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Graham Clan #4
Knight Triumphant
In Knight Triumphant, New York Times bestselling author Shannon Drake delivers the fourth Graham family book, her glorious Scottish epic about the cost of war. . .and the rewards of love.Set against the tumultuous drama and passion of medieval Scotland, Knight Triumphant tells of warrior Eric Graham, who holds an Englishwoman captive...and ultimately captures her heart.
512 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 1, 2002
81 people are currently reading
710 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Drake
52 books571 followersHeather Graham Pozzessere
aka Heather Graham, Shannon Drake
Heather Graham was born on March 15, 1953 and grew up in Dade County, Florida, and attended the University of South Florida at Tampa, majoring in theater arts and touring Europe and parts of Asia and Africa as part of her studies. After college, she acted in dinner theaters, modeled, waitressed, and tended bar. She married Hershey Dennis Possezzere, and after the birth of her third child, she was determined to devote her efforts to her writing: her dream. She sold her first book in 1982.
Today, this author's success is reflected not just by reader response and the over 20 million copies of her books in print, but in many other ways. In addition to being a New York Times bestselling author, Heather has received numerous awards for her novels, including over 20 trade awards from magazines such as Romantic Times and Affaire de Coeur, bestseller awards from B. Dalton, Waldenbooks, and BookRak, and several Reviewers' Choice and People's Choice awards.
Heather has appeared on Entertainment Tonight, Romantically Speaking, a TV talk show that aired nationwide on the Romance Classics cable channel, and CBS Sunday News. She has been quoted in People and USA Today, been profiled in The Nation, and featured in Good Housekeeping. Her books have been selections for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild. She has been published across the world in more than 15 languages and has published over 70 titles, including anthologies and short stories.
Now, she had five children. Somehow, this prolific author manages to juggle it all - family, career, and marriage - while reaching a level of success to which few can aspire.
aka Heather Graham, Shannon Drake
Heather Graham was born on March 15, 1953 and grew up in Dade County, Florida, and attended the University of South Florida at Tampa, majoring in theater arts and touring Europe and parts of Asia and Africa as part of her studies. After college, she acted in dinner theaters, modeled, waitressed, and tended bar. She married Hershey Dennis Possezzere, and after the birth of her third child, she was determined to devote her efforts to her writing: her dream. She sold her first book in 1982.
Today, this author's success is reflected not just by reader response and the over 20 million copies of her books in print, but in many other ways. In addition to being a New York Times bestselling author, Heather has received numerous awards for her novels, including over 20 trade awards from magazines such as Romantic Times and Affaire de Coeur, bestseller awards from B. Dalton, Waldenbooks, and BookRak, and several Reviewers' Choice and People's Choice awards.
Heather has appeared on Entertainment Tonight, Romantically Speaking, a TV talk show that aired nationwide on the Romance Classics cable channel, and CBS Sunday News. She has been quoted in People and USA Today, been profiled in The Nation, and featured in Good Housekeeping. Her books have been selections for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild. She has been published across the world in more than 15 languages and has published over 70 titles, including anthologies and short stories.
Now, she had five children. Somehow, this prolific author manages to juggle it all - family, career, and marriage - while reaching a level of success to which few can aspire.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 8, 2022
Read: 2010-2019
Reread: 4/20/2022
3.5 sadder story than some of her other books
Reread: 4/20/2022
3.5 sadder story than some of her other books
July 10, 2022
This was a totally different premise than H.G's other books:
- Hero and heroin were both married to other people.
- They were in love with their spouses.
However, I liked their coming together. It was different. It was refreshing.
They were completely at odds with each other.
However, what I did not like was the heroine accepting the Hero's advances with open hands. She did not even resist. It was too easy.
Good story and plots.
- Hero and heroin were both married to other people.
- They were in love with their spouses.
However, I liked their coming together. It was different. It was refreshing.
They were completely at odds with each other.
However, what I did not like was the heroine accepting the Hero's advances with open hands. She did not even resist. It was too easy.
