Customer Reviews

Devil on Horseback

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Wonderful, suspenseful romantic story. The Comte Fontaine Delibes makes you root for him even though you're not sure of the nature of his intentions. Also a good deal of history too since it takes place during the French Revolution. The Revolution seen through the eyes of an aristocrat is an interesting perspective and one not usually told. 18 year old Minella Maddox falls for the Comte even though it looks like he might have killed his wife. As the French Revolution is at its height Minella is swept in a dangerous adventure with the Comte's daughter who is also her best friend. Recommended to Victoria Holt readers and history nerds/hopeless romantics like me.

It was very very very good. A romance novel. No sex scenes like I had been expecting (darn), but there was very good plot. Good use of characters. Very vivid and personal.

This was the first Victoria Holt I have ever read, and I certainly plan to read more of them! Right from the start I became engrossed in the story, trimmed with interesting characters, a dramatic setting, and a solid, twisting plot. It is one I would highly recommend. Holts style of writing is so seamless and realistic that one gets an illusion that they are there. I liked it so much, I am in the middle of two more of her books ( The King of the Castle and The Black Opal) right now.Intriguing, engrossing novel!

I loved this book! It's heroine is an intelligent, witty beauty who has many adventures and ups and downs. You never know what'll happen and it's absolutely delicious! Read this book! One of Victoria Holt's better novels, in my opinion!

Excellent book!! This was the second Victoria Holt book I have read and I cannot wait until I read another one. It was romantic, no love scenes though physical love is mentioned by the narrator several times. My only criticism is that the plot isn't as fast moving it was in the first book I read of Holt. ('Mistress of Mellyn') Also, there are some parts of the book that are a little boring, but they all lead up to the end which totally takes you by surprise!!!

I am a great fan of Victoria Holt, and I gave this book 5 stars, cuz in my opinion it is ONE of her best. All her novels are very good,but this is one of my favorites. Very Very good book! Recommended!

I've read this several times and it's one of my favorite books. It has a fanciful plot, just like any of Victoria Holt's--how many governess types actually married European aristrocracy?--but I have to say I am always delighted by the Comte's character.I've read hundreds of romance novels where the hero is arrogant, handsome, and rich, but this Comte really convinces me. I guess you could call it a deft characterization. He begins subtly persuing Minella, using circumstances to his advantage. The picture of Paris during the outbreak of the revolution is fascinating and has similarities to A Tale of Two Cities. I would venture to say that Holt was inspired by that book and used a plot twist from it. The opressive atmosphere in the city as Minella waits out her Charles' fate is well done and there is a convincing amount of fear and dread.

This was my fourth Victoria Holt novel and I instantly liked her style.
"Lord of the Far Island", "Mistress of Mellyn" and "Bride of Pendorric" were similarly satisfying reads, but for me the "Daughters of England" series of books (ca. 20 volumes) is unsurpassed. Victoria Holt wrote "Daughters of England" under her Philippa Carr pseudonym. Volume one (Miracle at St. Bruno's) starts in the 1500's (the closing of the monasteries) and follows the same family through many generations into the 20th century. The first 5 or 6 sequels are especially good!

Holt was a prolific author who penned her many books under several names, including Jean Plaidy and Philippa Carr. This engaging story is rich with detail and historical references. The main character is a young woman with a good head on her shoulders who is nonetheless attracted to a dangerous man. The story is fairly predictable. As you read, you can sense what will happen. I knew that a certain character would die and I also knew that another character would find what she was longing for. That it takes place just before the French Revolution adds interest to the story. My favorite Holt novel is The Shadow of the Lynx, which features another strong male character and a woman who is strangely attracted to him.

I found this book to be one of Victoria Holts slowest and most plodding, but appreciated the historic background of the French Revolution. The title is deceiving, but I liked it a lot better than Song for a Nightingale which was disappointing in the end. If this is your first Holt novel, do yourself a favor and read On the Night of the Seventh Moon--you will be addicted!--or read the long, but fascinating account of Marie Antoinette's life, The Queen's Confession. It's a much better book about the same time frame than this one.