Slavery...loyalty. Torture...honor. Betrayal...selflessness. All the young orphan wanted was security in a world that destroyed her family and left her despised and rejected. Can the simple farmgirl find a new family through voluntary enslavement to the duke's household? Crafted in a highly precise writing style so smooth it slips right from the page into your imagination, this fantastical storyworld examines timeless social issues that inform global justice today. "Something for everyone! If you like adventure and intrigue and danger, this is the book for you." ~ Frank Creed, award-winning author of FLASHPOINT and WAR OF ATTRITION "A most unique story of loyalty provides a stark contrast against the harsh realities of a slave society. Prepare to wince, cry, and laugh." ~ R.L. Copple, author of INFINITE REALITIES and TRANSFORMING REALITIES "Caprice Hokstad has the ability to draw you into a story and make you care about characters living in a very different world than your own." ~ Terri Main, author of DARK SIDE OF THE MOON "An epic tale of good versus evil that refuses to conform to anyone's previously described genres. Brilliant...fabulous...amazing! You will be thoroughly delighted." ~ David Brollier, author of THE THIRD COVENANT
--This text refers to an alternate
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Editorial Reviews
From the Publisher
Reviews
Something for everyone! If you like adventure and intrigue and danger, this is the book for you. Ms. Hokstad must be commended for the detailed and rich world she has created.
~ Frank Creed, award-winning author of FLASHPOINT and WAR OF ATTRITION
A most unique story of loyalty provides a stark contrast against the harsh realities of a slave society. Kee's inspiring story shows how even the lowly can use the negatives that life throws at us to create a positive difference in the people we encounter. Prepare to wince, cry, and laugh.
~ R.L. Copple, author of INFINITE REALITIES and TRANSFORMING REALITIES
Hokstad captures the very heart of innocence. Her compelling skill to elicit emotion and sentiment from the reader is all too rare in today's fiction. Well done, Ms. Hokstad!
~ William A. Kooiker, author of TOWER OF RUIN
Caprice Hokstad has the ability to draw you into a story and make you care about characters living in a very different world than your own.
~ Terri Main, author of DARK SIDE OF THE MOON
The author...pulls one through at a rapid clip. The action is nonstop. We rated this book five hearts.
~ Bob Spear, Heartland Reviews
An epic tale of good versus evil that refuses to conform to anyone's previously described genres.
Brilliant...fabulous...amazing! You will be thoroughly delighted.
~ David Brollier, author of THE THIRD COVENANT --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
Something for everyone! If you like adventure and intrigue and danger, this is the book for you. Ms. Hokstad must be commended for the detailed and rich world she has created.
~ Frank Creed, award-winning author of FLASHPOINT and WAR OF ATTRITION
A most unique story of loyalty provides a stark contrast against the harsh realities of a slave society. Kee's inspiring story shows how even the lowly can use the negatives that life throws at us to create a positive difference in the people we encounter. Prepare to wince, cry, and laugh.
~ R.L. Copple, author of INFINITE REALITIES and TRANSFORMING REALITIES
Hokstad captures the very heart of innocence. Her compelling skill to elicit emotion and sentiment from the reader is all too rare in today's fiction. Well done, Ms. Hokstad!
~ William A. Kooiker, author of TOWER OF RUIN
Caprice Hokstad has the ability to draw you into a story and make you care about characters living in a very different world than your own.
~ Terri Main, author of DARK SIDE OF THE MOON
The author...pulls one through at a rapid clip. The action is nonstop. We rated this book five hearts.
~ Bob Spear, Heartland Reviews
An epic tale of good versus evil that refuses to conform to anyone's previously described genres.
Brilliant...fabulous...amazing! You will be thoroughly delighted.
~ David Brollier, author of THE THIRD COVENANT --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
It was Keedrina's first time in a tavern. The curiosity of it all distracted her from her grim purpose. Lamplight danced over the limestone walls, mingled with suns' light streaming through the windows. The air smelled of fireplace soot and lamp oil. The memory of smoke caused her stomach to lurch. Most of the numerous oaken tables were vacant, though she guessed this was due to the hour of the day. A few patrons held quiet discussions over pewter tankards and trenchers of stew.
The healer took her hand and pulled her toward a far corner. Keedrina took one look at the alcove and lost all nerve. The very sight of the impressive nobleman seated in a throne caused her to gasp. She tried to wriggle from the healer's grip, but he held all the tighter.
