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Black Wolf #2
In the Shadow of Midnight
Determined to disobey the King rather than marry by decree, Ariel de Clare, niece to the Marshal of England, flees to the safety of Wales accompanied by the bastard son of a nobleman.
420 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 1992
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
August 20, 2008
A Great Swashbuckling Romp! The author must have been having a gas writing this series. Lots of action, witty dialogue (LOVED SPARROW!!), and well written secondary characters. A nice take on the Robin Hood legends. I know another reviewer or two complained that there were too many characters and not enough romance, but those were complicated times, and this book tries to represent that. The author does play a little loose with the historical characters (I'm pretty sure the two welsh brothers were either the first Llywellen's uncles or the brothers of Llywellen the last, who was the grandson of the first Llywelen that came LONG AFTER the reign of King John), so don't take this book for a history lesson.
If too much history, intrigue and complicated characters are not for you, there are PLENTY of lackluster "historical" romances to be found that contain light weight predictable plots with no other purpose than to set as a back drop for a book laden with gratuitous sex.
If too much history, intrigue and complicated characters are not for you, there are PLENTY of lackluster "historical" romances to be found that contain light weight predictable plots with no other purpose than to set as a back drop for a book laden with gratuitous sex.
November 22, 2011
I loved the first book in this series. I cannot say the same thing about this book. The female lead is totally unlikeable. It is one thing to be a strong and independent woman. It is quite another to be a spoiled, nonsensical, brat. I disliked her so much it ruined the book. What a waste.
March 9, 2016
In the Shadow of Midnight takes place in the year 1203, which isn't one of my favorite time frames to read in. However, you get Robin Hood like mens involved and then I am good. This also takes place about 14 years after Through a Dark Mist. Our hero is Eduard, which is the Black Wolf's bastard son and was in TaDM. King John, Richard the Lionhearted's brother, has taken over the throne. Only there is a horrible rumor that he has killed his own nephew and kidnapped his niece to ensure that there is no one left to challenge him for the throne.
To say that John is a good and kind king is like saying that Jack the Ripper was just performing day surgeries on the indigent out of the goodness of his heart. He was horrible to his people and was steadily draining his people dry. So in order to make his supporters happy, he was making unions between their sons and daughters. Or in this case his Lord Marshall's niece to the son of one of his gaolers. Only Ariel wasn't willing to go gently into that good night. She made her own deal with another stranger for marriage to the North.
On the way they stop at the castle of the Black Wolf, where Henry, Ariel's uncle, decides that as well as deliver Ariel to her fate, a rescue of the Pearl, Eleanor of Brittany and the true descendant of the throne, needs to be executed as well. But Henry can only trust one man to get the job done and that is Eduard, the Wolf's son. Eduard is scarred, huge and scary. He was also tortured as a boy by his mother and her lover. So he isn't looking for love, he just wants to save someone that was a friend of his childhood. He doesn't want to take spoiled Ariel to her new husband. It has nothing to do how he feels about her or what parts of him are moved by her. ;-) For Ariel's part, she wants nothing to do with Eduard, he is a scarred bastard for Christ's sake. That is how I felt about Ariel, she was spoiled for most of the book. Finally in the end, she matures to the point that I can handle reading her parts. Once the romance kicked in it was sweet and hot. The epilogue was also well done.
For the most part the book reads like a historical fiction with a thread of romance. It worked though and MC kept me interested enough to keep reading. I am looking forward to the next installment.
To say that John is a good and kind king is like saying that Jack the Ripper was just performing day surgeries on the indigent out of the goodness of his heart. He was horrible to his people and was steadily draining his people dry. So in order to make his supporters happy, he was making unions between their sons and daughters. Or in this case his Lord Marshall's niece to the son of one of his gaolers. Only Ariel wasn't willing to go gently into that good night. She made her own deal with another stranger for marriage to the North.
On the way they stop at the castle of the Black Wolf, where Henry, Ariel's uncle, decides that as well as deliver Ariel to her fate, a rescue of the Pearl, Eleanor of Brittany and the true descendant of the throne, needs to be executed as well. But Henry can only trust one man to get the job done and that is Eduard, the Wolf's son. Eduard is scarred, huge and scary. He was also tortured as a boy by his mother and her lover. So he isn't looking for love, he just wants to save someone that was a friend of his childhood. He doesn't want to take spoiled Ariel to her new husband. It has nothing to do how he feels about her or what parts of him are moved by her. ;-) For Ariel's part, she wants nothing to do with Eduard, he is a scarred bastard for Christ's sake. That is how I felt about Ariel, she was spoiled for most of the book. Finally in the end, she matures to the point that I can handle reading her parts. Once the romance kicked in it was sweet and hot. The epilogue was also well done.
For the most part the book reads like a historical fiction with a thread of romance. It worked though and MC kept me interested enough to keep reading. I am looking forward to the next installment.
December 20, 2020
Marsha Canham's In the Shadow of Midnight is a well-written medieval romance where the political intrigue and historical backstory oftentimes overshadowed the romance. This is a good and bad thing. The good is that the most memorable scenes are the scenes of political machinations of barons, the cruel decisions of power-hungry kings, and the mysterious fates of heirs with claims to the English throne. I mean, what happens to Arthur and Eleanor remain the OMG moments of the book for me. It reminded me in these respects of George R.R. Martin's A Game of Thrones.
But back to the romance. Lady Ariel de Clare is a spitfire and I loved her. I don't know about you but I love irritable heroines with an insult ready for any man who dares try to be her suitor. The honesty is much appreciated. I also loved her camaraderie with her brother, Henry, and the humourous observations made by various characters on how Henry loves her but also cringes from her volatile temper.
This temper does not disappear when she encounters Eduard. It is such a wonderful surprise that Ariel is paired with Eduard, who, by all respects, has led a completely tortured childhood. Generally speaking, heroes with tortured pasts are paired with nice girls that can show them how to crack a joke every now and then. However, Eduard's traumatic upbringing doesn't really figure in to his drive or motivation as a character. In fact, he was super cool whenever Ariel's temper got the better of her. I assumed Eduard would blow up at least once over her "impertinence", thus having an excuse for bodice ripping, but he never once made or acted upon physical threats. I felt like that was his knightly essence coming out, and the combination of Ariel and Eduard together was quite appealing.
