The Black Lyon [Hardcover]

Jude Deveraux (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Severn House (1980)
• ASIN: B000YM0J6O
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (97 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,822,287 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jude Deveraux was once a fifth-grade teacher who loved to read. When her imagination began to be filled with her own stories to tell, her career as a writer began. Jude's novels have been set in both contemporary and historical periods. Her strong, lyrical writing style and ability to write stories with memorable characters, rich detail, and believable dialogue has garnered her many devoted readers.

Jude has had over thirty books on the New York Times bestsellers list, has over 60 million copies in print, and has been translated into 18 languages. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading murder mysteries, working in her garden, and in boxing class she likes to show much younger males that she can throw a mean right cross.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars One of Deveraux's earliest efforts -- a great read!, May 1, 2006

By 

CoffeeGurl - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Black Lyon: The Magnificent Love Story of a Fearless Lord and the Woman Who Tamed Him (Mass Market Paperback)

This novel is set in Medieval times, during Edward I's reign, when the English were at war with the Welsh (no specific year is pinpointed, but I assume it is some time during the mid 1200s). Ranulf de Warbrooke, Earl of Malvoisin, is known to everyone as the Black Lion because of his big, dark and rugged good looks and for his fierceness as an unbeatable warrior. He is also known for his dark moods, for he's never smiled after his awful marriage with his first wife. However, his life has new meaning after he meets Lyonene, daughter of a lowly baron and the only person who has made him smile in years. They fall in love after two days and he asks for her hand in marriage. Things aren't easy at first though. Ranulf hasn't gotten over his first wife's treachery and thinks that Lyonene will betray him as well, especially after a childhood friend of hers lies and says that he and Lyonene are lovers. Lyonene goes out of her way to prove her faithfulness and love to Ranulf, but soon other things get in the way and Lyonene ends up a prisoner in Ireland. Will the Black Lion be able to rescue his damsel in distress? There are various twists throughout the novel.

This is Jude Deveraux's second novel and it shows. The writing isn't quite as good as her later work, but she already showcased great skill and ability as a storyteller. I love this short Medieval story. The plot sort of reminds me of The Taming (though TT was published a decade after The Black Lyon) -- about a fierce and independent woman who tames the brutish warrior. The second part of the novel is also somewhat similar to the one in The Taming, but this one has its own entertaining story to tell. Jude does have a similar taming-the-brute theme in many of her novels. And I love the time setting. Even in the beginning of her career JD was able to bring the time period to life. I love her ability to describe Medieval times so well. The scenes during the mock tourneys were wonderful. The protagonists are great if kind of frustrating. Ranulf upset me a great deal in the beginning. His lack of faith in Lyonene was quite painful to read at times. However, he redeems himself in many ways. Then Lyonene ticked me off as well. I couldn't believe her stupidity during the second part of the novel. Amicia is disgusting and I wish I could have beaten the manipulative wench down. I am disappointed with the way everything is resolved in the last few chapters. I wanted to see more battle scenes and see the villains go down. Everything is so rushed. Ugh. Other than that, I loved The Black Lyon. I loved reading about the beginning of the Montgomery dynasty. It is so great to read a family saga that goes back all the way to its sire. Despite some rookie flaws by Deveraux, The Black Lyon is an awesome read and I cannot recommend this novel enough.

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is the first of the Montgomery clan where it all started!, July 8, 2005

By 

D. Lane "Book lover" (austin, tx United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Black Lyon: The Magnificent Love Story of a Fearless Lord and the Woman Who Tamed Him (Mass Market Paperback)

This book is the first of the Montgomery clan where it all started! If you love the Montgomery's like I do then this is a must have for you,such a classic!!! I love how Jude Deveraux tells the story of the pain of Ranulf De Warbrooke who was deeply hurt by his first wife and how true love was able to heal that pain. Ranulf is handsome, sexy, intelligent, but embittered by life. I am always a sucker for stories with "heartless" heroes who find their souls through the love of a good woman. The dialogue that ensues between Ranulf and Lyonene is just fast paced and very enjoyable. The plot and characters seemed fresh, the pace was quick, and it was a totally engrossing read. It was written with an amazing level of intensity and feeling that my heart was pumping furiously with palatable passion. This book has lots of drama and the characters are colorful and unforgettable. The reader will feel the despair, the heartbreak, passion and the joy of Ranulf De Warbrooke and Lyonene in this very excellent character driven romance.

This book is a MOST if you have read Velvet Song. A truly remarkable book that is a must read for any fan of Jude Deveraux or any fan historical romance.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Worth reading, but far from perfect, December 14, 2004

By 

H. Roma - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Black Lyon: The Magnificent Love Story of a Fearless Lord and the Woman Who Tamed Him (Mass Market Paperback)

First of all, I like this book, generally speaking. I loved the marvellous detail of history that the author painted, it was truly amazing.

I also liked the characters for the most part, but like many reviewers, I felt that some of the character's actions were rather stupid or downright inappropriate. Several times I thought I'd like to slap the heroine myself, actually, as she sometimes acts like a complete twit, and the hero... Well, let's just say that he needs a boot in the backside and a smack upside the head in a few places, as well.

Do remember that this was Jude's second book, and her first historical. It's my understanding that an editor basically required changes in the book that Jude didn't want to make (the rape/abuse, for example; note that after this book, Jude changed publishers). The plot is wobbly as heck in several places, as well, mostly due to inexperience and (I got this from a book I once read where Jude contributed a chapter on how to write a working outline), poor planning on the part of the author.

My review sounds dismal, but it's not really meant to be. I really do like the book, and re-read it periodically. I think the strength of the atmosphere and the vivid storytelling (even if it is wobbly and frustrating at times) makes it worth the effort, and makes it an enjoyable read.