Rating: 
Summary: Honor, loyalty and revenge
Review: ...P>Chadwick is a remarkably gifted storyteller. Although the book numbers more than 600 pages, it reads quickly, fascinating the reader with the medieval period. Chadwick's admitted love for medieval reenacting gives her prose the ring of authenticity that will enthralls. LORDS OF THE WHITE CASTLE is a Winner of the WordWeaving Award of Excellence.Cindy Penn, Editor, WordWeaving.com
Rating:
Summary: another winner
Review: Although slow at times, THE LORDS OF THE WHITE CASTLE,provides entertaining reading as well as a strong historical basis. Warning: it is yet again one of Chadwick's books where the hero and heroine are separated for a large part of the book. But the fact that it's based on real people and it provides interesting insights into other historical figures makes it a winner. I really LIKED the major characters and the book is just so well written.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful read!
Review: Elizabeth Chadwick does it again with yet another engrossing historical novel about medieval England. I have read all her other novels and was never disappointed with any of them. It is easy to see how the true figure of Fulke FitzWarin could have given rise to the legend of Robin Hood. For those who crave historical fiction about the time period surrounding the reign of King John, this novel will not disappoint. Highly recommended!
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful read!
Review: Elizabeth Chadwick does it again with yet another engrossing historical novel about medieval England. I have read all her other novels and was never disappointed with any of them. It is easy to see how the true figure of Fulke FitzWarin could have given rise to the legend of Robin Hood. For those who crave historical fiction about the time period surrounding the reign of King John, this novel will not disappoint. Highly recommended!
Rating:
Summary: An Exciting Medieval Ride!
Review: Elizabeth Chadwick does it again! This is the second novel I have read by her (the first being "The Love Knot") and this one is incredible too! The story begins in 1184 after Fulke FitzWarin is sent to serve Prince John, son of Henry II. His family thought it a great honor as did Fulke until John accuses him of cheating at chess, which by the way he didn't. He just plays chess better. Well, a fight ensues over this and both hold grudges against each other for a lifetime. Meanwhile, Fulke is training under Theobald Walter, who becomes his friend and mentor. He also meets his future wife, Maude,on the day of her wedding to Theobald. Fulke's life takes many twists and turns and he becomes an outlaw. He tries to reclaim his family's estate of Whittington Castle time and time again, after his father's many attempts and failures. This struggle eventually kills his father, but Fulke endeavors to make his father's quest a realization. After years pass by, he ends up finally marrying the woman of his dreams, Maude. However, their life from the beginning is spent running from King John's vengance. Even after all of this they manage to raise a family, endure one adventure after another and never cease to support and love one another. The day-to-day trials and joys of the middle ages are brought to life with a wonderful perspective on how life must have been for not only the nobles of twelfth century England but also the commoners. The author really makes you feel as though you were there. So far all of her books have been winners, and if you love a great medieval story, this book is one of the best!
Rating:
Summary: An Exciting Medieval Ride!
Review: Elizabeth Chadwick does it again! This is the second novel I have read by her (the first being "The Love Knot") and this one is incredible too! The story begins in 1184 after Fulke FitzWarin is sent to serve Prince John, son of Henry II. His family thought it a great honor as did Fulke until John accuses him of cheating at chess, which by the way he didn't. He just plays chess better. Well, a fight ensues over this and both hold grudges against each other for a lifetime. Meanwhile, Fulke is training under Theobald Walter, who becomes his friend and mentor. He also meets his future wife, Maude,on the day of her wedding to Theobald. Fulke's life takes many twists and turns and he becomes an outlaw. He tries to reclaim his family's estate of Whittington Castle time and time again, after his father's many attempts and failures. This struggle eventually kills his father, but Fulke endeavors to make his father's quest a realization. After years pass by, he ends up finally marrying the woman of his dreams, Maude. However, their life from the beginning is spent running from King John's vengance. Even after all of this they manage to raise a family, endure one adventure after another and never cease to support and love one another. The day-to-day trials and joys of the middle ages are brought to life with a wonderful perspective on how life must have been for not only the nobles of twelfth century England but also the commoners. The author really makes you feel as though you were there. So far all of her books have been winners, and if you love a great medieval story, this book is one of the best!
Rating:
Summary: An Exciting Medieval Ride!
Review: Elizabeth Chadwick does it again! This is the second novel I have read by her (the first being "The Love Knot") and this one is incredible too! The story begins in 1184 after Fulke FitzWarin is sent to serve Prince John, son of Henry II. His family thought it a great honor as did Fulke until John accuses him of cheating at chess, which by the way he didn't. He just plays chess better. Well, a fight ensues over this and both hold grudges against each other for a lifetime. Meanwhile, Fulke is training under Theobald Walter, who becomes his friend and mentor. He also meets his future wife, Maude,on the day of her wedding to Theobald. Fulke's life takes many twists and turns and he becomes an outlaw. He tries to reclaim his family's estate of Whittington Castle time and time again, after his father's many attempts and failures. This struggle eventually kills his father, but Fulke endeavors to make his father's quest a realization. After years pass by, he ends up finally marrying the woman of his dreams, Maude. However, their life from the beginning is spent running from King John's vengance. Even after all of this they manage to raise a family, endure one adventure after another and never cease to support and love one another. The day-to-day trials and joys of the middle ages are brought to life with a wonderful perspective on how life must have been for not only the nobles of twelfth century England but also the commoners. The author really makes you feel as though you were there. So far all of her books have been winners, and if you love a great medieval story, this book is one of the best!
