Royal Blood [Paperback]

Rona Sharon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 31, 2009

In the Tudor Court of 1518, your friends and enemies can be one and the same...During the annual celebration of the Order of the Garter, Sir Michael Devereaux arrives in King Henry VIII's court on a mission for his benefactor. The celebration's endless feats and sumptuous women delight the charismatic newcomer, who becomes captivated by the enigmatic Princess Renee of France. But evil, it seems, has followed Michael to the court. Shortly after his arrival, an unknown killer claims several victims, including the Queen's lady-in-waiting, and the powerful Cardinal Wolsey asks Michael to help with the investigation. As he searches for the killer, Michael is haunted by disturbing images of the victims - flashes of violence that lead him to doubt his own sanity. Michael soon realizes that the key to solving the crime is connected to both the Pope's Imperial vault in Rome and a mystery from Michael's own past - revealing a secret that is so damning, it could forever alter the future of mankind.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Kensington Books; Original edition (March 31, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0758228589
• ISBN-13: 978-0758228581
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,381,320 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Rona Sharon is the author of critically acclaimed historical novels of intrigue, passion, and danger. Her latest, ROYAL BLOOD, is a tale of lust and violence in the treacherous Tudor Court. From her home on the Mediterranean Coast, surrounded by thousands of years of history, Rona brings her passion for culture and travel to her writing and never fails to deliver a story that carries a punch... and a dagger.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Real historical time and characters retold with a great romance and vampire spin, April 9, 2009

By 

KarLynP "romance books rule" (Bay Area, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Royal Blood (Paperback)

4.5 stars. For those wondering like I did, Royal Blood *is* a historical romance with a paranormal (vampire) twist, but the publisher (Kensington) categorizes it as Historical Fiction. It is that too, but there is definitely a love story complete with sexual tension, a few hot bedroom scenes and an HEA (happily ever after). However, it is not the typical (and predictable) historical romance. The writing quality and retelling of actual historical people and events reads more like great historical lititure. The language is period based, which took me a bit of time to get used to.

Michael and Renee made a great hero/heroine duo. Their romance/love match felt so real. Raised in Ireland, he is sent to the Royal Court for his first time to represent his Earl and make favors with the king. Upon meeting Princess Renee his entanglements at court life quickly escalates. Renee's purpose for being at court is explained early in the book, but I still wouldn't want to give that away as it was fun to read. Needless to say it requires her to make some hard and impossible decisions while in England.

The physical part of the romance wasn't rushed so don't expect bedroom scenes too early in the book, but when they heat up - OMG does it heat up! The tension building between these two was taught. Renee is one of my favorite heroines. All authors should write strong princess characters like her. She was likeable but strong, smart but vulnerable...etc. She is true to her character - the daughter of barbaric king who taught her how to make tough decisions, even the execution of a man who betrays their cause.

The vampire twist starts slow and builds momentum. It really worked in the contexts of the story. The book concludes with a great and realistic (considering there are vampires!) ending. The book has a lot of characters which was confusing to start, but the main focus does stay on Michael and Renee.

It is written using the period language (1500s, Tudor England) and therefore does read more like historical literature. Also, most of the characters and events are based on real people/events from history -- including the heroine Renee (who just gets a different ending than in reality!)

This book is a departure from her last two books in terms of the writing style, but the depth of historical detail and a passionate love story still holds true. (`My Wicked Pirate' is another one of her books that combines both wonderfully!)

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A well researched historical fiction - a chilling mystery - and an enthralling paranormal romance. Riveting!!, April 9, 2009

By 

Jana L. Perskie "ceruleana" (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Royal Blood (Paperback)

The year is 1518. King Henry VIII, by Grace of God, King of England and Ireland, and claimant to the Kingdom of France, is, at 27 years-old, in his prime. He had been crowned, along with his wife, Queen Catherine of Aragon, nine years earlier. Henry was a Renaissance Man, and the royal court was a "center of scholarly and artistic innovation and glamorous excess." The King's court was also rife with politics, ambition, and, frequently, deadly intrigue. Thomas, Cardinal Wolsey, the king's chief advisor, was careful to try to destroy or neutralize the influence of other courtiers. Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham, "the descendent of King Edward III, the King's heir presumptive," and "the Lord High Steward of London, is the premier and wealthiest peer in the realm." With his royal blood and numerous connections, Buckingham leads a group of disaffected nobles who plan to assassinate the king and put the Duke on the throne of England. When the novel opens, treasonous plots for Henry's premature demise abound.

Meanwhile, in Ireland, the Earl of Tyrone, "Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, and England's bulwark against a Celtic uprising," meets with his foster son and heir, Michael Devereaux. Tyrone wants Devereaux to attend King Henry VIII's annual knightly Order of the Garter's celebrations." The sick and dying Tyrone tells the young man that his attendance upon the king is extremely important. "Make me proud at King Henry's court. Bring honor and glory to my house...and all that is mine shall be yours, riches and power beyond your wildest imaginings." Michael is given a ring with a pagan symbol and warned to keep it hidden. There is a mysterious air of the supernatural surrounding the circumstances of Michael's secret mission. Also, a few weeks before his trip, the young man came down with the dreaded and deadly sweating sickness. He was attended to by a local healer, and his swift recovery is nothing short of miraculous...or are there other forces at work behind his newly acquired good health?

