The Awakened

I have this book and the sequel Knights Honor. Gellis has a wonderful way of including accurate historical detail without detracting from the main story. This is one of my favorite books that she wrote because she is very clever about creating female characters that think and are believable. There are a few scenes deserving of a warning. There are some scenes that today would be classified as spousal abuse but where commonplace then. The relationships are complex but intense. The feudal system is clearly detailed. I enjoy the Roselynde Chronicles more because I love developing characters but this is also a great read.

This is the first book that I ever read by Roberta Gellis, and it made me a life-long admirer of her writing. Her characters are lifelike and true to the historical era in which the story takes place. The story of Cain and Leah and how they make a life and find love in an arranged marriage is moving and interesting, set as it is in the backgroud of the turmoil created by the weakness of King Stephen of England. I totally and heartily recommend this book to lovers and history and historical novels.

Even after 20 years this is still one of my favorite books. The characters are compelling, the romance is deep and satisfying, and the amount of history just right for the serious historical reader.

The intrigues and complexities of this novel have fascinated me for quite a few years. Originally, I had to read it 2-3 times too catch all the plots and sub-plots. I now read it once a year because I love the romance, the characters and the history of the novel. I've never enjoyed books in which the heroine is the "most beautiful" and the hero is the "most handsome". I find their imperfections make them more realistic, and therefore more romantic. A once-a-year must read!!!!

I loved all of Roberta Gellis' early books,especially the Roselynde series. Bond of Blood was an intricately woven story about Leah of Pembroke and Cain, Lord Radnor, the clubfooted son of the harsh Duke of Gaunt.Leah was a terrified 15 year old when forced into this match by her parents for political reasons. She was terrified of him but determined to obey her station in life. She gradually saw the softness and hurt that he kept hidden under a mask of brutality and she used every feminine wile at her fingertips to make him completely hers. Set against the backdrop of a fuedal England at war with itself, filled with historical details, a book to get lost in and transported to another time. [email protected]