Legend of the Emerald Rose: A Novel [Paperback]

Linda Wichman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 5, 2005

King Arthur and his queen are dead and Merlin has vanished. Bound by Divine Providence but divided by distrust, Shadoe and Rayn must find a way to save the Isle of Might. A tantilizing brew of fantasy, action, and romance. Guaranteed fiction! (20050301)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"It's hard to believe Legend of the Emerald Rose is Ms. Wichman's first book. It is a powerful epic tale of adventure, romance, and a battle of good versus evil. The banter between hero and heroine is lively and fun, and the sparks that flow between them could illuminate a power station. It's obvious that Ms. Wichman spent many hours of research in preparing to write her manuscript. I truly hope she'll utilize what she's learned and write a sequel. Rich with historical detail, sensual but clean heart-tugging romance, and a commanding yet subtle faith message, Legend of the Emerald Rose is one of this year's must-read novels." (Vickie McDonough 20050401)

Legend of the Emerald Rose was a historical romance finalist for the Romance Writers of American Golden Heart Contest. It is perfect for Christian libraries with a strong romance and fantasy fiction section. (Mary Lou Henneman Church and Synagogue Library Association 20060227)

With bardic skill, Wichman weaves a fresh account of the war between light and darkness for Camelot 's heritage, holding the reader spellbound to the last and leaving them wanting more. (Linda Windsor Award-winning author, Maire, Riona, and Deirdre (The Fires o 20051118)

"This is Linda Wichman's first novel, but it won't be her last! Legend of the Emerald Rose is masterfully woven with all the skillful elements of good story-telling. You can almost believe you're right back there in that ancient time; it's for sure you'll feel the goose-flesh rise when Morgause turns up, knowing something awful is going to happen. And only Rayn, Arthur's rightful heir, can end the violence and restore peace and order. But at what price?" (Peggy Phifer Wordsmith Writer 20060801)

"Not being a big fan of fantasy, I wasn't quite sure what to expect from the Legend of the Emerald Rose. I was pleasantly surprised. Linda Wichman does an amazing job of bringing to life the post-Camelot days. The characters were so real that at times I wondered if the story wasn't true, even though I knew it couldn't possibly be. Ms. Wichman digs deep and makes the reader easily empathize with the characters. This is one of those stories that you hate to see end." (Vickie McDonough Dancing Word Reviewer 20060801)

A breathtaking tale you won't be able to put down! (Christina Lewis Bookshelf Book Reviews 20060412)

"Linda Wichman weaves Arthurian legend and fiction to create a unique story. She uses just the right amount of Celtic accent to add a level of authenticity to the book, but not so much it muddles the reader. Her use of historic detail, characters with personality, and in-depth knowledge of the time period create a story-world that draws the reader in from the first word. A book I'd recommend without hesitation." (Cheryl Russell Infuze Magazine 20060901)

"Linda Wichman weaves Arthurian legend and fiction to create a unique story. She uses just the right amount of Celtic accent to add a level of authenticity to the book, but not so much it muddles the reader. Her use of historic detail, characters with personality, and in-depth knowledge of the time period create a story-world that draws the reader in from the first word. A book I'd recommend without hesitation." (Cheryl Russell Infuze Magazine 20061001)

"Wichman displays an unusual and bold flair for the dramatic. With a fresh, engaging voice, she uniquely spins the Arthurian legend." (Jill Elizabeth Nelson Romantic Times Magazine )

"Linda Wichman weaves Arthurian legend and fiction to create a unique story. She uses just the right amount of Celtic accent to add a level of authenticity to the book, but not so much it muddles the reader. Her use of historic detail, characters with personality, and in-depth knowledge of the time period create a storyworld that draws the reader in from the first word. A book I'd recommend without hesitation." (Cheryl Russell Infuze Magazine )

"Linda Wichman does a great job of recreating the fascinating world of the Isle of Might and the hardy souls who lived there. Legend of the Emerald Rose is chock full of love, romance, bravery, and epic struggles between the forces of good and evil. It is also well salted with biblical truths, revealed through the lives of her characters. I am happy to recommend Legend of the Emerald Rose for your need to read list." (Barbara Warren Dancing Word Reviewer )

From the Back Cover

Legend begins where truth ends . . . or is it the other way around?

King Arthur is dead. Guenevere has been slain. Merlin has vanished. And Camelot seems lost forever. The servants of the evil one are intent on capturing the Isle of Might no matter the cost—but the remaining Knights of the Round Table have a plan. . . .

The unlikely princess: Protected from the knowledge of her birthright by the Knights of the Round Table, Emerald Rose Rayn is a high-spirited lass and a skilled warrior with an unshakable faith in God.

The reluctant apprentice: Embittered by his father Merlin’s betrayal, Shadoe un Hollo Tors abandons God and Camelot, until a dream returns him to his childhood home to fulfill his destiny and appoint Arthur’s rightful heir to the throne.

Bound by Divine providence, divided by distrust, and threatened by sorcery and demons, Shadoe and Rayn must overcome their instant dislike and mutual attraction to save the isle.

“With bardic skill, Wichman weaves a fresh account of the war between light and darkness for Camelot’s heritage, holding the reader spellbound to the last and leaving them wanting more.”

—Linda Windsor
Award-winning author of Maire, Riona, and Deirdre
(The Fires of Gleannmara Celtic Trilogy)

Linda Wichman has been writing stories since she was eight-years-old. An active member of American Christian Romance Writers and Romance Writers of America, she was selected as a historical romance finalist for the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Contest.

