The Dark Rose (Morland Dynasty) [Paperback]

Cynthia Harrod-Eagles (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2001 | Series: Morland Dynasty (Book 2)

In the Morland Dynasty series, the majestic sweep of English history is richly and movingly portrayed through the fictional lives of the Morland family. It is 1501, and Paul, great grandson of Eleanor Morland, has inherited the estate and has a son to follow him. But he fathers an illegitimate boy by his beloved mistress, and bitter jealously between the half-brothers causes a destructive rift that leads to tragedy. Paul’s niece Nanette becomes maid-in-waiting to Anne Boleyn, and at the court of Henry VIII witnesses first hand the events leading up to the rift with Rome, her mistress’s execution, and the further efforts of the sad, ailing king to secure the male succession.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A flair and believability that sets this author's talents apart from many other historical fiction writers. (Marie Johansen Books by the Willow Tree 20100706)

Vividly detailed to ensnare you right from the beginning and keep you hooked all the way to the very end. (Terra Yankee Romance Reviewers 20100706)

A compelling, emotion-stirring tale that lingers in the mind long after the last page is read. It is a KEEPER! (The Long and Short of It Reviews 20100707)

Harrod-Eagles masterfully takes command of historical events and creates intriguing and compelling stories. (Jennifer Rundpinne 20100708)

The lifestyles of the different classes were described in such detail. Not only do readers enjoy the pomp and intrigue of daily Court life with velvets and jewels, but the supposedly simpler life of those making a living from the land to support the lavish Court lifestyle. (Elizabeth Thoughts of an Evil Overlord 20100712)

A solid historical series. (Christy Readin' and Dreamin' 20100716)

Harrod-Eagles captures the period atmosphere. (Tess Thoughts From Lady Tess 20100723)

For the person who loves a great story and a very interesting time in the history of England will be sure to like The Dark Rose. (Celtic Lady's Reviews )

With her great characterization, this fast moving story will keep you reading to the end. (Anita Davison Historical Novel Review Blog )

A true page turner... (Renee Renee's Reads ) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Publisher

In the Morland Dynasty Series, the majestic sweep of English history is richly and movingly portrayed through the fictional lives of the Morland family. The 22 volumes that comprise this elegantly produced series offer entertainment of the most compelling kind.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 560 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group (May 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0751503835
• ISBN-13: 978-0751503838
• Product Dimensions: 1.5 x 4.2 x 7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,338,490 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars These books are brilliant, July 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Dark Rose (The Morland Dynasty, Book 2) (Paperback)

They start off set in the Wars of the Roses and in the most recent book the American Civil War has just ended. Ms Harrod-Eagles must be one of the most talented and dedicated authors around as the historical detail is impeccable and when you couple that with the characters it makes for compulsive reading. These are my favourite books ever - I try to read the whole series at least once a year. What I love most about it is the way the author creates such strong female characters - Eleanor, Nanette, Annunciata, Jemima, Lucy, Charlotte, Mary - they're wonderful and I love reading about them. Volume 22 is coming out soon and I can't wait for it. The only bad thing about these books is having to wait a whole year for the next installment!

If anyone wants to email me to discuss the books go ahead - I don't know anyone else who reads them.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars No One to Like, June 28, 2010

By 

P. Woodland "Broken Teepee" (Superior, MT USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Dark Rose (Morland Dynasty) (Paperback)

In The Dark Rose Ms. Harrod-Eagles takes on Tudor England. It is one of my favorite time periods in history and I, like many others, have done a lot of reading on Henry VIII. So that in some ways made this book familiar. The fictional Morland family is inserted into history to be the axis upon which the story spins.

I so wanted to like this this because of my familiarity with the content. I love reading new takes on old stories. But the Morlands in this tale are, for the most part, very unlikeable. Paul Morland is the head of the household as the book unfolds and is feeling resentment towards his half brother Jack. He thinks Jack is trying to steal everything he has; Morland Place, the love of the people, his son. Everyone loves Jack but everyone merely obeys Paul because he is the master. Paul feels slighted because his wife has only given him one son while Jack has a large family.

Paul's son grows into an entitled, unpleasant young man. Paul also has an illegitimate son by his mistress who grows up resenting Paul and promising revenge for Paul's neglect. I don't want to give away too many plot points but with one exception most of the characters you could get behind end up dead. It's just plain depressing.

Paul's niece, Nanette ends up at court as a lady in waiting to Anne Boleyn. I was not fond of the characterization of Anne Boleyn. It ran contrary to most that I have read. Since the novel focuses more on Anne than Henry this was difficult.

Paul does end up softening towards the end due to a newfound love that will raise some eyebrows but the relationship would have been acceptable in its time. He and his son find themselves on opposite sides of the religious battles raging at the time with Cromwell doing his harm to England.

I still want to continue along in the series but if the third book is also full of unlikeable characters that will probably be the end for me. I just feel you need someone to like and root for in a book. It was easy to read and I enjoyed the history but I struggled a bit with this one.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A light relaxing read with the reign of Henry VIII as a backdrop ..., November 3, 2007

By 

JaneConsumer (Philadelphia, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Dark Rose (Morland Dynasty) (Paperback)

The second book in the Morland Dynasty series can be read as a stand-alone novel. It starts approximately during 1501, a few years after Henry VIII comes to the throne. It ends around 1548, a year after his death.

Henry VIII's reign serves as a backdrop, especially his relationship with his first 3 wives - Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn and Jane Seymour. But story centers around the Morland family with a focus on Paul Morland (age 10 at the end of the first book, THE FOUNDING) and Nannette (Anne Morland), who is introduce during this book (b. 1508).

Harrod-Eagles deals historically accurately with a sensitive topic - carnal love between family members. In addition to the intrigue at Henry's court, there's conflict and strife within the Morland family.

The novel moves along at a rapid pace. It's a fast read with neither an abundance of historical detail nor romance. Just perfect for unwinding after a busy day.