While Ariel's temper doesn't disappear, I did eye roll at one point because she says the same thing to Eduard that another one of Canham's heroines say, which is to the effect of, "I don't care if I'm your mistress or your slave but TAKE ME WITH YOU!" Something that does bother me because while it is said in a moment of desperation, it is quite spineless, although I guess it shows how much she digs Eduard, so much so she'd sacrifice her pride or whatever on the altar of love.
Overall, a great medieval to get lost in.
But back to the romance. Lady Ariel de Clare is a spitfire and I loved her. I don't know about you but I love irritable heroines with an insult ready for any man who dares try to be her suitor. The honesty is much appreciated. I also loved her camaraderie with her brother, Henry, and the humourous observations made by various characters on how Henry loves her but also cringes from her volatile temper.
This temper does not disappear when she encounters Eduard. It is such a wonderful surprise that Ariel is paired with Eduard, who, by all respects, has led a completely tortured childhood. Generally speaking, heroes with tortured pasts are paired with nice girls that can show them how to crack a joke every now and then. However, Eduard's traumatic upbringing doesn't really figure in to his drive or motivation as a character. In fact, he was super cool whenever Ariel's temper got the better of her. I assumed Eduard would blow up at least once over her "impertinence", thus having an excuse for bodice ripping, but he never once made or acted upon physical threats. I felt like that was his knightly essence coming out, and the combination of Ariel and Eduard together was quite appealing.
While Ariel's temper doesn't disappear, I did eye roll at one point because she says the same thing to Eduard that another one of Canham's heroines say, which is to the effect of, "I don't care if I'm your mistress or your slave but TAKE ME WITH YOU!" Something that does bother me because while it is said in a moment of desperation, it is quite spineless, although I guess it shows how much she digs Eduard, so much so she'd sacrifice her pride or whatever on the altar of love.
Overall, a great medieval to get lost in.
March 19, 2011
Absolutely love this story. This is the second in the series and not only enhances the first, but exceeded it with depth and page turning adventure. The characters in this book were so faceted and cultivated throughout the story they seemed palpable. Eduard is an amazing character (love him!). I feel like through book 1 and 2 I could visually watch him develop into this glorious image that make Marsha Canham's books so addictive. Ariel complimented him perfectly, matching him in will and passion, challenging him at every turn. The plight of Arthur and Eleanor was heart wrenching and even at one point caught me so off guard, I was shocked. In honesty I cannot say there were any "secondary" characters because each had such a tremendous presence that even if one would have been removed the story would not be what it was. The story was amazing, and best of all, you see another tendril of a story start to vine it's way through which will have you chomping at the bit to jump into. This one definitely was one that nagged the back of my mind throughout my day, and left it's residue after I finished. I found myself trying desperately to pace it out to make it last longer but didn't succeed and raced through to the end despite myself. A definate must read for those of you who are fans of Marsha Canham, romance, historical or not, and lovers of swashbuckling adventures. So very well written, it's joined up with my most favorites. But, to me, you must read book 1 to fully enjoy it, not that it couldn't stand on it's own, it would just be a disservice to the fantastic creation of characters not to have the full story behind them.
August 5, 2013
Marsha Canham is a hit-or-miss author for me - when I love her books I really love them, but she is as likely to write a book that annoys me as one I adore.
This book is spoiled by its shallow, spoiled, immature, idiotic heroine. I can't say I loved the hero, who was too bland to have more personality than a doorknob, but at least he didn't actively annoy me.
This book is spoiled by its shallow, spoiled, immature, idiotic heroine. I can't say I loved the hero, who was too bland to have more personality than a doorknob, but at least he didn't actively annoy me.
January 24, 2022
Another sweeping saga based on historical events mixed with the author's imagination. I loved the first book in this series and loved this one as well, except I didn't care much for the heroine for the first 75% of the story! lol She redeems herself but omigosh, what a shrew she was!!
We met Eduard in the first book when he was 13 years old and had just found out the Black Wolf was his real father. Now he's a man, a full fledged warrior in his own right, scarred, morose and will do anything for Princess Eleanor who has been imprisoned by her evil uncle, King John. As he and his men are sent to free her, he's also in charge of bringing Lady Ariel to her betrothed. Ariel is the spoiled and mouthy niece to the powerful Marshal of England and would test the patience of a saint! Amidst the danger throughout the voyage and the quest to free the princess Eleanor, quarrels soon turn to passion between Eduard and Ariel.
As in the first book, I enjoyed all the characters and it's for certain Sparrow has a special place in my heart:) Now it's time to read the 3rd book in the series....
We met Eduard in the first book when he was 13 years old and had just found out the Black Wolf was his real father. Now he's a man, a full fledged warrior in his own right, scarred, morose and will do anything for Princess Eleanor who has been imprisoned by her evil uncle, King John. As he and his men are sent to free her, he's also in charge of bringing Lady Ariel to her betrothed. Ariel is the spoiled and mouthy niece to the powerful Marshal of England and would test the patience of a saint! Amidst the danger throughout the voyage and the quest to free the princess Eleanor, quarrels soon turn to passion between Eduard and Ariel.
As in the first book, I enjoyed all the characters and it's for certain Sparrow has a special place in my heart:) Now it's time to read the 3rd book in the series....
September 9, 2013
Eduard FitzRandwulf d'Amboise finds a trespasser playing with swords in his father’s armory. A half-naked trespasser with green eyes and long, red hair. So, what is a man to do upon stumbling onto a beautiful, half-naked stranger? He grabs her and teases her...Until she reveals her identity. She’s her father’s guest’s niece. She’s the niece of William, the Marshall of England.
Then she runs away without giving Eduard a chance to apologize. And since she’s William the Marshall’s niece, Eduard is probably a dead man.
Actually, he’s not, since Ariel neglects to mention the ‘incident’ to either her uncle or brother. After all, she wasn’t supposed to be in the armory in the first place. So she’s not about to say anything. Besides, she’s never laying eyes on the unkempt serf who’s accosted her, either. Or is she? Because the bastard son of their host looks very much like the serf in the armory, only better dressed and cleanly shaved. On closer scrutiny, it is the same lout. How dare he? And how dare he mock her throughout the evening meal? How dare a bastard speak thusly to a lady?
