1196 A.D. – Eyes as black as night…. A decorated knight for King Richard and an ally of the House of de Lohr, Sir Garret de Moray was a man described as cold… intimidating… foreboding. A man with eyes as black as night. Receiving a royal appointment as Captain of the Household Guard, there was no man more qualified or prepared for the role because on the sands of the Holy Land where Garret went … sands of the Holy Land where Garret went on Richard’s great quest, the Christian armies whispered of a knight whose wisdom was ancient. Some wondered if he was the walking dead, an immortal soul who had lived many lifetimes over, because his skill and power exceeded earthly restraints.
Kronos, they called him. The father of titans.
She was a lady without hope….
Beautiful Lyssia du Bose has lost everything – her father, her home, her family. Taken in by an aunt who was a lady-in-waiting for the Duchess of Wendover, Lyssia finds a quiet existence in the shadows of a great home. A chance meeting with a warrior with eyes as black as night and, suddenly, her perspective on life begins to change. The quiet, sometimes-frightening knight takes an interest in her, and she in him. Is it possible that someone should actually want her?
More than she knows. When Lyssia catches the Duke of Wendover’s attention as well, the gentle romance between her and Garret quickly becomes something they must fight to hold on to. When Garret, one of the most powerful knights in King Richard’s stable, is challenged by a married duke who wishes to make Lyssia his mistress, it is a battle that all of London will witness.
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1196 AD, England. Garrett de Moray is Captain of the Royal Guard for King Richard. Lady Lyssa du Bose is a lady-in-waiting to the Duchess of Colchester. Garrett falls in love at first sight with the beautiful Lyssa at a birthday celebration for Prince John’s wife. Garrett and Lyssa are swept into a whirlwind romance in the midst of political rivalry between King Richard and Prince John. Garrett must protect Lyssa from the lecherous attention of the Duke of Colchester, an ally of Prince John. The Duke’s political underhandedness threatens the couple’s lives and the king’s realm.
Kathryn Le Veque’s medieval historical romance is rich in action and intrigue. The story is told from the third-person omniscient point of view, at times jumping points of view in the same scene. Garrett, an idealistic knight in shining armor willing to sacrifice his life and reputation for Lyssa, his damsel in distress, is the primary focus. The romantic relationship between Lyssa and Garrett is not as developed as the unfolding action and political schemes.
Shield of Kronos is recommended for readers who love medieval historical romance with heavy emphasis on royal intrigue and swashbuckling action.
I voluntarily reviewed this book for the Historical Novel Society, and the review is also posted in the HNR Issue 85 (August 2018).
this book inspired me to read more (much more) by Kathryn Le Grande. She is a very prolific writer and I have now made my way through at least 15 more of her novels.
Another brilliant story that ends on a happy note!
As you know, Kathryn Le Veque is a talented storyteller and her novels are always filled with passion and emotions! Again, she delivers an action-packed, fast paced historical romance worth savoring slowly moments by moments! I found myself quickly absorbed in Shield of Kronos, the 1st story in this new series The Great Knights of de Moray. Medieval romance lovers will adore following Garret de Moray and Lyssia du Bose’s beautiful journey filled with love. Her excellent style of writing caught my whole interest until the very last page. She never disappoints me!
It tells the story of Garret de Moray, an intimidating knight with a gentle heart! Upon King Richard’s order, Garret along with his best friend David de Lohr, received the order of finding a vile and dark character named Jago de Nantes aka Alfaar. This mean man only wants revenge against the Templars. While, Lyssia is left penniless and is now working as a lady-in-waiting for the Duchess of Colchester. The Duchess’s husband becomes a danger for Lyssia and Garret will do his best to protect her. Their journey will filled with love, adventure and danger, which will test the strength of their love for each other.
*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this.
Revenge for love.
Once you start reading this one you cannot…absolutely cannot put it done. This is a love story of a powerful knight who is brought to his knees by a young lady who gives him unconditional love. But when evil in the form of King Richard’s cousin threatens his happiness, the man protected by the King will be facing his own death. Another fantastic read from Kathryn Le Veque
I love Kathryn Le Veque
Great author
Riveting with Boldness and Compassion
The wheels are set in motion by one man with a vendetta against the Templars. This man, bastard cousin to the King Richard, is known for his violent vindictiveness when angered. He is the duke Colchester. While in the battles in Levant, he ties a man’s hands behind his back and threatens his death.
