Kieran The Black
Julia TempletonRomantica
Available from Ellora's Cave
ISBN 1-84360-511-2
May 2003
| Lizzie Johnson attends a press opening of the new William the Conqueror exhibit at a museum. Part of the exhibit is about Kieran D’Arcy, a Norman knight, known for his fierceness and strength on the field of battle. A strange lady approaches her and encourages her to touch Kieran the Black’s sword. The next thing she knows, she has awakened in the year 1067 in the body of Kieran’s 18-year-old wife, Lady Elizabeth. At the age of 39, Lizzie is happy to be 18 again, especially if Kieran is part of the package.
Kieran D’Arcy lives his life by the sword; and according to the history books, he will die by the sword. The constant upheavals between the Normans and the Saxons have filled his life with strife and conflict. His wife had willed herself to bed after their marriage, vowing to die before he could touch her. One morning she wakes up, and instead of being scared of Kieran, she actively seduces him. Throw in some political intrigue and a few bad guys and you have a fun filled adventure! Ms. Templeton made a die-by-the-sword man like Kieran multi-dimensional and Lizzie is just a fun mix of strength and brazenness. There is a modern tone to the story, even though it takes place in 1067. This is not a historically accurate portrayal of the times but Lizzie and Kieran make it so enjoyable. A very entertaining book to read!
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Reviewer: Sara Sawyer |
