Devoted

I listened to the Unabridged Audio version of Devoted, and WOW, all I can say is this novel packs a punch! This is the story of Ellen, a pagan princess and her love for the Archbishop Owen. This novel is set in early Medieval France, a time of mysticism, paganism and Viking raids. I particularly loved the gritty realism of the cities, the manner in which Owen was portrayed, and the inclusion of the pictish 'old people.' I agree with some reviewers that the sex scenes were somewhat gratuitous and numerous. Also, I felt the lead characters were somewhat anachronistic and a little PC. (Nobility schmoozing with the servants, religious tolerance), these elements did not fully detract from the novel. My only dislike? I disliked Ellen's "Powers." I thought her 'abilities' were prime examples of deus ex machina, and were used twice to resolve difficult plot points which could've been solved in different manner without the silly mysticism. Overall, though, this book is one of the better historical romance reads I've read in a while. Well worth the effort to pick up in Audio format.

I was totally enthralled and engrossed in this novel. The characters are wonderful and the attention to detail and character developement is first rate. I particularly love the humourous touches and more than once I found myself laughing out loud. There really is something for everyone in this novel....lots of violence and bloodshed, lots of romance including sexy scenes, lots of humour and great historical detail. Highly recommended, and i have just started reading the sequel and it promises to be just as good.

Ms. Borchardt does a wonderful job in this book of drawing together Pagan and Christian sources. She reaches into Celtic lore, 9th century chistian belief, shamanic ritual and Germanic myth to create a world where religion and forces of nature are in flux. Part of this is the sacred marriage between the male and female principles (hieros gamos). The various sexual acts in this story illustrate the uses of sex from the sacred to the profane. That's not to say they aren't fun-- because they are. But they are an integral and interesting part of the story. It's not necessary that the reader know a lot about 9th century France, shamanism or pagan myth, but it doesn't hurt.

I picked the hardcover version of this book up at used book store. I'll be honest, it was the 'Introduction by Anne Rice' printed on the cover that caught my attention. Thinking I would become some huge Rice fan, I thought i'd check out her sisters work...'Devoted' is mesmerzing! The imagery Alice creates is beautiful, the atmosphere of the era is breathtaking and one can't help but fall in love with her characters. I couldn't put this book down.

Having read Devoted at least twice I have to admit I can't wait to read it again. Alice Borchardt's style is so clean. There are no unneccesary plots and characters, much like her sister Anne Rice. I would also like to comment on the audio version of this book. Michael Page's read is exceptional, from the blustering knights to the soft spoken forest people. Listen to this one. You won't be sorry