1217 A. D. – Executioner Knight Kevin de Lara finally has his moment to shine.
Kevin breaks out from under his powerful brother’s shadow (Sean de Lara from Lord of the Shadows) and becomes a great knight on his own. But there’s just one problem… the woman he loves may very well cause his downfall…
Since reconciling with his brother, Kevin has become a powerful garrison commander along the … commander along the Welsh marches for the de Lara empire. As an agent of William Marshal, his directive is to keep the local Welsh barons under control at all costs, and Kevin becomes a diplomat.
But the Welsh lords only tell him what he wants to hear. Secretly, they are planning a rebellion to gain back de Lara properties they believe belong to the Welsh.
Juliandra ferch Gethin is a daughter of two worlds – a Welsh father, an English mother.
Juliandra’s father has committed an offense against the de Lara empire and has consequently been jailed. When Juliandra disguises herself as a servant and sneaks into the castle to free her father, she can’t get past Kevin. When he discovers her true identity, he formulates a plan to marry her simply to keep her father and his allies under control. It’s a tactic and nothing more.
Or so he thinks.
Sometimes the arrogance of a man is only exceeded by his love for a woman.
Join Kevin and Juliandra on their journey of rebellion, redemption, and the realization of a love that cannot be denied. Kevin married Juliandra to control the Welsh, but it’s very possible that she may be the one controlling the English… through him.
Lord of the Sky is a love story you won’t want to miss.
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“…a beautiful example of a love that nothing could kill, a love forged in fire and strengthened by a devotion that would never die…a love that went to the sky and beyond…”
If you are new to Kathryn Le Veque’s writing, this is the perfect series to start! Le Veque is a master storyteller when it comes to medieval romance! Anxiously awaiting the next installment!
Lord of the Sky
The Executioner Knights Series #6
Kathryn Le Veque
https://www.facebook.com/kathrynlevequenovels/
Release date 08/06/2020
Publisher Dragonblade Publishing
Blurb :
1217 A. D. – Executioner Knight Kevin de Lara finally has his moment to shine.
Kevin breaks out from under his powerful brother’s shadow (Sean de Lara from Lord of the Shadows) and becomes a great knight on his own. But there’s just one problem… the woman he loves may very well cause his downfall when one strategic lie begins to unravel…
Since reconciling with his brother, Kevin has become a powerful garrison commander along the Welsh marches for the de Lara empire. As an agent of William Marshal, his directive is to keep the local Welsh barons under control at all costs, and Kevin becomes a diplomat.
But the Welsh lords only tell him what he wants to hear. Secretly, they are planning a rebellion to gain back de Lara properties they believe belong to the Welsh.
Juliandra ferch Gethin is a daughter of two worlds – a Welsh father, an English mother.
Juliandra’s father has committed an offense against the de Lara empire and has consequently been jailed. When Juliandra disguises herself as a servant and sneaks into the castle to free her father, she can’t get past Kevin. When he discovers her true identity, he formulates a plan to marry her simply to keep her father and his allies under control. It’s a tactic and nothing more.
Or so he thinks.
Sometimes the arrogance of a man is only exceeded by his love for a woman.
Join Kevin and Juliandra on their journey of rebellion, redemption, and the realization of a love that cannot be denied. Kevin married Juliandra to control the Welsh, but it’s very possible that she may be the one controlling the English… through him.
Lord of the Sky is a love story you won’t want to miss.
My review :
Will a deception created for protection impede his future deeper than he expected …
While I struggle to remember who is who and my dyslexia never not helps, this was an entertaining read.
The opening scene sets the pace, much more different from the previous book, my first read by Mrs Le Veque. While I laughed in Caius’ tale, here the prologue is so very much more dramatic and calls to another book The Lord of Shadows, maybe I will read it later.
Kevin is seen as a balance among the executioner knights, he sees the world as in black and white with no middle ground in between.
Why the only one time he strays from his righteous path it might cost him more than his peace of mind as his deception is not the small lie he expected.
And the more time passes, the more a deceit is seen as worse than it was at first.
Juliandra is a trustworthy and honorable woman, why she came as soon as she could to free her father, then enters the bargain offered to see him released. Thus Kevin’s trickery will be felt as a treason more than a little lie.
Their romance is sweet yet I awaited for the second shoes to drop, and how everything would unravel, and it did.
Mrs Le Veque delivers a cute tale of a man who will face his guilt to decide what is worth it and the woman who pierces his heart without an arrow by just being herself.
4.5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Dragonblade Publishing, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
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This author never ceases to amaze me with her stories, each and every one of them are so full of adventure and romance and I for one, am awestruck by what comes out of her imagination! This one is no exception and you can’t help but fall in love with the main characters, Juliandra and Kevin.