Well, she’s put him in his place, hasn’t she? And once she leaves she’ll never have to see him again. Unless her uncle decides FitzRandwulf is to accompany them back to England. There goes her peace of mind. Now she has to spend even more time with him, dressed as his squire, remembering that wretched kiss on the battlements. Ooh, the gall of the man to still tease her, to make her remember that wretched kiss on the battlements...What is she to do? Certainly not fall in love.
This second installment in Marsha Canham’s Robin Hood Trilogy was much more historical than its predecessor, which is somewhat of a pattern in her multi-book historicals. The first book is to establish the characters, the second is to thrust them into a true historical content. Though the characters weren’t the same as in Through a Dark Mist , except for the cameos from the Black Wolf and Lady Servanne, and let’s not forget Sparrow, the male lead has been introduced in the previous book.
So, as I said, there was much more history involved than in the first book in the trilogy. In the prologue the author offered an ‘alternative’ explanation to the ‘disappearance’ of Arthur of Brittany in approx. 1203, the book offered an ‘alternative’ to the fate of Eleanor of Brittany, the story was set against the backdrop of the war for the provinces of Touraine, Brittany, Normandy, Anjou, Poitou, and in the epilogue the reclaiming of Normandy by the French was mentioned...
I’m really glad the historical content was rather predominant in this one, because if I had to read even more about the heroine and experience more of her obtuse, childish, spoiled tantrums I’d probably had hurled the book at the wall. Marsha Canham is one of those authors where I like all her heroines, even the stubborn and proud ones, but Lady Ariel De Clare was obnoxious and annoying almost throughout the entire story. Lucky for us she fell head over heels in love with the hero and suffered a character transplantation that actually endeared her to me toward the end. But at the beginning I just wanted someone to run her through with a sword, bash her over the head with a sword, strangle her or throw her off the battlements of a keep. Or maybe all of it. In that order.
But I guess, in hindsight, she was a rather fitting heroine for our Eduard. He needed someone like that, someone to notice, someone to keep him ‘engaged’, someone to keep him thinking about, someone to burrow under his skin...He needed someone like Ariel to demolish those walls he’s erected around his heart and around his emotions. And by taming her (a little), he’s been tamed as well.
It was rather a rather frustrating read, this love story of Eduard and Ariel, but a satisfying one in the end.
There was another difference between the first and second book in this trilogy, beside the emphasis on the historical setting—the action. Though there were a few ‘skirmishes’ I didn’t feel the action, the violence of that time, played such a major role as in Through a Dark Mist . This story focused more on the characters, their personalities, and relationships to one another. The relationships I was enjoying the most were the ones between Ariel and Eduard (yes, despite the beginning) and Eduard and Princess Eleanor. Though the reader, unlike Ariel, knew the truth, their true feeling to one another, it was still a very emotional and bittersweet experience reading the scenes between the two.
This book was a real rollercoaster of a ride. A powerful, intriguing, at times nail-biting, emotional book, that could be read as a standalone, but I suggest reading Through a Dark Mist first. It caters to those that like books where romance takes a little (lot) more work and the lovers of historicals with an emphasis on the real historical background.
And we got the first glimpses of the ‘merry men’ the trilogy has been inspired by—Littlejohn, Will Scarlett (though he’s still very young in this book), Friar Tuck (what a twist that one was), Alan of the Dale had a cameo, Marienne appeared in a secondary role, and Robin in-the-hood was mentioned.
Now, onto the next book, the last installment in this trilogy, in which Robin and his younger sister, the youngest (I think) of the Wolf’s cubs, will meet (one of them already has) their match.
Then she runs away without giving Eduard a chance to apologize. And since she’s William the Marshall’s niece, Eduard is probably a dead man.
Actually, he’s not, since Ariel neglects to mention the ‘incident’ to either her uncle or brother. After all, she wasn’t supposed to be in the armory in the first place. So she’s not about to say anything. Besides, she’s never laying eyes on the unkempt serf who’s accosted her, either. Or is she? Because the bastard son of their host looks very much like the serf in the armory, only better dressed and cleanly shaved. On closer scrutiny, it is the same lout. How dare he? And how dare he mock her throughout the evening meal? How dare a bastard speak thusly to a lady?
Well, she’s put him in his place, hasn’t she? And once she leaves she’ll never have to see him again. Unless her uncle decides FitzRandwulf is to accompany them back to England. There goes her peace of mind. Now she has to spend even more time with him, dressed as his squire, remembering that wretched kiss on the battlements. Ooh, the gall of the man to still tease her, to make her remember that wretched kiss on the battlements...What is she to do? Certainly not fall in love.
This second installment in Marsha Canham’s Robin Hood Trilogy was much more historical than its predecessor, which is somewhat of a pattern in her multi-book historicals. The first book is to establish the characters, the second is to thrust them into a true historical content. Though the characters weren’t the same as in Through a Dark Mist , except for the cameos from the Black Wolf and Lady Servanne, and let’s not forget Sparrow, the male lead has been introduced in the previous book.
So, as I said, there was much more history involved than in the first book in the trilogy. In the prologue the author offered an ‘alternative’ explanation to the ‘disappearance’ of Arthur of Brittany in approx. 1203, the book offered an ‘alternative’ to the fate of Eleanor of Brittany, the story was set against the backdrop of the war for the provinces of Touraine, Brittany, Normandy, Anjou, Poitou, and in the epilogue the reclaiming of Normandy by the French was mentioned...
I’m really glad the historical content was rather predominant in this one, because if I had to read even more about the heroine and experience more of her obtuse, childish, spoiled tantrums I’d probably had hurled the book at the wall. Marsha Canham is one of those authors where I like all her heroines, even the stubborn and proud ones, but Lady Ariel De Clare was obnoxious and annoying almost throughout the entire story. Lucky for us she fell head over heels in love with the hero and suffered a character transplantation that actually endeared her to me toward the end. But at the beginning I just wanted someone to run her through with a sword, bash her over the head with a sword, strangle her or throw her off the battlements of a keep. Or maybe all of it. In that order.
