The Rose of Blacksword

Medieval historicals are out of fashion right now, but thanks to a loan from a friend, I got to go back 20 years and read this one. It was fun to read something different than today's most popular tropes, regency drawing room and swashbuckler. Predictable situations, but likable characters. Pacing could have been more even and tighter. Some typos, especially in the early chapters. Also, you can play the Lisa Kleypas drinking game with this book, so there is that. -cg

"The two mystery plots intersect with the villain being one and the same in both the hero and heroine's stories. A convenience that is usually only contrived by lazy authors. Becnel usually is not one."

http://romancepicayune.blogspot.com/2008/05/rose-of-blacksword.html

very disappointed; the story just dragged on too long. reminded me too much of early romance writing where the heroine is too victimized.