“Fairy tales are more than true; not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.” ― G.K. Chesterton

Saturday, June 9, 2012

"Rebel" by Linda Windsor-- A Fast-Paced Arthurian Legend Which Brilliantly Concludes A Wonderful Trilogy!

Title: Rebel
Publisher: David C. Cook
Publication Date: June 1st, 2012
ISBN: 9781434764768



Goodreads Description:  With Merlin dead, the succession undecided, and the Celtic church on the defensive from Rome, intrigue sweeps the court of the High King Arthur. But it's battlefield news that consumes Queen Gwenhyfar's young scribe, Kella O'Toole: her fiancé is dead and her father gone missing. Determined to find him at all costs, Kella defies the queen's orders and sets out for Pictish territory. Her foster brother Alyn, a disillusioned priest who questions his calling, agrees to help her. The journey itself is perilous. But it's their secrets that land Kella and Alyn in a viper's nest of treachery that threatens both their lives and the future of Albion. Can they summon the love and faith they need to find their way not only out of danger, but into happiness? Brilliantly researched, vividly imagined, and movingly written-a memorable climax to the Brides of Alba series.

My review:  If you love Scotland, Arthurian legend, and medieval history, you are in for a treat with the Brides of Alba series!  Considering these are some of my absolute favorite things to read about, it is no wonder that I love this series so much!  Rebel is the third book in the Brides of Alba series.  Windsor has really done her research with this series and her other historical novels set in this time period showing a lot of little known information of that time in history (especially in regards to the Arthurian legends, Britain's early history and the early church).  The novels are jam-packed with  maps, places, character lists, and other information pertaining to historical data pertinent to the history and background of the story. 

My copy of Rebel is an advance kindle copy and an uncorrected proof, so it does not have the map and or an option for me to go to a "table of contents" (I assume they will be added)  I was very glad to have my paperback copies to refer to the references when I needed to.  This is just a suggestion to readers, that if you are going to read an advance copy, this is one of those books where you definitely will want to refer to the list of characters and map a lot, so I would try to get the advance copy in paperback if you can. 

I really love Linda's weaving of the Arthurian characters and legend into the plot.  They are not the main characters, but it is neat to have these familiar characters in the background of the story.  Although, these Arthurian characters may not always do what one would expect.  There is a twist on the Arthurian legend in Windsor's novels, which even ties in with the Biblical history.  Windsor explains it all in her extra references and it is fascinating. 

The story itself has a great plot with two lovable characters.  They both grow in their faith as they travel on a journey full of adventure and exciting battle scenes (and of course a very satisfying romance)!  I give this book 5 stars.  It is a clean read.

I want to thank  David C Cook, Linda Windsor, & NetGalley for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review.The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.
 

Linda's Website : click here
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Linda Windsor is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than thirty novels, with more than a million books in print. Her most recent work includes Healer and Thief, the first two volumes in the Brides of Alba series, and the early Irish Celtic Fires of Gleannmara trilogy.

7 comments:

  1. Sounds fantastic! I have this one on my kindle and I'm excited to read it. Thank you Megan for your lovely review!

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    1. Thanks Faye for your sweet comment!! I can't wait to read your thoughts on it. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy "Rebel" as much as I did : )

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