But I guess, in hindsight, she was a rather fitting heroine for our Eduard. He needed someone like that, someone to notice, someone to keep him ‘engaged’, someone to keep him thinking about, someone to burrow under his skin...He needed someone like Ariel to demolish those walls he’s erected around his heart and around his emotions. And by taming her (a little), he’s been tamed as well.
It was rather a rather frustrating read, this love story of Eduard and Ariel, but a satisfying one in the end.
There was another difference between the first and second book in this trilogy, beside the emphasis on the historical setting—the action. Though there were a few ‘skirmishes’ I didn’t feel the action, the violence of that time, played such a major role as in Through a Dark Mist . This story focused more on the characters, their personalities, and relationships to one another. The relationships I was enjoying the most were the ones between Ariel and Eduard (yes, despite the beginning) and Eduard and Princess Eleanor. Though the reader, unlike Ariel, knew the truth, their true feeling to one another, it was still a very emotional and bittersweet experience reading the scenes between the two.
This book was a real rollercoaster of a ride. A powerful, intriguing, at times nail-biting, emotional book, that could be read as a standalone, but I suggest reading Through a Dark Mist first. It caters to those that like books where romance takes a little (lot) more work and the lovers of historicals with an emphasis on the real historical background.
And we got the first glimpses of the ‘merry men’ the trilogy has been inspired by—Littlejohn, Will Scarlett (though he’s still very young in this book), Friar Tuck (what a twist that one was), Alan of the Dale had a cameo, Marienne appeared in a secondary role, and Robin in-the-hood was mentioned.
Now, onto the next book, the last installment in this trilogy, in which Robin and his younger sister, the youngest (I think) of the Wolf’s cubs, will meet (one of them already has) their match.
December 4, 2008
This was a fantastic fun continuation of THROUGH A DARK MIST (then continues with THE LAST ARROW) all the characters I loved from the first in Marsha Canham's series the secondary characters are well written and very likable! I won't take up anyone's time with a repeat of the specifics, because you can look to MISFITs review as she did it to perfection (as usual) IMHO...I just would like to second what she has said! This is definitely much more that HR it has so much more to offer...and it is also so much more than HF cause it has some explicit sex scenes, or more explicit anyway, than you normally would get in a regular HF at any rate....not gratuitous sex I don't feel anyway..it all rolled with the story line. Marsha Canham writes a good HF/HFR for sure.
July 28, 2020
I gave In the Shadow of Midnight a B at All About Romance.
Note: Although In the Shadow of Midnight can be read as a standalone, I don’t recommend it. There will be spoilers for Through a Dark Mist (Robin Hood #1) in this review.
In the Shadow of Midnight begins with a prologue. After a failed attempt to reinstate himself as a claimant to the throne of England, Arthur, Duke of Brittainy, son of Eleanor, Duchess of Aquitaine, is imprisoned at Rouen Castle along with his older sister Eleanor, who insisted upon remaining with him even though she had known surrender and captivity would be her only reward for loyalty. Exhausted, hungry and filthy, Arthur refuses to pledge fealty to his uncle, King John, or renounce his claim to the throne in exchange for freedom, remaining defiant in the face of his uncle’s threats,
When Henry and Ariel de Clare’s parents died, they went to live with their aunt Isabella (their mother’s half-sister) and her husband, the powerful Earl Marshal of England, William of Pembroke. Pembroke quickly recognized Henry’s potential as a knight, only to discover Ariel expected to train with him and had no interest in becoming a lady. Eventually, a compromise was reached. Henry taught Ariel everything he learned, and everyone pretended not to know. When In the Shadow of Midnight begins, Ariel is a fiercely independent – and lethal – eighteen-year-old, with no plans to marry. But the surprise return of her brother Henry to Pembroke (accompanied by Welsh lords, Rhys and Dafydd ap Iorwerth), upends her happy life.
Henry claims that King John has promised Ariel to Reginald De Braose, one of his faithful retainers. Ariel is furious; William assured her she could choose her own husband. But with William away in France, and Lady Isabella inclined to agree to the marriage, Ariel pleads with her aunt for permission to go to her uncle, so Henry and Ariel make their way to France, where Pembroke takes them to visit Castle Amboise, home of Lord Randwulf de la Seyne Sur Mer (the Black Wolf!!), Lady Servanne and their children, Sparrow, and Eduard FitzRandwulf d’Amboise, Lucien’s bastard son with Nicolaa de la Haye. (Lucien learned he had a son at the end of Through a Dark Mist; Eduard helped them escape after learning the evil Etienne wasn’t his father).
Pembroke is angry with his niece, but focused on a much bigger problem. In a private meeting with Lord Randwulf and members of his inner circle, Pembroke pledges the small group to secrecy before revealing what he’s learned. He reveals that Arthur of Brittany is most likely dead, and Eleanor remains imprisoned by King John. He proposes they form an alliance to rescue her and place her on the English throne. After a heated debate, the group agrees and tasks Eduard, a close friend of Eleanor, with leading the rescue attempt.
Posing as knights returning from the Crusades (with Ariel disguised as a squire), the rescue party secretly sets out. Ariel, unaware of their true purpose, believes the group is retrieving a valuable pearl. After a series of misadventures, they reach Rennes where they await word of from Pembroke. When the messenger finally reveals Eleanor is imprisoned at Corfe Castle (governed by a sadistic Guy Gisbourne), they return to England and strike out for the castle.
I know, I still haven’t mentioned the romance! Okay. Eduard and Ariel get off to a ROUGH start. They meet as strangers; he spots her in the armory and manhandles her. Ariel mistakenly assumes he’s a servant and delivers a scathing set-down. Eduard then attempts to apologize, but Ariel rejects his apology and insults him. Later that night neither can sleep and they both wind up on the rooftop. One thing leads to another (the kissy kissy 💋💋kind). Ariel is furious; Eduard is frustrated. But it keeps happening! By the time they depart Amboise, Ariel is convinced Eduard is pledged to another woman (he wears a woman’s ring on a necklace), but she’s unable to resist her attraction to him or his kisses. Eduard is overwhelmed by his feelings for Ariel (who’s already engaged!), but focused on the dangerous rescue mission. And Henry is super big-brother suspicious.
