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Titans #1
The Dark Lord
The year is 1180 A.D.
And times are very dark. England is lawless for the most part and the people live in fear. Rising to power during this time is the vicious and brutal knight Ajax de Velt. His mission is to conquer a large stretch of the Scots and Welsh border, commandeering wealth and property along the way. He wants to be the most feared and powerful warlord in all of England, Wales and Scotland, and he is well on his way.
The last in a long line of dark and brutal warriors, Ajax is the most ruthless and ambitious knight in the Isles; even the heartiest warriors fear the man for his cold blooded tactics. More than that, his bloodlust, as well as his sheer skill with a blade, is legendary. But as Ajax and his army conquer the latest castle in his plans to secure the borders, he unexpectedly meets his match in a spitfire of a woman named Kellington Coleby.
Beautiful, intelligent and feisty, Lady Kellington refuses to surrender to the man as handsome as he is brutal.
The warlord and the maiden go head to head in this unforgettable story of love, battle, devotion, fear and adventure.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 17, 2012
640 people are currently reading
1007 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Le Veque
325 books2,082 followersJuggernaut Indie author Kathryn Le Veque is a 'tour de force' in publishing.
Kathryn is a critically acclaimed 21-time USA TODAY Bestselling author, a charter Amazon All-Star author, an Indie Reader top seller, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance with over 100 published novels.
Among her many accomplishments, she is the CEO of Dragonblade Publishing, the #1 Historical Romance e-book publisher on Amazon. In 2020, Kathryn collaborated with Sourcebooks publishing for a Medieval Fight Club series set in Scotland.
Kathryn is a critically acclaimed 21-time USA TODAY Bestselling author, a charter Amazon All-Star author, an Indie Reader top seller, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance with over 100 published novels.
Among her many accomplishments, she is the CEO of Dragonblade Publishing, the #1 Historical Romance e-book publisher on Amazon. In 2020, Kathryn collaborated with Sourcebooks publishing for a Medieval Fight Club series set in Scotland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
dnf
March 27, 2015I'm calling this one at 30%. Don't think I want to continue, but I won't rate since I DNF'd. Also, full disclosure - my impression may have been skewed by the narrator who made the hero sound exactly like 'The Kurgan' from the original 1980's Highlander movie. I thought Clancy Brown did a great job making that villainous character creepy as hell, but he wasn't what I'd call sexy. YMMV
Despite the unfortunate narration, at first I was excited. I thought I was finally getting a historical with some meat, not just 21st century people playing dress up. The medieval era was gritty. Life was hard and often short, and men could be very brutal. Lots of really nasty ways of torturing people and putting them to death were perfected during this time period. I get it. I don't expect a Disney cartoon.
I'm not a expert on the period by any means, but I have read that after William the Conqueror's death there was a time when there was lots of in-fighting between his heirs and large portions of Northern England near the Scotts border were controlled by warlord barons who were essentially kings in their own right. While technically part of England, they mostly did their own thing and fought amongst themselves for more land and power and were absolute rulers in their little corner of the world.
The H, Ajax, is one of these men. He's bent on conquering as much land as possible and never satisfied with his amount of power and wealth. When he takes a castle, he orders the death of basically everyone. The defeated soldiers are displayed on stakes and the women and children disposed of as nuisances and extra mouths to feed.
He has no conscience about this. He's not conflicted or doing this out of some sort of vengeance or justice or anything. He has no great inner demon that torments him in his dreams. He doesn't even fear the church (which is a big thing in those days). He just likes killing and power and gets off on being feared - if he feels any emotion at all. He's what I'd call a true sociopath. Those people can't change. Something is missing. He isn't an interesting, conflicted anti-hero. He's a one-dimensional killing machine, who also doesn't seem very bright.
It's also emphasized ad-nauseum how big he is. He has fists the size of skulls, has to stoop to enter doorways, etc. I like a big guy, but he ended up sounding like some sort of freak of nature rather than a big powerful, sexy warrior.
The heroine, Kellington, was obviously teeny, tiny and extremely beautiful. She was kind to everyone and knew how to read and do math. She could run the entire business of the castle with her hands tied behind her back. Most importantly, she always spoke up for what was right even if she was surrounded by the stench of impaled warriors. An absolute paragon.
