The Silver Sword

I love historical fiction and this novel gives a glimpse of what times were like during the 1400s. Written in the world of Lords and Knights, Catholic Bishops and Kings, it is an enjoyable way to learn more about life and struggles during the Medieval time period. I disagree with a previous reviewer who says this is a predictable story and is written with elementary language. I did not come to the same conclusion. It is enjoyable historical fiction. The author clearly researched the historical time period and names her sources at the end of the book. Jan Hus, a prominent character in the novel, actually lived and was martyred. One of the popes in the novel also lived in the same time period. A book that is cited, "The Art of Courtly Love", was an actual book used in the time period to educate on courtship. This book, the 1st in "The Heirs of Cahira O'Conner" series, begins with a college student (Kathleen O'Conner) who, after having a conversation with a Medieval European History professor, discovers she could be related to the royal, beautiful and brave Cahira O'Conner, who lived in Ireland in the 1200s. Kathleen researches and discovers that Anika of Prague was a fifteen century woman who fought as a knight prior to the Hussite Crusades and is a descendent of Cahira O'Conner. This 1st novel is Kathleen's effort to bring Anika to life, a literature project for one of her college courses. It is very done and written beautifully. Angela Hunt also writes excellent children's books. One my daughter especially enjoys is "The True Princess".

I love reading, expecially historical fiction. I picked up the book expecting an interesting story, not the deep philisophical themes touched on by Angela Elwell Hunt. Anika is not your average medieval girl--see can read and reason better than most men. This disappointed me at first because I hate perfect characters. Luckily Hunt gives Anika obstacles of all kinds, rounding out her character. Anika's life goal is to have revenge on the church for the death of her parents. She has her own ideas on how to do this, but discovers that mercy and love trump revenge in all cases. There is a love story, but it's the charming witty type--not mushy. The characters love each other based on their similar values, and have common struggles together with religion, education, raising children, love of truth, and the role of women in society. EXCELLENT book with a twisting story line and hidden wise words on life woven seamlessly into the text.

The Silver Sword was a book that really goes above and beyond what I would expect from a historical fiction book of the 15th century. Written in such a style it could easily be true the pages flew when I read this. While not action packed the subject of such extreme corruption kept me intigued. I couldn't put it down. This book is truly a book that you can learn about life then, come away feeling warm and fuzzy and want to know more about Anika and Lord John. Tremendous praise for The Silver Sword.

I could not put this down. I bought it and finished it the day after I purchased the book. Truly a wonderful author. This is her best series yet. The historical content is impressive and has caused me to do some research of my own on the more notable figures in the book. Anyone who likes to read fiction and historical fact all mingled together will enjoy this novel.

A powerful and consuming novel full of energy that literally transports you back in time. Detailing the work, betrayal and murder of the Bohemian pastor, John Huss, The Silver Sword entwines a masterful story about a young lady who choses the path less traveled to joy and freedom. Read it in six hours and loved it!