Midnight Warrior [Mass Market Paperback]

Iris Johansen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1994

A passionate tale of danger, adventure, and romance that sweeps from a Saxon stronghold to a lovers' bower in the cool, jade green forests of Wales.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The popular and prolific author of Beloved Scoundrel combines romance, adventure, fantasy and the Norman invasion into a largely enjoyable whole. Raised to an independent womanhood by her mother, the healer Brynn of Falkhaar is now enslaved to the devious Saxon, Richard of Redfern. Hoping to better his position, Richard offers her services to one of the victorious Normans at Hastings. Under the watchful eye of Gage Dumont, an extremely tall, extremely wealthy and, yes, extremely handsome Norman warrior who is also the bastard son of the king of Norway, Brynn manages the miraculous cure of his great friend, the Saracen Malik--thereby winning Malik's devotion and the warm attentions of Gage as well. Alternately rebuffing and acquiescing to his advances, Brynn uses Gage's passions to protect those she loves from Richard's continued evil-doing and to wrangle a one-way ticket to Gwynthal, the island setting of idyllic childhood memories and the location of an immense hidden treasure that is her birthright. Although Brynn and Gage are appealing enough, they are far less real and engaging than Malik, the entirely too charming, warmhearted heathen, and Adwen, Richard's quondam submissive wife determined to never again be any man's fool. Brynn is the weakness: sanctimonious about her role as healer, she is also the anchor for a rather far-fetched fantasy element.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Given by her cruel master to Norman Lord Gage Dumont in order to help his dying friend, healer Brynn of Falkhaar uses her innate mystical talents to heal the wounded warrior and ends up attracting the interest of Gage in the process. Believable, thoughtfully constructed characters, complex plotting, and lively dialog characterize this sensual historical of 1066 England and Wales. Although not in the same mystical league as Penelope Williamson's Keeper of the Dream (Dell, 1992) or Kathleen Morgan's Fire Queen (below), this story by veteran historical author Johansen ("The Wind Dancer" trilogy) has enough of a magical quality to appeal to some readers of historical fantasies.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Bantam (July 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553299468
• ISBN-13: 978-0553299465
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 1.1 x 6.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #652,634 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Iris Johansen is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Pandora's Daughter, Stalemate, Killer Dreams, On the Run, and many more. She lives near Atlanta, Georgia.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars War...Magic...Passion and Everlasting Love..., October 17, 2002

By 

Tracy Talley "Book Addict" (Boston, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Midnight Warrior (Mass Market Paperback)

I have to say honestly, Ms. Johansen has redeemed herself to me. After trying two other books from her and finding them severly lacking, I was reluctant to try a third. Glad I did! Wow, this was full of passion and pageantry during the conquering of William of Normandy(1066).
The Battle of Hastings was the main center for the story and I was surprised since most authors go after the time when William was already sitting on the throne. This was a nice change of pace. Seeing the battle for England and how determined they were to possess the country.
She makes it easy for us modern readers to understand the battles and beliefs of the time, yet keeps in tact the reality of the place. Seeing Wales and the islands dotting the sea through her words was breathtaking.
Brynn of Falkhaar was shocked that she was summoned to tend to a dying man from the Norman army. Reknown as a healer, she was both anxious to help but also repulsed to lend a hand to the enemy. The battlefield of Hastings was filled with the stench of the dying and dead. So much so she felt dizzy.
Brynn must keep her wits and save this man for his friend else she be killed. But as the nights wore on, she couldn't help but see these men for who they were, mere humans brought into battle for a tyrant king. But would her pity make her lose what was most important? Her freedom?
Dark and brooding, Lord Gage Dumont was used to getting his way in all things. So why did the fact that the Welsh beauty as beautiful as a fairy disturb his thoughts? She was just a slave. Yet her kindness and passion defied all logic. Gage would risk everything he owned and everything he was about to possess to conquer her heart.

Very touching and romantic. I especially loved the ending...very...magical<wink>***

Tracy Talley~@

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of Johansen's Best work, July 2, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Midnight Warrior (Mass Market Paperback)

I can honestly say that "Mignight Warrior" is one of my favorite novels written by Johansen. The novel begins in ravaged medival England-torn by greedy barons and King John. All of the conflicts involving the toils of slavery, an abusive husband, and a haunted past create the heroine. Although Brynn is a bit saucy, she also has a sense of independence and isn't the whiny overly feminine type. Brynn's strength exudes from her healing powers and caring heart. And then we have the very masculine Gage...quite a sensual character. Stubborn, possessive, passionate-all describe his attributes. Gage struggles to protect and sheild Brynn from the evils presented; yet no one protects her from Gage... Must read if you enjoy a strong heroine and a enigmatic hero. Another great book by Johansen is "The Magnifcent Rouge."

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Favorite Johansen book, July 10, 2008

By 

Jordan Sonoma "bookwurm" (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Midnight Warrior (Mass Market Paperback)

This is my favorite of her books. I really wish she would go back to writing pure historical romances like these. Alot of authors that I used to love have since moved into or tried to expand their genre, and while this may help them sell more books, it leaves me with few authors I really want to read anymore. The hero may be a bit rough around the edges, but considering the environment he has been immersed in, and what he has had to do to survive in such a world, he still emerged a "warrior" capable of deep loyalty and intense love. While some may object to aspects of his character, the 11th century wasn't exactly a time period for breeding men who are not chauvinistic in some way. But what more of a hero could someone be to say that he would always stand by her no matter what, fight in her cause, and let nothing hurt her...urm, and not sound cheesy. As much as he tried to exert control over her at times, because she challenged him, and because he is used to maintaining that control over himself and those around him, he still goes out of his way to give her everything protect her, show her tenderness and respect, albeit awkwardly at times and is a bit grouchy about it. And the heroine is much the same way, does what she has had to, to survive, but is fiercely loyal and stubborn, yet incredibly vulnerable despite her refusal to admit that she too needs saving, all the while trying to save others. Everything else is just minor details to me.