Customer Reviews

Merlins Keep

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Though written in 1977 its values are timeless and its historical value intriguing. I agree this should be a movie. As for the writing, at no time does the author intrude. Jani is a well written, strong and believable charactor which one instantly likes, then falls in love with. Very well written and entertaining to read. Madaleine Brent is a jewel to have shared this story with us, her readers.

This story is great adventure and romance with a plucky heroine, the child of tragedy. She's grows up where she doesn't belong near Nepal or Tibet but a time comes when she and her cockney-speaking caretaker have no choice but to leave. They are pursued on their arduous journey through mountain passes. Jani, the heroine, helps them make good time since she is able to communicate with yaks, mules, etc. But Jani has a mysterious past which we gradually learn about as she does. There are mystics and monks and Shangri-la-type temples, future prophesies and evil in wait. Meanwhile Jani finally makes it alive to England but broke and alone. She soldiers on, stays positive and good despite daunting circumstances and finally gets a lucky break. And where's that manly, mysterious fellow she can't forget?

Before I discovered Madeleine Brent's books, my favorite author was Victoria Holt and I absolutely always said that I couldn't imagine another author ever topping her in my favorite's list but I have to admit that I was wrong, wrong, wrong!! And I am hardly ever wrong, just ask my husband!! Anyway, you can't go wrong with any of the Madeleine Brent books and my two favorites (and it is very, very, very difficult to pick a favorite)are Merlins Keep and The Golden Urchin, the Golden Urchin being my favorite book of all time!! How I wish Hollywood would wake up and make some movies based on these books by Madeleine Brent - I know they would become beloved classics!! Read all of the Madeleine Brent books and you won't find better prices than those on Amazon.com Happy reading!!!

I love Madeleine Brent and wish there were more books out there like hers! This one is especially good. While a little slow to start, the story picks up and I could not put it down. I was so sad when it ended. Jani and her friends are such loveable characters and the novel really made me feel good, as cliched as that is. There were times when I laughed and cried while reading this book. Highly recommended!

This book follows the adventures of Jani from India to England and back again. It is a wonderful book from a wonderful author. I recommend it to anyone interested in turn-of-the-century romance and intrigue.

I own all nine of Brent's books, and each time I re-read them, they captivate me all over again. New readers may not know that Madeleine Brent is a pen name for Peter O'Donnell, who was better known for his Modesty Blaise series. All the great traits of the characters in the Brent books, both men and women, can be found in Modesty Blaise series as well - definitely worth collecting. On a side note, "Kirkby's Changeling" was the British title for "Stranger at Wildings".

These is the only book of MB I have found in french. I have read it almost 20 years ago and I was very happy last year when I discover that there are some over title even if there are in english. I have read this story a lot of time and I like it every times ! A very good one.

Agnes

The author weaves romance, adventure and spirituality together to create a novel rich in excitment and suspense. Jani is one of my favorite heroines!

Jani is saved from a life in Tibet by Mister, a man she loves as a child. Once in England, Jani saves the life of Mr. Lambert and is invited to become one of his family. Years later, Jani's beloved Eleanor becomes ensnared by a strange man, and Jani is determined to save her. This brings Mister, Adam Gascoyne, back into her life.

This was the first novel by Brent that I read, and it remains my favorite.

This book is like your favorite food, once you start you won't be able to put it down. It is well written by a talented author with no extraneous details. Every line is entertaining and creates a wonderful story about a wonderful heroine.