An Elva woman knelt beside the throne. She was banded like moxi, but her bands were all brightly polished silver and had no little connection rings emerging from them. The slave was so incredibly still and so flawlessly beautiful, she appeared at first a statue. Watching the handsome young Elva slipping his fingers through her hair sent a warm shiver over Keedrina.
The healer spoke first. "I am Pharn Patkus, your highness, a healer of Ny. Might I have a moment?" The healer bowed his head and bent at the waist.
The man in the throne stood, towering a full eight feet. Keedrina gulped at his sheer presence. She had not expected a nineteen-year-old, even an Elva, to be that tall. She studied his fancy clothes, sleek black hair, piercing black eyes, the quiet strength of his willowy carriage. It was no wonder every female in Ny envied the duchess.
He extended his hand and the two men grasped each other's wrists and shook. "Well met, Lord Patkus. I am Vahn Rebono and this is timna, my optimess."
Keedrina stared in awe, willing her jaw shut. His voice was deep-pitched and commanding, yet at the same time soothing and lyrical. She watched as he swept his arm to indicate the silver-banded woman at his side, the one named timna. He had given the slave a title, yet not even mentioned his own. It then dawned on her that this was the first she had heard the healer's name--Pharn Patkus. Keedrina tried to etch all the names to memory as they were mentioned.
Lord Patkus spoke again, tugging Keedrina forward then releasing her in front of him. "And this is Keedrina of the rural area to the south of Ny, your highness. Her family lived next to a plot of land I own."
Keedrina was suddenly unsure how to act in the presence of royalty. She started to curtsy, then thought better of it, dropped to one knee and bowed her head. Patkus took her by the arm but the duke waved his hand at him. She remained motionless except for the trembling she couldn't control. What in Byntar ever possessed her to appear before the second highest ruler of the kingdom? --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
The healer took her hand and pulled her toward a far corner. Keedrina took one look at the alcove and lost all nerve. The very sight of the impressive nobleman seated in a throne caused her to gasp. She tried to wriggle from the healer's grip, but he held all the tighter.
An Elva woman knelt beside the throne. She was banded like moxi, but her bands were all brightly polished silver and had no little connection rings emerging from them. The slave was so incredibly still and so flawlessly beautiful, she appeared at first a statue. Watching the handsome young Elva slipping his fingers through her hair sent a warm shiver over Keedrina.
The healer spoke first. "I am Pharn Patkus, your highness, a healer of Ny. Might I have a moment?" The healer bowed his head and bent at the waist.
The man in the throne stood, towering a full eight feet. Keedrina gulped at his sheer presence. She had not expected a nineteen-year-old, even an Elva, to be that tall. She studied his fancy clothes, sleek black hair, piercing black eyes, the quiet strength of his willowy carriage. It was no wonder every female in Ny envied the duchess.
He extended his hand and the two men grasped each other's wrists and shook. "Well met, Lord Patkus. I am Vahn Rebono and this is timna, my optimess."
Keedrina stared in awe, willing her jaw shut. His voice was deep-pitched and commanding, yet at the same time soothing and lyrical. She watched as he swept his arm to indicate the silver-banded woman at his side, the one named timna. He had given the slave a title, yet not even mentioned his own. It then dawned on her that this was the first she had heard the healer's name--Pharn Patkus. Keedrina tried to etch all the names to memory as they were mentioned.
Lord Patkus spoke again, tugging Keedrina forward then releasing her in front of him. "And this is Keedrina of the rural area to the south of Ny, your highness. Her family lived next to a plot of land I own."
Keedrina was suddenly unsure how to act in the presence of royalty. She started to curtsy, then thought better of it, dropped to one knee and bowed her head. Patkus took her by the arm but the duke waved his hand at him. She remained motionless except for the trembling she couldn't control. What in Byntar ever possessed her to appear before the second highest ruler of the kingdom? --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
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More About the Author
Caprice spends most of her time dreaming up other worlds to live vicariously in. Her first half-million words were spent on the fantasy setting of Byntar (where her published Ascendancy Trilogy novels are set). She went to Baylor University in Texas and lived in a log cabin in the mountains for ten years directly from college. She now lives--with her husband, two teens, an 8-year-old, a dog, a cat, two big rats, and a tankful of guppies--in a mobile home in southern California.
