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The Sixth Surrender
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A transporting debut novel set in thirteenth century France-a time when chivalry reigned and treachery ruled
In the last years of her eventful life, queen-duchess Aliénor of Aquitaine launches a deadly dynastic chess game to safeguard the crowns of Normandy and England for John Plantagenet, her last surviving son.
To that end, Aliénor coerces into matrimony two pawns-Juliana de Charnais, a plain and pious novice determined to regain her inheritance, and Guérin de lasalle, a cynical, war-worn mercenary equally resolved to renounce his.
The womanizing Lasalle and the proud Juliana are perfectly matched for battle not love-until spies and assassins conspire to reverse their romantic fortunes.
Populated by spirited and intelligent women and executed in flawless period detail, The Sixth Surrender is a compelling love story that heralds the arrival of a major new talent in historical fiction.
A transporting debut novel set in thirteenth century France-a time when chivalry reigned and treachery ruled
In the last years of her eventful life, queen-duchess Aliénor of Aquitaine launches a deadly dynastic chess game to safeguard the crowns of Normandy and England for John Plantagenet, her last surviving son.
To that end, Aliénor coerces into matrimony two pawns-Juliana de Charnais, a plain and pious novice determined to regain her inheritance, and Guérin de lasalle, a cynical, war-worn mercenary equally resolved to renounce his.
The womanizing Lasalle and the proud Juliana are perfectly matched for battle not love-until spies and assassins conspire to reverse their romantic fortunes.
Populated by spirited and intelligent women and executed in flawless period detail, The Sixth Surrender is a compelling love story that heralds the arrival of a major new talent in historical fiction.
468 pages, Paperback
First published July 22, 2010
7 people are currently reading
403 people want to read
About the author
Hana Samek Norton
3 books11 followersI have a passion for the Middle Ages dating to a childhood exploring the ruins of castles and cloisters in the (now) Czech Republic where I was born & raised, and where I first learned the difference between a halberd and a hauberk.
Since historical novels were one of the few uncensored subjects behind the Iron Curtain, I became a voracious reader of the genre–Scott, Dumas, Sienkiewicz, Gogol, Balzac, Dickens, Bronte; then went on to Pargeter, Plaidy, Oldenbourg, Seton, Dunnett, Penman....and sundry "historical" romance novels. Although I became a real historian, historically-grounded epics and family sagas remain my favorite leisure reading.
The Sixth Surrender and its sequel, The Serpent’s Crown are the result of research into the "career" of the Lusignans, an upstart, ambitious, and devious clan of 13th century French lords who managed to fight, marry, cheat, and sleep their way to the crowns of Cyprus, Jerusalem, and Armenia, and to nearly topple John of England from his throne.
I have lived in Canada, and am currently living in the US, am married to an Englishman, and work as a consulting historian to the US Department of Justice on matters very much unrelated to my favorite subject.
Since historical novels were one of the few uncensored subjects behind the Iron Curtain, I became a voracious reader of the genre–Scott, Dumas, Sienkiewicz, Gogol, Balzac, Dickens, Bronte; then went on to Pargeter, Plaidy, Oldenbourg, Seton, Dunnett, Penman....and sundry "historical" romance novels. Although I became a real historian, historically-grounded epics and family sagas remain my favorite leisure reading.
The Sixth Surrender and its sequel, The Serpent’s Crown are the result of research into the "career" of the Lusignans, an upstart, ambitious, and devious clan of 13th century French lords who managed to fight, marry, cheat, and sleep their way to the crowns of Cyprus, Jerusalem, and Armenia, and to nearly topple John of England from his throne.
I have lived in Canada, and am currently living in the US, am married to an Englishman, and work as a consulting historian to the US Department of Justice on matters very much unrelated to my favorite subject.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
September 28, 2011
After much struggle, I made it to the halfway point (page 257 of 468) and just cannot go on. There seems to be too much going on and I'm still uncertain what the main plot is. Political intrigue? Possibly a romance between Juliana and Guérin? Although how that would ever happen is beyond me, seeing as their animosity towards each other isn't the hate-to-love you see in other books. This is real hatred. The book has moments where the passages are well-written and engaging, though they're few and far between, so I think the author does have potential. However, something about the book just isn't holding my attention or interest, and it doesn't help that Juliana is an irritating little mouse (Guérin calls her "mouse" repeatedly) who's rather stupid. Guérin isn't much better, he's a donkey, but at least he's interesting and not half as annoying. Perhaps if I knew where in the world the plot was actually going, I might have been able to carry on, but there are way too many plots that seem to be going in all sorts of directions and it's just a mess. I'm unsure who the target audience is for this: readers who know next to nothing of the history of this time or those who do, I'm not certain either would end up happy.