Here's my impression from the 30% I listened to. Maybe I'm missing out and it got better...
Hero: "Grrrr! I am Ajax, the great feared conqueror I have no mercy!"
Heroine: Looks WAY up there to meet the H's eyes. "But, my Lord, please grant me this one mercy and I swear I'll never ask for anything again."
Hero: "Grrrr! Arghh!........... oh, alright.... Grrr!"
2 minutes later - repeat.
I predict that by the end he'll be like a tame pit bull and give up all his dreams of conquest and repent all his sins. Because the heroine has taught him right from wrong. He simply didn't know before. No one ever loved him. Blah, blah....
Also, apparently before the heroine came along no one ever pointed out that it was hard to run a castle and do all the work required (harvesting, etc) when everyone was dead. Even an evil overlord needs his peasant minions, ya know.
The whole thing reminded me of one of those deluded women who fall in love with imprisoned serial killers and send them love letters. Except I'm sure this gets a shiny happy ending and doesn't end with the serial killer killing the deluded woman and eating her for dinner. Although I am ashamed to admit that by the zillionth time she'd asked for "one more mercy" I was hoping he'd pull out his sword and run her through just so I could move on with my life. Instead, I decided on the peaceful route and just took off the headphones.
Despite the unfortunate narration, at first I was excited. I thought I was finally getting a historical with some meat, not just 21st century people playing dress up. The medieval era was gritty. Life was hard and often short, and men could be very brutal. Lots of really nasty ways of torturing people and putting them to death were perfected during this time period. I get it. I don't expect a Disney cartoon.
I'm not a expert on the period by any means, but I have read that after William the Conqueror's death there was a time when there was lots of in-fighting between his heirs and large portions of Northern England near the Scotts border were controlled by warlord barons who were essentially kings in their own right. While technically part of England, they mostly did their own thing and fought amongst themselves for more land and power and were absolute rulers in their little corner of the world.
The H, Ajax, is one of these men. He's bent on conquering as much land as possible and never satisfied with his amount of power and wealth. When he takes a castle, he orders the death of basically everyone. The defeated soldiers are displayed on stakes and the women and children disposed of as nuisances and extra mouths to feed.
He has no conscience about this. He's not conflicted or doing this out of some sort of vengeance or justice or anything. He has no great inner demon that torments him in his dreams. He doesn't even fear the church (which is a big thing in those days). He just likes killing and power and gets off on being feared - if he feels any emotion at all. He's what I'd call a true sociopath. Those people can't change. Something is missing. He isn't an interesting, conflicted anti-hero. He's a one-dimensional killing machine, who also doesn't seem very bright.
It's also emphasized ad-nauseum how big he is. He has fists the size of skulls, has to stoop to enter doorways, etc. I like a big guy, but he ended up sounding like some sort of freak of nature rather than a big powerful, sexy warrior.
The heroine, Kellington, was obviously teeny, tiny and extremely beautiful. She was kind to everyone and knew how to read and do math. She could run the entire business of the castle with her hands tied behind her back. Most importantly, she always spoke up for what was right even if she was surrounded by the stench of impaled warriors. An absolute paragon.
Here's my impression from the 30% I listened to. Maybe I'm missing out and it got better...
Hero: "Grrrr! I am Ajax, the great feared conqueror I have no mercy!"
Heroine: Looks WAY up there to meet the H's eyes. "But, my Lord, please grant me this one mercy and I swear I'll never ask for anything again."
Hero: "Grrrr! Arghh!........... oh, alright.... Grrr!"
2 minutes later - repeat.
I predict that by the end he'll be like a tame pit bull and give up all his dreams of conquest and repent all his sins. Because the heroine has taught him right from wrong. He simply didn't know before. No one ever loved him. Blah, blah....
Also, apparently before the heroine came along no one ever pointed out that it was hard to run a castle and do all the work required (harvesting, etc) when everyone was dead. Even an evil overlord needs his peasant minions, ya know.
The whole thing reminded me of one of those deluded women who fall in love with imprisoned serial killers and send them love letters. Except I'm sure this gets a shiny happy ending and doesn't end with the serial killer killing the deluded woman and eating her for dinner. Although I am ashamed to admit that by the zillionth time she'd asked for "one more mercy" I was hoping he'd pull out his sword and run her through just so I could move on with my life. Instead, I decided on the peaceful route and just took off the headphones.