She regularly stares at her simulated aquarium screensaver, singing "I Wish I Were a Fish" from "The Incredible Mr. Limpet". Her ultimate aspiration is to live in the first undersea colony, Atlantica, currently being built off the coast of Florida. She has been assured they will have electricity and internet and that there will be room for her laptop, so she can continue to write. At that point, she may change her screensaver, but no promises.
Visit Caprice's website at Latoph.com.
She regularly stares at her simulated aquarium screensaver, singing "I Wish I Were a Fish" from "The Incredible Mr. Limpet". Her ultimate aspiration is to live in the first undersea colony, Atlantica, currently being built off the coast of Florida. She has been assured they will have electricity and internet and that there will be room for her laptop, so she can continue to write. At that point, she may change her screensaver, but no promises.
Visit Caprice's website at Latoph.com.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
What is this book about?,
By Caprice Hokstad "www.Latoph.com" (Escondido, CA United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Duke's Handmaid (Paperback)
What if Prince Charming married the Wicked Stepmother before he ever met Cinderella? Keedrina is a young peasant who lives near a thriving seaport town. After marauders kill her family and burn her farmhouse, she meets Duke Vahn, who champions her cause, apprehends the outlaws, and dispenses justice. The duke offers Keedrina food and shelter in return for service. Can the simple farmgirl find a family among the refined servants in the duke's house? Not if the prejudiced and conniving duchess has her way! Book one of a fantasy trilogy, The Duke's Handmaid is a "coming of age" story with the flavor of a classic fairy tale. Having elements of mystery, adventure, and romance, as well as new-world discovery, prophesy, and magic, The Duke's Handmaid is strongly character-driven and defies sub-categorization.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Good Read,
By Kara Fay "happy when reading" (Saline, MI United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Duke's Handmaid (Paperback)
It's so difficult these days to find a good fantasy book that isn't PG-13 rated. This one delicately and maturely deals with some more adult themes and is enjoying to read. It compares itself to The Chronicles of Narnia which made me think it was an allegory but really it's more of a parable, the whole story designed to depict one teaching. Check out the author's homepage at the end of the book. I found some interesting things there... All in all, a pleasant experience.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Duke's Handmaid,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Duke's Handmaid (Paperback)
Excellent read. I did not want to put it down after I started. Very rich characters and well written dialogue, the story flows from start to finish. The Duke's Handmaid is an intreging combination of a classic fairy tale, romance, historical romance and a tad of science fiction and fantasy.You meet Keedrina, the poor peasant whose family has been murdered to create unrest in the Dukedom of Latoph. Enter the Duke, who chases down the villians and ............no way am I giving away the rest of the story. There is much human drama and hurdles throughout the book including betrayal, cunning, and of course, love. Highly recommended read!
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Inside This Book
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Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs):
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twelve kingdoms, permanent slaves, castle guard, timna nodded, kee frowned, hypaethral division, kee cringed, kee knelt, scrimshaw pendant, kee nodded, ringed bands, may kee, ebony doors, house uniform, band sisters, neck band, ankle band Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Master Vahn, Master Terzak, Lady Keedrina, Duke Vahn, Rebono Keep, Lord Patkus, Master Blackthorn, Mors Manor, Mistress Saerula, Captain Shil, Lord Blackthorn, Lady Ultomp, Great Throne Hall, Queen's Jubilee, The Scarlet Dryad, Owner's Mark, Prince Vahn Rebono, Standard Kneel, Marquis Terzak, Faithful Obeisance Chamber, Lady Willow, The Elva, Lady Sholina, East Gate, Pharn Patkus Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
twelve kingdoms, permanent slaves, castle guard, timna nodded, kee frowned, hypaethral division, kee cringed, kee knelt, scrimshaw pendant, kee nodded, ringed bands, may kee, ebony doors, house uniform, band sisters, neck band, ankle band Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Master Vahn, Master Terzak, Lady Keedrina, Duke Vahn, Rebono Keep, Lord Patkus, Master Blackthorn, Mors Manor, Mistress Saerula, Captain Shil, Lord Blackthorn, Lady Ultomp, Great Throne Hall, Queen's Jubilee, The Scarlet Dryad, Owner's Mark, Prince Vahn Rebono, Standard Kneel, Marquis Terzak, Faithful Obeisance Chamber, Lady Willow, The Elva, Lady Sholina, East Gate, Pharn Patkus Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
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