So will I pick this up and try again in the future? I doubt it.
So will I pick this up and try again in the future? I doubt it.
January 11, 2017
I think I got a little more than a 100 pages in and I wish I had never picked it up.
As an extremely biased to my emotions kind of reader, I'll say it isn't really the authors fault. I didn't like the storyline, nor where it was going. The historical stuff was interesting, but at times I did feel like I was reading a text book.
I like happy endings, what can I say... I skipped to the end and decided to stop reading because I realized the story went where I didn't like. I already felt as if I was reading a historical soap opera, so yeah. Not for me.
It seemed there was no real reason for things. Like, people acting a certain way. I just dont like being pushed and pulled in a story, at least when it doesn't seem like I'm supposed to be.
So yeah it was just the story that I didn't like.
As an extremely biased to my emotions kind of reader, I'll say it isn't really the authors fault. I didn't like the storyline, nor where it was going. The historical stuff was interesting, but at times I did feel like I was reading a text book.
I like happy endings, what can I say... I skipped to the end and decided to stop reading because I realized the story went where I didn't like. I already felt as if I was reading a historical soap opera, so yeah. Not for me.
It seemed there was no real reason for things. Like, people acting a certain way. I just dont like being pushed and pulled in a story, at least when it doesn't seem like I'm supposed to be.
So yeah it was just the story that I didn't like.
April 25, 2020
Well this was...not good. Two storylines. One naive novice forced to marry cruel cad. Lots of descriptions of this story and it resolves with trite twist after trite twist. The second - and the one that kept me reading - elderly Eleanor of Aquitaine is involved in the machinations* of Kings John and Philip over land in France. This part was not well done enough to outweigh story #1. *A word that it turms out Dh and I pronounce differently. I use the UK version, he the stateside one.
November 22, 2010
The Sixth Surrender had some well-written moments. Unfortunately, it was also very confusing with a convoluted plot. It tells the story of Juliana, heiress to the small border viscounty of Tillieres. She intially was to become a nun. During her time as a novice at Fontrevaud, Juliana becomes a scribe for the aging Alienor (Eleanor of Aquitaine). Juliana wishes to marry instead of taking her vows. While Samek doesn't exactly make clear what Juliana expects from marriage, she certainly got something she didn't bargain for - the mysterious bad boy Guerin de La Salle. La Salle has a dark past and a nasty scar on his neck, having survived an attempted beheading during his time in Outre Mer (Israel) with the deceased Richard. Alienor decides to marry Juliana and Guerin, purportedly to secure Guerin's loyalty as Guerin is landless. However the couple does not get along. Guerin has no wish to marry and he enjoys several mistresses. Juliana adopts a holier than thou attidue and is disgusted at the idea of being a wife (begging the question of what she expected from marriage) - especially to the odious La Salle. La Salle comes across as an abusive brute.
Meanwhile, the novel goes through various confusing plots, some of which were political, others were the stuff of a drawn-out battle between La Salle and Juliana. To note: I found it confusing and I had significant background knowledge on the major political issues of the period - the Lusignans, Arthur of Brittany, Eleanor of Brittany, the dispute between Johna nd his Poitevin barons. I can only imagine how confusing this novel would be for someone without background knowledge!
Towards the end of the novel, Samek introduces a plot twist. She tries to redeem La Salle by having his actions appear in a different light. Still, things don't really make sense to this reader. I had no idea how Juliana figured certain things out - e.g. the identity fo Celine. I found myself skimming the last 100 pages. I just wanted to get to the end of this convoluted novel. 1.5 stars (At least I finished it!).
**Reviewed for Amazon Vine
Meanwhile, the novel goes through various confusing plots, some of which were political, others were the stuff of a drawn-out battle between La Salle and Juliana. To note: I found it confusing and I had significant background knowledge on the major political issues of the period - the Lusignans, Arthur of Brittany, Eleanor of Brittany, the dispute between Johna nd his Poitevin barons. I can only imagine how confusing this novel would be for someone without background knowledge!
Towards the end of the novel, Samek introduces a plot twist. She tries to redeem La Salle by having his actions appear in a different light. Still, things don't really make sense to this reader. I had no idea how Juliana figured certain things out - e.g. the identity fo Celine. I found myself skimming the last 100 pages. I just wanted to get to the end of this convoluted novel. 1.5 stars (At least I finished it!).