(20040603)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 464 pages
• Publisher: Kregel Publications (January 5, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0825441099
• ISBN-13: 978-0825441097
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,308,954 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing Blend of Myth and History-Excellent!, September 25, 2005

By 

Peggy Blann Phifer "Peg" (Las Vegas, NV USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Legend of the Emerald Rose: A Novel (Paperback)

Who can resist a tale of King Arthur, Guenevere, and the Knights of the Round Table? Fact, myth, legend...what? It continues to fascinate.

But this story is different. Now, Arthur and Guenevere are both dead, Merlin has vanished, and Camelot is no more. Still, the knights live on, and we meet Lancelot Percival, Galahad and others as they plan to restore the rightful Arthurian heir and rid the Isle of Might of its evil servants.

Emerald Rose Rayn is this heir. Legitimate daughter of Arthur and Guenevere, Rayn was raised by Lancelot and is now a beautiful young woman of sixteen years. She does not know of her royal heritage, and believes herself the daughter of Lancelot. Trained as a warrior, tutored by Merlin, she has a solid and steadfast faith and belief in God.

Young Shadoe un Hollo Tors, son of Merlin, having once run away in anger at his father's betrayal, has wandered the world pursuing his own pleasures. When a dream in which he is told he must help appoint Arthur's rightful heir to the throne, Shadoe reluctantly goes back to his island home. Shadoe turned his back on God at the same time he abandoned Camelot, and his bitterness keeps him at war with what he as been sent to do. He is determined to see it through but once done he will leave forever.

Rayn has other ideas. She believes Shadoe is her "godsend" - the man promised to her by God. Shadoe resists. Though sharing a mutual dislike and distrust of one another, attraction lies under the surface and sparks are never far from igniting. Yet, because of his promise, Shadoe can't avoid being drawn into the plans of Rayn and the Knights to restore Camelot to its former glory and save the isle.

Morgause le Fey, sorceress and half-sister of Arthur, has her own plans - to put her son Mordred, illegitimate son of Arthur, on the throne and capture the Isle of Might at all costs. Mordred is weak and becomes nothing more than a puppet being manipulated by Morgause's unspeakable evil. No one on the Isle of Might is safe from her relentless scheming and ruthless ambition.

What a fun, and heart-stopping read of the battle between good and evil. As we watch the love develop between Rayn and Shadoe-will they ever accept it might be their destiny?-and pray with the Knights as they lay their plans, we know that whatever they do will be countered by Morgause's sorcery and demons.

This is Linda Wichman's first novel, but it won't be her last! Legend of the Emerald Rose is masterfully woven with all the skillful elements of good story-telling. You can almost believe you're right back there in that ancient time; it's for sure you'll feel the goose-flesh rise when Morgause turns up, knowing something awful is going to happen. And only Rayn, Arthur's rightful heir, can end the violence and restore peace and order. But at what price?

This is a `gotta read' and I say run, don't walk, to your nearest Christian bookstore and get this book. Young and old will enjoy it for the era it evokes and the richness of the writing.

Peggy Phifer @2005

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing romantic fantasy --, March 9, 2005

By 

Diana Urban (Texas USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Legend of the Emerald Rose: A Novel (Paperback)

Linda Wichman weaves an intriguing tale of romantic fantasy about Rayn, the daughter of King Arthur and Queen Guenevere. Although I've read almost all the novels about Arthur, this is the first in which his heir is the main character. Merlin's son, Shadoe, plays the role of the hero, and the sparks of attraction and antagonism between them light the way throughout the challenges they face together.

Most stories of the legendary king are steeped in magic and mysticism. Wisely, Wichman chose not to ignore that legacy, but instead incorporated the myths as the power of God working in His children. In contrast, she also shows clearly that Satan has the strength to help those who follow him.

Vivid description abounds amid the struggle of good vs. evil as Shadoe and Rayn work together to save the island. I look forward to Wichman's future novels.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Historical Fantasy, August 26, 2006

By 

Barbara Warren - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Legend of the Emerald Rose: A Novel (Paperback)

Shadoe un Hollo Tors (Shad'ow un Hal'low Tore) son of Merlin, was twelve years old when King Arthur was killed. Shadoe was supposed to guard the king's back, but they were separated in the heat of battle. Now Arthur Pendragon lies on his back, clutching his famed sword Excalibur.

Shadoe believes Merlin, his father, is dead. Rumor has it that Merlin, who once followed the dark ways of the Enchanter, turned his life over to Jesu, Savior of the world. Shadoe is a follower of the true God, but when Mordred le Fey, pretender to the throne, kills Arthur and then brutally murders Queen Guenvere, Shadoe believes God has deserted them.

But God has a mission for Shadoe. An unwilling servent, still he promises he will accept the pendant of the Emerald Rose of Avalon. Only the High Steward can wear the pendant, and appoint King Arthur's successor. There is a rumor that a secret child of Arthur's escaped Mordred's murderous rampage. Shadoe's job is to find that child and make him king. His task would be a lot easier, if a frustrating, irritating, female named Emerald Rose Rayn would stop getting in his way.

I've always loved tales of King Arthur and his court, and this one is a winner. The Legend of the Emerald Rose is filled with love, bravery, and the struggle between good and evil, and is well salted with biblical truths. Linda Wichman does a great job of recreating the fascinating world of the Isle of Might and the people who lived there.