Friends, Ariel is unlikeable for much of the novel – she has zero impulse control, jumps to conclusions (usually the wrong ones), and is often immature and petulant. She’s also fiercely loyal, frequently kind, in love with Eduard, and deadly with a bow and arrow. I ultimately liked her, but she made it difficult. Meanwhile, Eduard is her (likeable) TOTAL opposite. Mature, wise, dedicated to Eleanor (as a friend! As a friend!), and a super badass in a fight (like his dad), he can’t help his lust – and eventually, love – for Ariel. They argue and make-up, argue and make-up… And eventually realize they can’t live without each other. Their love affair is sexy and passionate, but disappointing. I was much more interested in the possible love match between Robin (first born son of the Wolf and Lady Servanne) and maid Marienne (the illegitimate daughter of Pembroke). Le sigh.
Despite its underwhelming romance, In the Shadow of Midnight is chock full of intrigue, adventure, villains (Gisbourne is memorably awful), and feats of derring-do. It moves at a brisk pace and I was entertained the whole way through. By the time the dust finally settles, Ms. Canham has cannily set up book three and hooked readers for the long haul. Sherwood Forest figures prominently; there’s the promise of a love match between Robin and maid Marienne; Eduard and Ariel are married and Eleanor… well friends, Eleanor is the lynchpin of the series, and her fictional fate will finally be resolved in The Last Arrow. And Little John, the last missing character from the legend, memorably joins our growing cast of secondary characters.
Romantic (sort of), thrilling, and thoroughly...
Read the rest of my review at All About Romance.
Note: Although In the Shadow of Midnight can be read as a standalone, I don’t recommend it. There will be spoilers for Through a Dark Mist (Robin Hood #1) in this review.
In the Shadow of Midnight begins with a prologue. After a failed attempt to reinstate himself as a claimant to the throne of England, Arthur, Duke of Brittainy, son of Eleanor, Duchess of Aquitaine, is imprisoned at Rouen Castle along with his older sister Eleanor, who insisted upon remaining with him even though she had known surrender and captivity would be her only reward for loyalty. Exhausted, hungry and filthy, Arthur refuses to pledge fealty to his uncle, King John, or renounce his claim to the throne in exchange for freedom, remaining defiant in the face of his uncle’s threats,
“Take my eyes. Take my hands and my limbs. Take anything you wish piece by piece and see how quickly the tide of condemnation would turn. Kill me, aye, and you remove an enemy from power. Torture me, blind me, cripple me, and every knight in the realm would see you for the yellow cur you are.”Enraged by Arthur’s continued defiance, King John brutally murders him. After a brief period of silence, Reginald De Braose (the guard at the door), enters the cell. He discovers not much more than a shapeless lump of bloodied mush and shattered bone where the proud, golden head of the Duke of Brittany should have been, and the king in the throes of an apoplectic fit. The prologue ends with De Braose racing from the cell for help.
When Henry and Ariel de Clare’s parents died, they went to live with their aunt Isabella (their mother’s half-sister) and her husband, the powerful Earl Marshal of England, William of Pembroke. Pembroke quickly recognized Henry’s potential as a knight, only to discover Ariel expected to train with him and had no interest in becoming a lady. Eventually, a compromise was reached. Henry taught Ariel everything he learned, and everyone pretended not to know. When In the Shadow of Midnight begins, Ariel is a fiercely independent – and lethal – eighteen-year-old, with no plans to marry. But the surprise return of her brother Henry to Pembroke (accompanied by Welsh lords, Rhys and Dafydd ap Iorwerth), upends her happy life.
Henry claims that King John has promised Ariel to Reginald De Braose, one of his faithful retainers. Ariel is furious; William assured her she could choose her own husband. But with William away in France, and Lady Isabella inclined to agree to the marriage, Ariel pleads with her aunt for permission to go to her uncle, so Henry and Ariel make their way to France, where Pembroke takes them to visit Castle Amboise, home of Lord Randwulf de la Seyne Sur Mer (the Black Wolf!!), Lady Servanne and their children, Sparrow, and Eduard FitzRandwulf d’Amboise, Lucien’s bastard son with Nicolaa de la Haye. (Lucien learned he had a son at the end of Through a Dark Mist; Eduard helped them escape after learning the evil Etienne wasn’t his father).
Pembroke is angry with his niece, but focused on a much bigger problem. In a private meeting with Lord Randwulf and members of his inner circle, Pembroke pledges the small group to secrecy before revealing what he’s learned. He reveals that Arthur of Brittany is most likely dead, and Eleanor remains imprisoned by King John. He proposes they form an alliance to rescue her and place her on the English throne. After a heated debate, the group agrees and tasks Eduard, a close friend of Eleanor, with leading the rescue attempt.
Posing as knights returning from the Crusades (with Ariel disguised as a squire), the rescue party secretly sets out. Ariel, unaware of their true purpose, believes the group is retrieving a valuable pearl. After a series of misadventures, they reach Rennes where they await word of from Pembroke. When the messenger finally reveals Eleanor is imprisoned at Corfe Castle (governed by a sadistic Guy Gisbourne), they return to England and strike out for the castle.
I know, I still haven’t mentioned the romance! Okay. Eduard and Ariel get off to a ROUGH start. They meet as strangers; he spots her in the armory and manhandles her. Ariel mistakenly assumes he’s a servant and delivers a scathing set-down. Eduard then attempts to apologize, but Ariel rejects his apology and insults him. Later that night neither can sleep and they both wind up on the rooftop. One thing leads to another (the kissy kissy 💋💋kind). Ariel is furious; Eduard is frustrated. But it keeps happening! By the time they depart Amboise, Ariel is convinced Eduard is pledged to another woman (he wears a woman’s ring on a necklace), but she’s unable to resist her attraction to him or his kisses. Eduard is overwhelmed by his feelings for Ariel (who’s already engaged!), but focused on the dangerous rescue mission. And Henry is super big-brother suspicious.
