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She is a healer, a storyteller, and a warrior. When Britain is faced with threats both old and new, the strength of her love may be the kingdom’s downfall . . . or salvation.
Their love has overcome endless obstacles. Never ones to shy away from danger, former High Queen Isolde and Trystan, a mercenary with a lonely and troubled past, have already endured a perilous journey to keep the underhanded Lord Marche from the throne of Britain. But now a new traitor lurks amongst the kings on Britain’s High Council—and just when they’ve realized the depth of their love for each other, a new danger calls Trystan from Isolde’s side to test the strength of their secret marriage vow. Only Isolde knows that she is carrying Trystan’s unborn child.
As Britain’s armies prepare for a final battle in which they will either turn back the tide of the invaders or see their kingdom utterly destroyed, Isolde must undertake yet another daring mission—one that will bring her even nearer to a secret that Trystan has kept for seven long years. As the clouds of war gather, Trystan and Isolde must once again fight to protect Britain’s throne. Together, they hold the key that can defeat the Saxon king, Octa of Kent, and Lord Marche. But the cost of Britain’s sovereignty may be their own forbidden love.
Based on the earliest written version of the Arthurian tales, Anna Elliott’s Sunrise of Avalon breathes new life into an age-old legend and brings the story of Trystan and Isolde to an unforgettable end.
"Strongly recommended." – Historical Novels Review
"Elliot brings the Arthurian world to rich life, creating a Britain both familiar and distinctly alien to fans of medieval romances." – Publishers Weekly
“Enthralling! A deftly plotted, fast-paced tale of love and war, with well-drawn characters, sharp suspense, and an original portrait of Trystan and Isolde you’ll never forget—I loved it.”
—Nancy McKenzie, author of Queen of Camelot
“Fans of the TV series Camelot and of epic historical fiction will relish Anna Elliott's gritty, passionate evocation of Arthurian Britain. Magic, adventure, romance and betrayal entwine in this sweeping account of the famous star-crossed lovers. Haunting and unforgettable, Sunrise of Avalon held me spell-bound!”
—C.W. Gortner, author of The Confessions of Catherine de Medici
“Set in a dark, richly detailed Tolkienesque world, the poignant love story of Trystan and Isolde is given shining new life in this magical retelling by Anna Elliott. Sunrise of Avalon kept me spellbound until the last page.”
—Sandra Worth, author of Pale Rose of England
JYKWA
Posted October 7, 2011
The story that started from 'Twilight of Avalon' has come to a fitting conclusion in 'Sunrise of Avalon'. I love the tone used by Anna Elliott - somewhat dreamy yet relevant to bring these mythical people alive and turn them into three-dimensional characters who may believably existed in ancient Britain. Both Trystan and Isolde are complex yet likable people, and I was happy at the way Ms. Elliott handled their story without betraying the original myth. Full of political intrigue, nobility, and, most importantly, heartfelt love, 'Sunrise of Avalon' brings the story of Trystan and Isolde to a fitting conclusion. Loved it.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Former High Queen Widow Isolde and her intrepid protector Trystan the mercenary are in love and marry in secret following efforts to keep his brutal sire, the Cornwall King Marche from becoming the High King of Britain (see Dark Moon of Avalon). Because of his shame of his ruthless father's heritage and his own activities as a solder, Trystan keeps some of himself apart from his beloved. She, in turn, fails to inform her beloved that she is carrying his child.
Marche and his allies Saxon King of Kent Octa of the "Bloody Knife" and the High King Madoc begin a terror campaign to destroy the opposition. Trystan tries to serendipitously subvert their unholy alliance. Isolde pleads with Madoc to withdraw for the good of the nation, but he informs her Octa captured his son Rhun. Lord Marche recaptures Isolde and demands a second marriage of political convenience as they were briefly married last year and he is unaware she is wed to his son. She and Rhun escape leading to his sire attacking the Saxons in the Battle of Britain.
The final Trystan & Isolde Arthurian mythos (see Twilight of Avalon) is an exciting complicated (at times too convoluted) thriller as betrayal, treachery and broken alliances are the norm. Politics makes strange bedfellows with human hostage being the choice of the times. Although readers will want to smack Trystan on the head for his inability to fully accept Isolde's love of him, fans of Anna Elliot's saga will enjoy the outcome of Arthur's legacy determined by "helpless" women.
Harriet Klausner
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.AnnaKuz
Posted July 2, 2012
According to the author, this story of Trystan and Isolde follows the more pre-medieval tales, rahter than the later romanticized stories.
I love Anna Elliott's storytelling and style!
Anonymous
Posted October 29, 2012
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted May 18, 2012
No text was provided for this review.
Overview
She is a healer, a storyteller, and a warrior. When Britain is faced with threats both old and new, the strength of her love may be the kingdom’s downfall . . . or salvation.
Their love has overcome endless obstacles. Never ones to shy away from danger, former High Queen Isolde and Trystan, a mercenary with a lonely and troubled past, have already endured a perilous journey to keep the underhanded Lord Marche from the throne of Britain. But now a new traitor lurks amongst the ...