Customer Reviews

The Witch and the Warrior

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

When I picked up this book, I didn't think that I'd enjoy it so very much. I've read a number of romances and I get bored easily if the few opening paragraghs don't capture my attention immediately. But that's not the case for the Witch and the Warrior. I was HOOKED right from the first to the last pages. Re-read it 2 more times before I'd to return it to a friend. It's that spellbinding! The heroine was fragile and yet strong and protective to her loved ones. The hero was everything I ever hope he would be...real, tough and vulnerable. And I love all the secondary characters (especially the MacSweens) who add lots of humour to the story. This is the first Karyn Monk's book that I've read and I really recommend it to other romance readers. Will try to find her other books while waiting for the next one (I sincerely hope so). Keep it up Ms Monk!!!

Outstanding book! Condemned to be burned at the stake for witchcraft, Gwendolyn McSween, has borne the ridicule and hatred from her clan all her life. She has resolved that she will die and expects no rescue which is why when Alex (Mad laird of MacDunn) and a few of his clan effect a daring resue from the flames her hopes are raised.

Alex MacDuff only knows that the 'witch' of the neighboring clan is his last hope to save the life of his beloved son. He expects to see an old hag being dragged to the stake and is surprised to see the witch is not a hag but a beautiful young maid. Gwendolyn's biggest problem is that she is not a 'witch' and has no pwers to cure - so if she cannot save the laird's son, she's dead anyhow! Talk about caught between a hard place.......

Alex has not been the same since he lost his beloved wife and if he loses his son..he feels he will die as well. Gwendolyn is an enigma to him. He vowed never to love again and yet this 'witch' seems to have cast her spell over him. Only a very special love can save him from his madness and the very corageous and selfless 'witch' just may be his salvation.

The secondary characters are really funny in this love story especially the three elders of the clan! The warning is real - this is a 'read through the night book' - Get it - you will not be sorry!

This is the second book I've read by Karyn Monk. I'm impressed with her ability to keep a story exciting, romantic, funny, and suspenseful all in one. Although her language tends to be a bit too modern and American for the location and era of her stories, she provides good scenery and character development. Her heroes tend to be smart and powerful, but still vulnerable and human. Never too much unnecessary info. Her books keep you hooked from start to finish.

My main complaint about this story came towards the end. The actions of the heroine were the usual "I have to leave everyone who loves me in order to save them." I also didn't like the fact that she had so little faith in her man and his army's ability to protect their own castle and people. She was sure their enemy would slaughter them. Never mind that it took only the hero and three of his men to save her from her enemy's castle in the first scene. Otherwise, a very enjoyable read.

The Story:

Since she was born, Gwendolyn MacSween has been feared and hated as a witch. She has given up on trying to convince her clan that she is just a regular woman. Her cruel and greedy cousin, Robert, has made them all believe that she used witchcraft to murder her father. Her clan throws a celebration as they tie her to a stake and prepare burn her to death.

Alex is the laird of the clan MacDunn. He needs a miracle. His son, David, is dying and no healer has been able to save the boy. Having heard of the MacSween witch, he has come to the MacSween clan in hopes of bringing her back to his castle to save David. When they arrive, they are welcomed to join in the celebration of the burning of the witch. Alex and his men must rescue her from the burning stake so that they can take her to save David. She is Alex's last hope for his son's life.

Upon arriving at MacDunn castle, it is obvious that the clan loathes the idea of having a witch in their midst. The people are hostile, trying every ritual possible to save themselves from her evil spells. One clan member is even making attempts to kill her. Alex must protect her so that she can heal his son.

Over the following weeks, Gwendolyn endures being accused of trying to murder David with her unusual healing practices. She survives attempts on her life, ridicule, and hatred. At first, she endures because Alex has promised her freedom if his son is saved. After weeks of caring for David, Gwendolyn's reason for saving him becomes the love she feels for the sweet child. She also is beginning to love the boy's father.

Alex is tormented by memories of his wife's death. He is certain that the loss of his son would push him past the boundaries of sanity. As he finds himself attracted to Gwendolyn, he fights his guilt at the thought of betraying his oath to never love any woman other than his wife.

