Friday, July 24, 2009

Review - The Conqueror




Title: The Conqueror
Author: Kris Kennedy
Publishing Date: 2009
Genre: Medieval
Rating: A-
Sensuality: Hot

Guinevere de l'Ami finds herself facing marriage to a man she has no desire to marry after her father passes away. As his heir, she comes with vast lands that many noble men want to acquire. There is much political unrest currently in England. King Stephan is slowly losing his loyal vassals to Henry. Guinevere tries to run away to an abbey the night one of her neighboring lords tries to forcibly wed her. On her way to the abbey she is rescued by an unknown knight. The knight turns out to be none other than Griffyn Sauvage. Their father's were once good friends, but a treasure came between the two men and Gwyn's father took Griffyn's home from him. Griffyn had made a vow to take it back one day and soon he would at the war's end. Complications arise when Griffyn finds himself inexplicably drawn to Gwyn. She is the light in his dark existence.

I read this book because of Holly's and Wendy's reviews. I happen to really enjoy the medieval genre and I haven't come across any recently published books that have caught my attention. I am so happy to say that The Conqueror lived up to my expectations and actually managed to surpass it! This is Kris Kennedy's first book and hats off to her, because it is a great read!

I really enjoyed the connection that Griffyn and Gwyn form for one another at the beginning of the story. They are both amazed by their attraction to the other and they easily express their affection and act on it. They don't play any games when it comes to expressing their feelings, but there is plenty of conflict in terms of politics. The angst in this story is derived from each person's loyalty to a different king. While some readers may find Gwyn's loyalty excessive, I found it in keeping with her personality. It kept my heart thumping along this intense ride.

What really makes The Conqueror stand out from the masses is the interesting subplot with the treasure that Griffyn and Gwyn's families have guarded for centuries. Neither one of them fully understands what it is they are guarding and as they are discovering clues about the treasure so is the reader. I also enjoyed Griffyn's relationship with his friend and Alex. I liked that Alex was multi-faceted and he brought a depth to Griffyn that was needed to balance out the story. Kris Kennedy has the ability to really draw the reader into her story with a creative plot and likable characters. I highly recommend this one for fans of the medieval genre.

This book can be purchased in print or kindle format from Amazon.

12 comments:

AnimeJune said...

Wow, this does sound like a great book! Actually the plot sorta reminds me of Laura Kinsale's "For My Lady's Heart," another Medieval that I think is a "Must-Read." I should check this one out!

nath said...

Ugh shoot, I can't remember if I bought this yet or not!! LOL :)

Great review, Jill! :)

Leontine said...

This is a novel that has been on my radar since early this year and I haven;t had a chance to read it yet. Your review is a reminder I shoudl do so soon Jull :D

Leontine said...

Jull??? Jill sorry 8eek*

Leslie said...

I have this one on my TBR pile. Yeah! So glad you liked it. :)

Wendy said...

While some readers may find Gwyn's loyalty excessive....

I actually think this will be the main stumbling block for some readers. I was able to work with it since people literally lived and died for/by their loyalty during that time period. That said, I'm not sure how Kennedy could have highlighted that fact more without beating the reader over the head with it....

Jill D. said...

Wendy - I think the reason Gwen's loyalty didn't bother me so much was because it felt true to her personality. But also, I was greatful that Kennedy didn't have the hero beat, rape or punish Gwen in some way for her loyalty. He accepter her for who she was and that's what made the story so beautiful in my eyes.

Leslie - I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Leontine - Hah! Is the keyboard getting the better of you today?!

Nath - LOL! Yes, be sure to check the TBR pile before you accidentally buy a duplicate :)

AnimeJune - I haven't read For My Lady's Heart but I did read The Shadow and the Star, which was sooooo gooooood! I can also recommend that one :)

Kate Diamond said...

Ooh! I am interested. I read the heroine's name and instantly thought it was a retelling of the Arthurian legend (and I must confess, I actually hate Guinevere in those stories--irrational, but true).

But I'm glad I read on to discover that this was not the case, because this sounds like a good read!

SarahT said...

Jill, great review! I actually have this on my TBR shelf and I really must dig it out and give it a go. It's been so long since I've read a decent medieval romance.

Jill D. said...

Kate - LOL, I never liked Guinevere either. I can not be sypathetic to adultery.

I do hope you give it a try. It is one of those specially priced Zebra books and I think if you buy it as an ebook it's only $2.55. That is a steal!

Sarah - If you enjoy the medieval time period, I am sure you will enjoy this one.

Christine said...

What a glowing review, Jill. I don't think I would have otherwise picked this one up, but now I'm really interested. Thanks for the recommendation.

Jill D. said...

Christine - LOL, It's not to often that I gush about a book! I am so glad Wendy and Holly pimped it, because it was right up my alley! I hope you enjoy it too.