villainess is shown to choose girls to sleep with who are under her power and not always adults and described in very infantilizing terms.
Someone mentioned that the story takes a bad or dull turn at the half mark, but I actually liked that not-at-all-surprising turn of event. As much as I agree in the sense that the more feminine of the two main characters in love ends being depicted basically and uncharaceristically as little more than a damsel in distress longing for her strong honorable knight; it was, in my opinion, a realistic difficulty to surmount for our main characters, very much in keeping with the priestess conniving schemes. Although the unnecessary and just plain lazy writing trope used – in line with the chosen damsel-in-distress/honorable-knight atmosphere of the romance – () to resolve everything was awful and dropped my rating, even had it not been too abrupt and almost-unresolved.
The writing is fairly good. The characters are mostly well fleshed out, and the dialogue well-crafted. The story doesn't get dull, although the priestess' storyline feels side stepped by the others in the second half. I have to say that I only liked the femme character. I even prefered the priestess to the knight, because at least she is aware of the way she treats people instead of pretending she does everything for honor.
On the other hand, the book is very racist in a way that may be believable for a fake-middle-ages story but that is never nuanced in any way by the writing. Similarly, the author fails to balance the misogyny of it all, especially when the femme main character is more or less explicitly described as "not like other girls", the butch one is little more than a man too often – especially in her notion of owning the woman she loves or how broody she gets or how she resorts to violence to get her way, and the conniving almost-villainess is shown to choose girls to sleep with who are under her power and not always adults and described in very infantilizing terms.
March 11, 2012
I was blown off by this book this book was wonderful!! I don't usually read these books but this book made me fell in love with both characters.
PLot= A lady knight and a widow a beautiful one what are you still waiting for?
Language- I always loved the medieval period and eventhough the language confused me I'm soo glad i picked this book to read.
Characters- Rinnanon was my favorite, she is a lady knight who has a scarred face I admire her bravery and her fearlessness that is something I need to learn from her. Her passion and will do everything for Eleanor is what made me love her. Eleanor- The beautiful widow, she likes to see inside people and not on the outside I love her relationship with Rinnanon in some parts of the story I feel bad for her because of what happened but her bravery and her love for Rinnanon is amazing. Aveline- This girl priestess omg i don't know i have a love and hate for her but she is still cool!
I didn't regret buying this book at all it was wonderful, action packed, love scenes and forbidden love all put in together. Read Lady Knight! You won't regret it if you don't I sure you do!
PLot= A lady knight and a widow a beautiful one what are you still waiting for?
Language- I always loved the medieval period and eventhough the language confused me I'm soo glad i picked this book to read.
Characters- Rinnanon was my favorite, she is a lady knight who has a scarred face I admire her bravery and her fearlessness that is something I need to learn from her. Her passion and will do everything for Eleanor is what made me love her. Eleanor- The beautiful widow, she likes to see inside people and not on the outside I love her relationship with Rinnanon in some parts of the story I feel bad for her because of what happened but her bravery and her love for Rinnanon is amazing. Aveline- This girl priestess omg i don't know i have a love and hate for her but she is still cool!
I didn't regret buying this book at all it was wonderful, action packed, love scenes and forbidden love all put in together. Read Lady Knight! You won't regret it if you don't I sure you do!
July 6, 2012
I usually don't waste my time or embarrassment allowance on reviewing romance novels, but good ones (those that don't feel like a waste of my time) likes this sometime get to be exceptions. This book was a good read, as in there is not much to say about it. Solid characters in credible situations set in a fantasy world that offer few surprises. As a fantasy novel, this would have been too bland for 4 stars, but I get the feeling that had this been written as serious fantasy, the characters and premise are sufficiently interesting and unique to accommodate the additional dimensions and depth required. In fact, the fantasy elements of this book warrants, no yells out for a sequel, but main romance element is satisfactorily wrapped up by the end, so the prospect a sequel in the same vein feels like that of having rich deserts after too much dinner.
The ending felt somewhat abrupt compared to the rest of the book, and a few side characters could have used more depth, even for a romance novel, otherwise this book exceeded my expectations.
