Another Review at MyShelf.Com

Knight Tenebrae

by Julianne Lee



      I'm not sure why this is being marketed as an historical fantasy. The real story is about the relationship between the two main characters, with the fantasy elements limited to their time travel and a few otherworldly characters. It's really an historical romance with time travel and a few fantasy elements. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but by pretending otherwise the publisher is not likely to create the friends I assume they're striving for among fans of regular fantasy, while losing out on members of their more natural audience who don't browse the SF section of the bookstore.

When British reporter, Lindsay Pawlowski, is sent to interview American pilot, Alex MacNeil, there's a small spark of interest on both sides over the fact nether fits the expected stereotype, but no imminent flame. Then, when Alex is assigned to ferry Lindsay home in his jet, a fiery vortex suddenly appears, sending them crashing into the sea. They survive, but are soon made aware that somehow they've been transported back in time to Robert the Bruce's Scotland.

Where there may be a place for a warrior of Alex's experience and skill but where there is no place for a woman like Lindsay. So, to protect her body and preserve some independence, she becomes his squire. A position which places her body in very different dangers - from their closeness, as well as more conventional battles.

An interesting thread intertwined with the relationship between Lindsay and Alex is how differently they accept and adjust to the time they are now living in. I enjoyed the historical depiction of the culture, although I did have one major quibble over having people called Mr. or Miss rather than the more appropriate Master or Mistress those are derived from.

Overall an interesting historical romance, with some real fire - sexual and otherwise - between the lead characters and a vibrant depiction of an interesting time in history. Recommended, but to romance readers rather than fantasy fans.

The Book

Ace
September 2006
Mass Market Paperback
0-441-01439-9
Historical Fantasy per cover/Historical Romance per reviewer
More at Amazon.com
Excerpt
NOTE: If you're wondering what the title means, tenebrae is from the Latin for darkness, which will make sense in context.

The Reviewer

Kim Malo
Reviewed 2006
NOTE:
© 2006 MyShelf.com