Child of the Phoenix [Mass Market Paperback]

Barbara Erskine (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 11, 1996

Born in a burning castle in 1218, Princess Eleyne is brought up to support the Celtic cause against the English. She is taught to worship the old gods and to "scry" into the future and the past. Eleyne's second sight, however, involves her in the destinies of England, Scotland and Wales.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Her forte is mood, atmosphere and the toe-curling frisson.' Sunday Times‘Readers of Barbara Erskine are held in thrall’Woman’s Realm‘Stephen King meeting Ruth Rendell’Frank Delaney'Barbara Erskine's storytelling talent is undeniable' The Times --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

From the Publisher

'Readers of Barbara Erskine are held in thrall.' - Woman's Realm

'Barbara Erskine's storytelling talent is undeniable.' - The Times

'So well researched and well written that it is almost impossible to put down...Everything that readers of racy fiction could ask for: beautiful characters, exotic settings and passion. Also...situations and characters that are so completely convincing that they come to life.' - Philadelphia Enquirer

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 1100 pages
• Publisher: Fontana (November 11, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0006472648
• ISBN-13: 978-0006472643
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.1 x 2.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #844,889 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic Historical Writing by the Queen of the Genre, June 27, 2000

By 

Jody Allen (US) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Child of the Phoenix (Mass Market Paperback)

Having read two of Ms Erskine's books LADY OF HAY and KINGDOM OF SHADOWS finding this one with references to people in her other books was like visiting old friends. This book is a masterpiece which should be savored like fine wine and Godiva chocolate. The reader is catapulted thru time viewing all through the eyes of one woman who was wife, mother and lover to some of the most interesting historical personas of the time. Although fiction, the reader is given a uniquely detailed glimpse into the lives of British medieval historical personas, seldom seen nor attemped by less gifted writers. With this book Ms Erskine is in a class by herself and should be read by both those who are new to her work and those who are fans. This is a must read for anyone who loves richly woven historical sagas. Jody Allen, Charter member of RIO-Reviewers International Organization

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous Book!, April 29, 2002

By 

K. Webb "book addict" (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Child of the Phoenix (Mass Market Paperback)

I just wanted to write and say how very much I enjoyed this book. This book was so well written, the characters so real (some of them are fictional, some are actual historical figures) that I could really envision all of the things that were going on. Child of the Phoenix is about one of the daughters of Llywellyn ap Iowerth of Wales, Elyene, who through a series of marriages becomes a prominent figure of the court of Robert de Bruce (of Braveheart fame). Elyene is a strong, intelligent woman who through looking through the fire, is able to see into the future and sometimes the past. Unfortunately she is unable to tell when these visions are occuring so more often than not they cause her great sorrow as she is unable to warn people of things to come. In this book we meet some of the most fascinating characters in English history, including Edward I, and II, Robert de Bruce and (my favorite) Llywellyn. It was a huge disappointment to reach the end of the book, but luckily I have two more of Ms. Erskine's books to tide me by. As a teacher who specializes in the history of England, Scotland and Wales, this book was a definate treat.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sail away to a far off land..., August 8, 2001

By 

Annette Gisby "agisby" (UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Child of the Phoenix (Mass Market Paperback)

Okay, so Wales isn't that far off from me, but it is a book which sweeps you away. The historical detail is so accurate that you know Barbara Erskine has done her research, but it doesn't detract from the story.

Everything flows so well, that it is easy to imagine the time and place. I really grew to like Eleyna and I was sorry to see the story end. It's one to read again and would make a great present for people who like historical romance.

Reveiwed by Annette Gisby, author of Silent Screams.