Book Review for: "Conquering Passion"
Written by: Anna Markland
Self Published
ISBN: 978-0-9878673-0-8
Avail as: ebook and print book
4 Stars
Markland writes a sweeping epic of Norman with "Conquering Passion." Rambaud (Ram) de Montbryce is a Norman noble and a trusted assistant to William the Conqueror. His own heart refuses to be tamed until he meets Mabelle de Valtess, but dare they give into the passion she invokes?
The story is set against the countryside of Normandy 1066. The Ram is a young man and heir to his lands. His father arranges his marriage to a Norman noblewoman, Mabelle. Unfortunately, the Ram has no desire to marry, especially a woman who hasn't seen. He'd rather follow his lord, William, Duke of Normandy to England.
Is his way home to be married, the Ram finds a woman laying in the grass near a lake, coved by bluebells. It's Mabelle. Both parties mistake the scene. Ram returns to his castle and ' magic of the wedding, and her father insulting Mabelle. Within months he leaves to accompany William to England.
War gives the Ram a different perspective is life and he comes to realize what a gem they had found in the real Mabelle. William gives the Ram in the land in the Welsh Marches. Ram inspects his land and is injured by a Welsh Prince, Rhodri. As Ram, recovers in the home of a Saxon noblewoman, he finds comfort in her arms. Once he's well again, he goes to the Normandie intent is winning Mabelle's heart, but will his past actions and previous reluctance make going forward with his life a duty without pleasure or will they find true passion?
Markland has done her research and it shows. The setting's authentic feel makes the reader believe they're a squire in Ram's care along for the ride. The author uses a good economy of words to paint vivid descriptions of the time. The plot moves at a nice pace, never lingering.
The characters are interesting and likable. Mabelle is loyal and honest and it's easy to identify with her. Ram, a soldier of the time embodies, confident and heroic, but fickle when it comes to listening with his heart. The supporting cast of characters helps to round out the story and give the novel it's epic effect.
For me, the story feels more like the beginning of a family saga than a historical romance, since the Ram is not faithful in deeds to Mabelle. There were some formatting errors with the Kindle edition, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story. There are several love scenes, while appropriate to the story, are not for the faint of heart.
"Conquering Passion" is full of greed, betrayal, loyalty, nobility, and love. The novel takes the reader is the first adventure of the Montbryce family.
Reviewed by: s. Burkhart
StephB is an author who likes to read many books and a variety of different genres. StephB is an author at http://www.Writing.Com/which is a site for Creative Writing.
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