March 2, 2021
This was not the book for me. As much as I love KLV books this one was just too dark. I couldn't get over the fact that the hero commited genocide. Every keep he conquers he murders all the women and children. He has castles in the double digits. That's a lot if dead babies! Makes it hard to root for him.
Now if I ignore the murdering, it's a pretty good romance and even enjoyable. Such a shame the author went too far to the dark side with this one.
A friend mentioned the next book in the series is even darker. I think I'll skip the rest of the De Velt series.
Now if I ignore the murdering, it's a pretty good romance and even enjoyable. Such a shame the author went too far to the dark side with this one.
A friend mentioned the next book in the series is even darker. I think I'll skip the rest of the De Velt series.
March 18, 2021
1. I am not down with killing babies
2. If you kill babies there isn't much to redeem you.
3. I would poison YO ASS IF YOU KILLED BABIES
4. This story should have ended after the 3rd chapter because the H should have died slowly and painfully.
5. This cover is ridiculous. Chain metal booty shorts. I shoulda known....
2. If you kill babies there isn't much to redeem you.
3. I would poison YO ASS IF YOU KILLED BABIES
4. This story should have ended after the 3rd chapter because the H should have died slowly and painfully.
5. This cover is ridiculous. Chain metal booty shorts. I shoulda known....
March 29, 2018
Warfare is brutal but love is sublime. This is my first KL book despite my fondness for medieval time frame books. Can I admit I expected more/better historical detail? 3.5 rounded to 4 stars.
Book source: Kindle Unlimited.
Book source: Kindle Unlimited.
August 14, 2012
Reviewed By BlackTulip for Booked Up
After Ajax de Velt’s undeniable and bloody success in the Welsh Marches, he leaves his trusted generals in command of six strategic castles and continues his relentless, destructive but so profitable conquest entering Northumberland en route for the Scottish border.
The barbarians who burst in Pelinom's keep aren't knights in shining armors. No, their armors are filthy and splashed with the blood of a whole garrison that has just been slaughtered. They are de Velt’s ruthless mercenaries and they're here to kill and conquer.
Sir Keat Coleby and his only child, Lady Kellington, are on their knees in Pelinom's great hall that doesn't belong to them anymore. Kellington has always thought that she was living in a little paradise, until the devil crossed the threshold. She was told that Hell is for the dead, she is going to discover the hard way that it can also be for the living. That very day their lives changed for ever.
Kellington, a lovely young woman is an intriguing mix of innocence, impetuosity and boldness. Miraculously, for at least eighteen years, Pelinom has remained sheltered from any battle and siege, until that fateful day. She has this idea that one can be fierce but at the same time stay fair and show mercy. The "way of war" is a notion she cannot even begin to grasp.
Ajax de Velt is a ferocious warlord that matches perfectly these dark and harsh times. A ruthless code without honor has been ingrained in him by his father who came himself from a long lineage of warriors. He believes that brutality and slaughter show power. Men and Kings fear him!
He appears to be invincible on a battlefield or during a siege but what about a battle between two minds and with words ...!
Kathryn Le Veque has created two brilliant and very exciting characters that couldn't be more dissimilar. Their completely opposite minds collide and initially you doubt they'll ever find a common ground. She does a marvelous job at describing both their confusion and inner struggle and, little by little, the relation captor-prisoner that begins to shift. How I loved to observe Ajax certainties crumble under Kellington's gentle but firm assault of words against his mind!
Kellington is very easy to love, in fact I loved her from the start. She's intelligent, curious, goodhearted and would do anything for her people, even being disobedient despite her fear. She's the kind of person that always seeks the best in everyone, and she's going to try the impossible by making Ajax become a better man.
As to Ajax, it's a whole different story. He's a callous killer without conscience . However, the day he conquered Pelinon becomes his downfall: somehow the inconceivable happens, Kellington makes him feel ... makes him smile ... and he finds himself not in control anymore.
I'm not going to say more; there's a lot going on in this book—unexpected turns, betrayal on both sides and danger at every corner. It is such a strong and gripping story. Ms. Leveque is not afraid to describe with crudeness the violence and atrocities of war, and in my opinion she does it masterfully. And in the midst of such a turmoil and devastation, she's able to make love bloom and you believe in it!
