The Maiden and the Unicorn

GREAT NEW AUTHORThis book is absolutely fantastic, and the award bestowed on it (the Rita award for 'Best First Novel 2000' from Romance Writers of America) comes as no surprise. The author has woven a perfect blend of characters and history to portray a very convincing version of 15th Century England and France.The well-researched historical background enhances the story - which flows effortlessly - without overwhelming it. I found all the characters interesting and well constructed, and the two main characters were enchanting. The antics of Richard Huddleston's deerhound adds humour to the story. From someone who has read 100's of historical novels, this book ranks in my Top 3, and I'm looking forward to reading the author's second book 'The Knight and The Rose' - also an award winner. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an intelligently written, witty, and well researched historical (romance) novel. A definite 'must-read' for all historical romance readers.

I read this book in one evening and then read it again the next day. I found that Martyn not only focussed on the two main characters but the surroundings and other characters. As a result, a rich tapestry was woven as the story continued.Martyn managed to obscure Richards actions just enough, so that I started to doubt whether my initial assessment was correct.This book is an exceptional read and I believe it was a good introduction to historical romance.

It's so nice to come upon a (late) medieval romance novel with a real plot, rather than just a plot-like set of excuses for the protagonists to fight and jump into bed. Using actual historic personages, about whom probably not much more is known than that they lived, married, and died, the author has spun a lively tale of political intrigue and nearly thwarted love, while maintaining historical integrity and circumstantial plausibility. Brava!

Put very simply, I found this book totally enchanting and enjoyable and a marvelous read. It was no surprise that Isolde Martyn won this year's award in Australia for the Historical Romance Novel of the Year. Being a lover of English history, I found Martyn's historical accuracy of the period well researched, and no shortcuts were taken, a failing I find of so many authors of historical romance.On the romantic side of the story, who could fail to fall in love with Richard Huddleston, as I did within the first few pages, and Margery's adventures were a joy! It's a wonderful story, engrossing and entertaining, and I can heartily recommend this book to lovers of historical romance. I now look forward, with great anticipation, to Isolde Martyn's second novel.

Put very simply, I found this book totally enchanting and enjoyable and a marvelous read. It was no surprise that Isolde Martyn won this year's award in Australia for the Historical Romance of the Year. Being a lover of English history, I found Martyn's historical accuracy of the period well researched, and no shortcuts were taken, a failing I find of so many authors of historical romance.On the romantic side of the story, who could fail to fall in love with Richard Huddleston, as I did within the first few pages, and Margery's adventures were a joy! It's a wonderful story, engrossing and entertaining, and I can heartily recommend this book to lovers of historical romance. I now look forward, with great anticipation, to Isolde Martyn's second novel.