The ending felt somewhat abrupt compared to the rest of the book, and a few side characters could have used more depth, even for a romance novel, otherwise this book exceeded my expectations.
January 7, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. I want to give it five stars. I really liked both heroines. Though, if I have to choose between the I would pick Rhiannon as my favorite. But, the ending feels rushed. The story line about the crusade, Aveline and Cecily's marriage are left up in the air and I hear that the author isn't going to do a sequel. The romantic relationship between Rhiannon and Eleanor is very fulfilling, but I wish we'd got more of an ending for the two of them. They end up together, but there are so many questions left about how the future will proceed for them that I would have liked more book. For these reason I cannot give a five stars, but a solid four stars, as long as people are our with the fact that there are some loose ends at the conclusion.
September 3, 2014
I loved this book entirely. So much so I couldn't put it down, except when absolutely necessary. (I read it at work, and during class even xD) It has taken place of my favorite book so neatly, and I can't wait to read it again.
That said, the only thing I want now is more. It truly deserves a squeal, as it ends pretty much at the precipice of a new beginning. One full of many questions.
I really loved the way L-J Baker handled her characters. They all had a very strong personality, and were all developed quite well. The amount of time spent depicting scenery, activities, and other things felt natural and didn't dwell too long. I enjoyed the dialogues as well, I feel it added to my imagining of this old, yet interesting world.
Thank you L-J Baker for a wonderful read. :]
That said, the only thing I want now is more. It truly deserves a squeal, as it ends pretty much at the precipice of a new beginning. One full of many questions.
I really loved the way L-J Baker handled her characters. They all had a very strong personality, and were all developed quite well. The amount of time spent depicting scenery, activities, and other things felt natural and didn't dwell too long. I enjoyed the dialogues as well, I feel it added to my imagining of this old, yet interesting world.
Thank you L-J Baker for a wonderful read. :]
September 6, 2009
L-J Baker has become one of my favorite authors of late. The character descriptions and voices are beautifully presented on the page, and few are without redeeming qualities or failings. No character in this book demonstrates this complexity like Aveline, an ambitious priestess cousin of the lead character, who easily provokes both admiration and disdain. Add this level of complexity to the two main characters, Rhiannon and Eleanor, and mix in a healthy dose of consistent, witty dialogue, and the result is the well-written Lady Knight. Note--this novel is a brutally honest reflection of medieval times, so do not expect a fairytale here.
September 9, 2019
Unnecessary rape plot that came out of nowhere and pretty much tuined the story for me. The world was dark and serious enough already, this added nothing. It happens 93% (kindle ed) into the story so the characters are given no time to process it or properly deal with it.
The same problem with a whole load of other side plots and characters introduced way too late and given no room for resolution of any kind. The author should have kept it smaller and resolved better. The first half of the book was fantastic I expected to give ot 4 to 5 stars. Disappointing
The same problem with a whole load of other side plots and characters introduced way too late and given no room for resolution of any kind. The author should have kept it smaller and resolved better. The first half of the book was fantastic I expected to give ot 4 to 5 stars. Disappointing
January 3, 2018
OH MY GOD THIS WAS SO GOOD! LADY KNIGHT! WITTY INDEPENDENT WIDOW MANAGING HER OWN ESTATES!! LOTS OF HOT LESBIAN SEX! A++ WOULD RECOMMEND!
only thing(s) i did not like was a gross and awful marriage and a rape scene, but justice did get served and entrails were spilled on the ground!
only thing(s) i did not like was a gross and awful marriage and a rape scene, but justice did get served and entrails were spilled on the ground!
March 10, 2013
Very fun book.
October 6, 2012
Really enjoyed it!
May 3, 2022
So... what to know about this book, first and foremost, going in is that it is essentially a throwback to medieval courtly love romances, and literary epics. One of my biggest complaints, from a modern literature perspective is that it just... isn't long enough to resolve all the various plot threads it introduces or engages with.
