Customer Reviews

Lady Of The Knight (Zebra Debut)

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

LADY OF THE KNIGHT by Jackie Ivie
March 11, 2005
[...]
LADY OF THE KNIGHT by Jackie Ivie is a very enjoyable and humorously light story of a young woman, disguised as a man, who tries to avenge the wrong done to her clan. Robert the Bruce is King and is trying to unite Scotland as the clans fight amongst each other. Morganna's vow is to avenge the murder of her clan, the KilCreggars, who were attacked and killed off by the FitzHughs a number of years ago.

Taking place in the early 1300's, the novel starts with Morganna stealing weapons and other valuables off of a clan member of the FitzHugh, thinking that he is dead. Unfortunately, he is not and he gets up, grabs her and takes her prisoner. He doesn't treat her cruelly, but tells her that she will become his squire in order to pay him back for the "sett", or tartan outfit, he gives her to replace her tattered one that signified her own clan, the KilCreggars. Alexander FitzHugh, or Zander, doesn't realize he is dealing with a woman. He thinks that "Morgan" is a young man. He also thinks that Morgan stole the tartans she is wearing, so he is not aware that she's a KilCreggar.

Morgan initially thinks that Zander is the laird, or head of the clan, and so Morgan vows to find a way to kill him. While Morgan becomes Zander's squire, and they traipse across Scotland, she tries to figure out a way to take her revenge against the FitzHugh clan. In the meantime, Zander is picking up servants and maids along the way, surrounding him and Morgan with people loyal to the FitzHughs. Morgan, as part of her duty, uses her talents with various weapons to hunt and protect Zander and their group, and this immensely impresses Zander, as well as any person that witnesses it. Young maidens swoon at Morgan's feet, and young men glow with admiration. Morgan's skill with hitting targets is so incredible, that her legend spreads throughout Scotland.

The novel continues on in epic style, as they travel the country to help unite the people of Scotland. At the same time Zander cannot figure out why he is so attracted to his squire (he is afraid he has developed homosexual tendencies and a few times he goes away to do penance for his sins). His own brothers figure out the truth about Morgan much faster than Zander does (they claim he's the slow brother). Once Zander figures out that Morgan is really Morganna, the fireworks begin. Morgan had been attracted to Zander for quite some time, but she tells herself she would rather live the life of a man, and thinks she has no interest in being a feminine attractive woman. She soon finds out how wrong she was!

This book was pretty funny and for the most part was not a very serious tale, despite the themes of Robert the Bruce and the unification of Scotland. Jackie Ivie threw this reviewer for a loop, not being much of a fan for historical romances. It was a very enjoyable book, with wonderfully painted characters, and a lot of wit and humor on top of that. One thing that did stand out: the sex scenes, which lasted several pages a scene, were some of the best this reviewer has read. Sex scenes are one of the hardest things to write in any novel, including the romance, but Ivie made them work for her. They weren't embarrassing as some writers can make them, but felt very appropriate and "right on". There was nothing embarrassing about these scenes of intimacy between Zander and Morganna.

Overall, LADY OF THE KNIGHT is highly recommended by this reviewer for all readers of historical romances. In fact, any romance reader that enjoys romance with a twist of humor should enjoy this novel. This reviewer is looking forward to any future novels by Jackie Ivie.

I noticed a few months ago, while looking for some new romance authors to spark my interest, that Zebra had been publishing never before seen authors for the first time, selling their books for a great low price. I've picked up a few since then and have not been disappointed with one since. Jackie's Ivie's Lady of the Knight was one of the first of these bargain books I'd read and I was very pleased with it as a whole, pleasantly surprised at how good the book was. While I agree with some of the other reviewers that it kind of fell flat toward the end somewhat, the book still pulled at my heartstrings and I have since reread it several times. I find it quite refeshing to read a never before published author that is so good, especially when some of my favorite authors seem to get stuck in a rut, writing similar stories over and over. These new authors are adding a great new face to romance books and I hope Jackie Ivie rises to the top of them.

The idea of a heroine that forsakes all it is to be a woman, in a time when woman weren't of much value to men at all, is not necessarily a new concept in writing. What made me feel so much for Morganna, or Morgan as she is called in her male diguise, is her utter anguish she suffered all her life to get to a point where she could have revenge on the clan that killed her own. To be a small child (I believe she is 4 or 5 when it happens?) that swears to have that revenge really showed to me the brutallity of the times in which she lived. Then, when she is closest to having it, along comes that one chance of a lifetime, the only thing that could sabotage her success: Love.

