by: Vickie McDonough

Dancing Word Reviewer    

       

Title:Legend of the Emerald Rose

Author: Linda Wichman

Publisher: Kregel Publications

ISBN: 0-8254-4109-9

Genre: Inspirational/Historical/Fantasy

 

Shadoe un Hollo Tors, son of Merlin, is devastated when he realizes his beloved King Arthur is dead. Though only twelve years old, Shadoe’s faith in Jesu is strong and carries him through the disaster. But when he fails to protect Queen Guenevere and she is slain, Shadoe begins to question his faith. Spending over a year in evil Mordred's dungeon and being frequently tortured, all but severs the final thread of his faith.

 

Over a decade later, Shadoe's father appears to him in a dream and compels him to locate and protect the Emerald Rose. Only King Arthur's rightful heir can unite the clans and save the Isle of Might from the evil forces threatening to destroy it. Shadoe, now a skilled warrior, returns to his homeland in hopes of finding Arthur's progeny.

 

Emerald Rose Rayn has grown up as the only daughter of Camelot's bravest knight, Sir Lancelot du Lac. She cares little for the ways of women, preferring to wear britches and fight as a warrior, just like the Knights of the Round Table. Though she's never loved a man, she's also never disliked one as much as she does Shadoe. From the start, they bicker and prod each other. Still, there's something about Merlin's son that draws her like no other man has. Shadoe and Rayn are thrust together to fight Mordred's evil schemes and must work to save the land and people they both love.

 

When the truth about King Arthur's heir is revealed, will Rayn discover the fortitude to do what's required of her? Will the revelation drive Shadoe and Rayn further apart? And will Shadoe find his way back to God before the forces of evil can destroy him and his beloved isle?

 

Not being a big fan of fantasy, I wasn't quite sure what to expect from the Legend of the Emerald Rose. I was pleasantly surprised. Linda Wichman does an amazing job of bringing to life the post-Camelot days. The characters were so real that at times that I wondered if the story wasn't true, even though I knew it couldn't possibly be. Ms. Wichman digs deep and makes the reader easily empathize with the characters. This is one of those stories that you hate to see end.

 

It's hard to believe Legend of the Emerald Rose is Ms. Wichman's first book. It is a powerful epic tale of adventure, romance, and a battle of good versus evil. The banter between hero and heroine is lively and fun, and the sparks that flow between them could illuminate a power station. It's obvious that Ms. Wichman spent many hours of research in preparing to write her manuscript. I truly hope she'll utilize what's she's learned and write a sequel.

 

Rich with historical detail, sensual but clean heart-tugging romance, and a commanding yet subtle faith message, Legend of the Emerald Rose is one of this year's must-read novels. (456 pages, $14.99)