Another thing that may be a bit jarring from a modern perspective is that it is about an explicitly flawed, patriarchal, religiously dogmatic society. Misogyny and racism abound in-universe, but I do not think that that is meant to be an endorsement of either. Our protagonists are women who chafe under the society's misogynistic views of marriage and the roles of a woman, and the primary agent of racism is someone who the audience is primed to distrust, while one of our main protagonists expresses empathy with the so-called "infidels", both as a whole and towards individuals. True, she does go on crusade against them, but this is thoroughly depicted as an extension of the novel's themes of people being trapped within systems they can barely even imagine defying. Meanwhile, this crusade is depicted to the audience as a thoroughly unpleasant and unwanted thing. Riannon has PTSD flashbacks to the previous war, it is a major disrupting factor in the main characters' romance plot, and the entire thing seems to be kicked off solely due to the self-serving machinations of a character who is thoroughly and repeatedly depicted to the audience as untrustworthy, overly ambitious, and with overall dubious morals.
Now, all of that said, the core of this novel is its romantic plot between Eleanor and Riannon, which - again - is classic courtly love. An important genre element of which is the way that duty is utilized to deny our protagonists' happy ending. That they face a dilemma between preserving their honour and being able to express their love. Add to that an instance of rape, and this book is not going to be one go to for warm, fuzzy wlw romance, but rather the kind that leaves you crying with its ending being a warm hug, but only promising true happiness in the unwritten future.
I absolutely adored both characters, and found the world to be quite engaging, but I have to take off a star because, again, the book has so many major plot threads that just... never get a chance to properly resolve, or even be explored all that much. A lot goes on in this novel, but only the romance plot can even be said to have a conclusion, and even that is more of an ellipsis than a full stop.
Another thing that may be a bit jarring from a modern perspective is that it is about an explicitly flawed, patriarchal, religiously dogmatic society. Misogyny and racism abound in-universe, but I do not think that that is meant to be an endorsement of either. Our protagonists are women who chafe under the society's misogynistic views of marriage and the roles of a woman, and the primary agent of racism is someone who the audience is primed to distrust, while one of our main protagonists expresses empathy with the so-called "infidels", both as a whole and towards individuals. True, she does go on crusade against them, but this is thoroughly depicted as an extension of the novel's themes of people being trapped within systems they can barely even imagine defying. Meanwhile, this crusade is depicted to the audience as a thoroughly unpleasant and unwanted thing. Riannon has PTSD flashbacks to the previous war, it is a major disrupting factor in the main characters' romance plot, and the entire thing seems to be kicked off solely due to the self-serving machinations of a character who is thoroughly and repeatedly depicted to the audience as untrustworthy, overly ambitious, and with overall dubious morals.
Now, all of that said, the core of this novel is its romantic plot between Eleanor and Riannon, which - again - is classic courtly love. An important genre element of which is the way that duty is utilized to deny our protagonists' happy ending. That they face a dilemma between preserving their honour and being able to express their love. Add to that an instance of rape, and this book is not going to be one go to for warm, fuzzy wlw romance, but rather the kind that leaves you crying with its ending being a warm hug, but only promising true happiness in the unwritten future.
I absolutely adored both characters, and found the world to be quite engaging, but I have to take off a star because, again, the book has so many major plot threads that just... never get a chance to properly resolve, or even be explored all that much. A lot goes on in this novel, but only the romance plot can even be said to have a conclusion, and even that is more of an ellipsis than a full stop.
March 13, 2018
This slow paced high fantasy lesbian romance is something that I found to be just the right touch of action, intrigue, and romance. When Rhiannon of Gast returns home from a crusade, she does so as a hero. She's the Valdomme who saved the day for her kingdom, however no one knows on account of her being a woman. She tries to keep people away, but her defenses are breached by the lovely Lady Eleanor, a widow twice over, and charm for miles. What happens between them changes the course of their kingdom.
I enjoyed the three pronged story, and it allowed the writer to give just enough depth to the world to make it believable. The politics, represented by Rhiannon's priestess cousin, Aveline give a nice unpredictability to the story, as she does become a slight agent of chaos. Eleanor and Rhiannon's romance, is a great example of the mix of the medieval concept of "chivalrous" love and mixing it in with "romantic" love. The courtly manners and the love of puns and word play help drive home the point of the setting.
