Reviewer: Trudy
Title: Falcon's Honor
Author: Denise Lynn
Publisher: Harlequin Historical
ISBN: 0-373-29344-5
Release Date: March 2005
Genre/Sub-genre: Medieval Romance
Year/Setting: 1100s/Northern England
Stand Alone but connected: Sequel/spinoff to Falcon's Desire
Overall rating: 3.75
Sexual content rating: Subtle
Denise's Website:
www.denise-lynn.com
Lord Gareth of Faucon was given the "chore" by King Stephen to deliver Lady Rhian
of Gervaise to her family. From a battle previously fought, he was supposed to have protected
his king, which was his first instinct, however, Lord Gareth followed his superior’s orders
instead. Now Lord Gareth is feeling the wrath of King Stephen as well as feeling he has
tarnished his honor as well as his family name. As he’s determined to fulfill his duty given
by the king, to protect Lady Rhian, he also sees it as a way to reinstate his family
honor and name.
Lady Rhian of Gervaise wanted no part in Lord Gareth’s quest for honor even if it was the King’s wish. She had her own problems. Her honor was to her father, whom had just died. Alone in the world, the king was sending her to her mother’s family who she never knew existed until shortly before her father’s death. (She had been told her mother was dead) Just before her father died, messengers brought news of her mother’s death by presenting her with an amethyst pendant that displayed a dragon etched in the center. Little did she know this bauble was cause for some family members to seek the pendant as well as the death of Lady Rhian herself.
Though Lady Rhian has no desire to meet her mother’s family, as she’s heard rumors of the people of "Druid’s Isle", she comes to realize that she must be presented to them. And to do so she’ll need the protection Lord Gareth and his men have vowed to give her during the long journey.
It doesn’t take long for the Lord and Lady to realize the attraction for each other. Always bound to honor and duty, Lord Gareth protects Lady Rhian in many ways, including protecting her from himself.
Through many conflicts the Lord and Lady come to terms with their love. Lord Gareth knows she is betrothed to another and willing, for honor, to give Lady Rhian over to her family to fulfill her destiny.
What they find are more family members than Lady Rhian knew she had. But are the rumors true? Is she a descendent of druids and witches? Will she be able to convince her family that true love is more honorable than the most "sacred" oaths and promises?
Denise gives the characters the depth of emotion through their honor to the others they are bound to. Lady Rhian and Lord Gareth find that soul-deep love that doesn’t come along every day. I really enjoyed their romance, though I didn’t read the previous book about Lord Gareth’s brother, Lord Rhys, I could tell there was history there. For most all references of Lord Rhys and his history, I got the gist of said references, though it may be helpful to read the previous book, Falcon's Desire, before starting Falcon's Honor.
Denise also gave the characters strength. It was shown by their determination to complete the duty and honor they were bound to fulfill. They are willing to sacrifice their love for the sake of honor. You rooted for them and wanted them to be together. Denise also gave the story various twists and turns right to the end.
The evolving romance between Lord Gareth and Lady Rhian was very well written and I enjoyed their banter as they moved from temporary guardian and charge to true love.
The elements of conflict of druids, witchcraft and evil are not in my scope of interest so I did struggle with getting through these particular parts of the story. It wasn’t the writing I struggled with, it was this particular conflict (witchcraft, druids), thus the lower rating.
Even though the conflict of druids and witchcraft and the era in which the story is set are not my cup of tea, I know those that are comfortable with them and enjoy them will find this story a very enjoyable read.
Thank you Denise, for the opportunity to vary my reading types. This will make me a more rounded romance reader.
Trudy
Question or comment regarding the review or the book? Click here and let Trudy know.
Top
Reviews
Featured Reviews
Archived Reviews