Stone Maiden [Hardcover]

Susan King (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 2000

Alainna MacLaren is the last hope of her Highland clan. According to the legend of the Stone Maiden, the ancient enchantment that protects her people will fade-unless Alainna weds a man who is willing to adopt her name. Sebastien le Bret is a hardened knight with noble aspirations. He agrees tohelp Alainna in exchange for her land, and will fight to protect her people-but he has no intention of forsaking his name to marry her...

Product Details

• Hardcover: 330 pages
• Publisher: Signet (2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0739409352
• ISBN-13: 978-0739409350
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.8 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,791,360 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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

This review is from: The Stone Maiden (Paperback)

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!

22 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 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Stone Maiden (Paperback)

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

This review is from: The Stone Maiden (Paperback)

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.