candlemansa
30th August 2003, 04:27 PM
For those of you who have not yet read any of Barbara Erskines novels I would recommend Child of the Phoenix as the starting book.
Child of the Phoenix is the second book in an unofficial trilogy, which begins with 'Lady of Hay' and finishes with 'Kingdom of Shadows'. The book differs from the other two in that it is entirely set in 13th century Britain where as the other two filter between present day and past. Its central character is a welsh princess named Eleyne whos destiny becomes passionately and tragically linked with King Alexander 2nd. Gifted with second sight she must constantly escape the men who love and hate her with equal measure. She knows her destiny is to bare the future heir to the throne, she knows her life is with Alexander, but in a time bound by so many constraints, filled with treachory, destiny isn't so simple and when a new King, Kind Edward ascends the throne he plans to destroy her before the legendary Robert the Bruce can save her.
"A daughter of Llywelyn; a husband killer; a rebel witch; the mother in law of the so called King of Scots!" he folded his arms. "Your chains await you cousin Eleyne,"
Child of the Phoenix although it fits second into the trilogy, was written last and only came about after the author while researching 13th century england for her other books came across a name that kept reappearing as her research continued. Her journey to uncover this mysterious woman would release one of the most powerful female characters in litery history, part fact, part fiction, she will stay with you long after her tale has unfolded, leaving a longing to know more and a desire to read on.
Child of the Phoenix is the second book in an unofficial trilogy, which begins with 'Lady of Hay' and finishes with 'Kingdom of Shadows'. The book differs from the other two in that it is entirely set in 13th century Britain where as the other two filter between present day and past. Its central character is a welsh princess named Eleyne whos destiny becomes passionately and tragically linked with King Alexander 2nd. Gifted with second sight she must constantly escape the men who love and hate her with equal measure. She knows her destiny is to bare the future heir to the throne, she knows her life is with Alexander, but in a time bound by so many constraints, filled with treachory, destiny isn't so simple and when a new King, Kind Edward ascends the throne he plans to destroy her before the legendary Robert the Bruce can save her.
"A daughter of Llywelyn; a husband killer; a rebel witch; the mother in law of the so called King of Scots!" he folded his arms. "Your chains await you cousin Eleyne,"
Child of the Phoenix although it fits second into the trilogy, was written last and only came about after the author while researching 13th century england for her other books came across a name that kept reappearing as her research continued. Her journey to uncover this mysterious woman would release one of the most powerful female characters in litery history, part fact, part fiction, she will stay with you long after her tale has unfolded, leaving a longing to know more and a desire to read on.