Friends, Ariel is unlikeable for much of the novel – she has zero impulse control, jumps to conclusions (usually the wrong ones), and is often immature and petulant. She’s also fiercely loyal, frequently kind, in love with Eduard, and deadly with a bow and arrow. I ultimately liked her, but she made it difficult. Meanwhile, Eduard is her (likeable) TOTAL opposite. Mature, wise, dedicated to Eleanor (as a friend! As a friend!), and a super badass in a fight (like his dad), he can’t help his lust – and eventually, love – for Ariel. They argue and make-up, argue and make-up… And eventually realize they can’t live without each other. Their love affair is sexy and passionate, but disappointing. I was much more interested in the possible love match between Robin (first born son of the Wolf and Lady Servanne) and maid Marienne (the illegitimate daughter of Pembroke). Le sigh.
Despite its underwhelming romance, In the Shadow of Midnight is chock full of intrigue, adventure, villains (Gisbourne is memorably awful), and feats of derring-do. It moves at a brisk pace and I was entertained the whole way through. By the time the dust finally settles, Ms. Canham has cannily set up book three and hooked readers for the long haul. Sherwood Forest figures prominently; there’s the promise of a love match between Robin and maid Marienne; Eduard and Ariel are married and Eleanor… well friends, Eleanor is the lynchpin of the series, and her fictional fate will finally be resolved in The Last Arrow. And Little John, the last missing character from the legend, memorably joins our growing cast of secondary characters.
Romantic (sort of), thrilling, and thoroughly...
Read the rest of my review at All About Romance.
July 15, 2025
A ton of set up in this book, but it really pays off in the last 10%. Definitely worth the read.
November 16, 2023
Not since The Time-Traveller’s Guide to Medieval England has an author painted such a vivid picture of everyday medieval life as Marsha Canham does here. Along with the cruelty and squalor of the time (witness Corfe Castle 😨), we’re treated to markets and banquets with jugglers and acrobats. She went heavy on the period detail, but I didn’t mind at all.
Taking place 14 years after Through a Dark Mist, this is the story of Ariel, a clever, headstrong and generally awesome woman; and Edmund FitzRandwulf, a scarred hero who is so smoking hot that I didn’t even mind that the book opens with him boning a woman who isn’t the heroine. (Oh yeah, and he’s also the bastard son of Randwulf and the demonic Nicolaa.)
But that’s not all: there’s another band of merry men who must rescue an honest-to-Pete princess from the greasy clutches of King John.
There is gore, much of it shocking, and swashbuckling, and political intrigue, and road trips, and daring escapes…
A note that this book probably won’t appeal to anyone who prefers lighter wallpaper historicals, because while the romance is sweet and hot, this almost reads more like historical fiction. I loved it.
Taking place 14 years after Through a Dark Mist, this is the story of Ariel, a clever, headstrong and generally awesome woman; and Edmund FitzRandwulf, a scarred hero who is so smoking hot that I didn’t even mind that the book opens with him boning a woman who isn’t the heroine. (Oh yeah, and he’s also the bastard son of Randwulf and the demonic Nicolaa.)
But that’s not all: there’s another band of merry men who must rescue an honest-to-Pete princess from the greasy clutches of King John.
There is gore, much of it shocking, and swashbuckling, and political intrigue, and road trips, and daring escapes…
A note that this book probably won’t appeal to anyone who prefers lighter wallpaper historicals, because while the romance is sweet and hot, this almost reads more like historical fiction. I loved it.
February 24, 2012
Great 2nd in a Superb Trilogy of Medieval Romances
Marsha Canham has delivered an amazing set of medieval romances with her Robin Hood trilogy, wonderful tales of knights and their ladies. All are set in the time of Richard the Lion Heart and his brother and successor to the throne of England, King John—the 13th century England. All are rich in historical detail, lots of action and love stories that will tear at your heart.
THROUGH A DARK MIST was the first and told the story of the Black Wolf of Lincoln and Lady Servanne de Briscourt and is set in the woods of Lincoln and at the Bloodmoor Castle in England.
IN THE SHADOW OF MIDNIGHT is the second in the trilogy and tells the story of the Wolf's cub, Eduard, and his red haired headstrong love, Lady Ariel de Clare, who will not be marrying the man King John has promised her to thank you. She has her own plans but even those go awry as her heart is captured by the Wolf's cub, Eduard FitzRandwulf d'Amboise, who has been tasked to transport her safely to a prince in Wales her father has agreed she'll marry instead of the King's man.
THE LAST ARROW, which I thought was the best in the trilogy, though all are good, is the story of Brenna Wardieu, daughter of the Black Wolf and the sensual and dark Knight Griffyn Renaud, who is full of dark secrets but cannot withstand the lure of Brenna who can shoot the long bow better than any man and can ride a knight's warhorse. The third book raises all the Robin Hood legends and weaves a story that had me racing to follow the action and tearing up at the love scenes all at the same time. It was simply magical.
Since I couldn't put them down and I will be reading them again, they drew 5 stars from me. Marsha Canham has done it again!
The Robin Hood Trilogy:
THROUGH A DARK MIST
IN THE SHADOW OF MIDNIGHT
THE LAST ARROW
Marsha Canham has delivered an amazing set of medieval romances with her Robin Hood trilogy, wonderful tales of knights and their ladies. All are set in the time of Richard the Lion Heart and his brother and successor to the throne of England, King John—the 13th century England. All are rich in historical detail, lots of action and love stories that will tear at your heart.
THROUGH A DARK MIST was the first and told the story of the Black Wolf of Lincoln and Lady Servanne de Briscourt and is set in the woods of Lincoln and at the Bloodmoor Castle in England.
IN THE SHADOW OF MIDNIGHT is the second in the trilogy and tells the story of the Wolf's cub, Eduard, and his red haired headstrong love, Lady Ariel de Clare, who will not be marrying the man King John has promised her to thank you. She has her own plans but even those go awry as her heart is captured by the Wolf's cub, Eduard FitzRandwulf d'Amboise, who has been tasked to transport her safely to a prince in Wales her father has agreed she'll marry instead of the King's man.