**Reviewed for Amazon Vine
September 6, 2010
This book kept me up reading later than I should have for several nights. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and, as a first effort, I think there must be more good reads to come from this author. There were some aspects of the romances that made me think "maybe not!". I think that the author stretched to hold some of the plot and romance together but that did not stop my enjoyment. I am a fanatic about historical fiction - but I always remember that it is, in fact, fiction - not non-fiction - and so I allow some slack on that account. I can really recommend this book. If you are a picky historical history reader you may find elements that don't suit you - but make no mistake that Ms. Norton has done a a lot of research and presents her book with a tremendous amount of historical fact - you can easily imagine yourself as part of the book as you read it. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and recommend it to fans of historical fiction set in the early 13th century.
What exactly is the sixth surrender? You can find the answer to that question. Read no further if you don't want to read a spoiler...
"...siege,storm,surprise, subterfuge, suborning...they say are the means of gaining a well guarded secret...there is s sixth one...do you know what that is, my lady?... surrender..."
What exactly is the sixth surrender? You can find the answer to that question. Read no further if you don't want to read a spoiler...
"...siege,storm,surprise, subterfuge, suborning...they say are the means of gaining a well guarded secret...there is s sixth one...do you know what that is, my lady?... surrender..."
December 20, 2010
I enjoy historical fiction, but admit that I'm not well rounded in it. I have a tendency to stick to British historical fiction because of my heritage. This one sounded interesting because it contains some familiar English figures, but it's set in France.
I do admit I had to constantly remind myself this was more to do with the French, especially since it has King John, and some of the book is set in England. I was very unfamiliar with many of the names of the characters and locations. I also wasn't sure how many of the characters were fictional and how many might have actually existed. Despite all this, I found that I really enjoyed the novel.
Juliana was an interesting character. There were times I couldn't quite tell if she was really naive or smarter than the times she lived in. She had a lot to deal with. She's a pawn in a bigger picture that even we can't see until the very end. But, she also tries her hardest not to be the pawn. She creates a life for herself, despite the efforts of her husband to keep her isolated.
Lasalle, I'm not even sure were to begin with him. For most of the book I despised him. I couldn't imagine a situation that he could come out in a better light. But, the story has such a twisted plot and it's never told from his point of view. In the end, I was stunned at what he was really trying to do all along. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, is as it appears at first.
I really had no expectations when I started this book. I knew that quite a few people who enjoy historical fictions really seemed to like this one. But, I didn't want to get my hopes up. In the end, I had a delightful novel that I seemed to breeze through. And anyone who reads detailed and rich historical fiction might know this is hard to do.
I do admit I had to constantly remind myself this was more to do with the French, especially since it has King John, and some of the book is set in England. I was very unfamiliar with many of the names of the characters and locations. I also wasn't sure how many of the characters were fictional and how many might have actually existed. Despite all this, I found that I really enjoyed the novel.
Juliana was an interesting character. There were times I couldn't quite tell if she was really naive or smarter than the times she lived in. She had a lot to deal with. She's a pawn in a bigger picture that even we can't see until the very end. But, she also tries her hardest not to be the pawn. She creates a life for herself, despite the efforts of her husband to keep her isolated.
Lasalle, I'm not even sure were to begin with him. For most of the book I despised him. I couldn't imagine a situation that he could come out in a better light. But, the story has such a twisted plot and it's never told from his point of view. In the end, I was stunned at what he was really trying to do all along. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, is as it appears at first.
I really had no expectations when I started this book. I knew that quite a few people who enjoy historical fictions really seemed to like this one. But, I didn't want to get my hopes up. In the end, I had a delightful novel that I seemed to breeze through. And anyone who reads detailed and rich historical fiction might know this is hard to do.
November 3, 2017
To be perfectly honest, I pretty much skimmed the middle. I couldn't take it.
LaSalle is abusive and purposefully cruel. The author tries a redemption arc. It falls flat.
-Oh, that one girl you tried to make your wife believe was your mistress is actually your sister. I'll just ignore the way you used her to hurt your wife and that totally makes up for all the other girls you actually DID openly sleep with.
-Oh, you swear you haven't whored since you raped your wife? What self control. Of course, he allows her to think she was asking for it because she was drunk.
LaSalle is physically abusive to women, even the 'reformed' version. I don't think he is actually humbled anyway. Juliana is the one who ended up paying. He never goes grovelling and if Juliana hadn't gotten drunk again he would have left her without a word. For once I want the story to end with the husband (LaSalle) finding his escaped wife, and wrecked with guilt, begged. At least SAY the word love. Instead...his opening words are to embarrass her once again, telling her she smells like fish. She literally gave every monetary possession she has for you to be able to live, she birthed the child that was a result of rape ALONE, and still kept a ring for you so you could give it to the women she thinks you love. Maybe, and this is a radical notion I know, maybe actually act like a man in love. Or at least a man ashamed of his past. Or at the very least appreciative that she smells like fish because she has to make a living to provide for your child.