I absolutely adored Kevin because for a warrior, he’s got such a tender heart and although he gets himself in trouble by doing something that is completely out of character…lying….he does everything he can to right the wrong with Juliandra when she finds out the truth. As for Juliandra, all she wants is to find a good man and be loved, as well as help free her father. There are some scenes that had me reaching for the tissues, that’s how powerful Kathryn Le Veque’s writing is.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This is the first book I have read by this author and enjoyed it. It is a romance that appears to be secondary to the warriors and the fighting that is going on around them. The first part tells of Kevin’s brother, Sean being severely wounded while acting as a spy on the King of England and how Kevin gets him to safety. Thru marriage, Sean receives the title of Earl and the holdings that go with the title. As the first born son, he gives the title and holdings that were his to Kevin and then the story of Juliandra starts. There is deceit on Kevin’s part for the greater good but as time goes on he suffers great guilt. There is danger all around and the story is full of action. I enjoyed the book. I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and are voluntarily leaving a review.
BOOK 6 OF MY FAVORIT SERIES THE EXECUTIONER KNIGHTS by Kathryn Le Veque. I loved this short story with Kevin the last brother of the Original Knights. This book was good I wish it has a little more fighting action but I was rewarded with the fact that some of my original Knights appear in the story – Kevin de Lara and Juliandra were the perfect couple. This short romance is a must read for me it will be my last since Book 7 has characters of the original Knights leaders that I have not read. Great author.
I just love the Series and was pleased to see Kevin de Lara got his own story and free of his brother Sean’s shadow
What a fantastically written wonderful story of family, deception, betrayal and a beautiful love story told with not only the stunning display of pageantry but also horrors of war. The separation of the protagonists and then coming back together didn’t reinforce a strong bond though. Kevin might have played second fiddle to his all important brother and the rest of the knights encircling him; he manages to take charge and be a very strong leader. Yes, it’s hard not to fall for him and his gentle loyal chivalric ways but he still is not afraid to hurt the ones that he loves the most. Kevin is more emotional and makes pretty big mistakes but he still tries his best to be a good guy. Juliandra seems the perfect fit for him. Sure she is a just a merchant’s daughter but still is very much a lady. There are moments when you just hate her but manage to forgive her anyway. Ms. Le Veque never ceases to amaze us with her captivating way of weaving an enchanting tale that will capture everyone’s attention!
I have loved every book Kathryn LeVeque has written about these special Knights. This one introduces us again to Sean de Lara, that we met in “Lord of Shadows”, and his brother Kevin. This book is about the aftermath of Sean being rescued ,almost killed and Kevin is finally able to make peace with Sean. We meet many of our favorite and some new characters during this story. I especially enjoyed reading about a young William de Wolfe and William Marshall. The story is set in England and then moves to the wilds of Wales where Kevin is sent to keep the Welsh barons under control. Kevin becomes a diplomat keeping the peace and then meets a beautiful Juliandra ferch Gethin. She captures his heart, but it is not an easy conquest. What a superb story line that keeps you enjoying the book and keeps you turning the page. Thank you, Kathryn LeVeque. this is absolutely a keeper.
Wonderful story of a 13th century knight with integrity and heart. Kevin and Juliandra’s story is emotional and sweet. I’ve gotten away from reading historical romances in the past few years, but Lord of the Sky reminded me of what I love so much about them – the settings, the old-world customs, colorful characters, the action – a great escape from reality!
I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I only gave a 4 star because it is too short, had typos and felt rushed.
I was shocked at the length, as most of LeVeque’s books are longer. However, this was a good love story; just did not “feel” like previous works, with one love scene. LeVeque is still my very favorite author, which is why I was disappointed in this delivery, due to my having read so many of her books.
Lord of the Sky by Kathryn Le Veque is the 6 book in The Executioner Knights Series. This is the story of Kevin de Lara and Juliandra ferch Gethin. Juliandra and Kevin start off with a marriage of convenience but of course that does last conveniently long before they see that they have true feelings for each other. I am a fan of Ms. Le Veque’s writing and you always get great stories that give you that break in the day or your troubles. I would recommend her books for sure.
An Executioner Knight, strong, brave, but also the moral compass for the group of fierce fighting machines. Kevin de Lara, was very pious, moral and not the cold blooded killer as many.
He had the most heart, which often made it difficult, but also made him see and feel more.
But now after being gifted lands along the Welsh marches and acquiring more and more property, the Welsh are wanting their land back and Juliandra ferch Gethin comes into Kevin’s life.