THE LAST ARROW, which I thought was the best in the trilogy, though all are good, is the story of Brenna Wardieu, daughter of the Black Wolf and the sensual and dark Knight Griffyn Renaud, who is full of dark secrets but cannot withstand the lure of Brenna who can shoot the long bow better than any man and can ride a knight's warhorse. The third book raises all the Robin Hood legends and weaves a story that had me racing to follow the action and tearing up at the love scenes all at the same time. It was simply magical.
Since I couldn't put them down and I will be reading them again, they drew 5 stars from me. Marsha Canham has done it again!
The Robin Hood Trilogy:
THROUGH A DARK MIST
IN THE SHADOW OF MIDNIGHT
THE LAST ARROW
December 22, 2011
I'm going through the many freebies on my Kindle, and I'm seeing a lot of western romances, not normally my first choice. This one, however, has made me a big fan, and I think I'll have a few more books set in the Wild West in my future. Aubrey had to watch her mom and dad be killed by thugs sent out by a wealthy man who demanded their land, and her younger twin brothers were lost to her as she tried to save them all. Fast-forward 10 years, and she's 23 on the outside but still that terrified 13-year-old on the inside. She's decided it's time to find a way to go back and make that man Fleming pay for what he did to her family. On the stagecoach out west, she meets Christian McBride, recently released from Leavenworth. She's disguised herself as a prim school teacher to avoid attention, but she's a mystery that McBride can't help but notice. Their stubborn personalities and banter along with surprising glimpses of Christian's tenderness drew me quickly into the story.
August 19, 2011
OK. I finished the book and here is what I thought. I was not interested in the main characters love lives. I mean, like, at all. I completely skipped most of their dialog and all of there love scenes just to move the book along. I felt like their conversations with each other were so very boring. After the half way point when I decided to skip them completely the book picked up it's pace and became very interesting. Hence the three star rating.
I was very interested in Princess Eleanor and Littlejohn. And Robin and Merienne. I loved the escape from the castle. And Sparrow always adds a bit of interest to the story.
So I believe I will read the next book in the series after all.
I was very interested in Princess Eleanor and Littlejohn. And Robin and Merienne. I loved the escape from the castle. And Sparrow always adds a bit of interest to the story.
So I believe I will read the next book in the series after all.
October 25, 2018
The one thing Marsha Canham does not write is cheesy romance. Her works are gritty and passionate. Up until this point, I had only read her pirate romance novels. I was pleasantly surprised to find that she'd immersed herself equally well in the western genre. Her heroines are always kick-ass women who overcome great obstacles and painful pasts (and presents). This book was no different. There were a couple of surprises along the way that had me gasping, and a final one that had me bursting into tears. Beautifully written. It was like watching a really good epic western (and I do enjoy them).
April 10, 2021
OMG!! This series is the bomb! I'm reading these books one after another and I think that's probably the most enjoyable. I love the look-back at the previous storyline while still telling the story of Eduard and Ariel. I also enjoy the firsthand account of historical events and how the author weaves them seamlessly into the narrative. One of my all time favorite books!!
March 16, 2024
>Book Review – In the Shadow of Midnight
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 2nd in the Black Wolf series and ends in an HEA. This second book in the trilogy tells the story of the Wolf’s bastard son, Eduard and his romance. The characters from the first book all make an appearance, along with other sons and daughters of the Wolf. The love interest is Ariel, an orphan raised along with her brother Henry by their uncle. The uncle is a supporter of the Crown, no matter who is under it. King John is still awful. He has arranged a marriage for Ariel that she refuses.
>She travels in a small group to France to find her uncle and ask his permission to marry someone else. Of course, she sees and falls for Eduard. The plot in this book involves saving a princess and trying to outwit King John and his evil henchman, Guy of Gisbourne. This plot is not for the faint of heart, as Robin is almost raped, and a new femme fatale is a lover of torture. The character of Sparrow is a source of humor. All of the secondary characters are well developed.
>This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving this book 5 stars. The romance is erotic, the battles are gory, and the dialogue is crass and realistic to the time period. The descriptions of the sights, sounds and smells are so realistic.
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 2nd in the Black Wolf series and ends in an HEA. This second book in the trilogy tells the story of the Wolf’s bastard son, Eduard and his romance. The characters from the first book all make an appearance, along with other sons and daughters of the Wolf. The love interest is Ariel, an orphan raised along with her brother Henry by their uncle. The uncle is a supporter of the Crown, no matter who is under it. King John is still awful. He has arranged a marriage for Ariel that she refuses.
>She travels in a small group to France to find her uncle and ask his permission to marry someone else. Of course, she sees and falls for Eduard. The plot in this book involves saving a princess and trying to outwit King John and his evil henchman, Guy of Gisbourne. This plot is not for the faint of heart, as Robin is almost raped, and a new femme fatale is a lover of torture. The character of Sparrow is a source of humor. All of the secondary characters are well developed.
>This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving this book 5 stars. The romance is erotic, the battles are gory, and the dialogue is crass and realistic to the time period. The descriptions of the sights, sounds and smells are so realistic.
January 21, 2021
I seriously cannot get enough of this series! MC writes medieval England like no one else- there is incredible detail to history and political intrigue which has me hooked just as much as the romance. This is book 2 in her Robin Hood series and the Robin Hood nuggets that she drops has me clapping my hands and squealing with joy.
Our heroine has been ordered by the king to marry a wholly unsuitable match in her opinion. She sets of across England to find her guardian (and escape the marriage summons). However when she finds him she is thrown into the middle of a plot to rescue a princess with a man that makes her feel things- anger, frustration and a little something else 😉.
MC heroines remind me a little of Johanna Lindsey heroines- full of fire and spunk and rebelling at the roles they are forced into because of the time. The heroes are alpha but in a way that doesn’t involve taking choices away from the heroine and I’m here for that! The romance between hero and heroine is an enemies to lovers and by the time they get to lovers you are clapping! Cannot wait to read the next book in this series!
Our heroine has been ordered by the king to marry a wholly unsuitable match in her opinion. She sets of across England to find her guardian (and escape the marriage summons). However when she finds him she is thrown into the middle of a plot to rescue a princess with a man that makes her feel things- anger, frustration and a little something else 😉.