This is the first book of Kathryn Le Veque’s that I have read and it surely won't be the last. I love the very personal and effective style she uses to tell her story, I simply became addicted. I highly recommend it and give it 5 big stars.
After Ajax de Velt’s undeniable and bloody success in the Welsh Marches, he leaves his trusted generals in command of six strategic castles and continues his relentless, destructive but so profitable conquest entering Northumberland en route for the Scottish border.
The barbarians who burst in Pelinom's keep aren't knights in shining armors. No, their armors are filthy and splashed with the blood of a whole garrison that has just been slaughtered. They are de Velt’s ruthless mercenaries and they're here to kill and conquer.
Sir Keat Coleby and his only child, Lady Kellington, are on their knees in Pelinom's great hall that doesn't belong to them anymore. Kellington has always thought that she was living in a little paradise, until the devil crossed the threshold. She was told that Hell is for the dead, she is going to discover the hard way that it can also be for the living. That very day their lives changed for ever.
Kellington, a lovely young woman is an intriguing mix of innocence, impetuosity and boldness. Miraculously, for at least eighteen years, Pelinom has remained sheltered from any battle and siege, until that fateful day. She has this idea that one can be fierce but at the same time stay fair and show mercy. The "way of war" is a notion she cannot even begin to grasp.
Ajax de Velt is a ferocious warlord that matches perfectly these dark and harsh times. A ruthless code without honor has been ingrained in him by his father who came himself from a long lineage of warriors. He believes that brutality and slaughter show power. Men and Kings fear him!
He appears to be invincible on a battlefield or during a siege but what about a battle between two minds and with words ...!
Kathryn Le Veque has created two brilliant and very exciting characters that couldn't be more dissimilar. Their completely opposite minds collide and initially you doubt they'll ever find a common ground. She does a marvelous job at describing both their confusion and inner struggle and, little by little, the relation captor-prisoner that begins to shift. How I loved to observe Ajax certainties crumble under Kellington's gentle but firm assault of words against his mind!
Kellington is very easy to love, in fact I loved her from the start. She's intelligent, curious, goodhearted and would do anything for her people, even being disobedient despite her fear. She's the kind of person that always seeks the best in everyone, and she's going to try the impossible by making Ajax become a better man.
As to Ajax, it's a whole different story. He's a callous killer without conscience . However, the day he conquered Pelinon becomes his downfall: somehow the inconceivable happens, Kellington makes him feel ... makes him smile ... and he finds himself not in control anymore.
I'm not going to say more; there's a lot going on in this book—unexpected turns, betrayal on both sides and danger at every corner. It is such a strong and gripping story. Ms. Leveque is not afraid to describe with crudeness the violence and atrocities of war, and in my opinion she does it masterfully. And in the midst of such a turmoil and devastation, she's able to make love bloom and you believe in it!
This is the first book of Kathryn Le Veque’s that I have read and it surely won't be the last. I love the very personal and effective style she uses to tell her story, I simply became addicted. I highly recommend it and give it 5 big stars.
June 25, 2012
I can't figure out why, but I actually liked this book. Like many free books on Kindle, The Dark Lord is seriously in need of an editor, but this never bothers me as much as it does other people, just so long as it is still readable. I think what kept me interested in the story was the hero, Jax de Velt. I liked the way he changed throughout the story, and learned to be more empathetic. Other than that, it seemed like the author did her research of the time period well. I guess the best way to describe this book is to say it has a lot of potential, it just needs a little more work.
abandoned
May 14, 2013Between the "plate armor" the hero wears, and at least two mentions of the heroine's "pantalets", I'm afraid I'm going to yield at 6% and move on. If I ever want to go back to anachronistic medievals, I'll just pick up Garwood for a reread.
Life's too short.
Life's too short.
February 5, 2014
I really liked this book, it was very well written , great medieval romance.
I highly recommend it and give it 5 big stars..
I highly recommend it and give it 5 big stars..
November 12, 2014
4.5/5.0 If one enjoys a rich love story that doesn't shrink from the nasty realities that inhabit the medieval era, this one is superb. There is just enough fairytale to soften the harshness and allow the reader to believe. Those sticklers for editing might take exception but for those of us that can overlook a few misspellings, this one is sigh worthy for sure!
