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47 of 49 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Medieval, Swashbuckling Romance-Filled Adventure!, December 29, 2003
This review is from: Through a Dark Mist (Mass Market Paperback)
Filled with swashbuckling adventure, sweeping pageantry and the story of a passionate romance, Marsha Canham outdoes herself with this superb historical novel. Set against the dark forests and royal court of King John "Lackland's" England, Ms. Canham brings to life a unique version of the Robin Hood tale with this story of political intrigue, hatred, revenge and fated love. Recently widowed, 18 year-old Lady Servanne de Briscourt has been bartered into her second marriage. Though she is beautiful and intelligent, her husband-to-be, King John's champion Lord Lucien Wardieu, Baron de Gournay of Bloodmore Keep, is more interested in the lands she will bring to her marriage than in the bride herself. In the large, dense forest known as Lincolnwoods, Lady Servanne and her armed escorts are ambushed on their journey to the up-coming nuptials by a band of outlaws armed with longbows. The outlaw leader, known as the Black Wolf, claims his name is Lucien Wardieu, the true Baron de Gournay - and that Lady Servanne is his hostage. The escorts are sent on their way, minus their weapons, to inform the pretender at Bloodmore Keep that his bride is being held captive. This is one wild adventure! Family sins and throne-rocking secrets are exposed, royal power is unleashed, some pretty unsavory, depraved characters murder and threaten, love and passion sizzle, armored knights ride to battle and are thwarted by a band of merry and determined men and one woman. This novel has it all - from cliff-hanging escapades to steamy sensuality. The action doesn't stop until the last sentence on the last page. As usual Ms. Canham writes with elegance and flair. Her extraordinary characters just about leap off the page. This wonderful book is definitely a keeper!
JANA
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32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This book came highly recommended to me..., June 1, 2000
This review is from: Through a Dark Mist (Mass Market Paperback)
And I highly recommend it to you! Like the ever seemingly present "dark mist" throughout the book, the sexual tension and thrill of the mystery permeates throughtout the entire book. I was absorbed from the prologue of the book when we first find Lady Servanne de Briscourt jailed in a cold dank cell then rescued by "Lucien". Although the prologue ends bleakly, the excitement begins and the reader slowly finds out the family secrets and betrayals of the Wardieu family. Lady Servanne is captured by The Black Wolf of Lincolnwoods on her way to her marriage to Baron de Gournay. Although she is kidnapped for the purpose of ransom, it is more than mere money that drives the heart of the The Black Wolf... Along the way of his plans for revenge, his heart is captured by the innocent lure of Lady Servanne. Thus begins the "heaven and the hell" of The Wolf and Servanne. A story you will find totally engrossing and satisfying. You will not find one part of this book boring or slow, because there is a surprise at every twist and turn that puts thoroughly interesting spin on this tale of betrayal, revenge and love. (I could not help myself but peak ahead to see what was going to happen!) Through A Dark Mist has the most spectacular climatic ending ever! As a matter of fact, it is the most action packed romance novel I've ever read! It's like Mission Impossible 2 meets Robyn Hood! And, TADM also has the most interesting and scene stealing secondary characters ever! Gil Golden with the grotesque scar in the shape of an N, Sparrow, the trip hopping dwarf and Alaric... the bishop, who really isn't. And I can't forget the most evil villain and villainess ever written in a romance novel- Etienne Wardieu the bastard son and Nicolaa de la Haye, who seriously makes me shudder! I just didn't get enough of the hero and the heroine... their scenes together were so few! Although, the scenes where they were together were hot and passionate enough to make up for the lack of their presence together... Unfortunately, most of their time were spent separately, suffering away for each other... If I could change one thing about this book, I would hope that Lucien and Servanne have read more of them together, either spiting each other or loving each other... Needless to say, this has been the most enjoyable romance novel I've read in a while and I would highly recommend this book! Julianne
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26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Robin Hood Never Looked So Good!, January 19, 2001
This review is from: Through a Dark Mist (Mass Market Paperback)
Marsha Canham has a wonderful writing style and I must admit I had a real problem picking my favorite book from her! This particular series (The Black Wolf series - Through a Dark Mist, In The Shadow of Midnight and The Last Arrow) is simply incredible! Through a Dark Mist is a dramatic story in the style of Robin Hood. This book has everything - legend, swashbuckling romance, fantasy, adventure, rollicking good humor, wildly exciting escapades, cliffhangers, and most of all, smoldering sensuality! Lady Servanne de Briscourt is on her way to meet her betrothed Lucien (The Dragon) de Gournay, when her party is attacked by brigands led by the notorious Black Wolf. Lady Servanne de Briscourt. She is beautiful and strong and very independent. Her interaction with the Wolf's band of outlaws is funny, touching and always interesting - but her love for The Wolf is breathtaking. Maid Marian has nothing on this heroine! The Black Wolf. Oh how I wish this book was made into a movie just to see who they would cast in this part! He would have to be a combination of actors: Douglas Fairbanks with a dash of Mel Gibson, add in some Kevin Costner and maybe just a tad bit of Errol Flynn and I think you would have your perfect Wolf! He is timeless and he is eternity all rolled up into one. Throughout the series (two sequels) there is still the quality that draws you to him throughout his years! If you dare to read about The Wolf, you chance melting into a puddle of sensations! As always the secondary characters are of the utmost importance to me and fortunately I was not let down. Every character in this book - including the villain (the "Dragon") deserves an honorable mention because they were exceptional. I cannot recommend this book highly enough! You will just have to read it - there is no other choice in the matter!
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