I love when authors go full out with dialog choices in regards to their settings. Baker does this for her medieval setting, to some really fun effect. Eleanor, in particular is such a fun character to listen to. She is so witty and charming, it is difficult to not like her. I wish more authors of Genre LGBT fiction really work with their settings- it is certainly difficult to get it right, but dammit it is delightful when it works.
I enjoyed the three pronged story, and it allowed the writer to give just enough depth to the world to make it believable. The politics, represented by Rhiannon's priestess cousin, Aveline give a nice unpredictability to the story, as she does become a slight agent of chaos. Eleanor and Rhiannon's romance, is a great example of the mix of the medieval concept of "chivalrous" love and mixing it in with "romantic" love. The courtly manners and the love of puns and word play help drive home the point of the setting.
I love when authors go full out with dialog choices in regards to their settings. Baker does this for her medieval setting, to some really fun effect. Eleanor, in particular is such a fun character to listen to. She is so witty and charming, it is difficult to not like her. I wish more authors of Genre LGBT fiction really work with their settings- it is certainly difficult to get it right, but dammit it is delightful when it works.
November 13, 2019
The kingdom of Iruland, is a land where magic and law reign alongside it's people; which inspired three women to change their destiny outside the sphere of patriarchy:
Riannon of Gast, is a knight who aspires for a worthy cause; but, men deem her "unnatural" because of her courage. With sword in hand, she survived Vahl and became a legend in troubadour's songs. But her biggest battle will reveal itself when love bloom's in the air...
Eleanor of Barrowmere is a wealthy noblewoman, she has great influence and power amongst the court. She is able to govern her land's without anyone's help; but, the queen use her as a pawn to institute authority. Married twice, Eleanor has no interest in "lofty" notion's of romance until Riannon sparked the flames of desire...
Naer Aveline, is a woman with a "high" purpose, she calls for a crusade to reclaim territory under the banner of the "Goddess." As sister to the queen, this decision arrived as a prophetic vision to inspire cousin Riannon that it must happen. She need's a champion to gain glory, or else no one will be safe. Such ambition hangs upon a thread of hope; because, nothing is set in stone....
Power, itself, cannot be obtained without force; in a world were men make the rules, these ladies must carve their own path of honor too.
Riannon of Gast, is a knight who aspires for a worthy cause; but, men deem her "unnatural" because of her courage. With sword in hand, she survived Vahl and became a legend in troubadour's songs. But her biggest battle will reveal itself when love bloom's in the air...
Eleanor of Barrowmere is a wealthy noblewoman, she has great influence and power amongst the court. She is able to govern her land's without anyone's help; but, the queen use her as a pawn to institute authority. Married twice, Eleanor has no interest in "lofty" notion's of romance until Riannon sparked the flames of desire...
Naer Aveline, is a woman with a "high" purpose, she calls for a crusade to reclaim territory under the banner of the "Goddess." As sister to the queen, this decision arrived as a prophetic vision to inspire cousin Riannon that it must happen. She need's a champion to gain glory, or else no one will be safe. Such ambition hangs upon a thread of hope; because, nothing is set in stone....
Power, itself, cannot be obtained without force; in a world were men make the rules, these ladies must carve their own path of honor too.
September 30, 2019
What a delightful read! This is your classical adventure tale, with knights and ladies and romance and magic and swords. Just... the dashing hero of this book is a dashing heroine, a not-so-subtle nod towards the fantastic Brienne of Tarth and every bit as stunning. I fell madly in love with both Rhiannon and Eleanor and I wish this book was part 1 of a trilogy because I'd love to read more about these two.
The second half seems a bit rushed, sadly, and I'd have liked to learn more about Rhiannon's magic sword, and although I didn't like Geoffrey and his son Ralph, their combined evilness came rather suddenly. They aren't mentioned all that much over the course of the book and then they're in your face and you wonder where on earth that came from.
All in all, the wee frowning moments didn't spoil my reading fun and I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves classical knight tales. With a twist.
