Shadows and Strongholds by Elizabeth Chadwick
Copyright 2013
Sourcebooks Landmark - Historical Fiction
528 pp.
Quick and easy format, this time . . .
What's Shadows and Strongholds about?
Brunin Fitzwarin is a12th-century victim of bullying. His father wants him toughened up and trained, choosing best friend and ally Joscelin, Lord of Ludlow to do the job. At Ludlow, Brunin is taught with kindness. Joscelin's three young daughters, Hawise, Sybie and foster daughter Marion make him welcome. As Brunin grows to knighthood, he is called upon to use and perfect his skills in battle after battle fighting for Prince Henry against King Stephen to win the English crown and at times to defend his loved ones.
There are private and royal battles, love and envy, a bitter old woman, a sad henpecked family, bullying, birth and death, victory and tragedy. Elizabeth Chadwick's writing covers pretty much everything.
What I loved:
I am always impressed (dazzled, snowed, boggled, astonished, amazed . . . just feel like synonyms, this week) with the author's knowledge of her chosen time period, the way she brings it to life and how engrossing her books are. She knows how to keep things entertaining; her books are fairly long but never, ever the slightest bit dull.
What I disliked:
Nothing.
The bottom line:
Highly Recommended - Worth buying for the good shelves. Superb writing, phenomenal storytelling, breathtaking detail, sparkling characterization, a moving tale of love and tragedy with plenty of wit and humor thrown in. As I was reading Shadows and Strongholds, I realized that Elizabeth Chadwick's books definitely should go onto my permanent list of "desert island reads". In case of potential disaster, bring Chadwick books.
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I need to try one of her books! Been meaning to do it for YEARS now. I am so terrible at remembering what to read. I get so distracted by shiny new books. Oh, look! Z: A Novel of Zelda! SHINY.
ReplyDeleteHeather!!!! "Desert Island Reads." Seriously, you must find one and read it. You won't get distracted, once you open the book, although Z is kind of shiny. ;)
DeleteI have never read anything by Chadwick, and would love to start with this one. It sounds excellent, and the story sounds really engrossing. I am so glad to hear that you loved it. I need to get this one for myself!
ReplyDeleteShadows and Strongholds is a good one to start with, Heather. It's a rocking fine story, definitely one of my favorites.
DeleteThis is the last book on Elizabeth Chadwick's book that I have to read. I did start it a few weeks ago but then realised that I wasn't quite ready to have nothing still to discover so put it down. I think I will pick it up again just before her next book comes out in June!
ReplyDeleteI can understand that, Marg. I've still got one I was supposed to review in September, but then didn't because we ended up moving. Lucky me, eh? But, still . . . I have to keep them all in case anyone every drops me on a desert island with enough warning to pack a few books.
DeleteFor some reason I cannot get around to reading more by Chadwick. It's terrible!
ReplyDeleteThe only trouble I have with Elizabeth Chadwick's books is that they're so thick I tend to put them off. But, once I get into them, I'm swept away. You should just try one when nothing else is grabbing you. Her books are such an escape.
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