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49th out of 195 books
—
495 voters
The Dark Queen (The Dark Queen Saga #1)
From Brittany’s misty shores to the decadent splendor of Paris’s royal court, one woman must fulfill her destiny–while facing the treacherous designs of Catherine de Medici, the dark queen.
She is Ariane, the Lady of Faire Isle, one of the Cheney sisters, renowned for their mystical skills and for keeping the isle secure and prosperous. But this is a time when women of abi...more
She is Ariane, the Lady of Faire Isle, one of the Cheney sisters, renowned for their mystical skills and for keeping the isle secure and prosperous. But this is a time when women of abi...more
Paperback, 544 pages
Published
March 29th 2005
by Ballantine Books
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Jul 23, 2010
Kat Kennedy
rated it
1 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Those interested in reading light semi-historicallyish romance uber smut
What I expected from this book:
I fairly historical account of court life surrounding Catherine de'Medici circa 1570's with a love story thrown in for good measure.
What this book is:
A romance novel based around 1570 with a lot of imaginative additions and a lot of historical subtractions.
Now it's not the book's fault that it wasn't what I wanted it to be. It can hardly rewrite itself just because I had a misconception of what the story was about.
But I still couldn't stand it, and I think if I tr...more
I fairly historical account of court life surrounding Catherine de'Medici circa 1570's with a love story thrown in for good measure.
What this book is:
A romance novel based around 1570 with a lot of imaginative additions and a lot of historical subtractions.
Now it's not the book's fault that it wasn't what I wanted it to be. It can hardly rewrite itself just because I had a misconception of what the story was about.
But I still couldn't stand it, and I think if I tr...more
I picked this book up at my local Borders because I enjoy historical fiction (light on the history and heavy on the fiction.) This one was not exactly what I expected but it was still really enjoyable. I think if I owned a bookstore, I would place it in the romance section. It really was a historical romance. I found it to be a really fun read and now I'm on to the second book in the trilogy: The Courtesan.
This is the first in a series, surrounding the Cheney sisters of Faire Isle. The sisters are Ariane, Gabrielle and Miri, all daughters of the earth. Daughters of the earth are like good witches, white witches. Although they can delve into the dark side, the black magic, as does The Dark Queen of the title - Catherine de Medici, who was called a witch during her time, and was rumored to be a first class poisoner. The mother of the sisters, Evangaline, was a good friend of Catherine's, until they...more
Ariane is the Lady of the Faire Isle. She is a woman of the earth, a wise woman, a healer. Two men will change her life. And Catherine di Medici will try and destroy her.
The first man, The Comte Renard, arrogantly declares he will marry her, to the point where he has a wedding and she does not come. His past is dark and he makes a bargain with Ariane that changes her life.
The other is a man maed Remy who comes to her with poisoned gloves to try and have her prove that The Queen killed a woman. T...more
The first man, The Comte Renard, arrogantly declares he will marry her, to the point where he has a wedding and she does not come. His past is dark and he makes a bargain with Ariane that changes her life.
The other is a man maed Remy who comes to her with poisoned gloves to try and have her prove that The Queen killed a woman. T...more
Books like this are the reason I'm glad I use the library and don't pay for books unless I know for a fact that they are wonderful. This one begins well enough, and reviews raved about how great it was, an awesome historical fiction, etc. I began to get suspicious when there were mentions of flashing eyes and a woman that didn't want to marry a mysterious stranger. "Huh, this sounds like a slutty romance novel. But no, other people said it was better than that..." And then I got to the part wher...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Okay I have no idea how to categorize this book! It’s set in France in 1572. It includes history from the time including the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre. A big focus of the book is bringing a couple together. And the main characters are all capable of magic. So there you go! LOL! This is the first book in what I think will be a 6 book series. I picked it up because quite a few people I know have enjoyed it. There are real people in this story such as Catherine de Medici (who the author gives...more
The Dark Queen was an enjoyable novel that took me into the world of Ariane the oldest of the Cheney sisters , three young girls on the verge of their twenties who having lost their Mother are now facing the debts that their Father left behind when he fled on a sea voyage to escape their Mother's illness and his guilt at having caused part of her heart ache because of his illicit affair in far off Paris.
