This book is written in a sort of antiquated faux medieval prose style. Quaint, but I didn't have any trouble getting used to it. It's really Simon's life story, beginning when he was a teenager, so it's more of an adventure than a romance. His eventual love interest does not show up until much later in the book, and as with many medievals, the sexual politics are a real throwback. Nevertheless, I was engrossed in his character and adventures, as portrayed by Heyer, and enjoyed it very much. Good historical details and some touches of humor too. That woman could really tell a story.
This is one of my favorite Georgette Heyer books, and I was long overdue for a reread. I love the blending of relatable characters and history. This reread of the book was especially enjoyable as I recently visited the Normandy region of France and recognized many of the place names - especially Bayeux.
Simon is the illegitimate son of Lord Malvallet. When he is fourteen, he wants more than a peasant's life and goes to his father's greatest rival, looking for a place in his household. The meeting between Simon and Fulk of Montlice is hilarious. Simon is cool and determined, while Fulk is a blustering bear of a man. Fulk sees something special in Simon, and within a few years, Simon goes from squire to knight to landowner. Simon is called coldhearted, but he is ruthlessly honest and absolutely unflappable in all circumstances. That coolheadedness brings him to the attention of King Henry and sets him on the path to success.
I loved following Simon's career and activities, from his training to battlefield experiences to his work taming his property. The story is rich with the details of his day-to-day life and the life-changing events. The one thing Simon lacks is any knowledge of love, for he has experienced none of it during his life. His two best friends are Alan of Montlice, his mentor's son, and Geoffrey Malvallet, his legitimate half-brother. I enjoyed the strong friendship among these three men who always had each other's backs in battle and life. Their interactions frequently show a different side of Simon than the warrior knight.
Simon's life takes an unexpected turn when he is ordered to take Belremy. Others have failed to best Margaret, Countess of Belremy, who holds the lands. But Simon has never failed to achieve his mission and isn't about to start now. Margot is equally determined to keep her lands. Their first encounter gave a good preview of what they could expect from each other. The sparks between them flew fast and furiously, but underneath the antagonism were sparks of another sort, though neither wanted to acknowledge the attraction. Margaret's stubborn refusal to give in causes her to do something that puts her and her friend Jeanne in grave danger, and it's up to Simon to save them. It was an eye-opening experience for both, and I loved its effect on them. The ending was terrific.
A secondary romance between Geoffrey and Jeanne is a delightful contrast to the fire between Simon and Margaret. It is through Geoffrey and Jeanne that we learn a little more about Simon and Margaret as they share stories about their friends.
Simon is the illegitimate son of Lord Malvallet. When he is fourteen, he wants more than a peasant's life and goes to his father's greatest rival, looking for a place in his household. The meeting between Simon and Fulk of Montlice is hilarious. Simon is cool and determined, while Fulk is a blustering bear of a man. Fulk sees something special in Simon, and within a few years, Simon goes from squire to knight to landowner. Simon is called coldhearted, but he is ruthlessly honest and absolutely unflappable in all circumstances. That coolheadedness brings him to the attention of King Henry and sets him on the path to success.
I loved following Simon's career and activities, from his training to battlefield experiences to his work taming his property. The story is rich with the details of his day-to-day life and the life-changing events. The one thing Simon lacks is any knowledge of love, for he has experienced none of it during his life. His two best friends are Alan of Montlice, his mentor's son, and Geoffrey Malvallet, his legitimate half-brother. I enjoyed the strong friendship among these three men who always had each other's backs in battle and life. Their interactions frequently show a different side of Simon than the warrior knight.
Simon's life takes an unexpected turn when he is ordered to take Belremy. Others have failed to best Margaret, Countess of Belremy, who holds the lands. But Simon has never failed to achieve his mission and isn't about to start now. Margot is equally determined to keep her lands. Their first encounter gave a good preview of what they could expect from each other. The sparks between them flew fast and furiously, but underneath the antagonism were sparks of another sort, though neither wanted to acknowledge the attraction. Margaret's stubborn refusal to give in causes her to do something that puts her and her friend Jeanne in grave danger, and it's up to Simon to save them. It was an eye-opening experience for both, and I loved its effect on them. The ending was terrific.
A secondary romance between Geoffrey and Jeanne is a delightful contrast to the fire between Simon and Margaret. It is through Geoffrey and Jeanne that we learn a little more about Simon and Margaret as they share stories about their friends.
I'd say this is more a saga about Simon's rise from lowly bastard to revered leader with a little romance thrown in to aid his transformation from cold heart soldier to smitten lover. Margot's pride butts heads with Simon's arrogance, keeping them at odds with each other almost until the very end, which may be more frustrating for romance seekers. However, it's a good pick for readers looking for a medieval adventure. Not bad for a story written almost a century ago. 4 stars.