I don't understand how or why some of the things worked out the way they did. Or maybe I just didn't care enough to invest the brain cells required.
LaSalle is abusive and purposefully cruel. The author tries a redemption arc. It falls flat.
-Oh, that one girl you tried to make your wife believe was your mistress is actually your sister. I'll just ignore the way you used her to hurt your wife and that totally makes up for all the other girls you actually DID openly sleep with.
-Oh, you swear you haven't whored since you raped your wife? What self control. Of course, he allows her to think she was asking for it because she was drunk.
LaSalle is physically abusive to women, even the 'reformed' version. I don't think he is actually humbled anyway. Juliana is the one who ended up paying. He never goes grovelling and if Juliana hadn't gotten drunk again he would have left her without a word. For once I want the story to end with the husband (LaSalle) finding his escaped wife, and wrecked with guilt, begged. At least SAY the word love. Instead...his opening words are to embarrass her once again, telling her she smells like fish. She literally gave every monetary possession she has for you to be able to live, she birthed the child that was a result of rape ALONE, and still kept a ring for you so you could give it to the women she thinks you love. Maybe, and this is a radical notion I know, maybe actually act like a man in love. Or at least a man ashamed of his past. Or at the very least appreciative that she smells like fish because she has to make a living to provide for your child.
I don't understand how or why some of the things worked out the way they did. Or maybe I just didn't care enough to invest the brain cells required.
July 18, 2010
This is not so much a book of romance as it is a story of Historical Fiction. Not a bad story but this one is on the much darker side of what might have gone on during the reign of King John and his mother Alienor of Aquitaine.
The storyline is set pretty close to the end of Alienor's life and portrays her as a schemer in all aspects of the lives of those whom her son rules and those that she loves. Granted I doubt that living during those times would have been easy on anyone but not all could be as bleak and brutal as what is portrayed here.
Queen Alienor decrees that Lady Juliana de Charnais marry, bed and give Guerin de Lasalle an heir so that the viscounty of Tillieres is safely in English hands. What Lady Juliana doesn't realize is that Lasalle is a landless mercenary with a soul that has been blackened beyond possible repair. Or has it? Lasalle is known for his whoring and even keeps his best whore in the same house as his wife. Nothing like a slap in the face for Juliana.
The story does go on to show us the back and forth skirmishes between King John and King Phillip of France. It shows us how backstabbing and loyalty comes with a huge price and no one is safe from the almighty clutches of Greed.
The storyline is set pretty close to the end of Alienor's life and portrays her as a schemer in all aspects of the lives of those whom her son rules and those that she loves. Granted I doubt that living during those times would have been easy on anyone but not all could be as bleak and brutal as what is portrayed here.
Queen Alienor decrees that Lady Juliana de Charnais marry, bed and give Guerin de Lasalle an heir so that the viscounty of Tillieres is safely in English hands. What Lady Juliana doesn't realize is that Lasalle is a landless mercenary with a soul that has been blackened beyond possible repair. Or has it? Lasalle is known for his whoring and even keeps his best whore in the same house as his wife. Nothing like a slap in the face for Juliana.
The story does go on to show us the back and forth skirmishes between King John and King Phillip of France. It shows us how backstabbing and loyalty comes with a huge price and no one is safe from the almighty clutches of Greed.
September 11, 2012
I really wanted to like it because I love the setting, and there are a couple of interesting characters.
Info-dumping, head-hopping, clumsy, clumsy, clumsy.
I gave it 20 chapters then gave up.
Petrea Burchard
Camelot & Vine
Info-dumping, head-hopping, clumsy, clumsy, clumsy.
I gave it 20 chapters then gave up.
Petrea Burchard
Camelot & Vine
February 8, 2018
I had high hopes for this book, but it fell flat for me....sob. I love Historical Fiction. It's my favorite genre. I love books about Eleanor of Aquitaine. There's too much going on in this book, yet nothing getting done.
December 12, 2016
Loved it! It was awesome!
July 28, 2017
It took a while for me to get into this book, but then I couldn't get enough. I'm a big fan of historical fiction so I appreciate all the research the author did. I did find the book to be extremely confusing at times, and thought there was NO need for the physical abuse between Guérin and Juliana... if the author wanted the two to end up together why would she add this?? It just made everything sour for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2020
A little slow to start, but a decent read. Forced me to google alot of history to fill in the blanks.
