The Cross and the Dragon Kim Rendfeld 9780997569506 Books
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Francia, 778 Alda never forgot Ganelon's vow of vengeance when she married his rival, Hruodland. As war looms, the jilted suitor's malice pales next to Alda's anxiety for her battle-scarred husband. Determined to protect Hruodland, even if it endangers her, Alda gives him a charmed dragon amulet. Is its magic enough to keep Alda's worst fears from coming true--and defend her from Ganelon?
Inspired by legend and painstakingly researched, The Cross and the Dragon is a story of tenderness, sacrifice, lies, and revenge.
The Cross and the Dragon Kim Rendfeld 9780997569506 Books
A trip to Germany, a story about castle ruins and an eleventh century French epic planted the seeds that grew into this heroic but very human tale about political maneuvering, love, honor, betrayal and courage. Set amidst castles, priories, the countryside and battlefields of France, Germany and Spain in the time of Charlemagne, this well-researched-and-structured work is an interesting and affecting read.Essentially a love story, the novel revolves around Alda, a willful young woman who believes - insists! - she can gratify her heart's desire and filial duty. Her beloved Hroudland is a brave, sensitive but sometimes erratic man whose loyalty to her is tested and threatened by a volatile rival, family objections, questions about Alda's fidelity, a long separation and recovery from near fatal wounds, and even the prospect of him having to relinquish his rightful inheritance.
Ms. Rendfeld adeptly meets the challenge she set for herself: `to portray history and politics without bogging down the story.' The narrative never loses its way or feels laden with historical particulars. It is enriched by how seamlessly Ms. Rendfeld shares her in-depth knowledge of the political environment's alliances and enmities, as well as the food, clothing, customs, mores, religious and paganistic habits of the period. The descriptions of the aftermath of warfare, especially regarding its human toll, are particularly effective and heart-wrenching.
Written with an understanding that in the early medieval world privilege didn't shield one from the harsh realities of physical hardships, war, shifting fortunes or human frailties, this is a story about endurance of the body and spirit, moving from the hopes of innocence to the resilience of maturity, and concluding with a sense that the head cannot go wrong when guided by the heart.
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The Cross and the Dragon Kim Rendfeld 9780997569506 Books Reviews
In Alda, Kim Rendfeld has created a woman who seems genuinely to be of her time, rather than the refugees from the 21st century one often sees populating historical fiction. Alda is intelligent and independent, but shares in the beliefs and prejudices of her culture.
This well-researched novel is filled with rich, evocative descriptions of the natural environment, and the author shows a particular sensitivity to both sound and silence. The reader will come away having learned a great deal about life in Carolingian times - food, medicine, travel, fighting, and much more - as an integral part of the story itself, not just explained to the reader. The author has a gift for giving the reader a sense of time passing the time a journey takes, the time required to send a message, time to recover from an injury or illness, time spent waiting for news or information.
If you aren't familiar with this time period, you'll appreciate the author's historical note at the end. It's comprehensive, clear, and concise. I hope that Kim Rendfeld will write more novels set in Carolingian times; it's a period underrepresented in historical fiction, and she knows it and writes it well.
The Cross and the Dragon is a historical fiction novel set commencing in the year 773 during the reign of Charlemagne.
Alda is faced with marriage to a brutal man, Ganelon. Her brother is conducting negotiations and cannot see the man for what he is. Ganelon's servants are half-starved and bruised. At a feast, Ganelon threatens Alda with violence, claiming his right and duty to beat her even though they are not yet married.
Alda has one way out of the marriage refuse to consent. In defiance of her family, she maintains she will never consent to the marriage. Without her consent, the marriage cannot proceed. It is one of the few rights women in the 8th century held.
There is one man who captures her attention Hroudland, Count of the March of Brittany. As Charlemagne's nephew, Hroudland, is expected to marry for political alliance, wealth and vital lands. A marriage between Hroudland and Alda will not further Charlemagne's ambitions and she does not consider herself of an elevated station in life to marry into the royal family. Hroudland's grandmother already has marriage plans of her own for Hroudland.
Regardless, Hroudland and Alda admit their growing affection for each other. Alda tells her brother she will only consent to marry only one man, Hroudland. Faced with no alternative, her brother conducts successful marriage negotiations.
Ganelon is less than pleased and swears to have his revenge. A blood feud between previous generations of Ganelon's and Hroudland's families adds fuel to the fire.
Charlemagne's hold on his empire is tenuous and each summer is spent at war subduing rebellions. While the men are away, the women manage the estates, a challenging prospect during poor harvest years.
All Alda has of her beloved father is a cross and dragon amulet. She relies upon them for protection. Prior to Hroudland leaving on his latest war campaign, Alda is haunted by premonitions that all will not go well. She gives Hroudland her amulet to protect him.
Alda's intuition proves correct and the Battle of Roncevaux is a devastating rout. Ganelon quickly seizes this opportunity to exact his revenge, wreaking havoc.
The Cross and The Dragon is a love story, beset by misconceptions, doubts, lies and, ultimately, unfailing commitment.
Rendfeld has written a historical fiction novel that remains authentic to the time period, where religion and vows supersedes all else, including love. I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Cross and The Dragon.
MY RATING 4/5 Stars
A trip to Germany, a story about castle ruins and an eleventh century French epic planted the seeds that grew into this heroic but very human tale about political maneuvering, love, honor, betrayal and courage. Set amidst castles, priories, the countryside and battlefields of France, Germany and Spain in the time of Charlemagne, this well-researched-and-structured work is an interesting and affecting read.
Essentially a love story, the novel revolves around Alda, a willful young woman who believes - insists! - she can gratify her heart's desire and filial duty. Her beloved Hroudland is a brave, sensitive but sometimes erratic man whose loyalty to her is tested and threatened by a volatile rival, family objections, questions about Alda's fidelity, a long separation and recovery from near fatal wounds, and even the prospect of him having to relinquish his rightful inheritance.
Ms. Rendfeld adeptly meets the challenge she set for herself `to portray history and politics without bogging down the story.' The narrative never loses its way or feels laden with historical particulars. It is enriched by how seamlessly Ms. Rendfeld shares her in-depth knowledge of the political environment's alliances and enmities, as well as the food, clothing, customs, mores, religious and paganistic habits of the period. The descriptions of the aftermath of warfare, especially regarding its human toll, are particularly effective and heart-wrenching.
Written with an understanding that in the early medieval world privilege didn't shield one from the harsh realities of physical hardships, war, shifting fortunes or human frailties, this is a story about endurance of the body and spirit, moving from the hopes of innocence to the resilience of maturity, and concluding with a sense that the head cannot go wrong when guided by the heart.
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