Unfortuantely for the hero, Zander, it takes him quite a while to realize that there's something different about his new squire Morgan. While getting to know this quiet, self-sufficient "young man", Zander grows in admiration and like for Morgan, until he can no longer deny that he is attracted to Morgan. We see Zander stuggle with himself as a person, wondering who he himself really is. Yes, I too wondered, why doesn't he realize who Morgan is? Hello? But, then, the story would not have been as good. I ached for Zander. I cried for Morgan. I cheered for them to get together. Four stars because, as I stated above, the last stretch of the book could have been better. Take a chance on this book though. I was attracted by the price, but came out a winner when I got such a great read. It's going on the keeper shelf.

Ms. Ivie has joined the ranks of voices in historical romances that captivate and intrigue the reader to continue with the story once they start it. She has created a wonderful world with strong characters that tell their own story. Zander and Morgan are wonderful characters and their romance is one that fans of the historical romance genre won't want to miss!

Morgan has turned her back on female nature in order to survive in the world that she now finds herself living in. After a rather heated battle she leads the "lads" out onto the battlefield in order to obtain the spoils from the dead. She is taken captive by Zander FitzHugh who just so happens to belong to the clan that brought about the death of her family and dreams. She vows to kill the laird but before she realizes it...she finds herself drawn to the dark handsome Zander. Will she be able to continue her ruse and kill the man or will her feelings for Zander change the path that she has taken.

Zander can't believe that he is attracted to his squire. Morgan is a mystery to him. A mystery that he is reluctant to solve. Still once the veil of deceit is raised will the strong attraction between them be enough to save the bond that has developed or will vengence take it's toll?

Morgan is a wonderfully different character! She is strong and not waiting around for the "knigh" to save her. At the same time she's soft where it counts, and the relationship that grows between Zander and Morgan is very sensual. This story was so romantic that I was compelled to read it in one sitting! I think that Ms. Ivie is an author that we should make room for on our "keeper shelves."

Official Reviewer for www.romancedesigns.com

Clan FitzHugh destroyed the KilCreggar clan. Unknown, there are two female survivors. One is all but insane. The other is Morganna. At the tender age of four, she witnesses horror first hand. As she grows, she disguises herself as a lad and hones her skills. She has no time for play or leisure. She has a vow of vengeance to fulfill. The one who caused the blood feud, Phineas FitzHugh, will die by her hand. Once done, she will be free to die herself. So as the grows, she becomes deadly with whatever weapon one can name.

A.D. 1310
Alexander "Zander" FitzHugh brazenly takes what he wants. So he makes the boy "Morgan" his squire. Zander has no idea of all Squire Morgan's secrets. He only knows that the lad always hits what he aims for - always! Zander finds himself attracted to his squire, and has no idea as to why, but he intends to find out.

The newly crowned King of Scotland, Robert the Bruce, is set on the unification of Scotland. As Squire Morgan's skills become legendary, the king and Zander use them to unite the Scottish Clans. During this time, Morgan strays from her purpose and into Zander's bed. Now, in the battle between vengeance and passion, the more powerful will emerge victorious.

***** Author Jackie Ivie knows drama and uses it to take away the breaths of her readers! This is a powerful tale with a heroine that women can look up to. No silly or simple-minded lass here! This book is destined for my "Keeper" shelf and will never leave my possession. Yes, it is THAT good! Highly recommended for all Historical Romance fans. *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

This book is not your same ole same ole. The author takes a plot that has been done before--girl dressing up like boy. But takes it so much further--she (the author) takes a risk, and it pays off.
I really loved this book. This book offers a lot--a rich setting, real (and likeable) characters, and even with a slightly dark overtone, a chuckle or two. Probably my favorite part though is that it is not predictable. This is not a cookie cutter application of a previously used plot. It stands on its own.
In addition to recommending this book for any reader, I in particular think it would be an excellent choice for a reading group. It is sure to generate discussion. Don't pass it by.

Morganna KilCreggar was only four when she witnessed the rape and murder of her mother and rape and beating of her sister at the hands of the FitzHughs. Some years later, all of the KilCreggar clan would be dead and she alone, the only KilCreggar survivor made a vow to avenge their deaths. She honed her skills with deadly weapons and was brilliantly accurate and deadly. Being uncommonly tall and lean, she disguised herself as a young boy forsaking all signs of femininity but for her one indulgence of her long braid.

Leading her `lads' onto a battlefield to retrieve what spoils were left, "Morgan" the leader was caught by a man who she'd thought was dead. Alexander (Zander) FitzHugh was not only one of the biggest and broadest men she'd ever seen, but also the handsomest. Taking what he wanted Alex decided to take the boy "Morgan" and made him into his new squire. Alex, saw what Morgannna wanted him to see, an angry and stubborn young lad. Though not as hard as he portrayed himself to be Fitzhugh tried his best to break through his squire's surliness and discover what secrets he kept, all the while wondering at the strange attraction he felt for the young lad.

