An entertaining read. I want to describe it as a swashbuckler, but it's set in the wrong time period for that. The real world clashes with the chilvalric (?) ideal and Chadwick makes the story ride the tide in a gripping way. ( )

Set in 1173 during the rebellion of Henry II’s sons and wife, Shields of Pride is about Joscelin de Gael, illegitimate son of William de Rocher and a mercenary soldier. Quick to anger, he feuds with de Rocher’s jealous sons. He meets Linnet de Montsorrel, widow, and they marry, although it is not until later that they fall in love.

Shields of Pride is one of Elizabeth Chadwick’s earlier novels, and at about 360 pages, it’s also one of her shortest. Unlike many of her novels, this one doesn’t cover a large time span; the action in this book is tightly-packed. I’ve now read seven of Chadwick’s books, and I have to say that I’m still hooked on them. The author really has a talent for sucking her reader into the story and not letting go until the last page has been turned. Shields of Pride is a little more romance-oriented, but excellent nonetheless. I don’t know if Joscelin and Linnet were real people (they probably were), but I found myself really rooting for them, even as family conflict threatens. The historical detail is exquisite; you can really picture the time period and the people and feel as if you were there. In all, a great read, about the collision of past and present, and the ability to move into one’s future. ( )

Set in 1173 as Henry II's sons threaten rebellion. Our hero is a bastard son of nobility, a mercenary and veteran of the jousting circuit. He is granted a wealthy widow and must fight to protect her and her son. Jocelin also must deal with the jealousy and resentment of his younger half brother, the legimate heir to their father's earldom. ( )

A slight deviation from what I'm used to reading, but I enjoyed this historical romance. Elizabeth Chadwick has a natural style, and manages to employ what I imagine to be her copious research subtly and practically, without boring the reader or detracting from the story; just enough was explained so that a beginner like myself could picture the scene and follow the action. Linnet is my favourite type of heroine, acting out of love but within the confines of femininity, and the romantic scenes were tastefully described and well-deserved for poor Joscelin! Recommended. ( )

Great story quick read. Story of Joscelin de Gael, illegitimate and oldest son of William de Rocher. Joscelin's mother dies when he is only four and goes to live with his father and step family who abhor him, except the youngest son. He runs away from home when he is 15 to join his uncle and fighs as a mercenary.
He returns seven years later to his fathers delight. The oldest son is not in the least happy to see him.
The story begins when Joscelin meets Linnet her son Robert and her treacherous husband the baron named Giles de Montsorrel.
From page one I was engrossed in this novel and very much enjoyed the characters. ( )