Sunday 15 July 2012

Review ~ The Crusader by Kathryn Le Veque

Taking advantage of a recent Kindle freebie offer, I cam across a new - to me - historical romance writer - Kathryn Le Veque appears to have an extensive catalogue of work.




Intrigued by the prospect of a time travel / dual time narrative , I duly downloaded Kingdom Come , only to find that it was book two in the Crusader series. I never like to read a series out of turn, so I researched and found book one....written in 2001, and thankfully also on Kindle..




The Crusader

by

Kathryn Le Veque










Along the ancient Pilgrim Trail traveled by countless crusaders from Europe to The Holy Land, Dr. Rory Osgrove is in charge of her first archaeological dig. A Biblical Archaeologist by degree, her target is a holy relic of unimaginable power. But what she discovers instead is the tomb of a long-buried Crusader, one of the thousands who came to this desert land in search of glory and riches. Deterred from her original goal, Rory is fascinated by the English knight and the journal buried with him. Reading the pages of the ancient diary, she comes to know a man of power and honor, entrusted by Richard the Lionheart with a mission of astonishing importance. Sir Kieran Hage was no ordinary Crusader and, as Rory discovers, nor is he really dead. Eight hundred years later, Kieran’s mission must be completed, but there is an ancient evil that follows him and is still determined to see him fail. Now Rory begins the adventure of a lifetime, where time has no meaning, where honor is strength, and where only true love endures.


My Thoughts

Despite the horrendous cover, and a few transcription anomalies within the digital copy - I really enjoyed this quest to find the holy relic.The burgeoning attachment between Rory and Sir Kieran is delightfully handled and as the book is largely set in modern times, it adds a new twist to the conventional time slip novel. There are times when you have to suspend belief - but then isn't that what story telling is all about - a means to take you out of the here and now, and take you to places you have never been before.

This is a light and easy romantic adventure, with likeable characters and an interesting plot - it works for me every time.



I am delighted to add the now updated cover of The Crusader Product Details





I'm looking forward to reading the next instalment in this delightfully romantic series.




Kingdom Come ("The Crusader" Series)
November 2010











7 comments:

  1. Hi there;

    Well, what do you know - I'm the author - and I thank you very much for the great review!YOU are AWESOME. Jaffa, too. Now, I'll have to do something about that cover... it was done about eleven years ago. Times change. I need to upgrade to a better version, so thanks for the suggestion.

    Looking forward to what you think about "Kingdom Come"! Hope the cover (and the book) passes the non-horrendous test.....

    By the way... LOVE Jude Devereux. One of my inspirations. If I can only be 1/2 as good as she is, I'll take it.

    Kind regards,
    Kathryn Le Veque

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  2. Hi Kathryn - Jaffa and I are delighted to welcome you to our blog.

    Thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment on my review of The Crusader, and for understanding about my comments on the blue cover - I look forward to seeing the updated version.

    Best Wishes Jo and Jaffa

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  3. Hi Jo and Jaffa;

    My "Jaffa"'s name is Watson, by the way. Like Holmes and Watson. I also have a "Cricket" and a "Twiggy". We are big fans of cats that read.

    All comments are constructive and I take them to heart. I look forward to seeing what you think about the next cover, which I put into the works this morning. All that aside, I sincerely hope you enjoy "Kingdom Come", and I would be thrilled if there are any other novels in my catalog that you end up reviewing. I'm always so happy to share your blog with my followers.

    Thank you again for your kind words and helpful comments.

    Regards,
    Kathryn

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    Replies
    1. Hi Kathryn,

      I love the names of your cats...I think all cats can read !

      I am keen to read more of your historical fiction and shall continue to review them on Jaffareadstoo...

      Best Wishes,

      Jo and Jaffa

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  4. Ah... my cats not only read, they talk, too! I'm sure Jaffa does as well.

    Happy reading to both you and Jaffa!

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    Replies
    1. I wish I was as fluent in other languages as I am in "feline"...Jaffa certainly makes himself understood !!

      Love the updated cover of The Crusader - Thank you !

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    2. Success on the new cover!! Yesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss (insert appropriate fist pumps).......

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Thanks for taking the time to comment - Jaffareadstoo appreciates your interest.