Disguised as a servant to get into the castle to rescue her father, she is soon found out and tries to bargain with Kevin. With the Welsh warlords about to attack, he knows Juliandra has knowledge to help him when it does.
A story of the heart, with amazing characters and descriptions that throw you into the mist of this tale. Kathryn LeVeque is a master and it shows in every word and page that will leave you with a sigh as you turn the last page!
First, I have to say I truly appreciate when an author gives us a blurb prior to the story. I always have to go to the author’s Amazon page to get the jest of the story. A weird quirk I know – lol. Then you add to it the author’s notes and I was in Heaven!
The opening scene with the H’s brother Sean was heart pounding!
I do not like stories that are based in part by twisting truths. So it took me awhile to get into the story, but once I started to think of it from a Warlord’s perspective and keeping everyone safe, I had a change of heart. Not giving spoiler’s away, but I was always waiting for the shoe to drop, as they say, and all would be unveiled. Even though I thought I prepared myself, I wasn’t prepared. Oh, how my heart ached for the h and especially the H because this wasn’t who he was and it ate at him. The Lord’s name is used once.
There is lovemaking within marriage, heat level 2 out of 5. Parts of the questions/statements the h said on her wedding night made me laugh.
As I’m sure many of you are like I am and you pre-order all books by this author because she gives you more than you expect. I loved how we meet up with old friends from previous stories, who feel like family now. It’s like going to a family reunion and only having the best relatives show up. I still love it how we get a glimpse of William de Wolfe when he is a teenager. I hope we get to revisit him again because it warms my heart to still have him be part of these stories.
I really felt the way the author wrote the epilogue, is one of her best. You could feel the sorrow and anguish of the H.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance and a small tad of spice. I liked how he became The Lord of the Sky! (ljb)
This book starts out very emotional when Kevin de Lara and William Marshall’s Executioner Knights are trying to rescue his brother Sean de Lara the “Lord of Shadows”. They find him severely wounded and on deaths door and his emotional roller coaster his brother hangs on to dear life has Kevin faces regrets that he and his brother had been estranged.
Kevin has been given a powerful castle along the Welsh marches and he’s trying to bring the area to law and order when he encounters Juliandra ferch Gethin. Juliandra come to his castle to buy her father’s freedom and ends up bargaining with Kevin in an exchange. After all Juliandra knows the area and the people, she has information he needs, but he has to tell a lie to her to get her cooperation. For unknown to him the Welsh warlords are planning a rebellion to run him off their lands and Juliandra could be a key turning point in this war. For Kevin the lie eats at his soul, he’s always been the honest one, the conscious of the Executioner Knights, but he justifies as a means to an end. The two gradually fall in love and the truth comes out and destroy everything they built together. I have voluntarily read and reviewed the excellent book.
Kevin de Lara is the second son and has always followed orders. Now he has the chance to give the commands. Wanting to prove himself as a great but benevolent commander when things go awry.
Juliandra is seeking to have an audience with the new Lord who has captured her father for not paying his toll. When she is unable to get an audience Juliandra gets into the castle where she is to entertain the new Lord by singing! Getting the attention of the new commander Juliandra presents her case. Unable to gain information on the Welsh Kevin strikes a deal with Juliandra to stay at the castle and provide him information on the Welsh and in return he will let her father go when he has all the information he seeks.
Kevin has always been the righteous one of the Executioner Knights but when he lies for the greater good he has to live with the repercussions of his actions. Guilt can tear you apart and Kevin could lose more than he ever bargained for.
This is such a wonderful story! I loved Kevin and felt for him throughout this story. This one definitely squeezed the heart strings! Definitely a must read!
Lord of the Sky by Kathryn Le Veque is the story of Kevin de Lara, one of the Executioner Knights and a knight who has appeared in many Le Veque novels. It is a touching story of how a small lie can turn life changing and change the world. King John is dead, his brother Sean has survived, and Kevin has come to the realization that he cannot continue as he has been. He cannot blindly take orders and do things that go against his nature, no matter what he has sworn to do. Through his recent marriage to Sheridan, Sean has become a baron so he gives the Trilaterals to Kevin and for the first time, Kevin has something of his own. He goes to the border and negotiates with a dying, heirless lord there to also take over Wybren Castle and the surrounding lands. He knows the Welsh don’t want him there but he is determined to be a good and fair lord. One of his many acts is to impose tolls on several roads, giving half the money raised to the poor. Gethin ap Garreg runs afoul of one of these tolls and in the process of being arrested; he falls off his horse and is killed. A fact Kevin fails to mention to his daughter Juliandra when she come to fetch him several days later.
