The Helmet of Navarre

by Bertha Runkle

The Duc de St. Quentin and his son arrive in Paris to support the would-be king, Henry. However, as in any court of intrigue, there are others that would thwart Henry's ascension. From assassination attempts to spies within the family servants, will the St. Quentin family survive the royal court? Or will they take actions into their own hands and assure Henry's ascension by force?

The New York Times made the following announcement on July 14, 1900,

"A young romantic novelist, Miss Bertha Runkle, of New York City, will make her debut in the August Issue of The Century Magazine with the first chapters of a novel which will run through eight numbers of the periodical. The work is described as a dramatic romance of love and adventure, and is entitled "The Helmet of Navarre". The scene of the tale is laid in Paris during the siege by Henry of Navarre, and the action occupies the four days preceding the Sunday when Henry entered the city to accept the Roman Catholic faith. Miss Runkle is the daughter of Mrs. L.G. Runkle, a woman well known in New York literary circles."

Genres: Historical Fiction

268 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1900

Reviews

[Michael Wolf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Classic romanticism at its best in form and execution; I could almost feel the curtains come up and go down right when they needed to.

[Hyrum · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was interesting reading from a perspective of the distant past, but that was the only positive aspect of this book. The author often took forever to get to the point, and everyone was too infatuated with aristocracy. I read up until 30% then skimmed the rest, skipped to the end to see if it got interesting, but no.

[Susan C Lance · Rating 4 out of 5]

France - Historical

[Sandie Mixa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story line was good and got really good toward the last 100 pages. I just struggled with the language and the author's style. Character descriptions were somewhat lacking. Some good action and a happy ending.

[L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of swordfights, action scenes, escapes by the skin of their teeth, and romance. What more could you ask for?

[Preston Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast fun classical romantic read.