May 6, 2013
One of my all time favs. From my favorite author. Ms Le Veque always writes books that transport me to another time and place.
February 29, 2016
I have been loving Kathryn Le Veque books and been doing somewhat of a marathon read because her books are so good! This book did hit snag for me in the 'really love' department. I thought the hero, Ajax de Velt " The Dark Lord" was a little to dark. His crimes were on women and children and disrespecting dead bodies left from their wars. I found it somewhat hard to get over but I did continue to read the book. His character did grow and a few funny parts but I did feel that Kellington Coleby for gave a little to quickly. I was glad to have read the book but just a few things that made me not love the book as I have her other ones.
SPOLIER:
I also thought that his first marriage was kind of a after thought and I didn't like it that he never really divorce her after finding her or declaring her dead somehow so that his marriage to Kellington would be legal. It appears that he went on with the marriage and never told her at all...let it be her choice to be Married by heart as he told his first wife and not married by heart and law.
SPOLIER:
I also thought that his first marriage was kind of a after thought and I didn't like it that he never really divorce her after finding her or declaring her dead somehow so that his marriage to Kellington would be legal. It appears that he went on with the marriage and never told her at all...let it be her choice to be Married by heart as he told his first wife and not married by heart and law.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2020
Maria Antonietta - per RFS
.
Bentrovate fenici, ho letto per voi Il signore oscuro, un romanzo auto conclusivo che ho trovato bellissimo. Non conoscevo questa autrice e mi sono subito documentata, infatti ho scoperto che ha scritto molti libri in cui i personaggi sono legati tra loro, quindi sicuramente continuerò a seguirla.
La mia valutazione è di cinque stelle perché ho trovato tutte le qualità che cerco in un libro.
Iniziando la mia analisi dalla copertina posso dire che rispecchia appieno il titolo, la trama e l’atmosfera del romanzo. Il genere è storico medievale ma con quella parte romance che alleggerisce la lettura rendendola scorrevole e avvincente. Il romanzo è scritto impeccabilmente, con una trama consistente che non lascia niente all’immaginazione, catapultando il lettore all’interno della storia e coinvolgendolo all’inverosimile. Avrete capito che è lungo abbastanza da crogiolarvi nella lettura con calma e senza mai annoiarvi!
Vi avviso che le scene cruente sono tante e a ragion veduta, dato il contesto storico in cui è ambientato, ossia il 1180 D.C. nell’Inghilterra di Enrico II. Ci imbattiamo già dalle prime righe nel cuore del racconto con un ritmo interessante e pieno di adrenalina.
Lord Aiax De Velt detto Il Signore oscuro, insieme alla sua armata infallibile composta da mercenari senza scrupoli, è conosciuto in tutta l’Inghilterra per aver saccheggiato, stuprato e assassinato senza pietà. Durante l’assedio del castello di Pelinom, sul confine scozzese, si scontrano i nostri protagonisti, lui come usurpatore e lei come giovane castellana.
Jax, così si fa chiamare lui, è un uomo spietato e brutale: in guerra il suo modus operandi è noto a tutti, cosicché gli unici sopravvissuti al massacro sono la nostra protagonista e suo padre, assieme a una manciata di serve. L’incontro scontro è strabiliante, fin dalle prime battute assistiamo a dei battibecchi incredibili in cui la personalità dei due viene fuori immediatamente.
Lady Kellington ha solo 18 anni ma, essendo figlia unica e orfana di madre, è una piccola donna (in tutti i sensi) e molto determinata. Il primo approccio non è dei migliori, considerando l’orrore e la paura per la loro sorte, Kelli in qualche modo con il suo atteggiamento impertinente riesce a scalfire il duro cuore del guerriero, che ne rimane ammaliato.
Per risparmiare la vita del padre, la ragazza viene a patti col signore oscuro promettendogli di aiutarlo nella gestione del castello, per trarne il massimo profitto. Emerge a poco a poco la personalità di quest’uomo spaventoso e con occhi dal doppio colore, Kelli riesce ad umanizzarlo. Il percorso è lungo e tortuoso, considerando che molte persone sono determinate a tenerli separati, ma le avventure e le avversità che incontreranno valgono la pena di essere affrontate per il gran finale.
