Through a Dark Mist

Having previously read and thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Canham's scintillating Scottish trilogy ('A Pride Of Lions' etc.) I did not hesitate to pick out 'Through A Dark Mist' from a number of other books offered me by a family member. I was not disappointed! This is an intelligent historical 'Robin Hood-like tale with a number of surprises! Royal & political intrigue abound, a misty forest and a deserted & crumbling abbey provide a great backdrop for the unfolding drama between the kidnapped Lady de Briscourt and the 'outlaw' known only as the 'Black Wolf'. An interesting assortment of brother 'outlaws' provide humour and insight into the man behind the myth; and a lovely golden royal Lady & her super- protective 'Biddy' test his sanity (and his resolve to reject any softer emotions) at every turn. Lucien Wardieu is a sexy hero, unrivalled in the lists and on the tourney circuit; he has experienced a excruciating betrayal at the hands of someone he loved and trusted, which saw him being 'left for dead' on the blistering desert sands of the Holy Land; his arch-enemy is the sexy and handsome but twisted 'Dragon' lord of Bloodmoor Castle. This book has it all! Like other offerings of Ms. Canham's, this is a beautifully-written book full of historical data that does not detract from the main storyline, and in fact does a superb job of painting a more vivid picture of the people and the times of the usurper Prince John 'Lackland', corrupt brother of King Richard the Lionheart. When the Black Wolf and the Dragon finally meet on the jousting field, the reader is immediately swept up in the pageantry and violence that was so typical of the times - colourful flags snap in the high winds, and family crests abound; chain mail and armour flash in the sunlight, Ladies dispense their tokens to favoured knights, all the while delicately fanning away the flies, heat, and dust; dangerous war horses prance and snort, daring anyone but their noble owners and their squires to lay hands on them; while behind the gates, the common rabble throw down their copper pennies in boastful wagers, munching on hot game pies and drinking cheap ale! The characters (primary & secondary) are brilliantly portrayed. Each one of them leaves an indelible mark on your emotions - the cheeky but loyal Sparrow most of all! I ached for the twins and Robert the Welshman, and their brave sacrifice. The goodbye scene in the donjon between Robert, Mutter, and Lucien is so beautifully written, juxtaposed as it was with the horror that was D'Aeth the subjugator's handiwork and 'tools of the trade'. This book offers history, humour, adventure, royal intrigue, steamy (literally, in one instance) love scenes, a surprising female fiend (!!), and a touching ending. I do not hesitate in recommending this book! A glorious read!

I read Through a Dark Mist a while back, and it hooked me from page one. I could not put it down long enough to get anything done, and I finished it in one day. I have read just about all of Marsha Canham's stories, and you can't go wrong with her. She always guarantees a good plot, a steamy romance and good characters. During the reign of the greedy King John, Lady Servanne de Briscourt is on her way to meet with her betrothed Lucien Wardieu when her party is attacked by the notorious Black Wolf and his gang of thieves. What follows is a wildly exciting story that just sucks you right into it from page one. Canham does an excellent job of balancing the story with the romance so that you don't feel you are being cheated out of either, and she gives good description of what it was like for the lower classes of England during the reign of King John and the injustices that took place.I really can't recommend this book enough. If you like medeival romance, this is the book for you.

I LOVED this book and ordered the other two mentioned as part of a trilogy. This was my first Marsha Canham novel, but not my last. Her historical research is very good and accurate from accounts I have researched on my own. I had a hard time putting this one down until it was done. I very much like her writing style; she keeps the reader's interest from the very beginning. I highly recommend this book to anyone, but especially to those interested in English history during the 13th Century and for anyone who liked stories of Robin Hood.

Marsha Canham has a wonderful writing style and I must admit I had a real problem picking my favorite book from her! This particular series (The Black Wolf series - Through a Dark Mist, In The Shadow of Midnight and The Last Arrow) is simply incredible!Through a Dark Mist is a dramatic story in the style of Robin Hood. This book has everything - legend, swashbuckling romance, fantasy, adventure, rollicking good humor, wildly exciting escapades, cliffhangers, and most of all, smoldering sensuality! Lady Servanne de Briscourt is on her way to meet her betrothed Lucien (The Dragon) de Gournay, when her party is attacked by brigands led by the notorious Black Wolf. Lady Servanne de Briscourt. She is beautiful and strong and very independent. Her interaction with the Wolf's band of outlaws is funny, touching and always interesting - but her love for The Wolf is breathtaking. Maid Marian has nothing on this heroine!The Black Wolf. Oh how I wish this book was made into a movie just to see who they would cast in this part! He would have to be a combination of actors: Douglas Fairbanks with a dash of Mel Gibson, add in some Kevin Costner and maybe just a tad bit of Errol Flynn and I think you would have your perfect Wolf! He is timeless and he is eternity all rolled up into one. Throughout the series (two sequels) there is still the quality that draws you to him throughout his years! If you dare to read about The Wolf, you chance melting into a puddle of sensations!As always the secondary characters are of the utmost importance to me and fortunately I was not let down. Every character in this book - including the villain (the "Dragon") deserves an honorable mention because they were exceptional. I cannot recommend this book highly enough! You will just have to read it - there is no other choice in the matter!

And I highly recommend it to you!Like the ever seemingly present "dark mist" throughout the book, the sexual tension and thrill of the mystery permeates throughtout the entire book. I was absorbed from the prologue of the book when we first find Lady Servanne de Briscourt jailed in a cold dank cell then rescued by "Lucien". Although the prologue ends bleakly, the excitement begins and the reader slowly finds out the family secrets and betrayals of the Wardieu family. Lady Servanne is captured by The Black Wolf of Lincolnwoods on her way to her marriage to Baron de Gournay. Although she is kidnapped for the purpose of ransom, it is more than mere money that drives the heart of the The Black Wolf... Along the way of his plans for revenge, his heart is captured by the innocent lure of Lady Servanne. Thus begins the "heaven and the hell" of The Wolf and Servanne. A story you will find totally engrossing and satisfying. You will not find one part of this book boring or slow, because there is a surprise at every twist and turn that puts thoroughly interesting spin on this tale of betrayal, revenge and love. (I could not help myself but peak ahead to see what was going to happen!)Through A Dark Mist has the most spectacular climatic ending ever! As a matter of fact, it is the most action packed romance novel I've ever read! It's like Mission Impossible 2 meets Robyn Hood! And, TADM also has the most interesting and scene stealing secondary characters ever! Gil Golden with the grotesque scar in the shape of an N, Sparrow, the trip hopping dwarf and Alaric... the bishop, who really isn't. And I can't forget the most evil villain and villainess ever written in a romance novel- Etienne Wardieu the bastard son and Nicolaa de la Haye, who seriously makes me shudder!I just didn't get enough of the hero and the heroine... their scenes together were so few! Although, the scenes where they were together were hot and passionate enough to make up for the lack of their presence together... Unfortunately, most of their time were spent separately, suffering away for each other... If I could change one thing about this book, I would hope that Lucien and Servanne have read more of them together, either spiting each other or loving each other...Needless to say, this has been the most enjoyable romance novel I've read in a while and I would highly recommend this book!Julianne