Good, but not nearly as good as the previous ones. The historical aspects are still interesting, but Henry III is a king I know nothing about, so he's less of a draw than John. The romance was...technically excellent, but somehow neither Simon nor Rhiannon connected with me, so their various agonies were only of abstract interest. Rhiannon has a strong fear of commitment; Simon is obsessed with her - politely, he's certainly not forcing her, but he has latched on to the one for him and nothing else really matters. There are several interesting and amusing scenes, we get an afterword with a little more information about the historicity of the historical parts...but I think I will reread this only if I'm rereading the whole series. We'll see - I may like it better another time - but that's how I feel now. There's also quite a lot in it about Sybelle and Walter, the protagonists of the next book - nothing from their points of view, but it's a little odd. So I'm going to go read that book (for the first time - this was also my first reading of Rhiannon). ( )

Reviewed by Robin
ebook provided by Ellora's Cave

Ms. Gellis takes us on a journey into history. She has a way in which it is so much more enjoyable to read it through her eyes then to pick up a dusty history book.

We find the story of a young girl Rhiannon; although she is shy she also tends to be on the wild side. Okay maybe it is easier to describe her as a bit of a free spirit. She gets that from her mom. She has her own beliefs and isn’t going to let anyone sway her in the other direction. Rhiannon’s father a Welsh prince thinks it is time for his headstrong daughter to settle down.

In walks Lady Alinor Roselynde’s son Simon. Simon is notorious for leaving a string of unsuspecting females wherever he goes, some being the most beautiful women in the realm.

From the moment Rhiannon and Simon meet there are romantic sparks. Over time their romance and love for each other burns so strong that it endures betrayal, battles and their own fiery passion.

Simon changes from a womanizer as he pursuers Rhiannon full steam with the blessings of her father. He loses interest in everything but his pursuit of Rhiannon.

Rhiannon on the other hand is determined not to find a husband but stay a free spirit in her native Wales.

While rebellion takes over Medieval England, even though they are divided by their loyalties they still risk their hearts for a love that is strong.

Rhiannon’s cat, Math gives much needed humor to the story and gives just the littlest hint of a possibility of witchery. ( )