Shields of Pride

Set in 1173 during the rebellion of Henry II's sons and wife, Shields of Pride is about Joscelin de Gael, illegitimate son of William de Rocher and a mercenary soldier. Quick to anger, he feuds with de Rocher's jealous sons. He meets Linnet de Montsorrel, widow, and they marry, although it is not until later that they fall in love. Shields of Pride is one of Elizabeth Chadwick's earlier novels, and at about 360 pages, it's also one of her shortest. Unlike many of her novels, this one doesn't cover a large time span; the action in this book is tightly-packed. I've now read seven of Chadwick's books, and I have to say that I'm still hooked on them. The author really has a talent for sucking her reader into the story and not letting go until the last page has been turned. Shields of Pride is a little more romance-oriented, but excellent nonetheless. I don't know if Joscelin and Linnet were real people (they probably were), but I found myself really rooting for them, even as family conflict threatens. The historical detail is exquisite; you can really picture the time period and the people and feel as if you were there. In all, a great read, about the collision of past and present, and the ability to move into one's future.

I'm a huge fan of Elizabeth Chadwick (Fave book is The Greatest Knight!. I can honestly say that i have enjoyed all of her books, but i do find that I tend to enjoy the ones that are based on historical persons, rather than random fiction. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed Shields of pride - i though the characterisations were splendid, and there was a real sense of tension in family life. I think the fact that Ivo and Joscelin made peace in the end was a better ending than if ragnar and Joscelin had - that would have been a little too neat and tidy - and not too close to real life:)

Much of Elizabeth Chadwick's research is carried out as a member of Regia Anglorum, this is an early medieval re-enactment society. This is her first novel. It would be fair to say that it is a historical romance, but I feel that it will be equally enjoyable by both men and women. The year of our Lord 1173 and King Henry's latest attempts to crush his rebellious sons ignite bloody skirmishes throughout the land. Henry is becoming more and more frustrated and at every turn he is opposed by some of the most powerful men in the land. But for one man Josceline de Gael, a mercenary, it is a time of triumph. Josceline is the son of Henry's most trusted ally. A veritable ogre on the battlefield, de Gael is conquered by a woman, the lovely Linnet de Montsorrel. However their feelings for one another will be tested to the limit as the torments of jealousy, suspicion and pride and most importantly of all, an enemy from beyond the grave threaten to tear them apart. Since writing this book, Elizabeth Chadwick has become a successful and much read author. Her writing style has dare I say it become much earthier and are all the better for it. Women still make up a large part of her writings and why not, they are just as interesting, if not more so than the men.

This is the story of Joscelin de Gael, illegitimate son of William de Rocher, known as Ironheart. Joscelin has not had an easy life. His brothers knowing that they are the legitimate heirs of Ironheart give him no end of trouble, and as if that is not enough he must deal with a treacherous baron named Giles de Montsorrel. Giles mistreats the forthcoming love interest of Joscelin, Linnet de Montsorrel, however, his character is short lived. To Joscelin's surprise he becomes the guardian of Linnet and her young son Robert. Many twists and turns are in store for this unlikely couple but triumph is but a swordstroke away. This is set in the period of Henry II, although while he is away in France, the Justicar of England rules in his stead.Joscelin, Ironheart, and Linnet all have secrets to hide which eventally come out in the most entertaining and dramatic of ways. This is an edge of your seat read that never fails to disappoint! The descriptions and detail of medieval life jump off the page and give it a here and now reality. I read and own the hardcover edition in large print, which is out-of-print as I believe the paperback edition is...but find either one to read and you will not be sorry!

Inside the back cover of my copy of this book there is a picture of the author engaging in a historical re-enactment of a Viking encampment. This is probably one of the reasons that this book has such a great period feel. The details, from the ditch running down the center of the stables to the trouble getting a hauberk (essentially a metal pullover) off a wounded man, all contribute to the feeling of reality.Joscelin was the ... son of a great warrior. His mother died during his childhood and took his father's heart with her to the grave. Because his father has legitimate heirs, Joscelin had few prospects. He had run away from home to fight as a mercenary at the age of 15. Seven years later he had returned as the captain of his own troupe. Since then he had taken service where it was available and when it wasn't available he had rode the tourney circuit. Now he has returned home briefly before beginning employment with the Justiciar of England, who ruled while King Henry II was in France.On his way home he encountered Linnet and her husband. Married at 13 to a brutal Lord, Linnet had one son she cherished and tried to protect from her husband's brutality. She suspects her husband is plotting treason. She knows that her husband is destroying her son's inheritance in futherance of his plans.While the political background is important, the real driving force in this case is the dynamics set in force by Joscelin's father decades before. This book definitely goes on the short shelf of books that manages to successfully combine a romantic sensibility and some semblance of real history.