Good story and plots.
June 23, 2013
Good book I enjoy Shannon Drake sometimes I just don't enjoy how long it takes for the main characters to get together. I think If I read one and then another a month later it would be ok but I have read too many in a row. But I will always recommend shannon drake
October 16, 2013
Great Medieval in a Wonderful Series by Heather Graham
This is the 4th in the Graham clan saga set in Scotland (see list below). This one takes place in the early 14th century, and tells the continuing story of Eric Graham who we met in SEIZE THE DAWN when he was by the side of Brendan Graham.
Eric is now an outlaw, a follower of Robert Bruce who has been named King of Scotland, but who still battles Edward, King of England, for the right to rule. While he is recruiting more men to follow the Bruce, Eric takes aboard his ship an injured man who has the plague and has unknowingly brought death to Eric’s people, including his young daughter and beloved wife, Margot, who die along with other Scots while prisoners at Langley, the estate in the Scottish borderlands ruled by English lord Afton.
Afton, a good man, has also succumbed to the plague brought to him with the Scottish prisoners. His widow, the beautiful Lady Igrainia has used her healing powers to help those who can recover, both Scottish and English prisoners. When Eric comes to Langley for his wife and daughter and those of his men among the prisoners, Eric seizes the castle but then falls prey to the disease and Igrainia nurses him to health. He intends to allow Robert Bruce to use Igrainia as a bargaining chip to free Bruce's women held by king Edward, since she is the daughter and sister of an earl. But Edward will not bargain and so Robert the Bruce tells Eric to wed Igrainia to irritate Edward and claim her lands.
Eric forces Igrainia to wed him. Then, following another order of the Bruce, he gets her with child to validate the marriage--all for the glory of Scotland. Despite Eric’s mourning for Margot and his daughter, he finds himself attracted to Igrainia and she with him.
Igrainia is a strong-willed, creative and courageous woman who loved her husband, a kind gentle lord, a man of books and letters, but she can see that Eric has an honorable nature in contrast to the English leaders who would use her. Eric is a man whose soul has been deeply wounded and whether he can care for another woman is the big question.
Graham does an excellent job of bringing out the emotions surrounding all this. I liked this book in the series very much. It was more complex and the history was woven in very well. Her character development is excellent and the love scenes are "real."
A well-told tale by Graham in this Scottish historical romance series, and I recommend it!
The Graham Saga:
COME THE MORNING
CONQUER THE NIGHT
SEIZE THE DAWN
KNIGHT TRIUMPHANT
THE LION IN GLORY
WHEN WE TOUCH
THE QUEEN'S LADY
This is the 4th in the Graham clan saga set in Scotland (see list below). This one takes place in the early 14th century, and tells the continuing story of Eric Graham who we met in SEIZE THE DAWN when he was by the side of Brendan Graham.
Eric is now an outlaw, a follower of Robert Bruce who has been named King of Scotland, but who still battles Edward, King of England, for the right to rule. While he is recruiting more men to follow the Bruce, Eric takes aboard his ship an injured man who has the plague and has unknowingly brought death to Eric’s people, including his young daughter and beloved wife, Margot, who die along with other Scots while prisoners at Langley, the estate in the Scottish borderlands ruled by English lord Afton.
Afton, a good man, has also succumbed to the plague brought to him with the Scottish prisoners. His widow, the beautiful Lady Igrainia has used her healing powers to help those who can recover, both Scottish and English prisoners. When Eric comes to Langley for his wife and daughter and those of his men among the prisoners, Eric seizes the castle but then falls prey to the disease and Igrainia nurses him to health. He intends to allow Robert Bruce to use Igrainia as a bargaining chip to free Bruce's women held by king Edward, since she is the daughter and sister of an earl. But Edward will not bargain and so Robert the Bruce tells Eric to wed Igrainia to irritate Edward and claim her lands.
