The Champion

The story started off slow - the backdrop of the tourney circuit was interesting but got a bit monotonous for me, and what happened there was fairly predictable for the most part.

When the story did pick up though, there were certain developments that I did not expect (except for the happy ending obviously), and the changes of scenery kept it interesting.

The villains were completely evil through and through, yet there were reasons hinted at for them being this way. Some difficult subjects were tackled well (won't mention because spoilers), and the historical detail was immersive and just really interesting, as in all of Elizabeth Chadwick's novels. I was particularly fascinated by the descriptions of medieval birth control, and show more appreciated the author's note afterwards which expanded on this.

I have enjoyed all of Elizabeth Chadwick's novels so far, and while this isn't her best, it is still an excellent read and a cut way above most other medieval historical romances I've come across. show less

This novel is set against the tournament circuits of the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Alexander de Montroi, an escapee from a brutal regime at Cranwell Priory, goes to his brother, a tourney knight. Eventually, he becomes a knight himself, eventually entering into the retinue of William Marshal. Meanwhile, Monday de Cerezay is the daughter of a tourney knight and seamstress. She and Alexander fall in love—with adverse results.

Once again, Elizabeth Chadwick gives us a wonderful rendering of the 12th century, combining romance with a wealth of historical detail that never bogs the story down. I was especially fascinated with the marriage scene, where Alexander and Monday’s son was legitimized. The reason why I love Chadwick’s show more novels so much is that she always manages to create a story that draws the reader in. Although the romance seems a bit pedestrian at times, it’s also a bit bittersweet; they don’t really realize how much they love each other until after they’ve parted ways. I found Monday’s motives for leaving a little perplexing, though. Still, the characters are such that you really find yourself involved in their story. There’s a nice blend of historical fact and fiction, which lends itself well to Alexander and Monday’s story. It's not my favorite Elizabeth Chadwick novel, but it's still very good. show less

This book was very pleasant brain candy. I liked all the characters that I was supposed to like and hated (occasionally pitied) the characters I was supposed to hate. The romance was well done and believable. I liked the atmosphere most of all, as it fit very comfortably with my knowledge of medieval history, minus the modern language of course. The historical characters fit their personalities in a way that I appreciated. A pleasant read, a good way to pass time, and I definitely liked it for that. I'll be reading more of her work for the atmosphere and the brain candy, so often necessary after a long read.

While this is not Chadwick's best, her second best is far above many other writers of historical fiction. It is always time travel with one of her novels, wrapping you up in the sights, sounds and even smells of the period.

An interesting concept using the tourney circuit as a back drop, giving you an entrance into an area most of us know nothing about. Of course the hero is wonderful, the villains truly evil and true love wins out in the end.

An absorbing read, detailed character description, well thought out plot right to the end of the book. Good sub-plots interwoven through book. The main characters Monday and Alexander proved they are human with infidelities like some of usl have today

Probably more an example of historical romance than what I call historical fiction, but a great story. A young woman, Monday, is the daughter of a tourney knight. Alexandre de Montroi is the younger brother of a tourney knight. Their adventures and love story span the era of Kings Richard and John. At one point Monday becomes the mistress of Prince John. Alexandre eventually gains a spot in the retinue of William Marshall. And unltimately there is a happy ending.

I found the book hard to read. It wasn't the writing style. It wasn't the characters. It was the obvious ending that appeared before one quarter of the book was consumed. Extra plot points were added and concluded in predictable ways. Nothing about this book wowed me.