"Well-crafted medieval romance"
In 1307, when ailing King Edward I sends troops to end
Bruce's campaign for Scottish freedom, Scots take over the
Borders' Castle Langley after defeating the depleted
English forces that are struggling with the plague.
Scottish leader Eric Graham learns that his child is dead
from the plague and his wife is near death. He blames Lord
Afton for their plight feeling the inhuman treatment of the
Scottish prisoners caused their deaths, but the English
aristocrat has also died from the plague. Afton's widow
Lady Igrainia tries to heal the sick, but Eric treats her
with scorn and warns her that if his wife dies she dies
too. Eric becomes ill and Igrainia heals him, but his wife
dies. Eric informs Igrainia that King Bruce has ordered him to
marry her because Edward plans to wed her to Afton's cousin
Robert Neville. Igrainia says no, but Eric forces her to
marry him anyway. Eric admits that Igrainia tries to help
Scot and English alike and begins to fall in with her. She
reciprocates after observing how much Eric cares for
everyone, but she wonders if his gilded cage is any better
than the one Robert would lock her inside. KNIGHTS TRIUMPHANT, the fourth Graham Family novel, is a
well-crafted medieval romance that displays the impact of
the Kings on the lives of nobles. Though the squabble
between the lead characters feels overdone, the cast
provides a deep look at the point when Edward I is nearing
death. Fans of Shannon Drake will enjoy this tale and that
the three previous will be republished. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted February 22, 2002
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