Rating:
Summary: Winner of the WordWeaving Award of Excellence
Review: Fifteen year old Fulke FitzWairin was sent to court to serve as a companion to King Henry II's youngest son, Prince John, in hopes of ultimately regaining Whittington Castle. Prince John treats Fulke poorly, deriding him as a country bumpkin because he heralds from the Welsh marshes. His father's lessons in honor have not prepared Fulke for the deceptions and cruelty of court, making him a frequent target of Prince John's ire, culminating in the day the prince breaks a chessboard across Fulke's nose. When the dust settles, the prince looked much worse. A lifetime of bitter rivalry has begun. Fulke leaves Prince John's service to become a squire to Lord Theobald Walter. Theobald proves himself to be a caring mentor of true honor. A chance game of ball among his younger brothers results in Fulke meeting the twelve year old Maude le Vavasour, who later weds Theobald. While Fulke eventually come to recognize the possibilities of passion between himself and Maude, neither wish to compromise the love and trust of Theobald, a man they both love. Eventually destiny takes a hand as Prince John's machinations make Fulke an outlaw and he threaten to marry the newly widowed Maude off to one of his court cronies. Award winning author Elizabeth Chadwick captures the true essence of historical fiction in LORDS OF THE WHITE CASTLE. The challenges and triumphs of Fulke FitzWairin come alive on the pages from the ecstasy of marriage to his heart's desire to the agony of wounds both physical and mental. His king and his destiny challenge his ethics and beliefs even as Fulke remains a man of honor and valor. Although Fulke is a flawed hero, readers will adore his dedication to family and honor. Likewise, Maude presents a remarkable heroine with an impetuous spirit and fierce independence. As skilled with a bow as she is with her children, Maude sharply contrasts the typically meek and yielding women of her time. Yet Chadwick still adheres to the conventions of historical accuracy, for example, women marrying young and being left behind for safety's sake. In addition, Fulke and Maude share a passion that make the pages sizzle, and binds them even as it tears their hearts in two. Their wedding night is absolutely beautiful with fanciful touches and burning desire. Chadwick is a remarkably gifted storyteller. Although the book numbers more than 600 pages, it reads quickly, fascinating the reader with the medieval period. Chadwick's admitted love for medieval reenacting gives her prose the ring of authenticity that will enthralls. LORDS OF THE WHITE CASTLE is a Winner of the WordWeaving Award of Excellence.
Rating:
Summary: Honor, loyalty and revenge
Review: In 1184 as a favor to the lad's powerful family, King Henry II allows fifteen year old Fulke FitzWarin to join his teenage son Prince John's retinue as a squire. Coming from the Welsh Marshes, Fulke is considered a country bumpkin by the Prince. The eldest, Fulke must succeed if his family is to regain Whittington Castle lost generations ago, but still disputed. Fulke knows his tutor Master Glanville is the key for his family's plea, not the King.
John forces Fulke to play a game of chess. Planning to throw the game, Fulke gets caught up in the competition and checkmates John. The Prince accuses Fulke of cheating and hits him with the chessboard. Fulke retaliates in self-defense leading to John banging his head on the floor. A lifetime of bitter rivalry between John and Fulke begins that leads the latter into becoming an outlaw when the former becomes King.
LORDS OF THE WHITE CASTLE is biographical fiction at its most exciting best. Using the little factual information available about the real Fulke FitzWarin and the chronicle record written in his times, Elizabeth Chadwick paints a vivid picture of the medieval era by cleverly filling in the gaps with depth while staying true to what is considered authentic. The story line is loaded, cleverly designed, and never slows down focusing the plot on the key cast members especially Fulke, his wife, and John. This blend is a treat that historical fiction fans will want to read as the novel is sure to make everyone short lists of sub-genre best books of the year. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: biographical fiction at its most exciting best
Review: In 1184 as a favor to the lad's powerful family, King Henry II allows fifteen year old Fulke FitzWarin to join his teenage son Prince John's retinue as a squire. Coming from the Welsh Marshes, Fulke is considered a country bumpkin by the Prince. The eldest, Fulke must succeed if his family is to regain Whittington Castle lost generations ago, but still disputed. Fulke knows his tutor Master Glanville is the key for his family's plea, not the King.
John forces Fulke to play a game of chess. Planning to throw the game, Fulke gets caught up in the competition and checkmates John. The Prince accuses Fulke of cheating and hits him with the chessboard. Fulke retaliates in self-defense leading to John banging his head on the floor. A lifetime of bitter rivalry between John and Fulke begins that leads the latter into becoming an outlaw when the former becomes King.
LORDS OF THE WHITE CASTLE is biographical fiction at its most exciting best. Using the little factual information available about the real Fulke FitzWarin and the chronicle record written in his times, Elizabeth Chadwick paints a vivid picture of the medieval era by cleverly filling in the gaps with depth while staying true to what is considered authentic. The story line is loaded, cleverly designed, and never slows down focusing the plot on the key cast members especially Fulke, his wife, and John. This blend is a treat that historical fiction fans will want to read as the novel is sure to make everyone short lists of sub-genre best books of the year. Harriet Klausner
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