Official Review: How To Train Your Knight

debo9967 · Post by **debo9967** » 08 May 2015, 03:43

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "How To Train Your Knight" by Stella Marie Alden.]

4 out of 4 stars

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How to Train you Knight by Stella Marie Alden is a medieval romance novel that would appeal to the readers of romantic fiction.

Marcus Thornhill, better known as the Beast of Thornhill, has been bestowed with a small parcel of land for his services in the Holy wars and, more importantly, for saving King Edward’s life. What also came along with it was the mistress of the estate, who may or may not be a witch who has allegedly murdered her previous husband. Lady Ann thought her troubles were over when her first husband died. Far from that, now she is to be married a second time, her beloved people and the town she made prosperous is to be turned over to her new husband and she may just be hanged for the murder of her first husband. Their marriage has an inauspicious beginning but slowly both of them learn to live with each other. However, it seems that the secrets Lady Ann is hiding may just put both their lives on stake. Will Marcus find a way to save her from her execution or will the forces conspiring against them succeed in the separating them?

The author has fleshed out interesting characters. It is easy to sympathize with Ann, since she suffers so much early on in her life and all she wants is to be safe and free from men who threaten to destroy all that she has struggled to build. It is easy to understand her suspicion of Marcus and her insecurities regarding herself. Marcus, on the other hand, is perplexed regarding the whole situation. He finds himself attracted to his wife and amused by her forward ways, but at the same time exasperated with her secrets.

The story is about a strong headed woman with liberal ideas and a short tempered knight with a dry sense of wit. Their exchanges are witty and entertaining to read. Though goodhearted and intelligent, there seems to be no end to Ann’s troubles. Marcus’s infinite patience with every new scrape that Ann gets into is, hilarious to read. The story also has its moments of drama and action which engage the reader further. The passionate scenes in the book are quite well written.

What is perhaps a bit disappointing is how Marcus’s character becomes bossy and dominating at times. However, keeping in mind that the story is based in 1276, this is an unavoidable feature. The writing style of the author is easy to read and the plot has plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engrossed. I rate the book 4 out of 4 stars since it’s an engaging tale of passionate romance and an easy read.

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How To Train Your Knight
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TheMusicalMuse · Post by **TheMusicalMuse** » 10 May 2015, 21:24

Ooh, I love stories in which the female character has to overcome oppression in some form or another. I'm also a sucker for books where two people are forced together out of tradition or necessity and then come to love each other. Looks like this book has the best of both worlds. Thanks for the enticing review!

debo9967 · Post by **debo9967** » 11 May 2015, 00:12

Thanks

stellaMarieAlden · Post by **stellaMarieAlden** » 11 May 2015, 06:56

Wow. Thanks. I hope you like it. It was a lot of fun to write.

debo9967 · Post by **debo9967** » 11 May 2015, 08:12

Yeah, I had fun reading your novel.

bluemel4 · Post by **bluemel4** » 11 May 2015, 08:31

Great review! Sounds like a fun read.

debo9967 · Post by **debo9967** » 11 May 2015, 10:24

Thanks

ananya92 · Post by **ananya92** » 12 May 2015, 05:58

The story seems quite interesting. Good review.

debo9967 · Post by **debo9967** » 12 May 2015, 06:59

Thanks

Post by **bookowlie** » 11 Nov 2016, 11:39

Nice, thorough review! Although the book doesn't seem like my cup of tea, I think readers who enjoy medieval romances would like this one. Congrats to the author on a glowing review and having the Book of the Day!

Vermont Reviews · Post by **Vermont Reviews** » 11 Nov 2016, 12:00

I like your review. But the character's name is Marcus Blackwell, not Thornhill.
I was glad to see that this one made book of the day. I do enjoy historical fiction. This story is well written and I do like reading books about the crusades timeframe.
Vermont Reviews

mindyg123 · Post by **mindyg123** » 11 Nov 2016, 12:07

Congrats on being BOTD! A Template knight and a black haired beauty threw together into a marriage neither wanted, what a storyline. Great review.

Strangerthanfiction · Post by **Strangerthanfiction** » 11 Nov 2016, 12:23

Great review. If I was a fan of historical romances (one of the few genres that's not quite my thing) I would definitely need this on your recommendation. I do love a strong heroine. Thanks for sharing.