Customer Reviews

A Prisoner of Versailles (Darkness to Light Novels)

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(16)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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

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

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.

A Prisoner of Versailles by Golden Keyes Parsons is the second book in the Darkness to Light saga about the reign of Louis XIV. Madeleine Clavell and her family thought they had escaped the long arm of the king, until their whereabouts in Geneva are disclosed, and Madeleine and eldest son Philippe are captured and forced to return to Versailles and Louis' control. Pierre Bovee's aid to the Clavell family has also been discovered, placing him in the Bastille and unable to rescue Madeleine. I was thrilled when I first heard about this exciting series that captures the opulent lifestyle of the Sun King along with his persecution of the Hugenots. I am descended from Hugenots (one who served as a bodyguard to Louis' queen and escaped with her help) with the last name of Du Puy, so characters with that name were a bonus for me. Parsons portrays the suffocating voluptuousness of the French court along with its machinations and the need for constant wariness. Madeleine and Pierre's love story is beautifully rendered along with their battle to align their newfound faith with living under the king's thumb. Filled with romance, action, faith, and rich history, this is a terrifically enjoyable read.

I am not a fan of French history. There's nothing wrong with the country or anything and I will admit there are times where it is interesting. However, as an American history major, European history (except for British) just confuses me with all the kings that have similar names and the politics that kept changing the government constantly. Except for a few movies, I usually avoid most historical things European like the plague. However this series has totally changed my mind on the entire subject.

Like the first book in the series, this book is just nothing short of sweeping and majestic. I really felt like I was in Versailles and could picture the palace and its grounds in my mind's eye. The splendor of everything is described in full detail and it's easy to picture the luxury and excess of royalty vs. the humble surroundings back with Jean and the rest of the family. Madeline's adventures are extremely fascinating as you don't know what's going to happen to her fate or that of her son's. I enjoyed her relationship with Pierre and am looking forward to seeing what happens with the pair. While there is talk about the battle between Catholics and Huguenots, the story is not preachy. Instead faith is scene in a historical context, it is what you are as opposed to how you act.

I think, though, my favorite part of the book was the bringing to life of French history. I think the author did an outstanding job at the historical research, from details of the palace to what the prisons were like. I especially thought it was interesting to bring up the Man in the Iron Mask and the possibilities that could have come from this arrangement.

The only small flaw I had with the book was that I felt that Madeline seemed to get over what happened to her husband rather fast. I just didn't feel like enough time had passed. Other than this, I really enjoyed this book. The story is extremely well researched and the plot is very fast paced. I found myself glued to the pages and didn't want the story to end. I am eagerly awaiting to read what happens in the next book. Until then, I might have to brush up on my French history after all. VERY Highly recommended.

I looked forward to A Prisoner of Versailles because I love historical fiction. This book is okay. If you're looking for a light read to dig into before you drift off to sleep, then it will work fine for that purpose. And I don't mean that in a negative light. Sometimes we look for books of different tastes, and this one is a bit on the lighter end. Which can be fine.

The trouble I had with it, is that in comparison to some of the other truly awesome historical books that have come out of late, this pales in comparison. It's slower moving, and could have been told with about 100 less pages. However, if you're into French historical fiction and/or a story with a Christian or spiritual bent, you may enjoy it.

One thing the book did make me think of was how fortunate I am to living in a society where I can choose my religion without government intervention. This book is an example of how difficult it was to do that. I enjoyed the parts where Pierre was learning to be a Christian and behave in a way that went according to his faith while still trying to satisfy his everyday obligations to King Louis.

King Louis XIV is used to getting what he wants... and what he wants is Madeleine Clavell and her oldest son, Philippe! Madeleine's options are limited by her love for her family and the king uses this to his full advantage. Will Madeleine be able to resist the king's advances? And can Philippe stand strong against the allures of the court? Meanwhile, courtier Pierre Bouveé has his own burdens to bear. How will his involvement with the Clavell family affect his own faith?

Golden Keyes Parsons returns to the series first started with IN THE SHADOW OF THE KING. While A PRISONER OF VERSAILLES can be read as a stand alone, the story is best appreciated in the context of the series. The characters and their relationships have grown throughout both books and it may be difficult for readers to jump into the middle of the series and fully understand and sympathize with the hardships and trials the Clavell family has faced.

Faith in the midst of crisis and heartbreak is a central theme in both books. However, A PRISONER OF VERSAILLES takes this theme to a whole new level. Madeleine is used to being independent and in control of her own destiny. Suddenly, she's a prisoner (albeit, one without bars to hold her) and she's searching desperately to rescue herself. Madeleine's actions are sometimes frustrating but they also make her realistic. Golden Keyes Parsons shows Madeleine's anger and pain as she wonders where God is in the midst of such trying times.

A PRISONER OF VERSAILLES is a complex book that takes readers through a gamut of emotions. Golden Keyes Parsons includes historical details such as the tidbits about the treaty and the Man in the Iron Mask that help bring the time period to life. The combination of deep emotions with the fascinating historical backdrop makes A PRISONER OF VERSAILLES a definite winner!

Full disclosure - I do not read Christian/Inspirational fiction and I would never have requested this from Amazon Vine if I'd known. I'm not sure why it was classified as American Historical Fiction on the vine newsletter. That said this is the second in a trilogy about Madeleine, one time "sweetheart" of Louis XIV and now married to François Clavell. In the first book, the Huguenot Clavell family is persecuted by the crown for their religious beliefs, as well as Louis' obsession with Madeline and her oldest son Philippe.

And that's about as far as I got, I gave up somewhere around page 50. The writing was OK, but nothing to get too excited over either and I was beginning to feel like all the good people were Huguenots and pure as the driven snow while the Catholics would all be the baddies. I could be wrong about that, but I was getting a strong impression otherwise. Worst of all and what made me put it down was the preachiness. Can't lie about anything even to save one's life, it would be a sin. Saying a prayer to God at every turn.

Sorry, but it's just not the book for me and I'm sorry it was marketed as straight historical fiction. If you're not sure, there's a Look Inside feature and I recommend you try a few surprise me's and get a feel for it before you buy it.

A Prisoner of Versailles (Darkness to Light Series) is one of a series by this same author. Not having read the others in the series it was difficult for me to become invested in these characters. Also, I didn't realize when I received this book that it was Christian fiction, but that did not detract from my enjoyment of the novel to a point.

Unlike many other members of King Louis XIV's court, Madeleine does not want to remain at court and be forced to deny her faith and true destiny. She must decide whether to give up what she has known for an unknown adventure or stay and be forced to submit to the will of the king. Madeline is a relatively strong female character until about the middle of the book when the story becomes a bit trite. However, the author doesn't stick to the original cadence of the time period, but the use of modern language makes the novel easier to read.

Overall, this was just an OK read for me.

I actually read this book without reading the first in the series so I do think I missed out on something. Overall I enjoyed the story and the historical setting, but I didn't connect much with the main characters perhaps because I hadn't read the first book... which I may go back and read although it's not a priority. So overall I liked the book somewhat but didn't really love it. I did know ahead of time it was religious fiction and didn't mind, as I like to read a historical novel without a lot of graphic sex or violence. So readers who like Christian historical fiction or just prefer more "clean" romances will probably enjoy this but I suggest reading book one first.