Wednesday, June 16, 2010

The Pendant by Mirella Patzer

 

 

This novel caught my interest as it is set in Italy, however the historical genre  and  the medieval period  that it is set in were not so appealing but I decided that I was interested enough to give it a try.

Also this was to be my first opportunity to read a book on my E-reader Post on E-reader

The year is 1270 and the young Duke Amoro Dragone has returned to his home Castle Dragone in Genoa, Italy to attend the funeral of his father Duke Bartolomeo Dragone.

He died as the result of an ambush and according to Amoro's mother Caterina, it was his father's dying wish that the feud between the Dragone and Monterossa should be resolved. He felt that the only way this was ever going to happen was if his son married into the family.

Amoroso is not happy about this as he had plans himself to marry for love Laria Malaeresta, although in his heart of hearts he knew this would never come about.

So with Roberto the commander of his fathers army he travels to Portovenere to try and learn the true identity of his father's killer and to settle the feud by asking for the hand of the Contessa Morena Monterossa in marriage. This action should settle the long running feud between the families over a previously broken marriage contract.

Things do not go quite as planned as he is unable to gain an audience  with Umberto, Morena's father and he learns of an existing betrothal between Morena and Ernesto of Savonna a renowned scoundrel.

It is a month before he manages to meet the Countess Morena and tell her of his intentions.

What follows is a story of, murder, mayhem, passionate lovemaking, forceful sex and some bloodthirsty fights which the authoress Mirella Patzer has managed to convey to the reader in a very realistic manner with her descriptive writing.

She writes well about this period thanks to her fascination with both Women in History, Medieval History and her passion for Italy.

Here's a little bit about the book from Mirella Patzer herself on her Blog, click Women and History for the full article.
A medieval tale of murder, desperation, and true love.
A lost ancient treasure.  A 100 year family feud.  And a woman with a passion richer than the bloodstone pendant she wears around her neck.  In medieval Italy, as spirited and stalwart as any man, the brazen Contessa Morena is betrothed to the impoverished, black-hearted Count Ernesto, a man desperate to escape his mounting debts.... continued here

In conclusion as I have already admitted I am not a huge fan of this genre but I did enjoy this and would recommend it in particular  to those who include this genre amongst their favourites. Also as this knowledgable author is definitely worth a read to anyone looking for something different from their normal choice.

Mirella also has another Blog dedicated to Historical Fiction You can also learn more on her Website

 

 

4 comments:

  1. Hi Linda,

    Thanks so much for your kind words and fantastic review of my novel, The Pendant. I especially appreciate it because you're not a regular reader of historical fiction or medieval fiction. I'm so pleased with your review and glad you liked it. It was written to be a fun escape and I'm so glad it came across that way for you.

    Are you hooked on your e-reader yet? I read ebooks on my Astak EZ Reader and my iphone and have come to prefer the convenience.

    All the best! Thanks so very much also for your mentions of my blogs. Your links are added to mine!

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  2. Mirella - It was a delight to read, I am so pleased you gave me the opportunity to do so. I hope my review will generate some interest for you. I have had some comments on FB.

    This was the first book I have read using my Sony EReader and it will certainly not be the last, but I can never see myself preferring it to books.

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  3. Thanks for the review! Sounds like an interesting read. And how are you finding your eReader? I loooove mine!

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  4. Talli - Yes it was and a very different read from my normal interests. I am enjoying my Sony eReader but it will never replace real books for me.

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