"The Cross and the Dragon" by Kim Rendfeld

SUMMARY :  Song of Roland, Roncevaux, Charlemagne, romance, medieval, France, Spain A tale of love in an era of war and blood feuds.
Francia, 778: Alda has never forgotten Ganelon's vow of vengeance when she married his rival, Hruodland. Yet the jilted suitor's malice is nothing compared to Alda's premonition of disaster for her beloved, battle-scarred husband.
Although the army invading Hispania is the largest ever and King Charles has never lost a war, Alda cannot shake her anxiety. Determined to keep Hruodland from harm, even if it exposes her to danger, Alda gives him a charmed dragon amulet.
Is its magic enough to keep Alda's worst fears from coming true. and protect her from Ganelon?
Inspired by legend and painstakingly researched, The Cross and the Dragon is a story of tenderness, sacrifice, lies, and revenge in the early years of Charlemagne's reign, told by a fresh, new voice in historical fiction.

PARTICULARS OF THE BOOK :
Published by:  Fireship Press
Pages:  344 including Questions for Discussion
Genre:  Historical Fiction
Author:  Kim Rendfeld
Purchase: 
Amazon  or  Barnes & Noble

More about the book and author:  http://www.kimrendfeld.com


THE BOOKISH DAME REVIEWS :

I have been chasing Kim Rendfeld for months to read her book after having found her site by accident, and having read the first couple of chapters she shared there.  I finally received the finished book, and have to tell you it didn't disappoint.  This is one very fine historical fiction novel.  Well worth the wait!

Of all things wonderful about this book, I loved the time in history within which Ms Rendfeld chose to write.  There aren't too many books written in the age of Charlemagne (778 era), and it's a time I have always found fascinating in art history as well as biblical and human history in general.  Kim Rendfeld does it justice...the quality and life of the characters' surroundings are wonderfully descriptive and flow within the novel without being over powering.

Characterization is strong and beautifully rendered here.  Her main characters, Alda and Hruodland, are as engaging and inspiring as any Romeo and Juliet I've ever read about.  I became attached to them right away.  Loved the independent but loving spirit of Alda, and the manly but tender warrior, Hroudland.  Secondary characters are also enjoyable to know and kept me entangled in the story.

I'm glad I persisted in getting my hands on a copy of "The Cross and the Dragon."  It's a solidly good book with an engaging story to tell.  If you love historical fiction, you'll be as enchanted as I was with this one.  This is a debut novel for Kim Rendfeld...I hope it's not her last!


4 stars                       Deborah/TheBookishDame