Customer Reviews

Child of the Phoenix

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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

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.

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.

I found this book quite good... but with my favorite book of all time being Here Be Dragons by Sharon Kay Penman and my favorite character being Joanna (in this book Joan) I was not pleased with the way the author made her look like she disliked her daughter. I know it was just a story and stuff but I can't help but defend Joanna.

Everyone should read this book AND Here Be Dragons (which follows Joanna and Llewellyn's life together)

I have read every book Barbara Erskine has published. I love her style and characters. Child of the Phoenix was the first book I read of hers and still remains one of my favourite books of all time. If you like her books you will also enjoy Elizabeth Harris's books (e.g. Herb Gatherers). They are the type of books you don't put down until you have finished! Keep it for a rainy day that you have all to yourself.

I can't believe that this is only the second review!

I loved this book - apart from the fact that much of it is based on Welsh History (and I am Welsh!) it is just so hard to put down. I have read it about 8 times too and I know that I could read it again and again and again!

It gives a great insight into historical stories of both Wales and Scotland and keeps you enthralled constantly.

I give it 5 stars and would just like to meet Barbara Erskine and shake her hand! And get some tips too!

Well done on a great read.

Like other reviewers, I love Barbara Erskine's books. I just can't put them down once I've started! I am always happy when she has a new book out. She writes gripping plotlines that keep you on the edge of your seat. A lot of her books are partly set in Scotland, and being a Scot, I like to read about where she has written. Child of the Phoenix is especially exciting, and I take my hat off to her research skills. Poor Eleyne! Being affluent doesn't necessarily get you what you want in life. Aren't you glad we're living in the 21st Century, gals? Was she real, was she one complete person or a composite? Who knows. The story may be fabricated, but Barbara Erskine nonetheless writes her tale over a historically factual background. An inspiration to budding authors she is. I wonder how her novels would fare on film. Any offers?

I recommend this book, especially for anyone with an interest in Scottish/Welsh history. The book incorporates a lot of actual facts from Scottish history, and is set around the time of William Wallace (Scottish national hero, also the person who the movie "Braveheart" was based on). The author tells the story of Eleyne, a Welsh princess who has clairvoyant abilities, but also a very difficult life. There is a lot of suspense, and the book is a page-turner. I could not put it down for very long. It has romance, drama, action, adventure, history, all wrapped up in one book.

I have been addicted to Barbara Erskine books since the late 80's and have read every single one! BUT this is my personal favourite. I have read this again and again (probably around 8 times now). When you have finished this book you feel that you really knew Eleyne and shared her life and it helps that most of the events in the book are part of Scotlands history.

I was very confused while reading this book until I reached the authors note at the end. Then, everything made sense.

If you've read Sharon K. Penman's Welsh trilogy you'll remember that Llewellyn and Joanna married when Joanna was only 14 and that he had five children from two separate lovers, one living, one dead in childbirth. Llewellyn and Joanna then had two children, first Ellen, born when Joanna was sixteen and then David born some two or three years later. This make Ellen Llewellyn's sixth child. This book has Ellen (spelled Eleyne) being born some fifteen years after her birth date by Penman's book and being the younger of Joanna and Llewellyn's six children.

I was very confused by all of this. Who was right about the details? Penman or Erskine? Then I reached the authors note.

The main character in this book is Eleyne, daughter of Joanna and Llewellyn, married four times and the grandmother of the royal Stewarts of Scotland. She is a composite character, and in fact, the woman Eleyne who was an ancestor of the house of the Stewart probably wasn't the Ellen who was Joanna and Llewellyn's daughter.

If you didn't follow the above, basically that means this book is a work of fiction, not fact, and the main characters as described in this book probably didn't exists. There was an Ellen of Whales who was married to John the Scot and Robin de Quincy and there was a woman named Ellen or Helen who married two Scottish lords and whose great granddaughter was queen of Scotland. But they probably weren't the same person.

That said, this is a very good book. Weather or not Ellen of Whales had the life described in this book is a moot point. It's a highly entertaining story of love and destiny in the middle ages. Eleyne in this book is a very passionate vibrant woman. She has seen things in fire since she can remember, the most common vision being a red haired man. Her father's bard who follows the old gods tells her she will give birth to a line of Kings. When after her first husband dies she falls in love with the king of Scotland, the man she saw all those times in the fire. But there love is not able to overcome to boundaries of marriage, and the king dies without Eleyne bearing him a living son. She moves on to fall in love again, but always Alexander (the King) watches over her and tries to keep her for himself.

While the destiny aspects in this book are a little overbearing, they aren't totally ridiculous. The only thing I really didn't like in this book was how Alexander wouldn't leave Eleyne alone once she was in love with her forth husband. Alexander kept popping up and making her have sex with his ghost. But men where like that then...some still are.

This book gets a solid 4.5 stars ranking from me. Only not five, because until the authors note, I was confused. Read the Welsh trilogy of Sharon K. Penman if you like this book.