Isolde, Queen of the Western Isle (Tristan and Isolde Novels, Book 1) by Rosalind Miles Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Isolde, Queen of the Western Isle (Tristan and Isolde Novels, Book 1)
Book Review: Tristan and Isolde: Lovespell
Summary: 4 Stars
What a haunting age old love story, one that everybody knows and remembers. All your emotions are brought to bear and stay bear from beginning to end. How it catches in a ever tightening weave-but you can't put the book down.Grand breathtaking scenes and settings especially Tristans entrances at tournaments (what attire) sparkling accoutrements! It shocks. It dazzles the eye.
The aquireing of the magical sword Glaeve,the written runic script on it, who gave it and where was interesting.
The characters are vivid: the mercurial Queen of Ireland, the telling weaknesses of King Mark, the machinations of Lienore, redoubtable Sir Andred.
The best part (I liked) was Isoldes ordeal-the heckling of the old hag/witch who transfixed all and sundry when whe called forth her ominous curses( one wonders if they will be realized in the forthcoming episodes) Iam guessing they will.
This book is complete with detailed lists of whose who and detailed maps that show what was where(at that time)
All in all this book was put together with time and great care and well worth the read.
Book Review: Well Known Story Retold
Summary: 3 Stars
The story of star-crossed lovers Tristan and Isolde is widely known; even Wagner wrote an opera based on this love story. Ms. Miles book is light years away from this masterpiece, but of course, we cannot expect everyone to have Wagner's genius!Both Tristan and Isolde are well-developed and likeable characters, but when it comes to the rest, let's call it "supporting cast", you are left wanting for more.
King Mark and the queen, Isolde's mother, are two-dimensional characters, and even the Priest and Andred, King Mark's nephew and heir apparent to the throne of Cornwall, are lame and not the type of villain one loves to hate.
I would have enjoyed less fantasy, and a lot less thinking from the characters.
And then, if there would have been less of: "Oh, Mother, Goddess"
Book Review: Well worth the read
Summary: 4 Stars
I bought this book thinking it'd keep me busy for a week or so and it turns out I finished it in 2 days - I just didn't want to put it down! The characters are VERY like-able, the story's ancient and I LOVE LOVE LOVE that she provides a depiction of a matriarchal society - I was thrilled to see that!This is quite enjoyable!