Kevin is a terrific character. He is the perennial younger brother, at war with himself, trying to see himself as good as his older brother. He is a good, fair, honest man in a world what doesn’t always respect these traits. He has never been in love. Although it is his long-term plan to marry and have children, he wants to marry for love. He has seen his brother, Sean and his wife, Sheridan and it wants that for himself. Juliandra is bright, beautiful, and independent and it is not long before they are in love, and soon, married. This novel is not a typical Le Veque novel. I do not recall a main character behaving as Kevin does (no spoilers) and it is revealing and much in tune with his character. As always, I love it and I want readers to love it as well. I recommend it. Please read Lord the the Sky.
I was invited to read a free ARC of Lord of the Sky by Dragonblade through Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #lordofthesky
Lord of the Sky by Kathryn Le Veque
Executioner Knights are the ultimate Kathryn Le Veque books, but this one took my heart
Compromising your Principles will take a toll on your emotional being! I used to hate when someone would say what do you think of my new hairstyle? I would think twice about should I really tell them what I think because they asked for my honest opinion just like these reviews. However, most people want you to soft soap things for them to make them feel better about themselves. Sometimes that is not always good. Just as in the book.
Kevin De Lara has always been the conscience of the Executioner Knights. He is the one who maintains the balance of the white line. He does not cross over to the other side of the black line as his brother, Sean. He abhorred the fact that Sean had to do so much so of the dirty work and seen the evil of people while on the dark side.
In this book, Kevin receives his own castles and he ends up having to make a decision that is for the good of his people and his command, but it may have been what we would term a minor white lie, it still is a lie. This grievous lie was told to one woman who for the first time that Kevin was having feelings for and if she were to find about the lie it would not only disappoint her, but it could also cause issues with the very people he was trying to convince to hear his opinions.
The lie was eating at Kevin’s soul the longer he was getting closer to the woman he loved. After they married and they were finally able to come together he thought he would be able to come clean about the lie. He kept putting off telling her.
I can only imagine the inner turmoil that he was going through at this time. He was falling in love with this beautiful, innocent, trusting woman and he basically betrayed her by not giving her the initial chance at the very beginning to offer the same information without being coerced with a lie possibly. Now that he had already embroiled himself in this lie, he was floundering because he was always the white knight and he didn’t know how to handle being a dark knight. How sad for him and her when and if she finds out!
The big is just plain genius on how she draws out Kevin’s pain and his feelings about choices and he finally respects the way his brother Sean and the other Executioner Knights make the decisions that they do, but he still can’t do what they do and handle the inner self because it eats at him.
To discover what happens next is the most ultimate ending of all time!
I received a advanced copy from NetGalley and I am willingly giving my thoughts and opinions.
This incredibly exciting and well-written book keeps the reader on the edge of their seats throughout. Life is politically dangerous and fraught with betrayal and rebellion in the era after the death of King John. I felt myself being drawn into the plot and could fully imagine the sights, sounds, and smell of battle. Kevin’s bother is on his death bed and cedes property in Wales to him, leaving him unprepared to command a garrison with enemies surrounding him. Bringing law and order to the wild Welsh warlords takes strength and courage, but when confronted by a young woman who entered the keep on the pretext of singing for her supper, Kevin compromises his honour for the first time in his life. Juliandra does have a beautiful singing voice, but her physical beauty draws Kevin as well. When he realises that she can be of more help to him than the rest of the Welsh inhabitants, he offers to marry her. Unfortunately, secrets have a way of being revealed and Kevin almost loses her in the ensuing battle. I found this book well researched and enthralling and enjoyed the interaction between Kevin and Juliandra. Certainly, this story would make a very exciting movie. I received a copy of this novel as a gift through Netgalley and this is my honest ad voluntary review.
Kevin de Lara is now a commander in his own right. He has three castles on the Welsh marches and has just taken control of one just inside Wales. The locals are not happy to have an Englishman around especially when he costs them money. Our hero is an emotional and extremely honourable man. Years of working for the devious William Marshall have made a mark on him that he struggles with.
Juliandra ferch Gethin is the daughter of a wealthy merchant. Our heroine is a strong woman, used to having control of her own life. When she finds herself in a predicament she knows there are ways to solve it.
A man with a powerful obsession and access to an army can cause a lot of dangerous problems.
Our author certainly knows how to put our emotions on a rollercoaster. Before you pick up this book make sure you have nothing else to do, because you will not be able to put it down. You will need tissues. You will meet many old friends from other books and one naughty young Squire with a big future. I now want to see what he gets up to next.
I absolutely love all of this author’s work. The characters always have such depth you want to know about every aspect of their lives.
I loved every page.