Lord of Falcon Ridge [Mass Market Paperback]

Catherine Coulter (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 25, 2003

A classic Viking novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author.

When Chessa, the princess of Ireland, is kidnapped, Cleve rescues her to hand her over to her rightful groom, William of Normandy. But Chessa refuses to marry anyone but Cleve.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Coulter can't seem to decide between fantasy and historical romance in this third title of her Viking series. Cleve, who was almost murdered at the end of Lord of Raven's Peak, is now an emissary for Duke Rolo seeking the hand of Chessa, Princess of Ireland, for Duke Rolo's son William. Lord Ragnor, future ruler of the Danelaw, is also interested in Chessa and kidnaps her when she refuses to marry him because she has fallen in love with Cleve. To escape her suitors, Chessa claims to be pregnant, and when this doesn't work, Cleve disguises himself as a woman to rescue her. After the two finally marry, they journey to Scotland to claim Cleve's inheritance, and it is in this last third of the book that Coulter turns to fantasy. Though Chessa is supposedly a wizard's daughter, she shows no magical powers until meeting Cleve's father, Varrick, also a wizard. When Ragnor's henchman kidnap Chessa yet again (a plot device Coulter uses far too often), Varrick uses a burra or magic stick to locate her. Even with an appearance by the Loch Ness monster, the pacing is slow, the multitude of characters from the first two books confusing and such names as Kerek, Kiri and Kerzog don't help. Though some background information from the earlier books is given, it would be best to read this series in order.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

YA?In this conclusion to the trilogy, set in Britain in a.d. 922, Cleve (of Lord of Raven's Peak [1994]) and Chessa (of Lord of Hawkfell Island [1993, both Jove]) meet and fall in love as he is transporting her to another intended (husband) and pursued by one who wants to kidnap her. Adventure, love, and humor keep readers entertained. Nearly all of the early groups that settled England are referred to: Celts, Anglo-Saxons, Danes, Normans, Scots, etc. Sufficient background is provided for those who haven't read the previous books, but YAs familiar with them are more likely to appreciate the nuances of the events.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Jove; First Edition edition (November 25, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0515115843
• ISBN-13: 978-0515115840
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #159,342 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #14 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Romance > Authors, A-Z > ( C ) > Coulter, Catherine R.

More About the Author

Catherine Coulter is the author of the New York Times-bestselling FBI thrillers The Cove, The Maze, The Target, The Edge, Riptide, Hemlock Bay, Eleventh House, Blindside, Blowout, Point Blank, Double Take and TailSpin. She lives in northern California.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Why dont people like this third book of the trilogy?, February 12, 2006

By 

The Enigma Facade "Nicole" (New York, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lord of Falcon Ridge (Mass Market Paperback)

If you're reading romance novels, one has to adknowledge you're not reading epic literature.

I loved the whole Viking trilogy.

Catherine Coulter writes engaging characters with fleshed out supporting cast, and I always feel like they're a step above the rest.

The romance between Cleve and Chessa is sweet, and it feels like it develops genuinely. It's not the throwing chairs at each other they cant stand each other, and somehow they end up in bed together and married sort of romance. Cleve struggles with his betrayal by Sarla and with his duty of transporting Chessa to her betrothed. His inner struggle feels genuine, because it's not overdone. He doesnt accuse Chessa of being a liar because she is a woman, he just holds himself adistance, struggling to seperate what he sees from what he wants to turn it into. Chessa only sees him as the honest, upright sort, and most importantly, beautiful. She's intelligent and the most important part of understanding Cleve and Chessa's romance is delving into everything that isnt said. The characters from the previous two viking novels are still fleshed out and Laren still tells her stories.

This is my favorite of the Viking trilogy. Catherine Coulter shouldnt be the first author that you turn to if you're just looking for bawdry sex scenes or romance that borders on escapism. Her characters have depth and substance, and there's always a bit of a mystery to keep you guessing.

Next to The Nightingale Legacy, this is up there on my list of favorites.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars i like it don't know why others don't, April 23, 2001

By 

Milady (TH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lord of Falcon Ridge (Mass Market Paperback)

I like it. (Actually I like almost all of Ms.Coulter's historical romances). I don't know why others don't. It's a good viking romance though not Ms.Coulter's best. This book is not as bad as others may think.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Finally a good romance ending!, July 23, 2000

By 

"ylla24601" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lord of Falcon Ridge (Mass Market Paperback)

When I read romances, I read them for the adventure and action. I also like the way most romance novel women are stubborn and fiery etc etc. It amuses me. However, each time I finish a romance novel I am disgusted with the ending. I cannot believe that any woman would fall in love with a man that had raped her or what not. I cannot and do not like the concept that the man must "tame" the heroine by the end. They can be amusing to read, but always disappoint.

The Lord of Falcon Ridge is the very first romance novel I have read in which I could swallow the ending (yay! it wasn't ruined!) I liked the way Cleve (Viking lord) wasn't out to dominate Chessa (Irish princess). I mean, they had their struggles, but Chessa was never treated badly by Cleve. This is what I like- Chessa is not seduced by him despite her resolution to hate the guy, she choses him and that's that.

The Viking setting is cool with adequate amounts of scheming and fighting, but for those of you who read romances for the sex, stick with Elizabeth Lowell (yuck)! For those of you who read romances for the action, I would reccommend this book. Thanks!