Ariane struggles as she takes her place as the Lady of Fair Isle, who is known for protecting...more
Ariane struggles as she takes her place as the Lady of Fair Isle, who is known for protecting...more
"The Dark Queen" is one of those books that I bought on an impulse and which then stood on my shelf for months before I actually picked it up to read.
I am really glad I did pick it up, though, because this is one of best, most beautifully written and most compelling books I have ever read.
Yes, it is more of a historical romance then serious historical fiction, but that doesn't change the fact that Susan Carroll has crafted a truly wonderful story with great characters.
Ariane is a young woman who...more
I am really glad I did pick it up, though, because this is one of best, most beautifully written and most compelling books I have ever read.
Yes, it is more of a historical romance then serious historical fiction, but that doesn't change the fact that Susan Carroll has crafted a truly wonderful story with great characters.
Ariane is a young woman who...more
Mar 24, 2010
Lynn Abbey
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
readers of romantic fantasy
Recommended to Lynn by:
lynn@lynnabbey.com
Shelves:
history-reimagined,
fantasy
While this is a charming and easy-reading tale, it's pretty much pure fantasy planted atop a few bits of 16th-Century French history. And that would be fantasy in both the romantic and "magick" senses. (Something Carroll admits readily in the preface.)
Catherine d'Medici is the Dark Queen of the title but not the focus of the story, more the deux ex machina. Catherine's one of those all-purpose historic queens (Elizabeth I and Eleanor of Aquitaine also come to mind) who can be villain or saint, d...more
Catherine d'Medici is the Dark Queen of the title but not the focus of the story, more the deux ex machina. Catherine's one of those all-purpose historic queens (Elizabeth I and Eleanor of Aquitaine also come to mind) who can be villain or saint, d...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Ariane, Lady of the Fair Isle, is a healer. Yet this is a time when women can be condemned for any such knowledge, when the Queen of France is Catherine de Medici, and times are full of political intrigue. A wounded stranger arrives on Ariane's doorstep, with a terrible secret about the Queen, and a new and determined suitor hounds her every step. Will Ariane be able to outwit the Dark Queen and the persistent Comte Renard?
First in the Dark Queen series, The Dark Queen sets out to win the reader...more
First in the Dark Queen series, The Dark Queen sets out to win the reader...more
It tells the story of three sisters, the eldest, Ariane, who has inherited the Faire Isle, struggles with her position as Lady of Faire Isle, a rather stubborn suitor that doesn't take no for an answer, two sisters who have issues of their own, a father who hasn't come back yet, and a dark threatening Queen Catherine who plots from afar.
There is enough history and politics here to keep you very intrigued. France is in religious upheaval, Queen Catherine plots from behind the scenes and of cours...more
There is enough history and politics here to keep you very intrigued. France is in religious upheaval, Queen Catherine plots from behind the scenes and of cours...more
I found this book to be a pleasant endearing surprise. I'm not into fantasy historical fiction (witchcraft-wise women) but the author had the right recipe. The characters were well developed. I cared about them and caught myself smiling as I was reading this story. The historical facts about Catherine De Medici and the St. Bartholomew's Eve Massacre were right on. The story is about 3 sisters (wise women) trying to do good work against the evil Dark Queen. The good witches verse the bad witch. T...more
I really enjoyed this historical fiction/fantasy/romance set in France in the 1500s. In this medieval tale, magic is practiced by good witches who are called Daughters of the Earth and dark magic is practiced as well. The storyline is too complicated to recount here, but it centers on three sisters, each with their own special gift. This first volume of series of five is the story of Ariane, the Lady of Fair Isle, and Justice Renard, a mysterious nobleman who wants to marry her. This was such an...more
Readers in recent years have complained that the rich, interesting historicals of the past are vanishing. As a reader, I certainly have found myself buying fewer books overall as the meaty historicals I loved started to be replaced by and large with homogenized wallpaper comedies. Fortunately, there are still some good and interesting historicals out there if you look hard enough, and The Dark Queen is one of those great long sagas so many of us have been missing.
