In the Shadow of the Storm

As much as I loved the Graham saga, I started this book a bit cautiously. I’m not a huge fan of Mortimer but I have a soft spot for Edward II, and little bit for Despenser, and I knew they wouldn’t be showed here in a good light. But I trusted Belfrage to make it enjoyable nevertheless and I was right.

I liked both Kit and Adam and loved seeing how their relationship grew. With that kind of start to the marriage it could have gone terribly wrong. She was brave, not afraid to say what she wanted and ready to fight for what she wanted.

I didn’t really warm up to Mortimer and while I understand you’re loyal to a man who’s practically your foster father, I didn’t understand why he was so blindingly loyal. I’m curious to see how show more he feels about future events, especially since he’s so fond of Lady Joan…

I couldn’t help but feel that Despenser was little too evil here but yeah… I did mention about my soft spot for him so…

The book started bit slow but after events started picking up there wasn’t a dull moment. All in all I really liked this and I’m waiting for the next book. show less

Very much enjoyed the book, even though it's not really my era (I go for Tudors). I came to it because the description intrigued me enough that I entered a contest to win a copy. I am so glad I did!

I was drawn deep into the story from the first page. Ms. Belfrage has a natural ability to weave a tale. My biggest disappointment? That it ended. But at least I know a sequel is coming....

And while I'm waiting I might go try the author's Graham series - I very much enjoy her writing, and she has taught me that I can and should be flexible on eras!

I was very excited when I learned that Ms. Belfrage would be embarking on another series. I really enjoyed her Graham Saga books. In the Shadow of the Storm introduces her new characters Adam and Kit de Guirande. They are married at the start of the book but their marriage is started with a lie. They are fictional but they exist within the reality of the rebellion against Edward II.

Adam is a very righteous knight and his efforts have been rewarded by his master – he’s been given lands and now an advantageous marriage. Little does he know that the girl he was to marry (Katherine) wanted nothing to do with him and a substitute has been found in the form of her half sister (Kit). They look enough alike to pass. Kit is not happy about show more being forced into this marriage but she is threatened and feels she has no other option.

These two don’t always have smooth sailing but they work together to form a family and try and keep safe in very dangerous times. Adam’s master, Lord Mortimer fought long and hard against Edward II and it was a complicated time in England’s history. Ms. Belfrage skillfully weaves her fictional characters into that history and into the lives of historical characters. The book is well researched yet it doesn’t feel like you are reading a history lesson. It’s the smooth inclusion of facts of every day life, clothing, food, etc., that makes reading this book so enjoyable. The characters both real and fictional are well developed and not cookie cutter. I am very much looking forward to following along with the exploits and lives of Adam, Kit and their family. show less

1321. Adam de Guirande, knight, owes his alligence to his lord, Roger Mortimer. But not just his loyalty but his wife, Kit (or Katherine of Monmouth) and all her worldy goods. But not is all as it seems. But when Mortimer rises an army against Edward II, Adam must follow.
An enjoyable well-written historical adventure story.