MC heroines remind me a little of Johanna Lindsey heroines- full of fire and spunk and rebelling at the roles they are forced into because of the time. The heroes are alpha but in a way that doesn’t involve taking choices away from the heroine and I’m here for that! The romance between hero and heroine is an enemies to lovers and by the time they get to lovers you are clapping! Cannot wait to read the next book in this series!
April 25, 2020
I enjoyed Eduard's story every bit as much as his father's. The horrible end of young Prince Arthur and brutal treatment of his sister, Princess Eleanor, the Pearl of Brittany, had me googling to compare the facts of history with what was presented in this book. De Clares, Plantagenets, and William Marshal are all in my family tree. Sometimes what you learn about your ancestors, even in a heavily- weighted-on-history romance is not so glorious.
I'm fast becoming a huge fan of Marsha Canhams novels for the masterful way she blends history and romance. This medieval series has my heart in my throat for the daring acts of courage faced by these knights who win your heart in the process.
I'm fast becoming a huge fan of Marsha Canhams novels for the masterful way she blends history and romance. This medieval series has my heart in my throat for the daring acts of courage faced by these knights who win your heart in the process.
November 1, 2023
There is no way this story was about a “love story” between Ariel and Eduard. Both were great characters but together there was no love. In fact, as she stated after 80% of the story and something happens there was no indication that he even liked her and visa versa. She did all she could to demoralize him - calling him the scarred bastard. Ariel was spoiled, annoying, and so hard to take because she was a total HOTHEAD! Eduard was made out to be so pathetic. However, the story without the love part was good and all the people along the way were great!
November 13, 2018
Extremely addictive author!
Having read numerous novels from this writer, one thing is for certain, Marsha Canham never disappoints.
This book focuses a little more of characters and a little less of action. You know you are hooked when you physically want to throttle the villian and dream about the hero and I'd say marginally better than the first this is trilogy.
Having read numerous novels from this writer, one thing is for certain, Marsha Canham never disappoints.
This book focuses a little more of characters and a little less of action. You know you are hooked when you physically want to throttle the villian and dream about the hero and I'd say marginally better than the first this is trilogy.
February 14, 2024
Just loved this story
The story which depicts the years and ancestry leading into the legend of Robinhood is wonderful. All the characters are vibrant, strong, interesting and dynamic. The lead into the outlaws legend was a great surprise.
The story which depicts the years and ancestry leading into the legend of Robinhood is wonderful. All the characters are vibrant, strong, interesting and dynamic. The lead into the outlaws legend was a great surprise.
May 20, 2020
Book 2 of the trilogy so far and loved them both. On to #3.
May 20, 2020
The 2nd book in this trilogy and I have again really enjoyed it. Lots of adventure and passionate romance. I can’t wait to start the final book!
Want to read
July 19, 2020elibrary
Read
June 4, 2023DNF at 70%. It was well written but I'm a squeamish coward.
December 9, 2023
In the Shadow of Midnight
Wow, what a story. I read it past midnight. I could not put the book down I realize now where Robin Hood gets his merry men
Wow, what a story. I read it past midnight. I could not put the book down I realize now where Robin Hood gets his merry men
March 9, 2012
In the Shadow of Midnight is another great book by Marsha Canham. Book 2 in the Robin Hood series takes place about 14 years after the first one left off. It follows the story of Eduard, who has become a fearsome knight in his own right. King John has kidnapped Princess Eleanor of Brittany, who is the rightful ruler of England. Eduard, along with other knights sneak into England under the disguise of a wedding party. They are supposed to be delivering Ariel, the niece of one of the Black Wolf's allies, to her betrothed. The only problem is that King John arranged the marriage and no one is happy with it. Especially Ariel, the stubborn, smart-mouthed beauty who is more interested in the rescue mission than meeting her future husband. Eduard has vowed that during this rescue mission he will deliver Ariel to her intended with unharmed, and untouched. The problem is that Eduard doesn't know if he can keep his oath to keep his hands off her...
Marsha Canham has quickly become one of my favorite authors. Her historical fictions books are extremely entertaining and true to the time that that she is depicting. There are so many historical facts weaved into her stories that make her books hard to put down. Plus, her characters are great! Each character is fully developed. It's hard to not be completely emotionally tied to them. I look forward to continuing this series!!
Marsha Canham has quickly become one of my favorite authors. Her historical fictions books are extremely entertaining and true to the time that that she is depicting. There are so many historical facts weaved into her stories that make her books hard to put down. Plus, her characters are great! Each character is fully developed. It's hard to not be completely emotionally tied to them. I look forward to continuing this series!!
November 3, 2011
This is set some years after the events of 'Through a Dark Mist'. Lucien and Servanne are now married and have children of their own and Eduard has grown up and established himself as a fine and noble knight in his own right. This time around, Eduard is the hero of the story and he has been charged with rescuing Eleanor, the Lost Princess of Brittany from the clutches of King John. They use the excuse of escorting Lady Ariel de Clare to her wedding as a cover.
Once again this was a fine historical romance, and a jolly good swashbuckling romp. I enjoyed this as much as the first (although there is no pressing need to read the first before this as it is a standalone story in its own right) if not more so as more of the familiar names from the Robin Hood legend crop up here. Names such as LittleJohn, Maid Marienne and Alan-a-Dale (albeit known as Alan-of-the-Dale here.) The smouldering romance between the feisty Ariel and the taciturn Eduard was played out to teasing perfection and there was plenty of swashbuckling action to boot. There were moments when I truly gasped out loud!
A fantastic historical story that I heartily recommend especially if you have read the first. I am eager to get on with the third now!
Once again this was a fine historical romance, and a jolly good swashbuckling romp. I enjoyed this as much as the first (although there is no pressing need to read the first before this as it is a standalone story in its own right) if not more so as more of the familiar names from the Robin Hood legend crop up here. Names such as LittleJohn, Maid Marienne and Alan-a-Dale (albeit known as Alan-of-the-Dale here.) The smouldering romance between the feisty Ariel and the taciturn Eduard was played out to teasing perfection and there was plenty of swashbuckling action to boot. There were moments when I truly gasped out loud!
A fantastic historical story that I heartily recommend especially if you have read the first. I am eager to get on with the third now!
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