Four out of five stars.
The second half seems a bit rushed, sadly, and I'd have liked to learn more about Rhiannon's magic sword, and although I didn't like Geoffrey and his son Ralph, their combined evilness came rather suddenly. They aren't mentioned all that much over the course of the book and then they're in your face and you wonder where on earth that came from.
All in all, the wee frowning moments didn't spoil my reading fun and I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves classical knight tales. With a twist.
Four out of five stars.
November 3, 2024
It starts awesome and ends with disappointment.
The world-building, the characters and the banter between Eleanor and Rhiannon grasped me from the start, but the rest of the book was such a letdown. I wanted to see what would become of our ambitious Naer. Her plot didn't have a conclusion at all...
And I expected more from the infidels part of the story, the crusades. War is never that easy, the challenges of it should have been shown more in the story.
The rape was unnecessary. Eleanor was already in such a bad place. It was like pouring salt in an open wound.
This deserves a sequel to wrap up the story in a better way.
The world-building, the characters and the banter between Eleanor and Rhiannon grasped me from the start, but the rest of the book was such a letdown. I wanted to see what would become of our ambitious Naer. Her plot didn't have a conclusion at all...
And I expected more from the infidels part of the story, the crusades. War is never that easy, the challenges of it should have been shown more in the story.
The rape was unnecessary. Eleanor was already in such a bad place. It was like pouring salt in an open wound.
This deserves a sequel to wrap up the story in a better way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2023
Trigger warning for rape (main character), victim blaming, internalised homophobia, homophobia and racism.
I very happily spent this read imagining Riannon was Brienne of Tarth. What a catch.
Eleanor took a while to stop thinking "gee, if only she were a man" and "she doesn't FEEL like a man" every time they kissed. While I understand she's coming to understand her identity, at times it was also pretty heavily internalised homophobia which led to her hurting the person she cared for.
Also, the racism. It's capital b BAD.
I very happily spent this read imagining Riannon was Brienne of Tarth. What a catch.
Eleanor took a while to stop thinking "gee, if only she were a man" and "she doesn't FEEL like a man" every time they kissed. While I understand she's coming to understand her identity, at times it was also pretty heavily internalised homophobia which led to her hurting the person she cared for.
Also, the racism. It's capital b BAD.
January 8, 2020
More accurately, I liked things about it. I do agree with other reviewers that it loses steam halfway through. I've liked Baker's other titles, but this one felt like perhaps she'd had an idea that was bigger than the book that actually got published. Points for an interesting idea, women at midlife for their society, the female knight idea and the first half.
August 27, 2023
I was hoping for a epic king arthur kind of story. This was different. There is lots of praying and I couldn't figure out if the priestess was just ambitious or if she was doing the right thing. I found it difficult plough through. There was fighting and back stabbing. But maybe it's just me, I couldn't really connect. I did like lady Eleanor. She is witty and clever.
June 25, 2017
Why isn't this like six books long
The love story is great. Riannon is great, as is Eleanor.
Aveline skeeves me real hard, but she's an interesting and well written char.
I think if it was longer the crusades plot line would be less ambiguous.
I want more.
The love story is great. Riannon is great, as is Eleanor.
Aveline skeeves me real hard, but she's an interesting and well written char.
I think if it was longer the crusades plot line would be less ambiguous.
I want more.
December 22, 2020
I wanted to give it more stars for being wlw fantasy content, but the unreflected crusade storyline, the clichéd mother Goddess and most of all the horrid and unnecessary last minute rape plot really managed to sour the things I enjoyed about it. No thank you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2022
where is part 2
I thoroughly enjoyed this book but I need more. There’s more to explore in the book world building. I anticipate my characters life together, so where is the second book?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book but I need more. There’s more to explore in the book world building. I anticipate my characters life together, so where is the second book?
February 16, 2022
Aa far as lesbian romance novels go, this one has it all. (Lady) Knights in shining armor, an amazing backstory, plenty of jumping around between characters, damsels who are not in distress but instead kick all of the ass. It's a must-read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews