Customer Reviews

The Conquest (Thorndike Press Large Print Paperback Series)

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I read and loved The Taming and had looked forward to reading The Conquest. This last part of the Peregrine family duet introduces a story of forbidden love when two sworn enemies lay eyes on each other. The year is 1447. Zared Peregrine is raised as a boy in order to be protected from the Howards, who enjoy kidnapping Peregrine women. Even though she grows up dressing, acting and fighting like a boy, her femininity is undeniable, for she lusts after men and secretly wishes she could wear gowns and jewels. No one notices she is a girl though -- that is until she is captured by Howard guards and is rescued by Tearle Howard, Oliver Howard's younger brother. He notices from the get-go that Zared is female and does just about anything to win her love. But Zared only sees an enemy, one that she refuses to kill in order to avoid a war against the Peregrines and the Howards. Tearle isn't interested in warring against the Peregrines. He grew up in France and away from the generations-old feud against the two families. He wants to bring peace and unity for both families and feels that marrying Zared would solve all of the problems. But he soon discovers that the journey to peace is a long one, for hatred and thirst for revenge run very deep for the Peregrines. And will Zared ever see him as anything other than a Howard? There are several twists throughout the novel.

This time it is the heroine's turn to be a pain in the behind. Her brother Rogan was infuriating in The Taming and I was wary of reading another novel with an insufferable alpha male again. However, Tearle is the opposite of the Peregrine men. He is sensitive, funny, easy-going, and a knight in shining armor through and through. I like how he goes out of his way to impress and woo Zared, not that she deserves him for a large portion of the novel though. She is a true Peregrine all right, almost as annoying as Rogan was. I can understand her behavior to a certain degree. She has been raised in surroundings that preached about hatred and revenge since she was a baby, and the only things she'd ever heard in her life was how the Howards had stolen Peregrine lands and how they'd killed some of her brothers. But I nevertheless felt more sympathy for Tearle than I did for her. The scenes in which she is confused about her feelings for Tearle and confusions centered on her gender are well done. The story development is very good here and, like in The Taming, there is no abruptness when it comes to Zared's growing feelings for Tearle. The way that the Peregrine-Howard feud comes to a head in the last few chapters is jarring and my heart went out for Tearle. Zared infuriated me to no end during those scenes. Anyway, The Conquest isn't as emotionally moving as The Taming, but it is an excellent followup nevertheless. I would have liked to have more input on Severn's marriage to Lady Anne though. I disliked Severn in both of these novels, too pigheaded for my taste, but I would have liked to know more about his new marriage though. And I find it surprising at the way Deveraux had written off his mistress from the storyline in this installment. She was a somewhat important character in The Taming, after all. I agree with the reviewers who say that Severn and Anne should have had their own story -- a short novella at the very least to let us know what went on after they married. There are too many loose ends surrounding these two characters, and Lady Anne has so much potential as a heroine in her own right. Despite those things, I enjoyed The Conquest. The plot reminds me of JD's The Raider and the Velvet series and of Judith McNaught's A Kingdom of Dreams. I heard that this book series was based on real-life feuding clans during Medieval times known as the McCoys and the Hatfields. Again, Deveraux has created a fictional account of real-life characters and situations. And she has once again done a splendid job creating an entertaining, romantic novel with lots of humor and wit. I highly recommend this gem.

To be honest, I didn't like this book at first. I felt that Zared and her brothers were unbearably harsh and unlikable and Tearle was a wishy-washy idiot. I am so glad that I continued to read it because this is one of my favorite romances of all time. Jude Deveraux is such a talented writer. She weaves beautiful stories together with memorable characters and recreates times I wish I could be transported to. Because I am probably the world's pickiest reader, I don't like all of her books, but The Conquest is one that is near to my heart.Zared can be a difficult character to relate to at the beginning of the tale because she seems so hateful and narrow minded. However as the story unfolds, her brattiness becomes entertaining and a wonderful sense of humor shines through. She is the classic 'diamond in the rough' character that grows and proves herself to be one of the best romance heroines of any novel.Tearle is wonderfully unstereotypical as far as romance heros go. I don't know about anyone else, but I am truly sick of the overbearing, arrogant rapists prevalent in so many historical romances. Yes, he did seem like an idiot at the beginning, but his patience and romantic personality melted my heart. He is truly the perfect fantasy man, in my opinion.The plot itself is fun and exciting, and unlike many other romances doesn't get boring or seem to drag on forever. I especially love how humor is blended in at the most unexpected moments, I literally laughed out loud at some of the characters' antics. I found Lady Anne to be especially amusing, she was such a great character I think she should have had her own book.Okay, this book wasn't perfect. There are places in the story where Ms. Deveraux has a tendency to tell instead of show, and I wish there had been a few more love scenes. But in spite of the problems, which are forgivable, this is truly a five star novel and a keeper!

I absolutly love this book. I started reading one night and stayed up till 2 in the morning reading and finished the next day. it usually takes me a couple of days to read a book this long. Usually it takes awhile for me to get into a book, but i got into this book after the first chapter. I agree, Zared was a little annoying how it took her so long to trust Tearle, but i also liked how they didn't immediatly fall in love it made you want to keep reading. By the middle of the book you will wonder if these two will ever get together because Zared still hates him so much. Anyway its a great romance book to lose yourself in.

PREQUEL: THE TAMING

Awww now. Once again this book reminded of why I have Jude Deveraux's name in one of my top 3 favorite author list. She is definitely gifted with words and know how to implement her very own heart soaring ideas. The lovable characters, the intriguing plot from the prequel of this book, THE TAMING, continues here in THE CONQUEST with much added exciting twist and some newly introduce charming characters.

There's 3 reasons why I didn't rate this book a fiver. One is because of the speedy conclusion of this wondeful SAGA. It was rushed and seemed uncomplete for me. Perhaps there is another book in the making to explain this kind of ending.... but if there's none, then I am sorely disappointed. I wanted at least an EPILOGUE with confirmation of decisions and etc. or a short extension of all the character's whereabouts and future. You'll know why and what I mean once u read THE TAMING and THE CONQUEST.

Two, I also wished Severn have his own story. I was not satisfied with his short-add-on story here in THE CONQUEST. Lady Anne is indeed a great match for Severn and I really would love to read more of them. I also would have enjoyed reading Iolanthe's appearance in Lady Anne and Severn's life. Again, you'll need to read THE TAMING and THE CONQUEST to know what I mean.

Third, I also would have love to see people's reaction to Zared's transformation from the BOY squire to a Lady. What of Ralph and Colbrand? Wouldn't it be fun to read their reaction?

Despite that three complains of mine, this book still manage to be a 4 stars to me because it did bring out lots of emotional helter-skelter in me... I love the way Tearle reaches out to Zared. His ways of courtship and his gentleness towards her. I sighed for Zared cuz I can see through her heart and understand her desires and confusions. The long awaited answers to the puzzles and mystery is not to be missed... but most of all, this book made me laugh. It's a grand book links.... Read to know what I mean!

I originally submitted this review in 1996 (before Amazon created the About You Page) and am resubmitting it under my public account as directed by Amazon's Customer Service. The original review will be deleted via Amazon.

Zared Peregrine finds herself torn between family loyalty and new found love when Tearle Howard (in disguise) worms his way into her life. The Howard's & Peregrine's have been at war over land for years & both families have suffered tremendous losses.

Tearle Howard, raised by his Mother, is an innocent in this war & wants nothing more than to see the bloodshed come to an end. When he first sets eyes on Zared, who for her own safety had been raised as a boy, he decides he wants her as his own (somehow he realizes right off the bat that she's a girl though no one else can). In Tearle's arms Zared comes to realize there is more to life than training & fighting and she starts to enjoy being a woman. But because Tearle carries the Howard name Zared can never trust him completely. When her brothers discover Tearle's identity all hell breaks loose.

I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a cute read that isn't immediately put off by that old "girl raised as a boy" theme. Though it wasn't what I'd call remotely emotionally intense it was lots of fun. I liked Tearle who had a great sense of humor & wasn't afraid to admit he was lazy (whatta guy!). He was a refreshing change when compared to the harsher personalities of Zared's brothers. The scenes where Zared is pining over all the gorgeous young hunks while dressed as a boy really cracked me up. I had a few minor problems with the hero kissing the heroine upon their 1st meeting & then again with the kissing every time he ticked her off but the heroine handled this great. Actually, I kind of felt bad for the poor guy after awhile because he must've been one hurting sucker!

Finally, a heroine that's not all soft and useless. Zared is a refreshing heroine, with muscle and backbone. I loved this book, especially Tearle's insistence on getting together with Zared. We finally meet a hero that has not been embittered by the death of his family, or the death of his wife and children. We finally meet a man who is not a womanizer. A man with a sense of humor and immediately knows Zared is right for him, and goes after her. What a lovely book. Keep up the good work, Ms. Deveraux!

After reading "A Knight in Shining Armor" and "The Duchess", I was ready to to give up on Jude Deveraux because I thought the above-mentioned books were bad and did not enjoy them one bit. Then, I got my hands on "The Conquest" and became Ms. Deveraux's fan forever.

From previous reviews, I noticed that readers loved the character of Tearle but were less enthralled with Zared. I feel just the opposite. I loved Zared. Sure, she was a brat but she is unlike any other romantic heroine. She was instantly refreshing and even touching when she was vulnerable. Tearle, on the other hand, seemed a bit boring at first. I don't dispute that he is right for Zared, but he is not the typical dashing romantic hero. Even so, I grew to like him an couldn't wait until he and Zared got together for good.

My second favorite character, after Zared, is Anne. She also got spunk and I wish that she could have been given more to do or even a whole book devoted to her story.

I adore this book, but it still can't compare to the book that I consider to be the most breathtaking romance: "Wishes".

This is a very entertaining book that a Jude fan will enjoy.

Wow what a great book!
I absolutely loved Rogan and Liana in the Taming, but whoa Zared and Learle are dynamic! And what a way to end the fued between the proud Peregrines and the Howards. This book was extremely well planned and written. Not only do you fall in love with the characters but you are taken through the adventures and dangers with them! I'm estastic that I still got to hear more about Rogan and Liana. Its so nice to continue learning about their lives. I almost wish there was a third one, but this book's ending was perfect, you will not be disappointed. What's even better is that you didnt have to read The Taming before you read the Conquest. Jude Deveraux always gives us enough information so the reader isnt left confused. The Conquest is a quick and enjoyable read. There is a bit of everything in this book.I also liked that the Conquest was not exactly like The Taming, they both had very different plots and scenarios. Deveraux is always one to lead a great adventure.

I was so happy with this book. I went through so many emotions as I read: sad, mad, excited, you get the idea. The ending leaves you most satisfied. The only thing I wish, is for more of the ending of the book to go on. You will be most pleased. Pick this one up, you wont be disappointed.