Eric forces Igrainia to wed him. Then, following another order of the Bruce, he gets her with child to validate the marriage--all for the glory of Scotland. Despite Eric’s mourning for Margot and his daughter, he finds himself attracted to Igrainia and she with him.
Igrainia is a strong-willed, creative and courageous woman who loved her husband, a kind gentle lord, a man of books and letters, but she can see that Eric has an honorable nature in contrast to the English leaders who would use her. Eric is a man whose soul has been deeply wounded and whether he can care for another woman is the big question.
Graham does an excellent job of bringing out the emotions surrounding all this. I liked this book in the series very much. It was more complex and the history was woven in very well. Her character development is excellent and the love scenes are "real."
A well-told tale by Graham in this Scottish historical romance series, and I recommend it!
The Graham Saga:
COME THE MORNING
CONQUER THE NIGHT
SEIZE THE DAWN
KNIGHT TRIUMPHANT
THE LION IN GLORY
WHEN WE TOUCH
THE QUEEN'S LADY
June 15, 2010
This is a very good series, it got me started on historicals...
September 16, 2019
The first half of this book is not that good. There's no tension except the hatred between the hero and heroine.
The second half is better, but jarring. The two go from hating each other to scorching hotness. It made little sense, but okay...
The second half is better, but jarring. The two go from hating each other to scorching hotness. It made little sense, but okay...
January 27, 2009
Of all the characters in Shannon's novels, Eric and Igrainia are my favorite. Igrainia's is one character that I totally connected with and understand. She and I are kindred spirits; if one can be such a thing with a fictional character. LOL The things she puts herself through because of her pride and stubbornness are so much like me it's uncanny. Five plus stars for Shannon's Knight Triumphant!
October 18, 2021
"After her husband Afton, Lord of Langley, falls prey to a deadly plague, Englishwoman Igrainia finds herself a captive in her own castle ... held hostage by Scottish warrior Eric Graham, whose wife and son -- prisoners of Lord Langley -- have also perished there.
"To Graham, Igrainia is merely a political pawn, a pretty prize to dangle in front of the English king. But when the king refuses a trade -- Igrainia for the wife of Scotland's ruler Robert the Bruce -- Graham forces Igrainia to marry him, though the proud noblewoman would rather rot in her own dungeons than accept one gesture of kindness from her captor.
"What Graham never expects is the desire that his strong-willed bride stirs in his soul. And when Igrainia discovers the true heart of the fearsome knight, her life -- and loyalties -- will never be the same."
~~back cover
Clever characterization against a background of historic fact of the English drive to subdue the Scots and their fierce determination to be free.
"To Graham, Igrainia is merely a political pawn, a pretty prize to dangle in front of the English king. But when the king refuses a trade -- Igrainia for the wife of Scotland's ruler Robert the Bruce -- Graham forces Igrainia to marry him, though the proud noblewoman would rather rot in her own dungeons than accept one gesture of kindness from her captor.
"What Graham never expects is the desire that his strong-willed bride stirs in his soul. And when Igrainia discovers the true heart of the fearsome knight, her life -- and loyalties -- will never be the same."
~~back cover
Clever characterization against a background of historic fact of the English drive to subdue the Scots and their fierce determination to be free.
January 24, 2019
Love Heather Graham
Every one of Ms. Graham's books are full of intriguing situations, honorable men and women, war, peace, wonderful people, villians you love to hate and love. Igrainia is a widow and a political pawn. What a life she was forced to lead. Eric is the Scottish leader. He is strong, inspires his people, uses Igrainia in his own political machinations. He is in pain after finding his wife and child dead. He blames Igrainia which is illogical since they died of the plague. Oh how cruel he was to her. It was good she had the bravery and stubbornness she had to help her through. She lost her own beloved husband to the plague also. There is so much adventure, twists and turns and finally, love and well, for a little while peace.
