The Maiden Warrior [Mass Market Paperback]

Mary Reed McCall (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 4, 2002

The Captive BrideThe day she was wedded to the bold English knight Aidan de Brice young Gwynne was taken captive by the Welsh bandits who'd claimed her since her birth. Years have passed, and she barely recognizes the breathtaking warrior before her who once won her heart -- but her senses recall what her memory cannot. Still, any lingering thoughts of love must be dispelled, for the proud, brave lady's loyalties now lie elsewhere.

Aidan is shocked to discover that the infamous "Dark Legend" -- the elusive rebel leader he is honor bound to defeat -- is not only a beautiful woman...but also his stolen bride! Now that he has taken her prisoner, Aidan knows his true duty is to his heart. Defying his king, Aidan must use all his power to keep fair Gwynne from harm...and rekindle her lost memories of a soul-stirring love more mighty than any kingdom or crown.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

As the sixth of seven girls in a family of readers, Mary's early life was filled with activity, excitement-and books. Drawn by the intense emotions and happy-ever-after endings penned by her favorite authors, Mary decided that she, too, wanted to write stories that might wend their way into readers' hearts.However, it wasn't until she finished her undergraduate degree in Russian and English and her master's degree in English Literature that she was able to seriously pursue her lifelong dream.

Now married to her college sweetheart and the mother of two girls of her own, Mary teaches high school English in upstate New York -- and feels fortunate to also have the chance to weave her romantic tales, creating worlds where justice always prevails and where love does indeed conquer all.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Avon (June 4, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 038081787X
• ISBN-13: 978-0380817870
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,250,687 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Mary Reed McCall grew up in a rural area of Upstate New York as part of a large and loving family. Before becoming a writer, she first considered a career in national security, studying for a brief time at the University of Leningrad before completing undergraduate degrees in Russian and English back in the United States, followed by a Master's degree in English Literature. The sixth of seven girls in her family, Mary now makes her permanent home in New York State, with her husband and children. When she is not writing or involved with family activities, she teaches high school and college level English.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Really 3 & 1/2 stars; it's better than a mere 3 indicates, September 3, 2004

By 

S. Reader "scibarfan" (Franklin, TN) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Maiden Warrior (Mass Market Paperback)

After reading a long run of books that needed, at least, better editing for style and grammar, reading Mary Reed McCall (an English teacher in her day job) was a breath of fresh air. How delightful it was not to be pulled out of the story by odd word choices, tortured phrasings, and grammar poor enough to make one shudder. McCall's writing is clear, smooth, and never leaves the reader asking what in the world she meant.

The lead characters, Gwynne and Aidan, are resolute, honorable, tortured, and intriguing. McCall shows a real understanding of the true honor and its price. Despite the Fabio-like cover art, Aidan is a strong, sensitive hero who has to choose, or make peace, between love and honor. Gwynne lost her memory 12 years ago, losing her true identity as well. Can she rediscover that woman, that life, and reconcile it to the only life she remembers, that of a warrior?

My reason for giving The Maiden Warrior 3 & 1/2 stars is that I simply didn't find it engrossing or thrilling. It was enjoyable and interesting, but not a lot more. I will admit, however, that it could have been the timing of the read, such that real life interfered with my enjoyment of the book. I was holding out huge hopes for a fellow English teacher; she met them gramatically and in most other ways. But for some reason I cannot identify, I wasn't grabbed by the book. I did, however, like it enough to try another of her books.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars exciting medieval romance, June 2, 2002

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Maiden Warrior (Mass Market Paperback)

In 1177 on the English Wales border, Aidan de Brice and Gwynne ap Moran marry. However, before they consummate their union, warriors with blue paint on their visage arrive. They abduct Gwynne leaving a stunned Aidan to suffer nightmares over the years wondering the fate of his beloved.

Twelve years later Aidan lays a trap to capture the Dark Legend, a clear threat to English control of Wales. When he faces the myth he sees a real person, but the face leaves him in shock because the Dark Legend is his beloved Gwynne whom he is seeing for the first time since the kidnapping. They still feel the lingering attraction of their once all consuming love, but Gwynne leads the Welsh rebels and the loyal Englishman Aidan wants to end the rebellion.

THE MAIDEN WARRIOR is an exciting medieval romance starring two star-crossed loves whose first chance together was disrupted making a second chance almost impossible. Gwynne is a wonderful Joan of Arc-like heroine whose conflict between her heart and her responsibility tears at her soul and hooks the reader to care what happens to her. The audience will also reach out to Aidan, also struggling with divergent loyalties. Though the ending seems a bit simplistic, fans will cherish this strong tale that provides insight into dangerous times through the respective eyes of the strong lead characters. With novels like this one Mary Reed McCall will not remain a secret to all the historical romance readers much longer.

Harriet Klausner