As little by little, Zander managed to whittle down more of Morgan's distrust, she found she was not as immune to the big, arrogant, and haughty warrior she had vowed to detest. Soon Morgan fought not only her hatred of the dreaded FitzHugh clan but her unbidden desire to taste the forbidden fruits that the man represented and who embodied all that she had sworn to destroy.

*** I have read a tremendous amount of medieval and Scottish based novels and I have to say that Morganna KilCreggar has to be one of the most fabulously incredible heroines I have come across in some time. Along with that, I must also say that the love story and Zander's `gift' to his bride, simply took my breath away. This was one of the most amazing and stunningly brilliant medievals I have had the pleasure to read this year. The sexual tension and the intense emotion of this story will grip you from the beginning to the most delectable end! For a debut novel in the style of the great Woodiwiss and Henley, I have to tell them - move over there's a new kid on the block and she's about to steal your thunder!

-- Marilyn, for www.historicalromancewriters.com ---

Author Jackie Ivie got it right on her first try. Lady of the Knight is a wonderful book - I loved every part of it.
Morganna KilCreggar's entire clan is dead, except for her older sister who is mentally unbalanced. The last of her clan was wiped out by clan FitzHugh, and Morganna, disguised as a lad, has vowed to kill their leader and get revenge on them, even if it means her own death. Along the way, Morganna-Morgan has honed her skills with deadly weapons. While scavaging the scene of a recently fought battle for spoils, she comes upon a man she believes to be dead, but soon finds out he is anything but. This man turns out to be Zander FitzHugh, of the hated FitzHugh clan. He claims Morgan for a squire and she plays along, thinking she can kill him at an opportune time and get the revenge she seeks. Things don't quite turn out that way, however. Morgan impresses Zander with her weaponry skills. She also manages to keep Zander in the dark with regards to her gender. Zander finds himself attracted to his squire and, understandably, is quite upset about this. Morgan too, is beset by feelings for Zander that she never believed would happen to her. Ms. Ivie deals with Zander's emotions at believing he is attracted to another man exceptionally well. She shows us his grief, his confusion, his anger and his love. She also deals well with Morgan, and how she struggles against a woman's feelings. Zander in love is a tender, considerate, wonderful man who shows Morgan that there is love in the world, even a world full of brutality and death. Zander's brothers add to the story, as well as Robert the Bruce, a wonderful woman of loose morals names Sally Bess and assorted other characters. I loved the part where Morgan is coerced into playing the part of a woman in a play at Earl Argylle's castle. Zander's reaction to seeing her dressed as a woman is memorable.
This is a great read, and I would recommend it to everyone. I hope Ms. Ivie's next books are the same quality as this one. I predict a successful writing career for her.

Morganna "Morgan" KilCreggar is orphaned young thanks to a clan feud, and left mostly to her own devices. She lives life as a boy, training herself to have assassin-like skills with daggers and a bow and arrow. Robbing dead bodies with a small band of village boys, Morgan manages to scrape by. Until one day, on an abandoned battlefield, she tries to rob the body of a man who isn't dead.

Quickly recognizing the "boy" Morgan's intelligence and deadly skills with various weapons, Alexander "Zander" FitzHugh forces Morgan to be his squire as punishment for trying to rob him and for being a robber of the dead. The younger son of a Highland laird, Zander has made a name for himself as a warrior and pseudo-political figure (he's a fourteenth century Robert The Bruce contemporary) promoting the unification of Scotland. Using "Squire Morgan" to continue his mission to gain allies in as many clans as possible, Zander is somewhat astounded to find himself attracted to his male squire.

I like a gender-bending medieval heroine once in a while and that along with the fact that this is another of Zebra's $3.99 debuts prompted me to give Ms. Ivie a try. I was not disappointed.

So often, the "girl dressed as a boy" thing doesn't work because the author isn't willing to commit her character completely to the role--Ms. Ivie side-stepped that mistake quite handily. Morgan really lives as a boy. She's tough, she's deadly, and she thinks she can do anything. I love her; she's awesome. I think she's the best gender-bending heroine ever.

Then there's the romance. Ms. Ivie whole-heartedly committed to making it feel real. Zander falls in love with Morgan truly believing she's a boy. Truly! I love it! We see the real struggles of a religious fourteenth century man "realizing" he's gay, thinking he'll go to hell if he acts on his feelings, but totally going for the love of his life anyway. This is absolutely perfect. I cannot applaud this enough! And you really believe that Zander doesn't know that Morgan is a girl, because she totally does NOT act like a girl. So rarely in a romance does an author really go for the jugular with inner struggles; so rarely does a historical romance author embrace what would have truly been a character's religious and cultural beliefs, not letting them be transparently modern in their beliefs; so rarely is a romance author willing to step outside the normal bounds of having an unquestionably feminine heroine and an unquestionably alpha, headstrong hero.

