Dark Champion

Rating:
Summary: Not up to Beverley's standard
Review: Dark Champion, coming from an accomplished romance novelist like Jo Beverley lacks distinction and character. Set in 12th century England, the plot revolves around the orphaned Imogen of Carrisford whose sheltered haven is besieged by Warbrick and Belleme, brutal warlords eyeing the Treasure of Carrisfordand defending Robert of Normandy against the ascension of Henry I. Imogen decides to enlist the help of FitzRoger of Cleeve as a paladin to reassert her claim over her castle and avenge for her father. FitzRoger wants her hand in marriage in exchange.

It is a straitlaced romance where the knight rescues the damsel-in distress but without the spunk and fire of Beverley's romance. Imogen is characterized as a guileless and naive ingenue whose foolhardy ways land the hapless hero in trouble. She remains untrusting of his intentions despite his valor and foolishly listens to a guilt-mongering priest who toadies to her enemy and discourages from consummating the marriage.

Undeserving of the knight in shining armour, I would say. It is fortunate that FitzRoger is the suave swashbuckling hero with wits and much patience. He gives character to the otherwise mediocre effort by Ms. Beverley. He champions this simple love story, set amidst Beverley's detailed historical landscape, to a harrowing victory.

Rating:
Summary: not my favorite but redeeming qualities
Review: I didn't like this book as much as other Beverley books. I link that to the fact that the original printing of this novel was in 1993. Whether it is a compliment to say her writing has gotten better over time I don't know. It has a good storyline. I didn't particularly care for the ending but I don't hold that against the entire story. I do like that both the hero and heroine had "real issues". Witnessing a rape like Imogen did and basing sexual relations from that has to be tough. And FitzRoger's weakness was due to a significant event for a child. These details raised the book to my qualification for being a good read.

Rating:
Summary: not my favorite but redeeming qualities
Review: I didn't like this book as much as other Beverley books. I link that to the fact that the original printing of this novel was in 1993. Whether it is a compliment to say her writing has gotten better over time I don't know. It has a good storyline. I didn't particularly care for the ending but I don't hold that against the entire story. I do like that both the hero and heroine had "real issues". Witnessing a rape like Imogen did and basing sexual relations from that has to be tough. And FitzRoger's weakness was due to a significant event for a child. These details raised the book to my qualification for being a good read.

Rating:
Summary: A little slow
Review: It took a while to get into this book, it was okay.

Rating:
Summary: Light in a dark time
Review: Jo Beverley doesn't shy away from unpleasantness; that means that her work is not everyone's cup of tea. In this book, the brutality, misconceptions, and chauvinism of the early Middle Ages are clearly woven into the characters and the storyline. Hence, Imogen's sheltered existence and overreliance on an unworthy spiritual advisor, as well as FitzRoger's clear understanding of what he must do to succeed in that world. He does what is necessary even when he would rather not; his practicality is a necessary and welcome compliment to Imogen's more idealistic view.

While Imogen is an innocent, and often makes foolish mistakes as a result of her lack of experience, she shows a good deal of growth at the book's end. FitzRoger's phobia is an interesting problem for a warrior and makes him more human. He handles Imogen's fears are handled with great patience and tenderness.

The villains in this piece are truly vile, though in varying ways, and the good guys wear slightly gray hats (helms). Beverley creates more complex characters than a number of writers, in part because she willingly delves into the darker side of human nature. Those uncomfortable with reading about that darker nature might want to avoid this book (and most of her books). FitzRoger is perhaps a stronger character than Imogen, and her "gift" seemed a bit too coincidental, but otherwise the book is well-written and engaging.

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: Jo Beverly's Dark Champion is a delightful book. I enjoyed reading it and couldn't wait to reach the end. The story is creative and the characters are exciting and unpredictable.

Immogen of Carrisford desperately needs to save her home. After the unexpected death of her father, her castle is seized by a ruthless warlord. To save herself and her people she must find a champion.

Tyron FitzRoger of Cleve steps in to save Immogen and her castle. He has his own agenda mainly to marry Immogen. Immogen considers him to be a strong arm who is being paid to save her castle.

The relationship between the two moves back and forth with Immogen making desperate attempts to maintain her freedom while Tyron skillfully manuevers her into a marriage agreement. The two face certain peril throughout the story as they try to ellude attempts to drive them apart.

Dark Champion is an excellent historical romance. It has all of the drama you would expect during the reign of King Henry of England.

Rating:
Summary: Oh my.... so confused!
Review: Ok, I had totally forgotten that I had previously said that I was going to be more careful about reading JB's medieval romances! Opps! I did it again! This one is really hard for me to give a review on. On one hand, this is not at all my usual type of read (in fact, I usually RUN from this type!); On the other hand, I have to admit that JB has just done an excellent job on this story! I started out only having a grudging respect (& no liking) for the heroine.... by the end of the book, I couldn't have admired her more. The hero was to die for thoughout the entire story.
However, as I have found in the past, JB gives a terribly historically correct accounting of the lives the people led in the Middle Ages.... YUCK! However...... after just a few chapters, I knew that I didn't like this type of writing.... AND I knew that I was going to HAVE TO finish the story! (yes, I'm often confused! lol) So, as far as a recommend: For those of you that can't handle brutality - DON't read it; However, if you like a historically correct medieval romance, & those realities don't bother you, then this would most probably be an excellent read..... Your decision. Happy Reading!
(p.s. - now I just can't figure out if I want to to try another one! lol decisions, decisions, decisions!)

Rating:
Summary: Oh my.... so confused!
Review: Ok, I had totally forgotten that I had previously said that I was going to be more careful about reading JB's medieval romances! Opps! I did it again! This one is really hard for me to give a review on. On one hand, this is not at all my usual type of read (in fact, I usually RUN from this type!); On the other hand, I have to admit that JB has just done an excellent job on this story! I started out only having a grudging respect (& no liking) for the heroine.... by the end of the book, I couldn't have admired her more. The hero was to die for thoughout the entire story.
However, as I have found in the past, JB gives a terribly historically correct accounting of the lives the people led in the Middle Ages.... YUCK! However...... after just a few chapters, I knew that I didn't like this type of writing.... AND I knew that I was going to HAVE TO finish the story! (yes, I'm often confused! lol) So, as far as a recommend: For those of you that can't handle brutality - DON't read it; However, if you like a historically correct medieval romance, & those realities don't bother you, then this would most probably be an excellent read..... Your decision. Happy Reading!
(p.s. - now I just can't figure out if I want to to try another one! lol decisions, decisions, decisions!)