5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Emphasis on detail, May 16, 2003
This review is from: Hidden Heiress (Secret Clan) (Mass Market Paperback)
The Secret Clan: Hidden Heiress is masterfully put together by author Amanda Scott. Weaving faeries, falconry, and mortal romance this story is a slow-paced but satisfying read.
Acting as a spy Patrick finds himself searching for the missing heiress Bessie, who everyone assumes is dead. His chance meeting of Elspeth while hiding from pursuers brings him to Farnsworth Tower, where he takes up the post of falconer. Ms. Scot's meticulous attention to detail on the training of the falcon is thorough and complete. It is one of many ways the authenticity of the times comes to life on the pages of this book.
Elspeth is a maidservant and mistreated by her "step-sisters", much like Cinderella, with even one sister named Drusilla, a great name choice for this very annoying character. She has no memory of her well-born status prior to life at Farnsworth.
This book moves two mortals' paths by a magic they are unaware of. The Faerie element is entertaining and lends comic relief to an otherwise serious toned story.
The sequel to ABDUCTED HEIRESS, this book stands alone as a good read. It's slow-moving pace, with an emphasis on detail rather than on conflict makes it a sleeper hit for those looking for a quiet read.
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4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Trite, traditional, turgid and tame, March 24, 2003
This review is from: Hidden Heiress (Secret Clan) (Mass Market Paperback)
I could not agree more with the Publishers Weekly review listed above. This book never really takes off at all on a number of really glaring levels if this is supposed to be a 'romance.'
It is clear from the start that Elspeth and Patrick are destined to fall in love, so since it is all magic, there is little suspense or romantic tension. I would have loved to see some sizzle!
The only sizzle are the copulating supernatural characters sucking each other's toes, and the eagerly swiving King James fondling every wench in sight when his lairds are all rebelling. Not too thrilling.
Even worse is to come, however! I can see that the author is setting up for the next book in the series by introducing Patrick's sister Bab and her would-be suitor Alex, (no suspense there, eh?) but it kills the romance to have Patrick treating Elspeth the same as his sister, and constantly threatening to spank her like a two-year old.
Likewise his seemingly unrequited passion for his best friend Fin's wife Molly detracts from his romance for Elspeth. Sorry, but it makes it much more gripping to have only one couple in a romance, with some real spark, not three of four with none.
On a practical level, the fact that Elspeth is known as Beth, Bethie, Bessie, and Elizabeth as well makes for confusion. The reams of information on how to train a hawk are interesting but really not romantic at all.
There is no believable affection or heat between Patrick and Elspeth, and his accent shifts from the King's English right the way to Gaelic so often it is a wonder she could ever posibly trust him to get close to him, let alone understand half of what he is going on about.
All of the characters are one-dimensional-the equivalent of the evil step mother and two step sisters, the decent guardian who is completely ineffectual against them. Out of the whole vast cast of characters, no one jumps out at us.
It is a totally unsexy version of Cinderella. Any of the suspenseful bits, for example the supposedly exceedingly nasty Earl of Angus who completely drops out of the picture once Elspeth's mother Nell escapes, and the whole danger of Elspeth being killed, are badly mishandled and thus not effective.
Even the supernatural elements become, not magical or romantic, but silly and absurd.
This author has some very good ideas, but gets so bogged down in details and plot she forgets we are supposed to have some characters that we really want to care about and root for to the happy ever after ending.
As a light read, it could be fine, but tipping the scale at four hundred pages or so, you really need to have stamina, a huge tolerance for boredom and saccharine 'romance', and nothing else to do with your time.
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6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A captivating read -- Very highly recommended, July 20, 2002
This review is from: Hidden Heiress (Secret Clan) (Mass Market Paperback)
In 1540, citizens on the borders of England and Scotland find their alliances sorely questioned. To assure his position, King James takes Patrick MacRae's liege Mackenzie of Kintail hostage. In exchange for Kin's eventual release, Patrick risks his life to spy for Cardinal Beaton while quietly searching for the missing heiress Bessie, whom most assume to be dead.
At every opportunity, Elspeth escapes the drudgery of Farnsworth Tower to enjoy the solitude of the woods. She has no memory of her well-born status or the life she might have led. Instead, she spends her days in service to the family that raised her. Then an unexpected encounter with a stranger fleeing the baying of dogs transforms her life. She leads him to safety, and provides information that opens the opportunity for Patrick to become the falconer for Farnsworth Tower.
Through most of their adventure, Elspeth and Patrick are unaware of the well-intentioned magical help they receive. Nor does Elspeth recall the secret sign from her mother that provides a link to her true birth and her link to the Secret Clan. This marvelous supernatural element provides both comic relief and zest to bring this romance charmingly alive.
The sequel to ABDUCTED HEIRESS, Amanda Scott's HIDDEN HEIRESS will delight fans of the Highlands and all things fae. Scott's characterizations are richly developed and endearing, her prose so natural that it seems to as if you are witnessing the story rather than reading about it. Both Elspeth and Patrick struggle with misplaced loyalties, lending both fascinating conflict and opportunity for character growth. In addition, Elspeth's story echoes the traditional Cinderella tale with unusual twists that lend it striking originality. Patrick's gift for falconry, with unwitting assistance of a magical nature, also provides an unusual yet fascinating element. Indeed, Scott's seamless blending of historical detail, stunning characterizations and intervention of a magical nature, for both good and ill, all combine in a memorable tale that earns its place on the keeper shelf. Very highly recommended.
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