Shield of Three Lions : A Novel

Rating:
Summary: Has some good qualities, but the writing is annoying
Review: I'll admit that historical romance is not usually my genre - I tend to stick to fantasy and science fiction - but this book took me by surprise. Most of what others have said on this page is true. The characters are well developed and believable, the romance is fairly touching, and the book seems to be well-researched, although I'm not an expert on the Middle Ages. However, Kaufman's uneven writing is a huge distraction. She'll write in straightforward, modern English for a few pages, then suddenly plunge into a mess of archaic phrasing and terminology. I don't know why Kaufman thinks it's necessary to use words like "caparisoned" and "vulperets", perhaps she thought that doing so would give the novel an air of authenticity. Unluckily, I don't have time to study Middle English, and the result is that there are many scenes in "Shield of Three Lions" where I simply couldn't understand what was being described. So in summary, it's not a bad read, but consider yourself warned about the language.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best!!
Review: The greatest book I have read in a long time! Full of rich, interesting details, bawdy humour, and an actually accurate description of King Richard, Eleanor and John. I loved it!

Rating:
Summary: All I can say is wow!
Review: This book has become rather laddered pagged and the pages have become rather dingy from my reading it so often. One of my favorite books!

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Summary: An incredibly funny medieval romp with an unlikely pair.
Review: This book has it all - historical accuracy, intricate plot with delightful plot twists, marvelous character development, coming of age angst, and humor in large doses. The 13 year old female heroine's tale of life with her adopted wild Scottish brother is the story of a lifetime - with an unexpected ending that will delight and astonish you! I have never laughed out loud so many times reading one book in my 58 years of avid reading. I cannot think of anything that would have improved it's readability.

Rating:
Summary: Fabulous Historical Fiction
Review: This book is both absorbing and educational. It rings true, historically and emotionally. It's an equally fabulous read for someone who wants to learn more about medieval history or just some high-quality brain candy.

Rating:
Summary: ** Brilliant **
Review: This book is the prequel to Banners of Gold, also written by Pamela Kaufman. It may be a little hard to track down, but it usually turns up in second hand bookstores etc, (Amazon may even find you a copy)! It is one of THE BEST books I have read in the historical fiction genre. (For those who are interested, it is on par with "In A Dark Wood Wandering" by Hella S Haasse. Also worth tracking down). I'm not going to give too much away of the story, suffice to say it is set in the time of Richard 1 - the main character (Alix, who is enchanting & believable), after becoming an orphan, must travel to the Holy Land with the Crusade of Richard 1, & the story follows what happens. I loved this book & I'm sure anyone who is interested in medieval historical fiction won't be disappointed. I can highly recommend this book.

Rating:
Summary: Quest Lacks Charisma
Review: This is a plot-driven book that covers a large swathe of time and space in 12th century Europe. The heroine tells the story of her journey from northern England to London and then to Jerusalem with the entourage of Richard I. The action is fast-paced, and the heroine is constantly reacting to a continuous barrage of events. Unfortunately, the author never gives her heroine the opportunity to ponder events, emotions, attitudes, anything. The story is all action-reaction, and although the history and setting are interesting, the novel disappoints because there is nothing soul-nourishing about it. There is no beautiful writing here to savor, and no truly charismatic character to cherish.

Rating:
Summary: Quest Lacks Charisma
Review: This is a plot-driven book that covers a large swathe of time and space in 12th century Europe. The heroine tells the story of her journey from northern England to London and then to Jerusalem with the entourage of Richard I. The action is fast-paced, and the heroine is constantly reacting to a continuous barrage of events. Unfortunately, the author never gives her heroine the opportunity to ponder events, emotions, attitudes, anything. The story is all action-reaction, and although the history and setting are interesting, the novel disappoints because there is nothing soul-nourishing about it. There is no beautiful writing here to savor, and no truly charismatic character to cherish.

Rating:
Summary: Bawdy and outlandish!
Review: This is one of my very favorite historical romances. Very different from most. The history is very well researched and rings true. The details are wonderful. But it is the characters that make this book so good! Enoch is unforgettable. I love Diana Gabaldon, and this one has a lot of her style of humor.

Rating:
Summary: A Fun Read
Review: This is quite a different book about the Age of Chivalry and the Crusades. For one thing the heroine is a female (dressed as a BOY). I enjoyed the story it was fun and it kept my interest through the book. The story is bawdy and earthy, but so was life back then. Although the plot was a bit far-fetched, it was entertaining. It certainly puts a new light on a "love triangle", and I think really portrays what life was like on the all-male crusades where knights went to the Holy Land for years without the benefit of female company. This is an excellent book to add to your repretoire if you are a Middle Ages junkie like I am.