Naturally, Zander's clan is the one Morgan's clan was feuding with, and of course at first Morgan intends to kill him. Then she starts to fall for him and her plans change. Her internal conflict doesn't quite have the emotional impact of Zander's, but it is believable. Meanwhile "Squire Morgan's" skills are becoming legendary, and Morgan's fame begins to eclipse Zander's to the point that she becomes a national hero.

Somewhere about two-thirds of the way through the book the romance begins to resolve itself and the book starts to run out of steam. Then we have stereo-typical historical romance situations. Morgan starts to turn a little too feminine a little too fast once the cat's out of the bag on her masquerade. And, Zander starts to turn into a less-likable, domineering male. Things don't fall utterly apart, but they do become more conventional which leaves me a little less than thrilled.

In the end, I give "Lady Of The Knight" three stars. It probably deserves more than three, because there's a lot that's excellent about it. Unfortunately the book's problems hold me back from rating it any higher. On top of the loss of momentum, there are far too many secondary characters, the laughingly predictable usage of historical figures, clichéd romance novel circumstances, and a villain who too neatly wraps up the original plot. Don't get me wrong, I think this book is worth reading, but I'm not blind to its flaws. If you like medievals, and especially if you like gender-bending heroines, this story is for you.

Since she was four, Morganna (Morgan) KilCreggar has had one goal only--to destroy the FitzHugh leader whose rape and murder set off the feud that destroyed the entire KilCreggar family. Morgan has trained herself to be a ruthless killer, with an uncanny ability to throw knives, shoot arrows, and fence. Through constant exercise, she has developed muscles that let her pass as a male--although a young male. While leading her band of robbers onto a battlefield, Morgan is seized by a warrior who claims her as his squire.

'Zander FitzHugh is doing what he can to free Scotland from English control and a squire with a talent for weapons like that of young Morgan is too useful a tool to throw away. Despite the 'lad's' resistance, Zander drafts Morgan into the effort. The emotional cost is high, though. Zander has always liked women before--and now he can only think of his beautiful squire.

Morgan hates the FitzHughes, but this is not the FitzHugh she has sworn to kill. Sooner or later, Zander will return to his family's home and she'll be able to kill his brother, the head of the clan. Despite the growing attraction she feels for Zander, she knows the two can never have a future together. Her own death will surely follow instantly upon the death of the FitzHugh lord. Still a girl can dream, can't she? Even if she's a girl in male clothing.

Author Jackie Ivie tackles the difficult task of refreshing the overused 'hero mistakes heroine for a boy but falls in love anyway plot line' and making it new. This device was horribly overused in the 1970s and has fallen out of favor as a result, but Ivie pulls it off with Morgan's extreme training (she does hundreds of pushups a day) and with Zander's occasionally hinted at near-sightedness. One note, I would have liked to see Morgan/Morganna's continued athleticism and proto-feminism rather than a retreat into a pampered and protected female.

Set in the early 14th Century during the time of The Bruce, LADY OF THE KNIGHT is an impressive debut effort by an author to watch.

Clan FitzHugh destroyed the KilCreggar clan. Unknown, there are two female survivors. One is all but insane. The other is Morganna. At the tender age of four, she witnesses horror first hand. As she grows, she disguises herself as a lad and hones her skills. She has no time for play or leisure. She has a vow of vengeance to fulfill. The one who caused the blood feud, Phineas FitzHugh, will die by her hand. Once done, she will be free to die herself. So as the grows, she becomes deadly with whatever weapon one can name.

A.D. 1310
Alexander "Zander" FitzHugh brazenly takes what he wants. So he makes the boy "Morgan" his squire. Zander has no idea of all Squire Morgan's secrets. He only knows that the lad always hits what he aims for - always! Zander finds himself attracted to his squire, and has no idea as to why, but he intends to find out.

The newly crowned King of Scotland, Robert the Bruce, is set on the unification of Scotland. As Squire Morgan's skills become legendary, the king and Zander use them to unite the Scottish Clans. During this time, Morgan strays from her purpose and into Zander's bed. Now, in the battle between vengeance and passion, the more powerful will emerge victorious.

***** Author Jackie Ivie knows drama and uses it to take away the breaths of her readers! This is a powerful tale with a heroine that women can look up to. No silly or simple-minded lass here! This book is destined for my "Keeper" shelf and will never leave my possession. Yes, it is THAT good! Highly recommended for all Historical Romance fans. *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.