"Shannon Drake at her best"

In July 1307 the mighty King Edward I died just prior to leading his Army against the upstart Scots. His son Edward the Second did not carry out his sire's wishes having to deal with civil war with his barons. The Scottish rebels led by King Robert the Bruce interprets the non-attack of Edward II as an opportunity to regain occupied land back from the English.

Under the Scottish reclamation program, Jamie Graham takes Hamstead Heath, but has to deal with the chatelaine, Christina Steel who will do everything including selling herself to keep her brother Steven safe. The English monarch believes Steven allied with the seditious nobles so Christina throws her lot in with Jamie offering to become his hostage. Jamie has no use for a hostage, but the intrepid Englishwoman intrigues him as he tries to learn why she is so willing to do his bidding. As they fall in love, he wonders if she will prove traitorous, but against which side.

THE LION IN GLORY is as much an interpretive historical tale as it is a medieval romance. The story line is loaded with historical tidbits and historiographic explications that paint Robert the Bruce as an incredible leader and Edward II as a hedonistic individual who does not have nearly the strength of his father or his Scottish counterpart. Sort of like Khrushchev may not have been Stalin, but without his courage there is no Gorbachav (this reviewer's explanation for the tumbling of the curtain). Still that aside, readers obtain a deep star-crossed historical romance that displays Shannon Drake's talent with the latest glorious Graham gala.

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted December 15, 2002

Summary

The tides of war have turned for the valiant Scots led by King Robert the Bruce, and they boldly reclaim lands still ruled by the English. When Jamie Graham comes to seize Hamstead Heath, he has no need for a hostage—not even one as beautiful and spirited as Christina, the manor's chatelaine. After her attempts to drug and trick him fail, she insists that he take her away as his hostage. Certain this confounding woman is trying to play him for a fool, Jamie goes along with her folly, determined to claim the sweet temptation she offers...

Christina has but one goal in mind to free her brother from the fortress of the new English king who as accused her family of treason. Her growing love for her unwilling captor is both unexpected and thrilling, yet it must not deter Christina from her mission—to master the art of jousting, win a tournament in disguise, and secure her brother's release. Through courageous and driven, she cannot foresee the twist of fate that will threaten all she holds dear: her life, her lands...and the man who has captured her heart.