Lady of Fire (Onyx) [Paperback]

Anita Mills (Author)

Book Description

Series: Onyx | Publication Date: August 5, 1987

Beautiful Norman Eleanor of Nantes finds herself pursued by three very different men: the ruthless and evil Robert of Belesme; Prince Henry, son of William the Conqueror; and the dashing Roger FitzGilbert, who sweeps her off her feet.

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Onyx (August 5, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451400445
• ISBN-13: 978-0451400444
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #781,905 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Phenomenal !!, December 12, 2003

By 

MaryGrace Meloche (Ontario, Canada.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Lady of Fire (Onyx) (Paperback)

Anita Mills triumphs again with this passionate story based on forbidden love, medieval warfare, and glorious chivalry. Set in 11th century Normandy, this is an intense novel of epic proportions. Many great noblemen intensely pursue the beautiful, young Eleanor of Nantes. But it is to Roger FitzGilbert to whom she surrenders her heart, the one man she is forbidden to love.

The book opens with preparations for a festival staged by Gilbert of Nantes, Eleanor's disappointed father. He is disappointed, in the fact, Eleanor was born female. Painfully wise, Eleanor has accepted that her parents neither love nor enjoy her. Instead she gains comfort from her half-brother, Roger. Closer than other siblings, the two are inseparable.

The party arrangements are underway, and even William the Conqueror and his son, Prince Henry, arrive for the celebration. Forthwith, amused with the spirited Eleanor, William agrees to discuss a betrothal contract, with Gilbert of Nantes, on behalf of his besotted son. Infatuated with the young beauty, the prince will offer marriage, love and friendship to the exquisite Eleanor.

Also attending the feast is one of the most elite villains ever conceived in romance reading -- the wonderfully written Count Robert of Belesme. On this festive day, Robert, a nobleman's son, pledges he will have Eleanor for his own. Brilliantly, Mills shapes this extraordinary individual into a handsome, appealing and forceful man, but oh, he is so ruthless and evil. Using skilled talent, the author toys with her reader's sensibilities. Even though, the reader realizes how heinous this man is, just for a moment, you wish him success -- for Robert of Belesme so wanted and loved Eleanor

This is a tale of heroic magnitude, with Eleanor cast as the Normandy "Helen of Troy", whose beauty, wisdom and grace arouse the greatest warriors of her time. Even the church and the King of England become involved in the battle over Eleanor's fate, as an obsessed Robert lays claim to her.

"Lady of Fire" is a phenomenal read, a page-turner all the way, complete with abduction, manipulation, and confrontation. Yet, throughout it is a tale of a gentle love. An absolute wonderful romance. Well done Anita Mills. Unfortunately, this book is no longer published, but do try to get a copy. It is well worth the effort.

Grace Atkinson, Ontario - Canada.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best of the genre, October 26, 1999

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Lady of Fire (Onyx) (Paperback)

This is the first of the series and I have read all of the books until they're almost falling apart. I totally agree with another reviewer's wish that Anita Mills would return to the characters in this series. I can't recommend this book enough. Can I give it more than 5 stars?

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Events leading to the Norman Invasion of Britian, May 29, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Germany) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lady of Fire (Onyx) (Paperback)

Anita Mills retells the tales once told of William the Bastard Duke of Normandy, Matildia of Flanders, his wife, and their unruly brood in a new way by being focused on a couple (Eleanor and Rodger) and their struggle to be together, forever. This is the start of the series that ended(?) with Roses in Winter. Eleanor and Rodger (Lady of Fire) Catherine and Guy (Fire and Steel) Richard and Gilliane (Hearts of Fire) Elizabeth and Giles (The Fire and the Fury) and William and Arabella (Roses in Winter)

The addition of the fictional characters does not detract from the historical accuracy. Ms Mills does quite well in bringing the great historical dramas played by Kings and Queens down to the levels that affected the people they ruled.

These are all rather interesting books that provide a great deal of depth to a particular period in history.

Lady of Fire in particular, because it brings to life the Norman court and the conflicts over property and personal desire.