Robert MacSween is determined to take Gwendolyn back, even if it means bringing war against the MacDunn clan. He will take her and make her give him the magic stone. Once he wishes upon it, he will make himself the invincible ruler of all of Scotland. The thought of Alex's clan suffering because of her is more than Gwendolyn can stand. She decides to sacrifice herself for the sake of these people who have been so cruel to her. Alex is not about to let go of her. What Gwendolyn doesn't realize is that much of MacDunn clan has come to love her as their own. They will fight to save her from Robert, even if it means their own deaths.

Since childhood, I have been an avid reader whereby I developed a variety of tastes concerning literary genres. Although, I haven't necessarily been a big romance reader I found Ms. Monk's work very good. The well structured plot created a sense of mystery and a hint of humor. I think that the female characters are fun as well as interesting. If you're a reader that hasn't read much romance or are just checking what books to get...I suggest this book as a fun novel to read while relaxing. My only disappointment is that the novel ends with a sense of longing for more as to what happens to each major character.

I really liked this book. I picked it up because I like historical romances. It was great when I found out that the heroin's name was the same as mine. Definatly a plus! The plot was very interesting. Gwendolyn is a woman branded a witch. In the start she is tied to a stack and ready to be burned. I like the element of magic through out the whole book. I would really recommend this book to anyone interested in history, magic, and love!

This was the first book I had read from Karyn Monk. I was blown away by the story line and how well the book was written. I plan on reading more by Ms. Monk and I highly suggest this for all readers. You wont be able to put the book down.

THE WITCH AND THE WARRIOR is the first book I've read by Karyn Monk, but it definitely won't be the last. Ms. Monk is an excellent writer, with an imagination non-pareil. I loved the characters, from the major to the minor. This is the best romance novel I've read in a long, long time.

Gwendolyn is sentenced to die at the stake as a witch in 13th century Scotland, but that's just where the story starts. Condemned by false accusations and spurned by her clan, Gwendolyn is rescued from the pyre by Mad MacDunn, a laird at the end of his rope and in search of a witch, his last chance to cure his dying son.

The character studies in this book are outstanding. I cried at the injustice of Gwendolyn's treatment and I cheered when the MacDunn's defended her. I hated to put this book down and would easily have read it in one sitting if I had the opportunity. It was captivating and interesting. The strength of this book is in the strength of Gwendolyn's character and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romance. I got two of Ms. Monk's books at the same time and am now impatient to get into the next story. Ms. Monk is now on my shelf of favorite authors.

Loved it and not often have I found a book that was equal in entertainment level as the Wolf & the Dove. I'm very particular with what I read and will not waste my time reading a book that doesn't hold my attention. It must have a plot...not just sex. Though the sex parts are pretty graphic they don't overpower the storyline which is one of sadness, lonliness and love. Great characters and the humor really made this story. It's a repeater.

Alex MacDunn is on the verge of losing his grip on sanity. Six years earlier, he lost his wife to an unknown illness and it drove him over the brink. Since then, for the sake of his son and his clan, he has attempted to hold it together. But now, he's on the verge of losing his son David to yet another unknown illness and Alex is desperate to save him. Morag, a seer, instructs him to fetch the MacSween witch who is renowned for her magical powers. When Alex and his men visit the MacSween keep, they are invited to witness the burning of a witch, Gwendolyn, the very person Alex was looking for. He and his men make a hasty rescue of Gwendolyn and escape with only minor injuries.

Robert MacSween, the MacSween laird's brother, will not give up Gwendolyn so easily. She has something that he wants, plus he is obsessed with her. While Robert is planning his attack of the MacDunn keep, Alex takes Gwendolyn to see his son and commands her to make him well. Gwendolyn has a lot of opposition from the MacDunn clan, but they are willing to put up with her for Alex's sake.

Despite vehement disagreements over David's care, Alex's unswerving support of Gwendolyn finally allows David to recover quickly. Gwendolyn also wins some of the people over to her side. But despite her courage and compassion, there is one person in the MacDunn clan who will stop at nothing to be rid of her; even it means Gwendolyn's death.

I thought this was just an okay book. It's easy to read; the storyline is simple enough without any complex plots to really stir things up; and the characters were somewhat lovable albeit superficial. My favorites are the three MacDunn elders. They're rambunctious and eccentric enough to add a dose of humor to what would've been a somber story.

I enjoyed the tale but compared with other stories with similar storylines, this one is easily forgettable.