Flights Of Angels (Denise Little Presents) [Paperback]

Stobie Piel (Author)

Book Description

Series: Denise Little Presents | Publication Date: December 1, 1996

Rescued from certain death at the hands of a Roman landowner, Hengist, a powerful Angle chieftain, falls hopelessly in love with Elowyn but fears losing his chance for escape if he pursues his feelings for her. Original.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A group of young Saxons are captured and shipped to Rome as slaves. Hengist is about to be whipped when Elowyn covers his body with her own. Her stepfather appears and he buys all the Saxon slaves and brings them to his home. Hengist and Elowyn are drawn to each other, but they are just children when they pledge themselves as man and wife. Hengist has vowed to escape with all in his group and to take Elowyn with him back to England. Elowyn has aided in their endeavor to escape, and she is there to meet Hengist as planned. But they have been betrayed, and Hengist is led to believe that Elowyn is guilty. Their escape is successful and the Angles return to their homeland, but Elowyn is left behind. Elowyn and her uncle go to Britain and they lead a band of Welsh against the Saxons. Hengist and Elowyn meet again, ten years later, when, disguised as a boy and calling herself 'Authur,' she captures Hengist. But Hengist's men followed, and they outnumber the Welsh, allowing Hengist to take 'Authur' as his captive. When her hood is removed, Hengist is astonished by 'Authur's' identity, yet she does not know who he is until after he has bathed and shaved his beard. Upon mutual recognition, their minds and emotions run the gamut from hate to love, and they do not trust each other. Hengist has promised to bring the Welsh leader to his king, Oswy, who in turn gives Elowyn to Hengist to do with as he will. Elowyn and Hengist can no longer fight their feelings of love and Hengist finds out that he is the only husband Elowyn has ever known. Elowyn tells him what happened in Rome and they reestablish their trust, only to have it tested again when Oswy is poisoned and Elowyn is blamed. Hengist does not protect her, and her trust in him dies. Unbeknownst to Elowyn, Hengist makes preparations to save her, only to find out that she has escaped and thus brings doubts into his mind once more. Hengist finds Elowyn and she has him thrown in a pit but she cannot leave him there when she remembers he has a childhood fear of rats. She goes to him and they vow to 'let no fate part' them. But Hengist must accompany Oswy into battle and he must allow Elowyn to go with his cousin who has betrayed Oswy to fight for Penda. Their future together rests in Hengist's hands as his skill as a warrior and his ability to defend his king will determine their fate. Although I thoroughly enjoyed the romance, there were a lot of characters names to keep track of and these characters traveled from one place to another. By naming the ancient tribes, places, and the chiefs of the various warring factions, I found myself confused and rereading to be sure if Ms. Piel was talking about a place or a person. Readers who enjoy a large cast of characters, and several locations will take delight.The romance in Flights of Angels is tender and sweet! Rich in historical detail . . .hours of romantic reading! Stobie Piel has written an epic historical romance!Gloria Miller -- Copyright © 1994-97 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved -- From Literary Times

Product Details

• Paperback: 349 pages
• Publisher: Pinnacle (December 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786003499
• ISBN-13: 978-0786003495
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,672,233 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Truly entertaining with a fantastic heroine (spoilers), January 14, 2009

By 

Melissa (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Flights Of Angels (Denise Little Presents) (Paperback)

Flights of Angels is a sweeping story, really almost an epic, which spans from the decadence of Rome to the shores of Britain. The characters are richly developed and the hero and heroine share a beautiful love story.

Hengist and three of his fellow Saxons are captured by slavers and sent to Rome. Rowena one of the beautiful Saxons, is sold first and she is terrified to leave Hengist to whom she is betrothed. Hengist is about to be whipped for insubordination at the slave market but is rescued by a girl. Elowyn actually throws herself in front of the whip protecting the hero.

Elowyn is drawn to the beautiful young slave, he is only 16 and she is about 14, she begs her step-father to buy Hengist and his friend. Her step father does so because he is a compassionate man and promises the slaves that they can earn their freedom.

Hengist hates being a slave but is enchanted with Elowyn who learns to speak in the Saxon tongue. Her servant, Gilda, teaches her the language but constantly warns her that the slaves are not to be trusted. Elowyn is not a Roman but a Welsh lady supposedly descended from Guinevere herself.

Hengist and Elowyn have a sweet romance and she plans on leaving with Hengist when he devises an escape but jealousy and mistrust abound and they are separated. She is heartbroken and Hengist believes he can never love again.

*Spolier* Ten years later, Henigist is back in Briton and doing his King's bidding by suppressing some Welsh rebels when he is attacked by Welsh warriors. He counterattacks and captures their leader who turns out to be his true love Elowyn. She has returned to her home land with her uncle.

These two leads are completely smitten with each other, but they have a mountain of distrust between them, however they create a completely sweet romance. There is so much turmoil in Briton with rival kings and dangerous assassination plots that it became a bit confusing. In fact, the politically maneuvering and endless fighting were the only drawbacks I have about this novel. The characters more than make up for this though, especially Elowyn who is smart, compassionate and insightful. There are some deeply moving scenes with Elowyn that do not even include her true love Hengist. Elowyn possesses all the skills of a warrior, counselor, friend and life partner. This is the first book I have read by this author and I must say I am impressed.