This is a partial review. You c...more
This is a partial review. You c...more
1 like · like · see review
A fun read that's got a little bit of everything I like: romance, history, magic and mystery. I'm also a sucker for a beautiful book cover, and this entire series is full of GORGEOUS book covers.
It's about a PG-13 on romance, not nearly as dark as many reviewed it, but an adult Pagan fairytale of sorts, that's lightly steeped in history. The women in the series are all amazing - even the FICTIONAL version of The Dark Queen, Catherine De Medici herself is fascinating - and I did care about them a
...more
From Brittany’s misty shores to the decadent splendor of Paris’s royal court, one woman must fulfill her destiny–while facing the treacherous designs of Catherine de Medici, the dark queen.
She is Ariane, the Lady of Faire Isle, one of the Cheney sisters, renowned for their mystical skills and for keeping the isle secure and prosperous. But this is a time when women of ability are deemed sorceresses, when Renaissance France is torn by ruthless political intrigues, and all are held in thrall to th...more
She is Ariane, the Lady of Faire Isle, one of the Cheney sisters, renowned for their mystical skills and for keeping the isle secure and prosperous. But this is a time when women of ability are deemed sorceresses, when Renaissance France is torn by ruthless political intrigues, and all are held in thrall to th...more
Historical fiction wrapped up in fantasy & magic, with a sprinkling of romance & intrigue. (note: it's explicit romance) You're definitely getting some history with your fiction, but it's pretty fictional.
Overall, a good story. The main story is driven by a young woman, Ariane, who is from a long line of "wise women" or witches. Ariane has shades of Morgaine (Morgan le Fey's name in The Mists of Avalon) but doesn't have quite the presence I remember Morgaine possessing. Ariane's two youn...more
Overall, a good story. The main story is driven by a young woman, Ariane, who is from a long line of "wise women" or witches. Ariane has shades of Morgaine (Morgan le Fey's name in The Mists of Avalon) but doesn't have quite the presence I remember Morgaine possessing. Ariane's two youn...more
Title: The Dark Queen
Author: Susan Carroll
Source: library
Rating: ★★★★★
Review Summary: I wasn’t sure I liked this book at first – as a historical romance, with more sex and a more serious plot than the “chick flick” style romances I occasionally I read, it was a little outside my comfort zone. But I ended up loving it and the other four books in the series enough that I would definitely read more books like them, partly for the great plot and partly because I’m a sucker for a happy ending
During...more
Author: Susan Carroll
Source: library
Rating: ★★★★★
Review Summary: I wasn’t sure I liked this book at first – as a historical romance, with more sex and a more serious plot than the “chick flick” style romances I occasionally I read, it was a little outside my comfort zone. But I ended up loving it and the other four books in the series enough that I would definitely read more books like them, partly for the great plot and partly because I’m a sucker for a happy ending
During...more
This book is quite fun to read pitting white magic against black magic. Catherine De Medici is cast Dark Queen who practices black magic.Ariane Cheny lives on Faire Island where she has been taught by her departed mother never to use black magic. She has three sisters, villagers and a mountain of debts to take care of.
The Comte De Renard wishes to marry but Ariane doesn't quite trust him. Why he wishes to marry her, the Lady Of Faire Isle with no dowry is beyond her. It makes no sense.
In Paris,...more
The Comte De Renard wishes to marry but Ariane doesn't quite trust him. Why he wishes to marry her, the Lady Of Faire Isle with no dowry is beyond her. It makes no sense.
In Paris,...more
I like fantasy in my historical fiction books, as long as it's not distracting. Just the right amount of fantasy will do it, and The Dark Queen had just the right amount.
