When Lady Juliana, a beautiful Scottish rebel, is captured by the English and paraded as the legendary Swan Maiden, a knight sworn to the English king recognizes her as the girl he rescued years before.
Ordered by the king to marry Lady Juliana and find the rebels she protects, Sir Gawain must resist the beautiful, feisty rebel and hide his own treasonous secrets while discovering hers-even as … hers-even as passion brings them together.
But if the king hears of their dangerous intentions, their lives will be forfeited before love can ever set them free.
REVIEWS:
..”.a fast-paced, action-packed, enthralling romance.” Romantic Times Book Club
“With its well-conceived plot, and strong visual elements, this feisty historical romance will enchant.” Publishers Weekly
THE CELTIC NIGHTS, in series order
The Stone Maiden
The Swan Maiden
The Sword Maiden
Laird of the Wind
more
I found the concept of myth wrapped in rebellion interesting, in that it brought the main characters together. Juliana is a warrior in her own right in her defense of Scotland, and although she and Gawain are fated lovers, they are on opposite sides of the battle. Gawain’s allegiance to the Crown is tested not only because of his birth but his love for the Swan Maiden as well. I had difficulty getting into this book and at times found my attention wandering. Nevertheless, I was glad that it came to a good close, especially as the perpetrator of foul deeds received his just reward. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
Another great story in this series. A testament to the storytelling of this author when the reader gets lost in the characters and the history of the times, their struggles and their triumphs. Juliana Lindsay (the Scot’s Swan Maiden) encounters Gawain Avenel (an English knight) six years prior when he risks all to allow her to escape the burning of her family’s castle. Now they are reunited; only this time she is a captive of England’s King Edward, and he is cornered into marrying her. But he has secrets aplenty; will they unite them or tear them apart? Enjoyed the character of James (her cousin) reappearing with a brief peak at his current life. Couldn’t put it down. A definite thumbs up! I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
Beauty and Brutality
Although the story was very well written, I just was unable to connect with the The Swan Maiden.
From the prologue, I liked Gawain/Gabhan. He continually found himself between a rock and a hard place. I felt sorry for his identity dilemma. I also liked aspects of Juliana’s character. She was brave but a bit foolhardy. That said, some intangible element had me putting down this read and then dreading taking it back up again. Maybe it was the senseless violence of the period. I don’t really know.
I am recommending this book in spite of my own hang ups because Susan King is a good writer and I really liked the ending. I am sure another reader will find book two in the series engrossing.
Content 411: This book contains some violence, which is typical of the period. There is also a modestly written love scene and a few swear words.
Disclosure: I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
First story I read in this series and enjoyed Juliana’s character, fiery rebel, loyal and passionate to both the rebel cause and the knight who won her heart. I loved the legends, felt sorry with Gawain’s struggle with his duty, his fealty and what his heart was telling him. In awe how he had survived so many things and most of all, I liked his strong feelings and his need to help the needy at risk of his own life. The romantic scenes made me sigh. A real knight! An interesting plot development with some scenes that made me emotional with the intense and at the same time exciting descriptions. Adventure, action, suspense, romance, some violence, a hateful villain and lot of swans.
This book was just an ok read for me! The storyline was good, and the characters were interesting enough to keep my attention until the turn of the very last page!
Very different and so sweet. Loved the characters.
Very good historical romance