8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
And she breathed a Versailles of relief.... Alas, the book is done., September 6, 2009
This review is from: A Prisoner of Versailles (Darkness to Light Novels) (Paperback)
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A PRISONER OF VERSAILLES is an improvement over the first in the series, IN THE SHADOW OF THE SUN KING, but still only an okay read. Readers who are interested in the series would benefit from reading the previous entry beforehand, as this does not standalone.
Like a previous reviewer, I don't generally read Christian fiction and would not have gotten this had I known ahead of time that it was an Inspirational novel (and the second in a series besides). Since that is my fault, I still decided to give it a fair chance and see if the basic plot could overcome my worries. Sadly, it didn't, but not necessarily because of the religious usages, which could be over-the-top at times, but mainly due to a plot that's rather unoriginal and uninspiring.
I did find myself enjoying the first half of the book, but then my interest started dwindling as the story lost my attention. Unfortunately, the main character, Madeleine, still isn't fleshed out enough for me to care what happens to her, but unlike the first book, there were a few characters who were better drawn out: Pierre, Philippe, and Robert. However, since Madeleine is supposed to be someone who readers should care and root for, this is a big downfall for the story.
All in all, the book is better written, the story flows better, and the characters have improved since the last novel, but I seriously doubt I'll look for the conclusion to the series. 2.5 stars
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7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
fast-paced historical thriller, August 27, 2009
This review is from: A Prisoner of Versailles (Darkness to Light Novels) (Paperback)
In spite of the Clavell family willing to vow on the bible, King Louis XIV refuses to accept their contention as he firmly believes that Philippe Clavell is not his son. Knowing how obstinate and dangerous the monarch can be, the Clavell brood flees hoping for sanctuary in Switzerland, but fails to get out of France as the monarch spares no expense sending Captain Maisson to bring back Madeleine and her oldest son Philippe to what he calls the most beautiful palace, Versailles.
The King's men capture them and escort Madeleine and Philippe to Versailles. Madeleine depends on Pierre Bovee, who kept her safe once before; while Philippe tries in vain to persuade the ruler that he is not his offspring. However, Bovee is arrested for high treason with little chance of getting out of prison alive. Frightened for her family, friends and herself, Madeleine feels God is either testing her or more likely abandoned her. She also realizes her only way to save her kin and her former protector is agreeing to become the mistress of King Louis XIV.
The second Darkness to Light (IN THE SHADOW OF THE SUN KING) historical thriller is an exciting fast-paced tale starring a strong woman who sacrifices her own well-being to try to keep her loved ones safe. There is plenty of taut suspense and a secondary romantic subplot that tie together nicely in support of the prime story line that focuses on surviving the Sun King's peccadilloes and wrath in seventeenth century France.
Harriet Klausner
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Unique and Kept My Attention, November 21, 2009
This review is from: A Prisoner of Versailles (Darkness to Light Novels) (Paperback)
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I was very surprised that this author could take such an often ignored part of history (for the US market) and turn it into a fast paced interesting book that kept me wanting to read more. The characters are nicely developed and I found myself caring about what happened- which is something that does not usually happen with some historically based fiction. The small study guide at the end was a good way to use this book with a classroom situation- for homeschool as well. PRISONER OF VERSAILLES was an unexpected pleasure to read.
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