Taking place during the French Renaissance, The Dark Queen tells the story of the Cheney sisters, daughters of the earth, most specifically the oldest Ariane, known as the Lady of Faire Island. Not only does she have a Comte perusing her hand in marriage, but a mysterious stranger has arrived on Faire Island, with strong evidenc...more
Taking place during the French Renaissance, The Dark Queen tells the story of the Cheney sisters, daughters of the earth, most specifically the oldest Ariane, known as the Lady of Faire Island. Not only does she have a Comte perusing her hand in marriage, but a mysterious stranger has arrived on Faire Island, with strong evidenc...more
On the one side is our beautiful heroine, Ariane, one of the famous Cheney sisters who are renowned for their mystical skills. On the other side, there is our hero, Comte de Renard, a passionate but mysterious nobleman who has fallen madly in love with Ariane and demands that she marries him. Will Ariane continue to resist Renard's overtures or will she finally call upon his assistance when she is in the gravest of dangers from the treacherous Catherine de Medici, the dark queen of France?
Contra...more
Contra...more
The Dark Queen by Susan Carroll is a romantic fantasy. This was a delightful story of Ariane, the Lady of Faire Isle, the oldest of the Cheney sisters and the daughter of Evangeline Cheney, a beloved Lady of Faire Isle who was so respected and loved that the people of the Isle erected a statue of her. To live up to her mother's reputation seems difficult at best for Ariane as she struggles to protect the people of Faire Isle as well as guide and love her younger sisters, Gabrielle and Miri. In h...more
I gotta say--there were so many times when I expected the plot to evolve one way, and it went in a totally opposite direction. In this case, I mostly didnt mind, and I really liked the sequence of events.
- I personally think this book has a pretty decent amount of actual history. I knew that there would be references to the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre, but I thought that would be the extent of it - just a reference. Those scenes were some of the best-written in the book, I think, and Carroll...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I'm just not starting to get into historical fiction, as it is a genre that I wasn't that interested in before. I think this book was a great intro for me because it had a bit of fantasy thrown in, which is something I enjoy.
The book had great characters and a strong plot. I loved seeing the relationship between Ariane and Renard grow throughout the novel; it seemed very realistic. I'm happy that the other two sisters have their own novels, because I am excited to continue following the Cheney g...more
The book had great characters and a strong plot. I loved seeing the relationship between Ariane and Renard grow throughout the novel; it seemed very realistic. I'm happy that the other two sisters have their own novels, because I am excited to continue following the Cheney g...more
This book fits the bill for those who both love historical fiction as well as a touch of supernatural. In similar running with those of the Outlander series, Carroll has created a world of intrigue, mystery, magic, and desire, altogether a heady cocktail for the reader to enjoy. I look forward to reading the next book in the series and highly encourage others to start with this first of the three.
Fun book, but definitely way more of a romantic fluff than I was expecting. If you're looking for something more like a political intrigue (which is what I was hoping for), this definitely isn't the book. If, however, you enjoy historical fiction with a fantastical twist, in this case witches, you'll probably enjoy this. There are times when it definitely reads like a cheap romance, but luckily the plot is interesting enough that it doesn't rely on sex scenes to keep it going. The characters are...more
This isn't a genre I like to live in long term, but every once in awhile, I really can dive into a bit of historical fiction. This one was recommended by a friend and when I initially seemed cautious, she told me it was a series that revolved around Catherine de Medici. OK. I am listening now. I enjoyed the first book, but I am really more interested in reading the rest of the series as I now find myself with many questions about what is to come and it is a curiosity I will need satisfy.
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Born Susan Carol Cute in 1952, Susan Coppula obtained a Degree in English with complementary studies in History in the University of Indiana. Since 1986, Susan has published books under three different pseudonyms: Susan Carroll, Susan Coppula, andSerena Richards
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updated Jul 23, 2010 06:14pm
Jul 24, 2010 04:10am