Customer Reviews

Rivals for the Crown

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Once again, Kathleen Givens proves herself a gifted writer of historical fiction with Rivals for the Crown. I like a good romance, but a burning bedroom scene on every other page is a bit wearing and Givens doesn't do that. Instead she creates believeable characters and a true love story within real history. You never find yourself thinking, they'd never do that or speak that way with her books. A ripping good yarn within historical fact (and she does her research well), I highly reccommend this book and the first book in this series, On a Highland Shore. I can't wait for the next one!

In 1290, trouble begins between Scotland and England when the 7 year old girl Queen of Scotland dies, and two rival factions, those of John Balliol and Robert Bruce, vie for the title of King of Scotland. England's Edward 1, known as Longshanks, seizes the opportunity to step in and demand that whichever candidate wins, he would be subservient to Edward and would rule, only as his vassal. English soldiers flood into Scotland, plundering, raping, destroying and abusing the Scots, until a rebel faction under the lead of William Wallace, known as Braveheart, manages to unite the warring clans, to defeat the English. Isabel deBurke was a lady in waiting to Edward's Queen Eleanor but was threatened and menaced by a corrupt and venal bishop, who sought her compliance by expelling the Jewish family of her childhood friend, Rachel deAnjou. Valiant Highlanders, Rory MacGannon and Kieran MacDonald, who love the girls, are thrown into many dangerous situations while trying to keep the girls safe at the same time as they are fighting the English. It's a great read for lovers of Scottish history.

This book was spectacular, ranking right up there with Phillipa Gregory. With the historical conflict as a background, the love story is riveting and the characters leap off the page. I could hardly put the book down--Givens is a master storyteller. If you haven't read On a Highland Shore, the prequel to this, be sure and get it too. They are both truly excellent historical sagas.

The characters are so well-drawn as to feel real and comfortably familiar, making the time period come to life. Isabel and Rachel are both incredibly strong women and the author offers a compelling portrait of a lasting female friendship. Plenty of court intrigue, a truly stomach-turning bad guy, heart-stopping conflicts, and a burning romance will keep you on the edge of your seat. Beautifully written, gripping historical fiction.

Rivals For The Crown was an intense and riveting saga depicting just a piece of Scotland's tormented history and battle over the land. Kathleen Givens has a way of bringing the reader into the story and keeping you there she pulls no niceties as she tells the tale of these four people caught between two countries and loyalties. In particular the two female characters Rachel and Isabele endured personal tragedy and torment that saw both of these ladies forever changed as the novel concluded. Rachel in particular questions everything that she holds so dear. While novels depicting William Wallace in them have been told before, Kathleen Givens used him as a plot point to tell the story of people around him whom his plotting and scheming across Scotland in the hopes of saving her affected. The novel made me cry, terribly angry at the injustice of it all and finally smile as all characters overcame their battles and personal torment with heavy hearts but able to move forward and start anew in some cases start anew again to an uncertain future. Rivals For The Crown is a novel that historical enthusiasts will enjoy and read again.

I couldn't wait to get this sequel to On a Highland Shore. And I liked it, but it seemed like a lot happened between the two books, particularly with Davey and Nell, that was referred to, and I kept thinking I must have missed a book, because I had no idea what they were talking about. I mean, one of the things I was looking forward to reading about was the whole Davey rescue thing, and I must admit, I was confused and a bit annoyed. It felt a bit choppy throughout, but still definitely a good read.

This book is a sequel of sorts to Givens' On a Highland Shore but a generation later. Standing alone, its a well-told historical fiction (more history, less romance) about the turbulent times of Scotland in the late 1200s. There are many wonderful characters, who you can't help but love, whose lives are intertwined. Aside from the major characters, author introduces us to "Braveheart's" William Wallace. If you've read Gabaldon's Outlander (and you really should), you will see many parallels which even if not original, are still well done. There will not be a book about Highland Shore's Davey and Nell (due to author's death), but we are given plenty of facts to fill the gaps. This is not a quick beach read. There is much history, brutal scenes not for the faint hearted and a lot of heartbreak. It is also a beautifully told story about the power of friendship, love and devotion.

In 1290 Isabel de Burke and Rachel de Anjou have been best friends since they met as children. Although they vowed forever and still love one another as sisters, their friendship seems over as King Edward I decreed that all Jews must leave immediately. Rachel accompanied by her parents and sister leave England for Berwick where they buy an inn; at the same time Isabel becomes a lady-in-waiting to Queen Eleanor.

When Scotland's preadolescent queen dies while traveling to claim her throne, rivals John Balliol and Robert Bruce wage a civil war, which fits nicely into the plans of King Edward I to annex Scotland. Highlander Kieran MacDonald arrives at the de Anjou inn where he is meets and wants Rachel. However, he is fighting with Rory MacGannon to keep the English from ruling over Scotland so has no time for his heart's desire. Soon Isabel and Rachel reunite with the former and Rory attracted to each other. The two female friends are caught in the intrigue between England and Scotland and must decide between love for the Highlanders and love for England.

RIVALS FOR THE CROWN is a stupendous complex historical romance with the focus on the era. The epic saga uses the love between Rachel and Kieran, and Isabel and Rory to showcase the impact of war and royal intrigue on individuals as the two couples must make difficult choices that mean sacrifice of something cherished (love of country vs. beloved). Few authors can rival Kathleen Givens skill of transporting her audience so much so readers will feel they are along side the key cast members as late thirteenth century Scotland and to a lesser degree England comes alive once again (see the previous tale ON A HIGHLAND SHORE) in her wonderful novel.

Harriet Klausner

This was my first book by this author but it will not be my last. Ms. Givens is a wonderful writer who knows how to draw readers into history with excellent narration without overburdening the reader with periodic detail.

The story centers on the lasting, true friendship of two young women from different backgrounds during the turbulent times of William Wallace. (Naturally, as soon as I finished the book, I watched Braveheart for the tenth time!)

The Scottish heroes were amazing, not your run of the mill highlanders, they were interesting and intelligent. That is not to say I find highlanders boring in other books. Not at all. But there was something extra special and wonderful about the male characters in this book that I am sure will appeal to readers who enjoy romance with their history.

This book definitely stands out in its genre. Unlike some historical fiction writers who use a little bit of fiction to unload their research of history on us, Ms. Givens uses history to tell us a beautiful tale of love, personal loss, courage, and loyalty.

I gripped the edges of this book as the story developed! Using the internet, I followed along to the different towns, the different castles. I read further and in more detail about the times, the characters and whatever other link appealed to me. I know this is not the story of Braveheart, staring Mel Gibson, but I would like to watch the movie again after reading this book. I did not understand the movie as well as I would have liked and now have a better understanding.

The familial duty felt between family members was presented well as was the kingship and the abuses of authority with violence. Another wonderful story like this one is, "Here be Dragons" by Sharon Kay Penman. Well worth reading.

I would have preferred Ms. Givens leave out the horrid attempted rape scene between Isabella and Walter Langton. It turned my stomach even as I skimmed the words trying to find the end of it. The scene was not needed (in detail) to portray this perverted sick man. Unfortunately, the scene left a lasting impression and that is not fair to the author or her story.