Every one of Ms. Graham's books are full of intriguing situations, honorable men and women, war, peace, wonderful people, villians you love to hate and love. Igrainia is a widow and a political pawn. What a life she was forced to lead. Eric is the Scottish leader. He is strong, inspires his people, uses Igrainia in his own political machinations. He is in pain after finding his wife and child dead. He blames Igrainia which is illogical since they died of the plague. Oh how cruel he was to her. It was good she had the bravery and stubbornness she had to help her through. She lost her own beloved husband to the plague also. There is so much adventure, twists and turns and finally, love and well, for a little while peace.
November 22, 2024
It is a historical romance set in Scotland during the reign of King Edward I of England and Robert the Bruce ruler of Scotland. The English woman is Igrainia widow of Afton, Lord of Langley, and the Scottish warrior is Eric Graham whose wife and daughter have perished at the Langley castle of the league. Even though Eric has captured Langley castle and Igrainia is a prisoner there, he has begun to desire the young widow. He has fought his desire but finally succumbed to it and taken her for his own. Igrainia has had the same desires and they become an unwilling couple. Their passion for each other, will not be denied. Many hardships and battles will be fought and won in the days and weeks of their relationship, but the love they find in each other will be their saving grace. A good read.
April 10, 2019
I found Igrainia very annoying although she is portraying as a healer who cares about those around her. She is stubborn to the point of stupid. She also puts herself in danger, which seems brave but almost derails her husband's plans time and again. (It would have helped if Eric filled her in on his plans, especially when he realized she has a tendency to act on her own.) She is nasty to Eric, even when it's uncalled for - she is his prisoner but is kept in the style of an honoured guest. Her growing relationship with his men was more enjoyable to read than that with Eric.
April 14, 2022
If you are not a fan of almost historically accurate romance Heather Graham is not for you. I personally love all of her old romances and this was a really enjoyable read. I love how she brings in real history and gives you a hero and heroine who find love despite crazy differences and beliefs. This wasn't may favorite of her books (those would be the viking trilogies and lie me down in roses) but I still loved it. I started in the middle of this standalone series and im ready to go back to book 1
November 15, 2019
I loved the story line of this book. What I didn’t like so much was how long it took for the romance part of the story. At the very end the loving words and truth comes out about how much they care for each other. I wanted more of that and sooner than it came. It was far too little of the love part of the story but I loved the ending very much and almost gave it 4 stars for that reason. The last 150’pages just flew by and o couldn’t stop until I finally finished it.
March 13, 2023
This book deserves five stars because it is very well written, strong well developed characters pull together to create a story that is emotional and bittersweet. It was much more historical than romantic and the reason I gave it 4 stars, based on my own preference in this genre. Even though it had a HEA, my heart still felt broken.
May 13, 2017
I really liked this book.
August 13, 2018
A strong sense of history
with plenty of well told action and dramatic tension, including that between the main male and female characters. Unfortunately this is a cliffhanger.
with plenty of well told action and dramatic tension, including that between the main male and female characters. Unfortunately this is a cliffhanger.
September 18, 2018
I read the book and it was wonderful.
April 20, 2019
Really more of a 2 1/2 for me.
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December 10, 2023I don't know how to operate the app
November 15, 2025
3,5 stars
January 7, 2026
cute cute. still enjoy but also alot of plot skimming.. it is a historical romance and I get bored
November 4, 2016
Love the Grahams
September 24, 2015
It is 1307 and Robert the Bruce has crowned himself King of Scotland and Edward I is King of England and determined to wipe out Bruce and his rebel force by any means necessary. On the Borders The Plague comes to Langley Castle with the Scottish prisoners they have captured, killing both the captured Scots and the English alike. When the Lord of Langley dies, Scottish warrior Eric Graham returns to rescue his wife and child and claim the castle for the Bruce. He takes it, its inhabitants and Lady Igrainia prisoner, telling her that if his wife dies, he'll kill her himself before succumbing to the Plague himself. Unfortunately, once he recovers thanks to Igrainia, he learns that his beloved wife succumbed the same day he fell ill. Now Igrainia is a political pawn between two powerful kings and is forced to marry Eric Graham in order to ensure Langley stays in Scottish control. When she's given the chance to flee at last, will it be too late?
