The Rose and the Warrior (The Warriors)

In the 3 books I've read of Karyn Monks, all her characters are well grounded and defined and come alive on the pages, and "The Rose and The Warrior" is no exception. Not only was Roarke a hardened seasoned warrior, but a man with depth and soul as well, and as the story unfolds his character becomes the core of the story. Along with Roarke, are his three friends, Eric, Daniel and Myles, worthy warriors and very different in their own contrasting personalities. The long suffering Melantha, so young to experience such losses is both courageous and independent struggling to maintain a daily life for herself and her brothers and her Clan. The conflict of interests and the way they are dealt with are quite funny, and some of it made me laugh until my stomach hurt. There are also the very funny MacKillions who are so softhearted and well intentioned they treat their prisoners as honored guests. If you're like me and appreciate having other good books recommended, here's my list for your consideration: "The Princess & the Barbarian" by Betina Krahn (one of my favorites), The Dark Queen Trilogy "The Dark Queen" book 1, "The Courtesane" book 2, and "The Silver Rose" book 3 all by Susan Carroll; "Once A Warrior" by Karyn Monk; and her other warrior books; "The Prize" by Julie Garwood"; "The Lily and The Sword" by Sara Bennett; and "A Kingdom of Dreams" by Judith McNaught (the only book by her I would recommend though).

Most avid readers know that the first one hundred pages of a book is a good idicator if the book is a keeper or if it should be add to the return-to-used-book-store-for-a-traded-in-stack. I purchased Karyn Monk's, The Rose and the Warrior, as an impulse buy. Lately I have stayed with favorite authors who are guaranteed to deliver a whitty, plot driven, intelligently written and entertaining book. I was genuiely suprised by Karyn Monk's work, after only thiry pages I realized that I would have to add her to my list of favorite authors. The Rose and the Warrior, set in hills of Scotland, tells the tale of a misfit band of thieves who capture and attempted to ransom a group of seasoned warriors. It is clear at all time who is really in controll of the situation. The topics of retribution, revenge and clan loyalty are all covered. The book is humorous. The dialogue is smart and intelligent (not maudling nor mundane). You will love the characters. The female lead character is strong and independent not simpering or weak. The lead male character is exactly what dreams are made of: strong, dependable, loyal and understanding. The entire book is enjoyable from start to finish. The Rose and the Warrior may be the first book by Karyn Monk that you ever read but it certainly won't be the last. It wasn't for me!

Most avid readers know that the first fifty pages of a book are a good idicator if the book is a keeper or if it should be add to the return-to-used-book-store-for-a-traded-in stack. I purchased Karyn Monk's, The Rose and the Warrior, as an impulse buy. Lately I have stayed with favorite authors who are guaranteed to deliver a whitty, plot driven, intelligently written and entertaining book. I was genuiely suprised by Karyn Monk's work, after only thiry pages I realized that I would have to add her to my list of favorite authors. The Rose and the Warrior, set in hills of Scotland, tells the tale of a misfit band of thieves who capture and attempted to ransom a group of seasoned warriors. It is clear at all times who is really in controll of the situation. The topics of retribution, revenge and clan loyalty are all covered. The book is humorous. The dialogue is smart and intelligent (not maudling nor mundane). You will love the characters. The female lead character is strong and independent not simpering or weak. The lead male character is exactly what dreams are made of: strong, dependable, loyal and understanding. The entire book is enjoyable from start to finish. The Rose and the Warrior may be the first book by Karyn Monk that you ever read but it certainly won't be the last. It wasn't for me!

This story was thoroughly entertaining! Roarke as the weary warrior who comes to understand the devastation he has caused in his 20 yrs of fighting. Melantha who has lost so many to war, yet finds herself drawn to a warrior (an enemy one). Roarke and Melantha are terrific characters, BUT I loved the MacKillions! Absent-minded Laid MacKillion, Thor the ancient council member constantly threatening to " grind the enemies bones to dust to make bread.", Magnus the old warrior who accidentally shoots Roarke in the bum and then can't stop bragging about it! They are wonderful! You can see how Roarke and his men come to care for them and want to protect them, even from their own clan the MacTiers. These characters are warm and funny. They ALL grow just from having been part of each others lives. Roarke and Melantha are both respected, strong leaders, yet unsure in love. A witty and wonderful tale! KCS

In The Rose and the Warrior, Karyn Monk again transports readers to Medieval Scotland. A gifted storyteller, Ms. Monk weaves her tale into an entertaining tapestry of colorful characters, dramatic action and vibrant language, sparked by touches of her trademark humor.In this passionate story played against a backdrop of clan rivalry and family loyalty, we meet two different kinds of warriors. Melantha of the Clan MacKillon is a beautiful young woman fiercely determined to protect her people. Disguised as a thief, she preys on the men of Laird MacTier, the very forces that attacked her clan and left them nearly destitute and starving. Not knowing he hunts a woman, Roarke of the MacTiers is sent to capture the daring thief known only as the Falcon, but finds himself her prisoner instead.Although the MacKillons are supposed to be his enemies, Roarke finds himself sympathetic to their plight. Their goodness and honor make him question a lifetime spent warring in his laird's name. His growing attraction to Melantha compels him to protect not only her, but also the people she holds so dear.For her clan to survive, Melantha must overcome her bitter hatred of all things MacTier and trust Roarke on his own merits. For love to grow, she must also learn to trust the dictates of her heart.Once again, Ms. Monk succeeds in creating a dynamic, multi-layered novel where emotion and action embrace and love is the grandest adventure of all.