I personaggi che ruotano attorno a loro sono altrettanto interessanti e caratterizzati molto bene. La coppia, che sembra improponibile, si dimostra inscindibile soprattutto grazie alla saggezza e all’intelligenza della lady, che si rivela un’esplosione della natura, desiderata e amata da tutti. Per ultimo vorrei motivare il tre alla sensualità, sottolineando che paradossalmente ho trovato la narrazione un tripudio di passionalità, senza che ci siano troppe scene erotiche.
In un clima così feroce e primitivo, l’autrice descrive l’attrazione tra i due e l’elettricità che sprigionano in modo sublime ed elegante.
In un’epoca oscura, dove non ci sono certezze e ogni giorno è un giorno in più, potrete vivere uno scorcio di quel passato così lontano e spaventoso come non lo avevate mai visto.
Un libro che mi è piaciuto particolarmente e che consiglio vivamente. Alla prossima fenicette!
.
Bentrovate fenici, ho letto per voi Il signore oscuro, un romanzo auto conclusivo che ho trovato bellissimo. Non conoscevo questa autrice e mi sono subito documentata, infatti ho scoperto che ha scritto molti libri in cui i personaggi sono legati tra loro, quindi sicuramente continuerò a seguirla.
La mia valutazione è di cinque stelle perché ho trovato tutte le qualità che cerco in un libro.
Iniziando la mia analisi dalla copertina posso dire che rispecchia appieno il titolo, la trama e l’atmosfera del romanzo. Il genere è storico medievale ma con quella parte romance che alleggerisce la lettura rendendola scorrevole e avvincente. Il romanzo è scritto impeccabilmente, con una trama consistente che non lascia niente all’immaginazione, catapultando il lettore all’interno della storia e coinvolgendolo all’inverosimile. Avrete capito che è lungo abbastanza da crogiolarvi nella lettura con calma e senza mai annoiarvi!
Vi avviso che le scene cruente sono tante e a ragion veduta, dato il contesto storico in cui è ambientato, ossia il 1180 D.C. nell’Inghilterra di Enrico II. Ci imbattiamo già dalle prime righe nel cuore del racconto con un ritmo interessante e pieno di adrenalina.
Lord Aiax De Velt detto Il Signore oscuro, insieme alla sua armata infallibile composta da mercenari senza scrupoli, è conosciuto in tutta l’Inghilterra per aver saccheggiato, stuprato e assassinato senza pietà. Durante l’assedio del castello di Pelinom, sul confine scozzese, si scontrano i nostri protagonisti, lui come usurpatore e lei come giovane castellana.
Jax, così si fa chiamare lui, è un uomo spietato e brutale: in guerra il suo modus operandi è noto a tutti, cosicché gli unici sopravvissuti al massacro sono la nostra protagonista e suo padre, assieme a una manciata di serve. L’incontro scontro è strabiliante, fin dalle prime battute assistiamo a dei battibecchi incredibili in cui la personalità dei due viene fuori immediatamente.
Lady Kellington ha solo 18 anni ma, essendo figlia unica e orfana di madre, è una piccola donna (in tutti i sensi) e molto determinata. Il primo approccio non è dei migliori, considerando l’orrore e la paura per la loro sorte, Kelli in qualche modo con il suo atteggiamento impertinente riesce a scalfire il duro cuore del guerriero, che ne rimane ammaliato.
Per risparmiare la vita del padre, la ragazza viene a patti col signore oscuro promettendogli di aiutarlo nella gestione del castello, per trarne il massimo profitto. Emerge a poco a poco la personalità di quest’uomo spaventoso e con occhi dal doppio colore, Kelli riesce ad umanizzarlo. Il percorso è lungo e tortuoso, considerando che molte persone sono determinate a tenerli separati, ma le avventure e le avversità che incontreranno valgono la pena di essere affrontate per il gran finale.
I personaggi che ruotano attorno a loro sono altrettanto interessanti e caratterizzati molto bene. La coppia, che sembra improponibile, si dimostra inscindibile soprattutto grazie alla saggezza e all’intelligenza della lady, che si rivela un’esplosione della natura, desiderata e amata da tutti. Per ultimo vorrei motivare il tre alla sensualità, sottolineando che paradossalmente ho trovato la narrazione un tripudio di passionalità, senza che ci siano troppe scene erotiche.
