[Book Review] Dragon Knight's Sword
Dragon Knight's Sword / Mary Morgan
To be honest, I do understand that achieving decent historical accuracy can be a challenge, and being a fantasy novel things are even more likely to be played fast and loose. The story has a number of small inconsistencies (or if not inconsistencies, details that are poorly written so they seem contradictory). The author strives to show the passion and magnetism between Brigid and Duncan, as well as develop characters throughout the book.
I find some of the physical descriptions to be a bit on the overdoing it side. Duncan Mackay, highlander from the early 1200's is a towering man of "six and a half feet or taller." Brigid is of short to average height. I am also on the short to average height range and have many friends who are 6' to 6' 6" including a few ex's, so I'm pretty familiar with being around men with whom their nipples are constantly at eye-level, and their elbows inconveniently located near my own chest. Let's just say, huge towering men have their downsides, regardless of the how likely someone of that stature is wandering around in 1200 (from what I understand concerning historical height trends). I'm fine with all the men looking like Celtic warrior gods, that's cool, but I think it tends to be taken a little out of hand.
The sex is a mixed bag. They definitely get all sorts of hot and bothered, with lots of fantasizing and dreaming. On the other hand, I don't really find licking someone's lips sexy, and Duncan does that to Brigid a number of times. Also, the sex is really quick. We have a lot of build up about how much they want each other, Duncan cannot hold himself back, and BAM! Just like that orgasms all around and they're into post-coital snuggling. It sort of reads as if penetration to orgasm is a matter of seconds. But, regardless of the setting, they are heavily into each other and enjoy their conjugal activities.
If you're looking for a Highland romance with the level of attention to detail that you find in Outlander, this isn't the book for you. However, if you want to read a fantasy with a historical setting filled with lust, intrigue, and the promise of dragons, this is worth a read.
Advanced Reader Copy copy courtesy of NetGalley; differences may exist between uncorrected galley text and the final edition.
"Duncan Mackay will do anything to lift the curse from his family — even forfeit his own life. But his plans change when he encounters the woman from his dreams, literally. She is from the future, somehow has his lost sword, and can talk to the Dragon that is able to lift his family’s curse.
Brigid O'Neill has spent her life listening to the mythological legends from Ireland and Scotland. So, when an ancient sword lands at her doorstep and she starts dreaming of a rugged Highlander, she drops everything and takes on a quest that will alter everything she believes.Dragon Knight's Sword is pretty much what you might expect. A tormented brooding temptuous man of large proportion, a woman who is stunningly beautiful but never realized it, a sword (I mean, it's in the title), soul-searing attraction, kilts (mmm... kilts), about to be honest, about as much historical accuracy (ignoring magic) as a Ren Faire. Light fare, on par with your regular highlands fantasy romance novel.
Before their journey ends, not only will Duncan and Brigid battle an ancient curse, they must also find the courage to believe in the destiny that brought them together."
To be honest, I do understand that achieving decent historical accuracy can be a challenge, and being a fantasy novel things are even more likely to be played fast and loose. The story has a number of small inconsistencies (or if not inconsistencies, details that are poorly written so they seem contradictory). The author strives to show the passion and magnetism between Brigid and Duncan, as well as develop characters throughout the book.
I find some of the physical descriptions to be a bit on the overdoing it side. Duncan Mackay, highlander from the early 1200's is a towering man of "six and a half feet or taller." Brigid is of short to average height. I am also on the short to average height range and have many friends who are 6' to 6' 6" including a few ex's, so I'm pretty familiar with being around men with whom their nipples are constantly at eye-level, and their elbows inconveniently located near my own chest. Let's just say, huge towering men have their downsides, regardless of the how likely someone of that stature is wandering around in 1200 (from what I understand concerning historical height trends). I'm fine with all the men looking like Celtic warrior gods, that's cool, but I think it tends to be taken a little out of hand.
The sex is a mixed bag. They definitely get all sorts of hot and bothered, with lots of fantasizing and dreaming. On the other hand, I don't really find licking someone's lips sexy, and Duncan does that to Brigid a number of times. Also, the sex is really quick. We have a lot of build up about how much they want each other, Duncan cannot hold himself back, and BAM! Just like that orgasms all around and they're into post-coital snuggling. It sort of reads as if penetration to orgasm is a matter of seconds. But, regardless of the setting, they are heavily into each other and enjoy their conjugal activities.
If you're looking for a Highland romance with the level of attention to detail that you find in Outlander, this isn't the book for you. However, if you want to read a fantasy with a historical setting filled with lust, intrigue, and the promise of dragons, this is worth a read.
Advanced Reader Copy copy courtesy of NetGalley; differences may exist between uncorrected galley text and the final edition.
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