Review: The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven by Jennifer Ivy Walker
Today, I'm delighted to welcome back acclaimed author Jennifer Ivy Walker. I'm reviewing her intriguing Arthurian fantasy, The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven. It's a sumptuous, thrilling adventure that takes you on the most incredible journey. Check it out!
The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven is on blog tour with Yarde Book Promotions. Find other fascinating tour stops HERE!
The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven
Jennifer Ivy Walker
Review:
Who hasn't heard of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table? And the tale of Tristan and Isolde – the (often, though not always) ill-fated lovers?
Well, this enthralling historical fantasy re-telling of those legends takes you back to the Dark Ages (which were really not so dark, as we now know!).
The story begins in Ireland, where Issylte, the Emerald Princess, awaits her new step-mother, the Scots Princess Morag. Whilst her father is instantly enamoured with his beautiful, haughty wife, young Issylte, then only twelve years old, feels a chill between herself and Morag. This sense of danger intensifies over the next couple of years.
When Morag realises Issylte is of marriageable age, and considered as bride of King Marke of Cornwall, the queen devises an evil plan. Unable to conceive an heir by her husband the king, nor her lover, the dangerous knight, Morholt, she knows her own power is in danger. Issylte must die.
Meanwhile, in the kingdom of Cornwall, King Marke's nephew and presumed heir, Tristan, is keen to join the circle of legendary King Arthur of the Britons and his Knights of the Round Table. He passes all tests, but not without challenges, and creating lifelong foes. Knowing he must watch his back, he deals with dangers as they arrive, including in the shape of slave-trader Vikings. He learns there are forces out to harm him, and King Marke, and they don't play fair.
The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven is an intriguing journey through the mists of time and sphere. From the realm of little folk and fairies, to dark magic, wizards, and threats, to early medieval political intrigues, the plot develops at thrilling pace, barely giving our protagonists time to think.
Ms Walker's deep knowledge of Celtic lore and traditions provides us with a sumptuous background setting, as we cross the line from the human world to the otherworld. Dangers lurk on both sides of the divide, and both Issylte's and Tristan's journeys of discovery are full of challenges. As they learn and grow, their awareness of what powers they can harvest – on both sides – increases.
As in other novels, we are again treated to Ms Walker's enduring love of all things French, which adds yet another layer of authenticity to this fascinating tale.
The historical world in The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven contains some late medieval aspects, but they blend seamlessly into the plot. What readers have as a result is a delightful (and delightfully wicked) fairy tale retelling, featuring well-known 'good’ characters, who must defeat evil. Their flaws make them human, and their sensitivity allows them to see beyond the physical presence, recognising the menace beyond the veil.
The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven is a heady, captivating blend of history, legend, and the paranormal, that makes you want to read on late into the night. You'll find yourself completely engrossed by the schemes and plots, and you will always want to know what happens next.
A highly recommended historical fantasy adventure.
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Blurb:
In
this paranormal fantasy adaptation of the medieval legend of Tristan
and Isolde, the rightful heir to the Irish crown must flee the wicked
queen, finding shelter with a fairy witch who teaches her the verdant
magic of the forest. Fate leads Issylte to the otherworldly realm of the
Lady of the Lake and the Elves of Avalon, where she must choose between
her life as a Celtic healer or fight to save her ravaged kingdom from
the ruthless Black Widow Queen.
Tristan
of Lyonesse is a Knight of King Arthur's Round Table who must overcome
the horrors of his traumatic past and defend his kingdom of Cornwall
against a Viking invasion from Ireland. When he becomes a warrior of the
Tribe of Dana, a gift of Druidic magic might hold the key he seeks.
Two parallel lives, interwoven by fate. Haunted and hunted by the same Black Widow Queen.
Can their passion and power prevail?
Read with #KindleUnlimited!
~~~
About the Author:
Jennifer
Ivy Walker is an award-winning author of medieval Celtic, Nordic, and
paranormal romance, as well as contemporary romance, historical fantasy,
and WWII romantic suspense.
A
former high school teacher and college professor of French with an MA
in French literature, her novels encompass a love for French language,
literature, history, and culture, including Celtic myths and legends,
Norse mythology, Viking sagas, and Nordic lore.
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