Reviewer: Robyn Roberts
Title: The Warrior
Author: Heather Grothaus
Publisher: Zebra Books
ISBN: 0-8217-8006-9
Release Date: March 2006
Genre/Sub-genre: Historical Romance
Year/Setting: 1075, England
Overall rating: 4.0
Sexual content rating: Subtle/Sensual
Heather's Website:
www.heathergrothaus.com
Tristan D’Argent returns from battle to claim the keep bequeathed to him by King William, only to find his lands under the ruthless control of a treacherous rival—a man who has secured Tristan as his stepdaughter’s betrothed. Determined to get his due without being trapped in marriage, Tristan prepares to win by any means necessary, only to be confronted by the beautiful face of the woman who haunts his dreams. She is Haith, the half-sister of his bartered bride.
Haith never imagined seeing the man of her moonlit visions in the flesh, or worse, as her greatest tormentor. Caught in the bitter treachery of sworn enemies, neither Tristan’s strong words nor tender promises can quell her fear that their destinies have not yet begun to play out...in a time where the might of men rules with a vengeance, and the warrior who fights for love takes the greatest risk of all.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Warrior and the intrigue and insights into 1075 England. At the beginning of the book, I had trouble figuring out that Soleilbert and Bertie are the same person, Bertie being her nickname. Once I could grasp that, the book made a lot more sense to me. I’m not sure if others will be confused as well or if it was just my confusion. I did figure it out in the first few pages, but it’s a note some readers might like me to make.
While I wouldn’t call this a true Romeo & Juliet story, I would say there are many parallels between the stories. I was rooting for Tristan and Haith to get together and every time I thought it would happen, another enormous obstacle would be in the way. If it wasn’t the two of them becoming pig-headed and stupidly mad with each other, then it was other surprises where they each thought they needed to sacrifice their love for something or someone else.
I really loved the intrigue with Nigel. He’s such a worm and I imagine him looking like the evil villain out of a melodrama. He provides some big surprises and lends a quality of mystery to the story.
I am not aware of a sequel in the works, but I am hoping that one will come forth. It is alluded to with a man named Nicholas that we meet towards the end of the book. I would also ask Ms. Grothaus to consider writing a prequel with Tristan’s best friend Pharao as the hero. I thought he was a wonderful supporting character and I think his story would be fun to read as well.
If you like the medieval castles and keeps and seeing how the servants work in the kitchens and fields, this book may disappoint you a little. However, I found it to be a refreshing look at this timeframe in England. The focus was more on the relationships between British Lords and the way they had to constantly be on guard. With the focus on relationships, we didn’t get to learn all about the layout of the castle and the inner workings of the kitchen and servants. I thought I would really miss that, but Ms. Grothaus spins such a yarn for us that the book was over before I realized she had woven the tale without those facets.
This is Ms. Grothaus’ first published novel and I believe she has a bright future ahead of her. I know I’ll be on the lookout for future books.
Robyn
Question or comment regarding the review or the book? Click here and let Robyn know.
Top
Reviews
Featured Reviews
Archived Reviews