Igrainia was very reluctant to say the least to cooperate with Eric. Not necessarily impressed with Edward, she was still proud of being English and viewed these Scots with suspicion. As she came to know the men in Eric's command, she realized that they were more honest than those English claimed to be and this ultimately changed her mind. Eric, meanwhile, was determined to mourn his late wife forever but came to admire the fiery, determination that Igrainia presented. In the end, each risked their lives to save the other. If you like novel rich with historical detail (I do), you'll love this one!
Igrainia was very reluctant to say the least to cooperate with Eric. Not necessarily impressed with Edward, she was still proud of being English and viewed these Scots with suspicion. As she came to know the men in Eric's command, she realized that they were more honest than those English claimed to be and this ultimately changed her mind. Eric, meanwhile, was determined to mourn his late wife forever but came to admire the fiery, determination that Igrainia presented. In the end, each risked their lives to save the other. If you like novel rich with historical detail (I do), you'll love this one!
November 2, 2014
While there were qualities I did enjoy about this book, overall I felt it was rather mediocre. The first third of the book or so I was having to force myself to go on because nothing was grabbing my interest (no particularly interesting character, no teasing plot, etc.). Honestly, I only continued because I usually like Heather Graham's (aka Shannon Drake) books (and because the next two books I wanted to read were checked on on openlibrary.com, and I had time to kill until they were made available again. lol).
After trudging through the first portion of the book, it did finally perk up and become interesting -- it was still never a page-turner, but at least I was no longer bored.
One thing I do want to say on a positive note about this book is how wonderfully I felt the author portrayed the way people can learn to see another's point-of-view in a dispute. I tend to be one of those who can play Devil's Advocate for almost any issue (whether I wish to see the other's side of the argument or not, I do), so to see it done so gracefully for a person who was set on his/her opinion was enjoyable to watch. I don't mean anyone was convinced their side was wrong, just that they learned to see why the other side feels or acts as they do.
As I said before, the book was just mediocre to me. It is not one I'll read again, nor would I recommend it to another unless s/he was particularly interested in Robert the Bruce or Edward I and their various battles.
After trudging through the first portion of the book, it did finally perk up and become interesting -- it was still never a page-turner, but at least I was no longer bored.
One thing I do want to say on a positive note about this book is how wonderfully I felt the author portrayed the way people can learn to see another's point-of-view in a dispute. I tend to be one of those who can play Devil's Advocate for almost any issue (whether I wish to see the other's side of the argument or not, I do), so to see it done so gracefully for a person who was set on his/her opinion was enjoyable to watch. I don't mean anyone was convinced their side was wrong, just that they learned to see why the other side feels or acts as they do.
As I said before, the book was just mediocre to me. It is not one I'll read again, nor would I recommend it to another unless s/he was particularly interested in Robert the Bruce or Edward I and their various battles.
June 8, 2018
Love the Grahams!
March 29, 2013
Drake takes us back in time to a place where teritorial conflict and constant war shapes relationships and determines futures. Eric Graham sieges a castle to save his family and to avenge what was done to them. What he finds is plague infected people, death including the lord of the castle, and Inginia the lord's widow. He makes it very clear to her that she is to save his family from the plague or he will kill her. Eric is deeply wounded (emotionally) and mourns his loss, but takes it out on Inginia. She has a hard time standing up for herself, which is understandable considering how impossing and threatening he can be. Both are constantly engaged in battle of wills, but once the banter goes too far, count on Eric to be rude and menacing. But they find they are attracted to each other and that eventually leads to love. I would have loved to see how their animosity/denial of attraction turned to friendship and then led to love. This is what was upsetting to me, that in this whole entire book there was no comraderie or sweet moments that defined their relationship. Anyways, it was a good read. I loved Drake's description of the lands and her reference to history.
June 17, 2011
More Historical Novel than a Romance. Found it on the dry side to read, would of been better if there had been more interaction with the two main
characters.