July 19, 2019
This story could have been SOOOOOO goood. In Armand Lusignan and Guérin de lasalle, Hana Samek created seeds for awesome characters. In the hands of skilled writer, such characters could grow to greatness and sweep the reader of their feet, but alas... Their potential was killed of in writing that read like draft complete with clumsy head hoping, and dreary expositions, with only scraps of good prose. Instead of fleshed out, plausible scenes you are thrown into the half-cooked plot by the arm of constantly ticking deus ex machina.
The worst part of the book was Juliana. Being in her idiotic POV was pure torture. I felt nauseated from her constant refusal of Guerin, from her constant fuck ups, her annoying quoting of ancient writers, her stupid plotting, her lame stuttering, her idiotic assumptions, her skinny frame that we had to be reminded of million times, her nonsensical actions, her running around like a headless chicken, her stupendous lack of judgement.
This is a one star book, but because of Armand and Guerin, it gets 3.
The worst part of the book was Juliana. Being in her idiotic POV was pure torture. I felt nauseated from her constant refusal of Guerin, from her constant fuck ups, her annoying quoting of ancient writers, her stupid plotting, her lame stuttering, her idiotic assumptions, her skinny frame that we had to be reminded of million times, her nonsensical actions, her running around like a headless chicken, her stupendous lack of judgement.
This is a one star book, but because of Armand and Guerin, it gets 3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2010
As a lifelong admirer of Eleanor of Aquitaine, I’m always excited to see a book about her and her remarkable family. The Sixth Surrender focuses on her son, King John, who acceded to the throne of England after his brother Richard I and father, Henry II. Author Norton chooses a minor player, Juliana de Charnais, as a link to the machinations of Alienor (the French spelling used by the author), her son and the nasty old Lusignans. Armand de Lusignan and his family suffered enough degradation under the rule of Kings Henry and Richard and are not about to put up with John “Softsword” and his attempt to destroy them. They’re still fuming after John usurped their pending alliance and Brown Hugh’s marriage to Isabelle of Angouleme by marrying the girl himself.
Juliana’s marriage to Guerin de Lasalle saves her from the convent and makes him beholding to the queen. While he holds her heritage, the Viscounty of Tillieres as John’s vassal, he is primarily an agent of Alienor—she pays better. However, all is not well in the arranged marriage, as any reader of historical romance would know. Luckily, Norton doesn’t dwell on the usual attempts at seduction and rather focuses on King John’s quarrels with Philip Augustus of France. John’s nephew, Arthur of Brittany, has aligned himself with Philip and the Lusignans to try to wrest the crown he feels should be his. Of course, Philip and Armand de Lusignan have plans of their own. Guerin de Lasalle proves to be John’s best weapon to preserve his Norman holdings, easily re-taking the fortress of Mirbeau away from the hapless Arthur.
If you’ve avoided the more scholarly tomes about the Plantagenets, this is just the book for you. It’s light and simple and the players are easily to keep track of by the author’s animated descriptions. Norton scrupulously delivers her 13th century history characters well woven into a story that’s sure to tantalize the casual reader to press on to a bit more serious history.
Juliana’s marriage to Guerin de Lasalle saves her from the convent and makes him beholding to the queen. While he holds her heritage, the Viscounty of Tillieres as John’s vassal, he is primarily an agent of Alienor—she pays better. However, all is not well in the arranged marriage, as any reader of historical romance would know. Luckily, Norton doesn’t dwell on the usual attempts at seduction and rather focuses on King John’s quarrels with Philip Augustus of France. John’s nephew, Arthur of Brittany, has aligned himself with Philip and the Lusignans to try to wrest the crown he feels should be his. Of course, Philip and Armand de Lusignan have plans of their own. Guerin de Lasalle proves to be John’s best weapon to preserve his Norman holdings, easily re-taking the fortress of Mirbeau away from the hapless Arthur.
If you’ve avoided the more scholarly tomes about the Plantagenets, this is just the book for you. It’s light and simple and the players are easily to keep track of by the author’s animated descriptions. Norton scrupulously delivers her 13th century history characters well woven into a story that’s sure to tantalize the casual reader to press on to a bit more serious history.
October 28, 2010
What a rush! Once I started reading, I really couldn't stop. Juliana is a novice nun who chooses marriage and her home of Tillieres in place of becoming cloistered. The queen-duchess, Alienor, gives her hand in marriage to Guerin de Lasalle, a mercenary with a lot of secrets.
Really, a ridiculous amount of secrets. His origin seems to be made up of a bunch of lies and misdirection, much of which is revealed only in the latter half of the book.
All right. So the newly wedded couple is extremely unhappy with their plight, but they resolve to annul their marriage as soon as possible. Meanwhile, King John (yes, the one who signed the Magna Carta), wars with his neighbors, his relatives, and his own barons. This leads to quite a distraction for Juliana and Guerin.
I rather liked the other characters, the secondary ones. I'd have liked to know more about Juliana's wards, but both Anne, mistress of Guerin and a couple of other men, and Alienor were well fleshed out.
Given that this is a historical novel, I cross-checked some of the references on wikipedia. Much of the political warfare and the noble families were accurate, at least in general, for which I was grateful to see.
On the other hand, a lot of sexual tension between, well, a lot of people. I realize that men in medieval times were probably accustomed to beating wives and committing adultery, but I still found it surprising that Juliana would forgive her husband's faults so easily. Not to mention the possibility of sexually transmitted diseases...
Anyway, I enjoyed the book immensely. I do have objections, though: first, I can't keep several of the names straight (who wears the Earl of Pembroke's livery?) and second, it seems that the majority of motivations behind the characters' actions was love. Eleanor d'Aquitaine's Court of Love or not, it seems a little too neatly tied up.
Really, a ridiculous amount of secrets. His origin seems to be made up of a bunch of lies and misdirection, much of which is revealed only in the latter half of the book.
All right. So the newly wedded couple is extremely unhappy with their plight, but they resolve to annul their marriage as soon as possible. Meanwhile, King John (yes, the one who signed the Magna Carta), wars with his neighbors, his relatives, and his own barons. This leads to quite a distraction for Juliana and Guerin.
I rather liked the other characters, the secondary ones. I'd have liked to know more about Juliana's wards, but both Anne, mistress of Guerin and a couple of other men, and Alienor were well fleshed out.
Given that this is a historical novel, I cross-checked some of the references on wikipedia. Much of the political warfare and the noble families were accurate, at least in general, for which I was grateful to see.
On the other hand, a lot of sexual tension between, well, a lot of people. I realize that men in medieval times were probably accustomed to beating wives and committing adultery, but I still found it surprising that Juliana would forgive her husband's faults so easily. Not to mention the possibility of sexually transmitted diseases...
Anyway, I enjoyed the book immensely. I do have objections, though: first, I can't keep several of the names straight (who wears the Earl of Pembroke's livery?) and second, it seems that the majority of motivations behind the characters' actions was love. Eleanor d'Aquitaine's Court of Love or not, it seems a little too neatly tied up.
August 5, 2011
Hana Samek Norton joins the popular historical fiction scene with The Sixth Surrender, a spellbinding, lovely debut for historical fiction/historical romance readers.
Set in the thirteen century, young Juliana (also known as Sister Eustace) lives a content life as a humble nun, but as the only heir to Tillieres, she desires to protect and keep her home which, of course, requires that she marry. Not only must she marry, but Juliana must pledge herself to the powerful French queen, Alienor (also known as Eleanor) of Aquitaine. It's not long until Juliana is swept into Alienor's complex court plots and intrigues while having to juggle an unloving and abusive husband who only wants to be rid of her.
Norton paints a fascinating and detailed portrait of thirteenth century life, as well as three-dimensional characters that grow with the turn of each page. Juliana, for example, begins as a meek, timid and frankly uninteresting character who doesn't fight back. But as the story unfolds, she asserts her wants and grows stronger. I was particularly happy to see this, especially since her growth felt natural on the page. Juliana's husband, Guerin, is despicable for the majority of the novel, but ends up in a much better place by the end.
Speaking of the end, while I enjoyed the novel, I actually had mixed feelings about the ending. On one level is was unsatisfying, but on further reflection it was a sweet, almost soap opera-like that romance fans should enjoy.
Set in the thirteen century, young Juliana (also known as Sister Eustace) lives a content life as a humble nun, but as the only heir to Tillieres, she desires to protect and keep her home which, of course, requires that she marry. Not only must she marry, but Juliana must pledge herself to the powerful French queen, Alienor (also known as Eleanor) of Aquitaine. It's not long until Juliana is swept into Alienor's complex court plots and intrigues while having to juggle an unloving and abusive husband who only wants to be rid of her.
Norton paints a fascinating and detailed portrait of thirteenth century life, as well as three-dimensional characters that grow with the turn of each page. Juliana, for example, begins as a meek, timid and frankly uninteresting character who doesn't fight back. But as the story unfolds, she asserts her wants and grows stronger. I was particularly happy to see this, especially since her growth felt natural on the page. Juliana's husband, Guerin, is despicable for the majority of the novel, but ends up in a much better place by the end.
Speaking of the end, while I enjoyed the novel, I actually had mixed feelings about the ending. On one level is was unsatisfying, but on further reflection it was a sweet, almost soap opera-like that romance fans should enjoy.
June 15, 2015
This book was a gift from the author. I met Hana at the National Archives where she was researching a new book. Hana is delightful, engaged, and thoughtful. She would be a wonderful author guest for an event.
I have looked at some of the reviews and saw a mix of opinion. I found the book to be packed with historical detail, a sympathetic heroine, and a bevy of plot twists. I have read a lot of non-fiction and connected to the real historical figures (Eleanor of Aquitaine and The Pearl of Brittany). I listened to Sister Queens by Julia Fox at the same time and found that the Sixth Surrender echoed many of the themes of women struggling to hang onto their family inheritance and their marriages and being used as pawns by those who should love them.
The cover leads the reader to expect that this is a historical romance. There is definitely strong romantic elements, but sometimes the sex is a bit rough and unromantic. This is probably more historically accurate but less appealing to those who like their lust coupled neatly with love. The main hero is a bit of a flawed character as well.
I am planning on recommending this to readers who like detailed historical fiction like the Outlander series, as long as they don't mind a hero whose moral compass appears to wander a bit.
I have looked at some of the reviews and saw a mix of opinion. I found the book to be packed with historical detail, a sympathetic heroine, and a bevy of plot twists. I have read a lot of non-fiction and connected to the real historical figures (Eleanor of Aquitaine and The Pearl of Brittany). I listened to Sister Queens by Julia Fox at the same time and found that the Sixth Surrender echoed many of the themes of women struggling to hang onto their family inheritance and their marriages and being used as pawns by those who should love them.
The cover leads the reader to expect that this is a historical romance. There is definitely strong romantic elements, but sometimes the sex is a bit rough and unromantic. This is probably more historically accurate but less appealing to those who like their lust coupled neatly with love. The main hero is a bit of a flawed character as well.
I am planning on recommending this to readers who like detailed historical fiction like the Outlander series, as long as they don't mind a hero whose moral compass appears to wander a bit.
July 1, 2013
I read this book again for the second time, and I was able to enjoy it so much more considering that the plot diet fly over my head! The main female character Juliana left a lasting impression on me, not necessarily because of her character, but because of her actions. I felt like the entire book she put up a great face against Lasalle's constant offenses. To be completely honest, I picked up on the books romantic trail more than the historic one. I didn't quite follow the whole book and was confused many times. I felt like there were many characters and I that I couldn't quite keep up with it all. They were, for the most part, colorful and not entirely boring. Lasalle irritated me, but his outrageous actions were true to his character. The descriptions and details in the book were elaborate so it was fun to feel like you were in 13th century France! Anne, a very well compensated courtesan of sorts, made me laugh. I appreciated her insight and she did become relevant to me throughout the book. Ah, I know this review is all over the place!! But anyway, it is a long read that could be tortuous of you're not into historical fiction. I enjoyed it enough to read it twice!
May 8, 2011
I wanted to like this book, but it was rather difficult to enjoy. The plot is generally devoid of action for dozens of pages at a time and when something does happen it is often so obscure that I was left having to re-read several pages trying to figure out if I missed something. The characters and their motivations are uneven--especially the male lead and often it seemed like the author was more interested in showing off an extensive knowledge of English/French history and culture than actually telling a story. It seemed many characters existed for the sake of just having another character (many of whom the author irritatingly refers to by their first name, last name, nickname and/or title interchangeably with no background or explanation) , not because they were important to moving the plot forward. I finished the book, hoping all along it would get better, and while the second half is more exciting than the first, it probably wasn't worth my time.
May 5, 2013
This IS NOT historically accurate at all. The author even says she only used secondary sources in her research for this book. There are people with these names in existence, but they're not always around at the same time.
That said, this was a highly complicated and confounding book. Set at the end of Eleanor of Aquitaine's life, during John Softsword's reign, the young Juliana de Charnais has a choice of becoming a nun or marrying some douche that Eleanor found for her. Course all of this would have been averted if she had married the man her father had set out for her originally. A lot of things are like that in this book. It's incredibly repetitious, as Lasalle (Charnais's husband) is incredibly secretive. The twists aren't all that shocking, although they seem to be to Juliana.
This was an alright book. If you're not so concerned about anachronisms and historical accuracy, it might be a good read.
That said, this was a highly complicated and confounding book. Set at the end of Eleanor of Aquitaine's life, during John Softsword's reign, the young Juliana de Charnais has a choice of becoming a nun or marrying some douche that Eleanor found for her. Course all of this would have been averted if she had married the man her father had set out for her originally. A lot of things are like that in this book. It's incredibly repetitious, as Lasalle (Charnais's husband) is incredibly secretive. The twists aren't all that shocking, although they seem to be to Juliana.
This was an alright book. If you're not so concerned about anachronisms and historical accuracy, it might be a good read.
