The Stone Maiden (Paperback)

by Susan King (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Setting: Scotland Highlands, 1170
Sensuality Rating: 7

The last surviving member of her family, Alainna MacLaren is heiress to the rich properties of Kinlochan and chief of Clan Laren, whose ranks have been decimated by a centuries-old feud with a neighboring clan. Desperate to protect her clan, she asks the king to choose a husband for her who is both a mighty warrior and one who will consent to take her surname so that her family name will not die out. Though sympathetic to her plight, the king has the security of all of Scotland to consider and orders a Breton member of his honor guard, Sebastien le Bret, to wed the lady, govern her lands, and build a castle at Kinlochan to secure the western Highlands.

Alainna and Sebastien are powerfully attracted to each other, but each has commitments to clan, family, and king that compel them to place honor first and love second. Despite the pledges, the treachery of Clan Laren's enemies, and threats to both their lives, neither can deny the deep love that grows between them. Whether they will survive and save the clan is another matter.

Strong and true, King's voice resonates with the lyric rhythm of Highland poetry. The Scotland of 1170 comes to life with vivid color, and each character, from the hero and heroine to the smallest player, is sharply drawn and unforgettable. Hearthside tales, the legend of the stone maiden, and the heroine's artistry with stone cutting are only a few of the fascinating details that make this novel unique. --Lois Faye Dyer

From Publishers Weekly
As the leader of her late-12th-century Highland clan, which has been decimated by war and illness since her father's death, Alainna MacLaren has no choice but to abide by the legend of the Stone Maiden in order to save her Scottish clan from oblivion: she must wed a man willing to adopt her clan name. Since each clan is fiercely protective of the lineage of its proud name, Alainna's mission seems futile. Sebastien de Bret, a Norman knight, who was a nameless infant foundling raised by monks, agrees to protect Alainna's clan in exchange for the land the king will give him. He will even marry Alainna in accord with the king's wishes, but he refuses to relinquish the name he has struggled so hard to establish for himself. King (The Heather Moon)--whose research into the territory and time period is evident--strongly draws readers into the plot and her characters' lives. (Mar.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Signet (March 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451199707
• ISBN-13: 978-0451199706
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (39 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #532,012 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #7 in	Books > Romance > Authors, A-Z > ( K ) > King, Susan
  #51 in	Books > Romance > Historical > England

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful romance!, March 14, 2000

By A Customer

I loved this book! In fact, I love the way Susan King writes, and I'm definitely going to get her other books! I read The Stone Maiden very quickly, since I was so wrapped up in the story and came to love her characters, and I did not want to leave them when it was over. The twelfth century seemed very real, not vague or shallow, and I read a lot of medieval settings, especially Scottish, which Susan King is known for writing. The Stone Maiden is a beautiful romance, not only because of its great research, but because I honestly felt the emotions of the characters, and could feel the love between Alainna and Sebastian as it grew. This book will melt your heart. Very special!

21 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A special romance, February 25, 2000

By	Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews (#1 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

In 1170 in the Highlands, Clan Laren is dying after generations of a feud and raids from Clan MacNechton. There are no young people left except for the clan leader, Alainna MacLaren. The legend of the nearby STONE MAIDEN is that after seven centuries of protecting the Laren clan, their safety will end unless Alainna marries a warrior willing to adopt her name by the spring.

Desperate for help, Alainna petitions King William for a heroic Scottish husband. William sends Breton Sebastien Le Bret, who has a beloved son living in Brittany, a good enough reason in his mind not to adopt Alainna's name. As Alainna and Sebastien fight with each other and war with their common enemy, they fall in love. However, the surname remains an issue as she believes in the legend and he loves his five-year-old son.

THE STONE MAIDEN is an exciting Medieval Highlander tale that centers on duty, honor, and love. The story line is filled with excitement that picturesquely provides the audience insight into clan life, survival and period politics. The lead couple is a warm pair even though Sebastien's patience with Alainna seems stretched. The support cast augments the tale with a feel for the twelfth century. Susan King shows why she is considered by fans and critics to be one of the monarchs of the sub-genre.

Harriet Klausner

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing and beautiful story!, April 20, 2000

By A Customer

I love romance, and I prefer novels with depth, meaning, and sophistication. THE STONE MAIDEN offers all of that and more, one of the most satisfying historical romances I have read in a very long time. The author drew me into the twelfth century setting, and the intricate, well-developed story and characters never let go until the last page. It's fascinating, thought-provoking, and multi-dimensional. It is not a quick, simplistic read. Ms. King has a lyrical style and a subtle command of her story. Very few stories can wring genuine tears from me anymore, and this one did. A special story, and a special talent, and definitely one to savor. Love the cover too--elegant and classy.