The Scarlet Trefoil: Book 3

I thoroughly enjoyed all three books in this series. I read them last year and am going to re-read them. My only negative was that I didn't realize this was the third book in the series and I read it before book 2. Still enjoyed both, but would have enjoyed them even more in order. Obviously... :)

The first book in the series, Tahn, blew my mind. The second, Return to Alastair, was good, but The Scarlet Trefoil? Amazing. I finished it this afternoon and I have to admit that after so much time with Tahn and Co., it seems that I might be going through a touch of withdrawal. This beautifully written series is one that is not to be ignored. For the lovers of medieval times, a world of knights, swords, lords and ladies, this is your kind of story. Beautifully written with brilliant dialogue, believable characters and amazing imagery, this story won't soon leave you once you've finished the last page. I'm going to admit that this won't be the last time I read this series. I will probably read it again and again. The ending of The Scarlet Trefoil was a little abrupt, with due reason, of course, but I am a little disappointed. I do not expect another book after this one, but it would be nice to see what happens afterwards, perhaps with the other mercenaries, and the children once they'd grown. Will Turis have a king? Will Bennamin Trillett die like a dream suggests? What about Tiarra, Tahn's sister? These are not spoilers, but merely questions I have at the end of this lovely series. Do yourself a favor and read them all. If not the second and third, at least read Tahn.

The enigmatic and transformed Tahn Dorn returns in the final installment of L. A. Kelly's enthralling medieval/fantasy Tahn trilogy. On the eve of his long awaited wedding to the beloved Lady Netta Trillett, Tahn Dorn fears his new found peace and happiness simply cannot last as the weight of his troubled past haunts him. Tragically, Tahn's worst fear becomes reality when Netta's guards are slaughtered and she is abducted. Tormented, Tahn sacrifices his freedom with the hope that Netta's life may be spared but he knows that his enemy's evil hatred and overwhelming desire for revenge may destroy all he has come to love. I was captivated by The Scarlet Trefoil, not only for the well written period piece that it is, brimming with mystery and drama but for the exceptional character study of the Dorn himself. Tahn's journey from cold-hearted assassin to a forgiven man of God is one worth travelling. His is a tormented soul, his heart damaged by childhood atrocities, trying to grasp the love of God, Netta and the boys he has saved but afraid to fully embrace that love lest it be stripped away. L. A. Kelly's writing is gripping in its intensity and emotional pull. The Scarlet Trefoil is a fine ending to this fabulous series.

I've always enjoyed historicals from the era of knights, castles and ladies in waiting. This story began with danger and treachery and escalated until I thought for sure there was no way the mess Tahn found himself in could get any worse. The author did a fabulous job pulling me into the story, making me care about the characters, and giving me just enough info to get a feel for the two previous books in the series without telling me too many boring facts (This is book 3.) The author also brought the story to a satisfying conclusion without leaving loose ends that make you want to hurl the book at the wall. The love story was great, the abuse--brutal, the villains--evil, and the resolution believable, yet miraculous. Wonderful story. I just wish I'd read the first two books first because I can see from Tahn's transformation that he suffered a lot and I would've enjoyed getting to know him better before finding out how it all ends. This can be read as a "stand alone" title, but I think it would be even better as the true conclusion to the series.

Tahn Dorn is worried about the Lady Netta. Her bridal party is tonight and he knows it isn't safe for her to be out, but she's determined to go. He appoints a full guard to accompany her, but Tahn has many enemies, and he is nervous. It's the day before their wedding and they've come a long way. Nothing can be allowed to go wrong now. He has his own feast with his friends, but as time goes by and Netta doesn't return, Tahn and his friend, Lucas ride out to meet her. Instead, his worse fears are realized. they find Netta's coach overturned and the guard dead. His bride is gone. Tahn rides in pursuit, but the odds are against him, and a trap awaits. This is medieval adventure at it's most exciting, loaded with conflict, strong characters, and spine tingling adventure.