Review for Fate of the Saracen Knight
by Midwest Book Review
Fate of the Saracen Knight: Bradamante and Ruggiero Volume II
Linda C. McCabe
Destrier Books
Paperback: 978-0983636243 $17.99
Ebook: 9780983636250 $ 3.99
Website: www.LindaCMcCabe.com
Ordering: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0983636249
In Fate of the Saracen Knight: Bradamante and Ruggiero, Volume II, Ruggiero is a dutiful knight for the North African Muslim Army who invaded the Frankish Empire in 802. He's in love with Christian warrior Bradamante and has pledged to convert his faith to marry her, but insists he must first sever his ties to his liege with honor.
Bradamante fears this delay may put the lives of everyone else that she loves at risk, but when she suspects Ruggiero may have fallen in love with another, she embarks on a mission somewhat different from the duties and principles she's sworn to uphold.
Linda C. McCabe crafts a powerful battle set in a fantasy world when warrior queens and women exert just as powerful a sword as men, and where men love just as powerfully as women. Both sexes experience undercurrents of social, political, military and emotional influence that pull them away from their most cherished dreams and peoples, and both are equally powerful in their physical and emotional responses to these scenarios.
Fate of the Saracen Knight is historical fantasy writing at its best, blending romance with overlaying issues of valor and commitment that lead each character to question their hearts.
From family treachery and the political alliances of wives and warriors to prophecies and women's empowerment, McCabe's story melds history with fantasy to create a fine tapestry of perspectives whose insights will especially delight fans of historical devices: "While it is true that Emperor Constantine wears the crown, it is still his mother, Empress Irene, who wields the scepter. She became regent for her son after the death of her husband, and while Constantine has come of age — she refuses to release her grip on power."
Solidifying it all is the fate of Bradamante and Ruggiero's love for one another, which is as mercurial and volatile as the different worlds they inhabit and the values they live by. When struggles and passions gone awry divide them, how can they find their way back to a heartfelt love?
McCabe's story is strengthened with a variety of subplots and characters well-developed enough to keep readers guessing about the ultimate outcomes of not just the two star-crossed lovers, but the clashes between opposing forces in their world. Her attention to detail involves fine-tuning the relationships between many forces that pursue their special interests.
Fate of the Saracen Knight is epic fantasy writing at its best, especially commendable because Book II needs no prior introduction to be enjoyed by newcomers, yet strongly supports the foundations of its predecessor.
History and fantasy fans will find Fate of the Saracen Knight hard to put down, replete with insights on the effects of war, ideals, and duty on love; the ripples of discord created by threats of infidelity and battle; and the fate of two star-crossed lovers who aren't just manipulated by fate, but used to taking destiny into their own hands by force, if necessary.
D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
Linda C. McCabe
Destrier Books
Paperback: 978-0983636243 $17.99
Ebook: 9780983636250 $ 3.99
Website: www.LindaCMcCabe.com
Ordering: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0983636249
In Fate of the Saracen Knight: Bradamante and Ruggiero, Volume II, Ruggiero is a dutiful knight for the North African Muslim Army who invaded the Frankish Empire in 802. He's in love with Christian warrior Bradamante and has pledged to convert his faith to marry her, but insists he must first sever his ties to his liege with honor.
Bradamante fears this delay may put the lives of everyone else that she loves at risk, but when she suspects Ruggiero may have fallen in love with another, she embarks on a mission somewhat different from the duties and principles she's sworn to uphold.
Linda C. McCabe crafts a powerful battle set in a fantasy world when warrior queens and women exert just as powerful a sword as men, and where men love just as powerfully as women. Both sexes experience undercurrents of social, political, military and emotional influence that pull them away from their most cherished dreams and peoples, and both are equally powerful in their physical and emotional responses to these scenarios.
Fate of the Saracen Knight is historical fantasy writing at its best, blending romance with overlaying issues of valor and commitment that lead each character to question their hearts.
From family treachery and the political alliances of wives and warriors to prophecies and women's empowerment, McCabe's story melds history with fantasy to create a fine tapestry of perspectives whose insights will especially delight fans of historical devices: "While it is true that Emperor Constantine wears the crown, it is still his mother, Empress Irene, who wields the scepter. She became regent for her son after the death of her husband, and while Constantine has come of age — she refuses to release her grip on power."
Solidifying it all is the fate of Bradamante and Ruggiero's love for one another, which is as mercurial and volatile as the different worlds they inhabit and the values they live by. When struggles and passions gone awry divide them, how can they find their way back to a heartfelt love?
McCabe's story is strengthened with a variety of subplots and characters well-developed enough to keep readers guessing about the ultimate outcomes of not just the two star-crossed lovers, but the clashes between opposing forces in their world. Her attention to detail involves fine-tuning the relationships between many forces that pursue their special interests.
Fate of the Saracen Knight is epic fantasy writing at its best, especially commendable because Book II needs no prior introduction to be enjoyed by newcomers, yet strongly supports the foundations of its predecessor.
History and fantasy fans will find Fate of the Saracen Knight hard to put down, replete with insights on the effects of war, ideals, and duty on love; the ripples of discord created by threats of infidelity and battle; and the fate of two star-crossed lovers who aren't just manipulated by fate, but used to taking destiny into their own hands by force, if necessary.
D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review