Excerpt:
“The Templars are a disease that eats away at the armies of God,’ he said. “They infect everything they touch and they pollute the minds of the faithful!”…
“There is one true God, Savage,” He screamed as he threw his foot into the Muslim’s body. “It is my God. Your god does not exist. Even now, as you are being defeated, your god does not come to help you. But I have the strength of my God behind me. After your death, men will find these weapons of the Templars in your body and know that it is the Templars who have become dishonorable assassins.”
*****
Garret is requested by King Richard to search out Jago de Nantes, aka Alfaar, who left the camp possibly to stir up trouble. He finds Alfaar far from the encampment, violently abusing a man who has his hands tied behind his back, threatening to kill him.
Garret doesn’t condone killing a man who can’t fight back. It is not an honorable way to fight.
The scene shows us the caliber and wisdom of Garret de Moray and that of the man Garret saves, who now owes a debt of honor to Garret for saving his life.
Excerpt:
“Go back where you belong,’ Garret told him. “Your god has spared you this night, for I have not the time or the inclination to do away with you.”
The Muslim was looking up at him without fear. In fact, there was admirable bravery in his expression considering he was beaten and bound, now facing off against another English knight who appeared bigger, meaner, and far more armed than the one who had captured him.
“You have save my life, he said. “Why?”
“Had your hands not been bound, I would not have interfered as I did,” he said. “But there is no honor in killing a man who is at a disadvantage, not even if that man is your sworn enemy. Live to fight another day, Muslim. But remember this night and remember a Christian knight who showed you mercy. Mayhap someday, you will be required to show one of my brethren the same.” …
The Muslim staggered to his feet, weary and wounded. “Allah favors the merciful,” he said quietly, “as I am sure your God does the same. I will remember your mercy, Salibi. May I know the name of the man who save me?”
Garret was reluctant. “Does it matter?”
The Muslim nodded. “it does, as I intend to ask Allah to protect you in battle.”
“I shall pray for you, de Moray.
*******
Six years later, both men follow much the same path. Garrett’s promoted, now Captain of the Royal Guard, and his notoriety is known in London. He is a leader of men, known for his level-headedness and wisdom.
Duke of Colchester is no longer beating men, but, beating women, thereby still creating trouble, but he is untouchable. His sexual appetite and imbalance of mind makes him a very dangerous man as the reader will see.
Unfortunately, one lovely lady-in-waiting of the duke’s wife, is in his sight. She is also known to Garret who saves her from ruffians outside a great gathering outside the great hall of Winchester. She makes an impression upon her, even that night. Lyssa du Bose is not the ordinary lady-in-waiting. She comes to the Duchess Colchester with no mother or father, just her aunt Rose who works and is a long-time friend of the duchess. The duchess is a kind woman. She tries her best to keep her flock of ladies from the duke.
Le Veque captures the turmoil of Lyssa’s emotions, her aunt’s, the Duchesses, Garret’s and his brother’s so powerfully, I felt I was a shadow in the room, seeing and experiencing it all for myself.
The brotherhood of Knights continues to fascinate me. Their love for each other and their willingness to support one another, touches the heart. Again, Le Veque, thoroughly encapsulates these feelings in this wonderfully written story of love.
Many scenes are sweet, full of trust and innocence, others will grip your gut, terrorized by the possible outcome. This is a story of love at first sight, of innocence and purity of spirit, and an answer to this question. What holds more value to a man? Will love or honor dictate the path a man must follow?
As usual this was another great book from Kathryn. Honor, love and vengeance. This is Garret and Lyssa’s story. Garret was commander of the Royal Guard for richard and Lyssa with her stutter was attacked by the duke in whose household she lived. Garret and Lyssa’s love story was truly inspiring. I laughed and cried for what they went thru. This was an amazing story. The things some men could get away with in their times. A must read.