The Ravenscar Dynasty

The characters in the book are fascinating and the development of the plot as the story continues is intriguing and grips the reader from the very beginning. There is a bit more description of places than I would have preferred but it gives one a clear picture of the locations at that time and it is not enough to be annoying. I was sorry that it was finished because I enjoyed losing myself in the many and varied problems and solutions of this extended family's lives. I heartily reccommend this book and will eagerly await the author's next one.

Edward Deravenel is the typical golden boy. Rich, educated and good-looking, the world in 1904 Yorkshire is his oyster until tragedy strikes. When his father, younger brother, uncle and cousin are killed in a mysterious fire in Italy, Edward --- affectionately known as Ned by those who love him --- combines forces with another cousin, Neville Watkins, to get to the bottom of the matter. As horrible as the thought is, Edward and Neville soon discover that the "accident" may well be due to an opposing branch of the Deravenel family, the Deravenel Grants from Lancashire. An age-old feud between the two branches seems to have culminated in this tragedy, which has a life-altering impact on Edward's life. In accordance with family tradition and company law, Edward is obligated to leave his studies at Oxford, take over his father's position with the company and investigate the deaths of his family members. Edward and Neville are joined by old family friend Will, and the three form a formidable trio to solve the mystery and wrestle back control of the business that rightly belongs to the Yorkshire branch of the family. THE RAVENSCAR DYNASTY is rife with memorable characters, family tradition and the ties that bind. The love and closeness that make this family a power to be reckoned with are apparent on every page. As usual, Barbara Taylor Bradford has a way of transporting us back in time to another age rich with historical detail. Just when it seems that all is well, tragedy strikes again. Throughout the book, intrigue abounds and Edward must keep his own counsel as he decides who is to be trusted and who is not. There's Margo Grant, the domineering French wife and matriarch of the Lancashire Deravenel Grants who would like nothing more than to secure the company for her own selfish means. There are those on the payroll whose loyalty and honor are suspect. Even those closest to Edward are not to be trusted as he makes his way through a maze of intrigue and deceit. Edward's love life also provides plenty of interesting reading. From a variety of mistresses to his jealous and shrewish wife, we see the impact his choice in women will have on his life. Luckily there is one lady who can be trusted: his mother, the formidable Cecily Deravenel, who will do what it takes to hold the family together and ensure their success after the tragic death of her husband and son. THE RAVENSCAR DYNASTY is the first in a new series by Bradford, who draws on her early life in Yorkshire to be able to write about this lovely part of England so convincingly. If this installment is any indication, we can look forward to more page-turning developments in the two books to follow in this trilogy as we become more deeply embroiled with this rich and powerful family of the Edwardian era. --- Reviewed by Amie Taylor

If you are a fan of sweeping family sagas featuring many complex characters and big suspense, you are certainly a fan of Barbara Taylor Bradford. And with The Ravenscar Dynasty, Bradford's thrilling new novel, a memorable new saga has been written. Ravenscar is the story of young Edward Deravenel (based loosely on King Edward IV) and his quest to overtake an ancient family business. Handsome, witty and persuasive, but not without flaws, Edward cannot seem to keep his pants on when it comes to lovely blonde widows. I think of him as Jude Law, or Hugh Grant, only set in the early 1900s. Edward is hell bent on avenging the mysterious deaths of his father, his younger brother and his uncle, if only he can keep his mind off the ladies. Filled with revenge, passion and suspense, The Ravenscar Dynasty is a magical new begining to what promises to be an epic new trilogy from the Queen of this genre.

I loved Ravenscar Dynasty, Barbara Taylor Bradford's latest saga. This is a fabulous set-up to what figures to be an excellent fictional trilogy based on the life of King Edward the 4th. So much happens from the very first pages, right on through to the end of the story. There are several murders, family mysteries and of course, a little romance mixed in for good measure. It wouldn't be a BTB novel without the romance! If you are a fan of Barbara Taylor Bradford, you will find this to be one of her very best books. If you are a newcomer to her novels, this is a great one to start with, as it is the dawn of a new family saga.

I agree about the confusion re Edward/Ned, Harry/Henry. But otherwise, this is a great book that had me totally sucked in by the 10th page. Too bad it is the middle of winter, because this book is a perfect summer read!