Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Book Review: The Forgotten Princess of Elmetia by Rachel James

Rachel A James
 
2014 Prism Book Group
ISBN: 9781940099873
Price: Print $14.99, E-book $3.99
Medieval Romance

From the Publisher:  A tale of grace, forgiveness, and love as a forgotten princess seeks to reclaim her true identity. 

It is 616AD, and one fatal night the ancient Kingdom of Elmetia falls. Saxons kill the Elmetian King, and capture Princess Teagen. 

Teagen poses as a slave girl and works for the Saxons in the Kingdom of Deira, until she discovers her brother is alive. She finds a way to escape, and her path crosses with Ryce the Warrior. 

Struggling with his past and angry against the tyrant Saxon king, Ryce helps the princess in pursuit of her brother. But just as the connection between them intensifies, obstacles get in their way. The Saxon king now wants vengeance, and will stop at nothing to get it. 


My review:  Well-researched and documented tale based on a recorded historical event. I love this period of history and James's story was an enjoyable read. Dialect and dialog stayed true throughout the book.

Taking place during the dark days of Saxons and Celts overrunning the British Isles, Elmetia was one such small kingdom, shattered by the Saxon ruler who attempted to destroy the governing family. However, the children disappear during the battle. The dead king's young daughter changes place with a deceased servant girl and survives in the Saxon kingdom biding her time. When she overhears more news of that tragic night eight years earlier, she risks her life to seek retribution. If only King Edwin's pesky warriors would stay out of Teagan's way.

A worthy romance raised to high stakes when more intrigue comes to light. Set also during the early stages of the new faith, Christianity, readers will see it woven in naturally through the adventure, how learning to overcome the prejudices of our past believe system to know who deserves our true allegiance is the one true thing we can count on. I appreciated the hero, Ryce's, struggles on the matter of religion.


 It's no secret that Ryce and Teagan are expected to become romantic partners, but with skill, the author slowly peels away layers of intrigue, revealing new secrets and new problems that give the reader pause. It's a good thing that Ryce's companion is a physician, because there are a number of injuries to deal with. For readers who like romances with a bit of a twist, James's historical tale will delight you.

2 comments:

  1. This sounds like a fascinating way to not only enjoy a story, but also to learn more about an era. Congratulations!

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