In the Royal Chateau in Amboise, France, Princess Renee de Valois, daughter of the late King Louis XII, finds herself in a bit of a bind. The beautiful princess has committed a serious indiscretion with her first love, an Italian artist. She is discovered by King Francis I, Lady Marguerite of Angouleme, the king's older sister, and the Duke de Soubise, a dirty old man who lusts after Renee. The three nobles, along with Italy's Cardinal Medici, (Renee's late mother's confessor), propose that Renee travel to England, in time for King Henry annual knightly ceremonies. The nature of the mission she is to accomplish is a secret which will not be revealed until she accepts their proposal. The entire scheme revolves around stealing a most mysterious relic, called "the Ancient." It is hidden in London. If she does not accept, then, to atone for her "lewd behavior" and her disobedience, she will be forced to marry Soubise; her artist lover will be executed; her dowry and annuity will be made null and void; and she may even be charged with treason. If she goes to England and succeeds, she will save her artist's life, be vested Duchess of Brittany, and she will not have to marry the dirty old man. Renee is then trained to be "spy, thief, assassin and sophisticated harlot." Her puppeteers believe she is up to the task as they think she takes after her "perfidious father."

Princess Renee and Michael Devereaux arrive at the English court, are introduced to each other and to the nobles surrounding the king. They, and the reader, meet an extraordinary cast of characters, many are historical figures. The author's research into 16th century Europe, especially England, is impeccable. I am very interested in this period and am impressed by Ms. Sharon's knowledge. After Michael makes his name by saving the King's life, and by triumphing at a series of jousts during the Garter ceremony tournament, Cardinal Wolsey decides to mentor him - with ulterior motives, of course. When a series of brutal murders occur, Wolsey asks Michael to investigate. Although the paranormal is a major factor from early in the storyline, When a series of brutal murders occur, Wolsey asks Michael to investigate. Although the paranormal is a major factor from early in the storyline, the supernatural really begins to play a much larger role during Michael's sleuthing and the novel's denouement.

And the romance?? Of course, sparks fly when Renee and Michael meet, but there are too many important priorities, like their individual and conflicting missions, to concern themselves with a budding romance.

I found this novel, its plots, subplots, (some actually historical in nature), to be thrilling and extremely original. The characters come to life on the page. The mysteries are chilling and intriguing. My only complaint is that the author's writing is somewhat stilted and anachronistic. She attempts to juxtapose 16th century dialogue with modern English. There are too many, "alacks," "forsooths," and the exclamation "alas" is all to popular. Although this may have been distracting when I began reading, I quickly became absorbed in the storyline and forgot about any possible flaws. I read this 488 page novel in a little over 3 sittings. I just couldn't put down. A really entertaining read!

Jana Perskie

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Royal read indeed!, June 8, 2009

By 

Romance reader (Hopkinton, Ma) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Royal Blood (Paperback)

During King Henry the VIII reign of England, a young princess is sent to join the king and his court. Princess Renee de Valois of France is on a dangerous mission for her country. The princess is to spy upon King Henry's court. Gathering information for King Francis and Cardinal Medici, Renee embarks upon an exciting mission of deception and power. Passion soon finds the young princess and it's not long before Renee's emotions forge a battle with wit. Michael Devereaux comes to court on a mission of his own. It is during the annual Celebration of the Garter that Michael is enchanted by the glitter of King Henry's court. Beautiful women and plentiful parties prove to delight the young man until he meets Princess Renee. The mysterious young lady captures his heart, setting the royal stage for a deliciously intriguing tale.

Princess Renee is blackmailed into doing what is 'best ' for her country. Against her will, Renee is forced to play a hand in deceiving King Henry's court, while garnering information for the king's foe. Gaining entry to the court, Princess Renee has a firsthand view of the powerful monarch's history making reign. She must report his doings to King Frances and Cardinal Medici, so that he may use it to their benefit.

Glamour and roses go only so far for Michael Deveraux as well. The opulence of court soon fades as a killer's deadly reign sets in. After the body of the queen's lady in waiting is found with apparent bite marks on her neck, Cardinal Wolsey enlists Michael's aide to help find the killer. Unfortunately for Michael, the murderer turns out to be a vampire.

As he searches for the killer, Michael is haunted by disturbing images of of violence that lead him to doubt his own sanity. Empowered with the aid of Renee, Michael sets out on a mission that could forever change or quickly end both his and the princess' life.

Royal Blood is a deeply moving, high paced story of love, betrayal, glamour and violence. Richly set during King Henry the VIII's powerful yet notably mad reign, history and fantasy work side by side in this wonderfully written novel. A fresh approach at portraying the Tudor period, Rona Sharon scores immensely with her riveting tale of lust and intrigue.