March 10, 2013
I took a class from this author at a conference. She is very educated and has an interesting background. A cool lady.
I would recommend this for die-hard historical fiction fans--specifically of the medieval variety.
It's not for people who don't like history or reading about all the King-making, crossbow-shooting, heir-producing, fealty-swearing, hedonism-condoning, and religion-touting people of that time.
I didn't understand much at the beginning of this book because I'm no scholar of the medieval period and it picks up "in medias res". The historical figures and political intrigues were foreign to me so I spent some time rereading pages, going back to the beginning to understand things, and looking up archaic words in the dictionary. In short it took me a long time to read this book.
Despite all that, I found the book very intriguing and couldn't put it down.
I would recommend this for die-hard historical fiction fans--specifically of the medieval variety.
It's not for people who don't like history or reading about all the King-making, crossbow-shooting, heir-producing, fealty-swearing, hedonism-condoning, and religion-touting people of that time.
I didn't understand much at the beginning of this book because I'm no scholar of the medieval period and it picks up "in medias res". The historical figures and political intrigues were foreign to me so I spent some time rereading pages, going back to the beginning to understand things, and looking up archaic words in the dictionary. In short it took me a long time to read this book.
Despite all that, I found the book very intriguing and couldn't put it down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2010
It too me three tries just to get past the first 30 pages. Still, I really wanted to read this book so I kept going. 100 pages later I decided to quit after all. I'm not sure what the worst thing about this book was --- the flat and unlikable characters? The bad writing? Or maybe it was the fact that the story is just so confusing ... The author keeps throwing names and events at the reader without any explanations whatsoever. Perhaps she thought that only people who are very familiar with the story and politics surrounding Eleanor of Aquitaine and her times would actually read this book. Me, I would have appreciated a glossary of names, events and the French words that are used in the book.
January 24, 2011
The Sixth Surrender is a romance dressed up as an historical novel, with a beautiful, fainthearted heroine and a devastatingly handsome, bad boy of a hero whose behavior is simply cruel. The plot centers on the dynastic wars between the French and English during the reign of King John (of Magna Carta fame, early 13th century), but there's just too much inane sexual sparring, which constantly interrupts the action. Even without that problem, the plot is choppy and confusing, even for readers familiar with that time period. Unsatisfying, except for those who enjoy the romance genre. For a worthwhile, fictional presentation of the life of Eleanore of Aquitaine and the reign of King John, I can recommend "The Book of Eleanor: A Novel of Eleanor of Aquitaine", by Pamela Kaufman.
January 31, 2016
I am not a historical fiction reader at all and came across this book due to a silly reason: I was Googling the meaning of the names of my family members. My first name is Brittany and my daughter is Eleanor. Long story short, I ended up researching Eleanor of Brittany and wondered if there were any "good books" about her. A month later, I'm writing this review. While the book did not include much about Eleanor of Brittany (as I had known before purchasing the book), I found myself excited to read and imagine what life might have been like during that time period. I found myself staying up past midnight to finish "just one more chapter." The characters were ones who I either loved or hated...sometimes at the same time. Definitely looking forward to reading the sequel :)
September 2, 2010
After reading about 100 pages I decided not to finish this novel. I didn’t care for the characters, especially the male protagonist (crude, selfish, lacking morals, promiscuous…) I also had a hard time following the political intrigue—unless you know early 13th century Medieval well (I am only familiar with it) you can become lost when the author throws in too many plots. In addition, in so far as I got, there are explicit sex scenes and profanity (taking God’s name in vain and vulgar words). Too bad, because the writing is good and so is the book cover.
October 1, 2010
I thought there was a 50-50 chance that this was going to be good; either that or schlocky romantic badly written overwrought historical fiction. It turned out to be well written, good historical detail, and well paced. I think it owes a lot to Dorothy Dunnett. I couldn't put it down. I did, however, space out a lot of the geeopolitics of England and France in the first four years of the 13th century, which is when this was written.
April 12, 2012
Usually I'm pretty hit or miss with books like this, but this one was fantastic! Incredibly rich in historical detail, with a hell of a good story and a surprising number of believable twists and turns. The author isn't just a writer, she's also a fantastic storyteller--the two don't go together as often as you might think (or hope). The only downside to it is that I had a couple of nights of shortened sleep due to staying up too late reading. I can't recommend it enough!
June 26, 2016
I was so privileged to meet the author of this historical novel. She is enthusiastic, knowledgeable and enchchanting! She has taken on one of my favorite families, the Lusignans. She captures the time, the unbelievably complicated family lineages, and the wonderful hauteur of Ailenor d'Aquitaine. I found the "romance" a bit tedious given the times. Can't wait to read her next, The Serpent's Crown.
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