Review "It's hard to believe Legend of the Emerald Rose is Ms. Wichman's first book. It is a powerful epic tale of adventure, romance, and a battle of good versus evil. The banter between hero and heroine is lively and fun, and the sparks that flow between them could illuminate a power station. It's obvious that Ms. Wichman spent many hours of research in preparing to write her manuscript. I truly hope she'll utilize what she's learned and write a sequel. Rich with historical detail, sensual but clean heart-tugging romance, and a commanding yet subtle faith message, Legend of the Emerald Rose is one of this year's must-read novels."
Book Description King Arthur and his queen are dead and Merlin has vanished. Bound by Divine Providence but divided by distrust, Shadoe and Rayn must find a way to save the Isle of Might. A tantilizing brew of fantasy, action, and romance. Guaranteed Fiction!
Who can resist a tale of King Arthur, Guenevere, and the Knights of the Round Table? Fact, myth, legend...what? It continues to fascinate.
But this story is different. Now, Arthur and Guenevere are both dead, Merlin has vanished, and Camelot is no more. Still, the knights live on, and we meet Lancelot Percival, Galahad and others as they plan to restore the rightful Arthurian heir and rid the Isle of Might of its evil servants.
Emerald Rose Rayn is this heir. Legitimate daughter of Arthur and Guenevere, Rayn was raised by Lancelot and is now a beautiful young woman of sixteen years. She does not know of her royal heritage, and believes herself the daughter of Lancelot. Trained as a warrior, tutored by Merlin, she has a solid and steadfast faith and belief in God.
Young Shadoe un Hollo Tors, son of Merlin, having once run away in anger at his father's betrayal, has wandered the world pursuing his own pleasures. When a dream in which he is told he must help appoint Arthur's rightful heir to the throne, Shadoe reluctantly goes back to his island home. Shadoe turned his back on God at the same time he abandoned Camelot, and his bitterness keeps him at war with what he as been sent to do. He is determined to see it through but once done he will leave forever.
Rayn has other ideas. She believes Shadoe is her "godsend" - the man promised to her by God. Shadoe resists. Though sharing a mutual dislike and distrust of one another, attraction lies under the surface and sparks are never far from igniting. Yet, because of his promise, Shadoe can't avoid being drawn into the plans of Rayn and the Knights to restore Camelot to its former glory and save the isle.
Morgause le Fey, sorceress and half-sister of Arthur, has her own plans - to put her son Mordred, illegitimate son of Arthur, on the throne and capture the Isle of Might at all costs. Mordred is weak and becomes nothing more than a puppet being manipulated by Morgause's unspeakable evil. No one on the Isle of Might is safe from her relentless scheming and ruthless ambition.
What a fun, and heart-stopping read of the battle between good and evil. As we watch the love develop between Rayn and Shadoe-will they ever accept it might be their destiny?-and pray with the Knights as they lay their plans, we know that whatever they do will be countered by Morgause's sorcery and demons.
This is Linda Wichman's first novel, but it won't be her last! Legend of the Emerald Rose is masterfully woven with all the skillful elements of good story-telling. You can almost believe you're right back there in that ancient time; it's for sure you'll feel the goose-flesh rise when Morgause turns up, knowing something awful is going to happen. And only Rayn, Arthur's rightful heir, can end the violence and restore peace and order. But at what price?
This is a `gotta read' and I say run, don't walk, to your nearest Christian bookstore and get this book. Young and old will enjoy it for the era it evokes and the richness of the writing.
Peggy Phifer @2005
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Quick shipping and the Item was as described., July 19, 2005
This book is full of surprises, keeping me reading to the very end. Once you've read the story of Rayn, the strong woman, and Shadoe, the more reluctant hero, you'll never think of Camelot the same again.
I've read many Arthurian stories, but Legend of the Emerald Rose is a wonderfully written tale of the next generation. Ms. Wichman's characters took me to their time and place. With them I experienced their heart and soul struggles, wars between light and darkness with the hand of God touching each one. I couldn't put it down and plan to read it again. I can't wait for her next book.
First time author Linda Wichman did an awesome job in this book. I loved the story line and the romance. Great Christian message. There were a couple things i didnt like at first but you just have to keep reading and then they will be explained.
All in all it was a great book! I would love to see what else Linda Wichman could do, I can't wait to read her next book!!
Legend of the Emerald Rose was a wonderful read! I enjoyed it so much I couldn't put it down and finished it in a day. Linda Wichman made me laugh and cry and I look forward to her next book and unforgettable characters.