Book takes place in 1307 in Scotland when they were fighting for freedom for their country. Ingrainia's English husband, Lord Afton dies of the plague and the Scottish forces led by Eric Graham have seized Langley Castle.Eric's Wife and daughter die there of the sickness and he intends to make Afton's widow pay for their lives. When the English King, Edward refuses to trade Ingrainia for the Wife of the Scotland's Robert the Bruce(Scotlands King) Eric is ordered to marry his lovely prisoner,So the English King could not marry her to an English Lord, since she had lands in both country's.
Lady of Langley, spent most of her time in prison of one kind or another thru the whole book. Woman had no say in what happened in their lives.
A barbaric time to live in with all the wars and killings.
characters.
Book takes place in 1307 in Scotland when they were fighting for freedom for their country. Ingrainia's English husband, Lord Afton dies of the plague and the Scottish forces led by Eric Graham have seized Langley Castle.Eric's Wife and daughter die there of the sickness and he intends to make Afton's widow pay for their lives. When the English King, Edward refuses to trade Ingrainia for the Wife of the Scotland's Robert the Bruce(Scotlands King) Eric is ordered to marry his lovely prisoner,So the English King could not marry her to an English Lord, since she had lands in both country's.
Lady of Langley, spent most of her time in prison of one kind or another thru the whole book. Woman had no say in what happened in their lives.
A barbaric time to live in with all the wars and killings.
May 30, 2023
Stars 3/4
Hey fellow readers I don’t summarize the books (as there are always great full summaries written that I read myself).
I only give it my personal, general, summary of 5 stars to 1 star.
3 stars: This book is worth a read but didn’t really have me excited about interacting with the book where I could not put it down. It lacks the excitement and well roundness of my personal markers for a great read throughout the book.
Development and interest in main characters, secondary characters, humorous, movement of the book, writing/conversation and romantic/sexual content (1-2 scenes or too much unnecessary).
Read it once and that is enough for me.
However, if this book is part of a series, I would read the next book (pervious book) in the series as it would still peek my reading interest.
I’ll continue reading from this author. I wouldn’t cross the author out of my potential reads in the future.
Hey fellow readers I don’t summarize the books (as there are always great full summaries written that I read myself).
I only give it my personal, general, summary of 5 stars to 1 star.
3 stars: This book is worth a read but didn’t really have me excited about interacting with the book where I could not put it down. It lacks the excitement and well roundness of my personal markers for a great read throughout the book.
Development and interest in main characters, secondary characters, humorous, movement of the book, writing/conversation and romantic/sexual content (1-2 scenes or too much unnecessary).
Read it once and that is enough for me.
However, if this book is part of a series, I would read the next book (pervious book) in the series as it would still peek my reading interest.
I’ll continue reading from this author. I wouldn’t cross the author out of my potential reads in the future.
November 16, 2014
Eric Graham, Scott rebel - when he first makes an appearance - looked every bit like a wild man, all bloodied, dirty with matted hair ... I was envisioning something like Braveheart (Mel Gibson when he was most appealing). I've been reading medieval romances (V. Henley and Shannon Drake) non-stop for over a month now, and it was getting a bit repetitive- I was starting to get the characters mixed up. What really appeals to me are the historical references - I think this is the best way to remember history - interwoven within a love story. Also liked the fact that it took more than halfway thru the book before the inevitable bedroom scene. Eric is a man's man.
July 9, 2013
Knight Triumphant was the first historical romance book I read in my younger years, and I have to say from reading it I was hooked on the series.
The book stars off sad and everyone has a right to be. Grudges are held and there is blame all round. You don't see it coming but two of the most opposite people learn to share romance and memories.
You will wonder what gonna happened next, some thing are predictable but the excitement keeps getting better.
The book stars off sad and everyone has a right to be. Grudges are held and there is blame all round. You don't see it coming but two of the most opposite people learn to share romance and memories.
You will wonder what gonna happened next, some thing are predictable but the excitement keeps getting better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews