Silk and Shadows

I wasn't going to write a review, because this book's rating is appropriate in my opinion (I would give it a 4 1/2, but a 5 is more appropriate than a 4). When I read the reviewer that accused this book of being homophobic and racist, however, I had to put in my two cents to clarify this for anyone who might decide not to purchase Silk and Shadows based on those statements. I'm going to address the racist part first. This author has written several other books that I have read where there is "interracial" relationships: Thunder & Roses, Angel Rogue, The China Bride, and The Wild Child (secondary character). Yes, the "ethnic" characters were "mixed", but there was a very reasonable explanation for that -- Ms. Putney had to explain why they were in England! Why would Nicholas have been with an English Earl instead of the Rom if he were fully Rom? Why would Maxie have come to England rather than stay in America with her Mohawk tribe if she weren't half English? In this book it seemed obvious to me that the reason wasn't in regards to why Mikahl would come to England, but more as to why he was willing to stay. If he had been Kafi in truth, he would have felt torn (given his personality) in staying, despite Sara being English. In fact, he felt a pull to England because it had been his birthplace, where he'd spent his "formative years", and where he found solace in home and family. His origins were a relatively important literary device as to how he developed a connection to the villain as well. Had he not been English, there would have been no reason for Weldon's *initial* actions to make sense. (And please note I said initial. What happens later is obviously not related to his nationality.) Which also brings me to my final thought on this, which is that Sara married Mikahl believing he was Kafi. She was completely willing to accept him as foreign, and was surprised by his nationality (not race, by the way, but nationality). She even is accepting of his "rank" and his ancestry! To turn a reasonable literary device into an accusation of racism is confusing and unfair to a very eloquent author. As to homophobia, this claim makes even less sense. The villain was not homosexual! He was a PEDOPHILE! To imply that his villainy lay in any form of homosexuality is vastly insulting, as it implies that homosexuals are somehow pedophiles! In fact, Weldon is an opportunistic pedophile who actually PREFERS girls (specifically very young virgins), but is willing to accept a boy instead. That would indicate that he likes gender neutral appearances (given that Jenny could be mistaken for an 11 year old, that should be obvious), and was originally attracted to a boy because he was "...a pretty lad, though [he] could certainly use a good scrubbing." On that note, there is also the statement that Mikahl somehow believes that abuse of a boy is somehow worse than the abuse of a girl. That statement strikes me as odd given that "He was struck by

Ooooohhhh!!!! This is a good one by Mary Jo Putney! Historical romance readers who love damaged heroes and angsty romance will adore "Silk and Shadows". Mikahl Khanauri has been coldly plotting his revenge against Charles Weldon for 25 years and it is finally within his grasp. A wealthy, exotic and mysterious man who goes by the name of Prince Peregrine of Kafiristan, Mikahl arrives in Victorian England from Asia and sets in motion his plan to destroy his enemy--financially, socially and physically. Part of the plan involves separating Weldon from his wealthy, high-born fiancee, Lady Sara St. James. Peregrine sets out to charm and compromise the lovely Lady Sara, and finds himself unexpectedly drawn to her honesty and quiet strength. Sara is dangerously attracted to the exciting and mysterious Peregrine....but who is he really and why is he out for vengeance against Weldon??? The characters of the hero and heroine, Mikahl and Sara, are *very* well drawn and complement each other so very well. Mikahl is a complex, multi-layered and wonderfully *flawed* hero (my favorite type!) Sara is an excellent heroine--mature, intelligent, kind-hearted, passionate and true to her ideals. The villain of the piece, Weldon, is perhaps a bit too outrageously villainous (a seriously bad man and cold-hearted hypocrite with really *no* redeeming qualities except for his affection for his daughter.) There are a host of well-drawn secondary characters and even a touching secondary romance. Typically for a Mary Jo Putney book, some of the issues dealt with in the story (child prostitution, slavery and rape--to name a few) are *very* serious stuff and will not please readers who are looking for a light, fluffy romance. But for those who like their heroes dark and damaged (and in need of redemption), this is an excellent read--well-written, well-plotted with memorable characters. Highly recommended!

I've never read books by Mary Jo Putney before and I'm definitely glad I've found her. This book is amazing. Before, when I read books even written by the best author I caught myself imagining a different storyline altogether. Not with this book. The storyline is very strong and I can't hardly put it down. I had to finish it and I ended up still awaked at 4 in the morning.

I'm a sucker for angst. I'll admit this upfront. What's wonderful about this book is that the characters don't wallow in their problems; they get up, keep moving, keep fighting, which allows you, the reader, to cheer for them.Lady Sara is the epitome of a proper Victorian lady; well-born, well-bred, polite and restrained. Peregrine is the epitome of everything exotic and unEnglish, and he calls on Lady Sara, through his friendship with her cousin Ross, to educate him in the proper ways of British society.In truth, though, he is conducting a complicated revenge against Sara's betrothed, a venal and wicked man who abuses innocents and murders without compunction. Peregrine's scheme to bring him down becomes even more complex when, in trying to ruin his plan to marry a wealthy, high-born wife (namely Sara), Peregrine begins to see her as more a person in her own right and not just a pawn to attack her fiance.Putney is known for her "issue" books, and this is no different. Sara was injured as a teen and bears the physical and emotional injuries into her late twenties, and Peregrine was abused horribly as a young boy, fueling his need for revenge. But Putney does not insist on the world stopping to coddle her characters, and that's what keeps the action and the romance going. This was my first of Mary Jo Putney's books, and I have become an avid and loyal fan ever since.

I've always enjoyed reading MJP's books and this book starts off the excellent "Silk" trilogy. In this first instalment, Sara and Peregrine come together as 2 characters who have lived very different lives; yet are able to find true love by thwarting the very evil and villainous 'pimp'. MJP once again demonstrates her superb story telling talent by crafting a very seamless tale that shows how wonderful falling in love is. Her supporting cast is great. She was able to contrast the lightness and warmth of Sara with the darkness and enigma of Peregrine. MJP is unique in that she constantly deals with issues that other authors shun like child prostitution or heroes/heroines who are not quite complete and yet are able to come together to become the sum of a greater whole. Read this one, it is great.