In un clima così feroce e primitivo, l’autrice descrive l’attrazione tra i due e l’elettricità che sprigionano in modo sublime ed elegante.
In un’epoca oscura, dove non ci sono certezze e ogni giorno è un giorno in più, potrete vivere uno scorcio di quel passato così lontano e spaventoso come non lo avevate mai visto.
Un libro che mi è piaciuto particolarmente e che consiglio vivamente. Alla prossima fenicette!
May 6, 2013
It was a well written adventure
April 2, 2021
I loved this on audible. I was riveted by Kiff VandenHeuvel gravely voice of Jax. He was just so easy to listen to. Jax is not a good man. He is a killer and gruesome about it too. I am aware some people do not like what I like. Le Veque is not always accurate and she has her detractors but I like it. Just don't be a troll. It's immature. It's ok with me if you don't like it. You can always block me or put me on ignore so you won't be "forced" to read my reviews.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2013
The Dark Lord was a trip back in time for me to when I read about and adored ancient history, including the knights of old, though typically those weren’t so focused on romance. Le Veque paints a beautiful and realistic picture of what times were like during the time of Henry II’s reign and how differently politics and wars were handled then. Though there isn’t much detail given on the landscape, which is a shame given that the area the book focuses on is Scotland and surrounding nations, the reader does get a good feel for the interior of a castle which are described in much detail. I’m sure that must have been a result of painstaking research by Le Veque and it shows, certainly enhancing the experience especially for those like me who love historic buildings.
The characters do give me some pause though. I do like Lady Kellington, she’s feisty and refuses to give any ground if it goes against what she believes in regardless of the repercussions she would face. She fights for her friends and family and the innocent as well, even ones she doesn’t know, simply because it is the right thing to do, that says a lot. She also has a good sense of humor which helps to make her character a bit more human and less of an idealistic heroine, something that is crucial to giving her believability.
Jax on the other hand…well he annoys me. He’s supposed to be this badass knight with a screw-you mentality that only wants to capture more land for himself and his comrades, something that is quite fitting for that era. However, all it takes is spending a few moments with Lady Kellington and he instantly becomes a ball of mush, it’s just sad. I do not doubt the power a woman can hold over a man for a second, but he barely even puts up any resistance, it makes no sense. I don’t care how much he likes her in the beginning or admires her pluck, there is no way a guy like that with such a mean streak and history of violence would just start changing all of his habits, it isn’t happening. It just gets worse as the story progresses and he gets increasingly taken with her. Again, I don’t doubt the power love can have but I think Le Veque may have taken it too far.
The plot is really well done though. The story is intriguing, the battles, especially later on, are well done and include the usual array of tactics used at the time, details that are vital for a historical novel, even a romance-centered one. The pacing is good, if not stellar because of Jax constantly going back on his plans after being influenced by Lady Kellington, and keeps the reader engaged. I couldn’t put the book down until I had finished it, always a great sign especially given how distracted I can be by the internet’s awesome.
Overall I enjoyed The Dark Lord, but Jax’s character being slightly infuriating kept me from giving it as high of a review as I might have otherwise. One other thing to note, if I never read “dual-colored eyes” again it will be too soon. Seriously, the amount of references to Jax’s eyes is ridiculous. Anyway, for anyone who likes historical romances this is a solid read if you haven’t already, and for those who are trying to broaden their genre horizons like I am this year this would also be a good choice. Thanks as always for reading and come back tomorrow for Day 30!
Rating 3/5
The characters do give me some pause though. I do like Lady Kellington, she’s feisty and refuses to give any ground if it goes against what she believes in regardless of the repercussions she would face. She fights for her friends and family and the innocent as well, even ones she doesn’t know, simply because it is the right thing to do, that says a lot. She also has a good sense of humor which helps to make her character a bit more human and less of an idealistic heroine, something that is crucial to giving her believability.
Jax on the other hand…well he annoys me. He’s supposed to be this badass knight with a screw-you mentality that only wants to capture more land for himself and his comrades, something that is quite fitting for that era. However, all it takes is spending a few moments with Lady Kellington and he instantly becomes a ball of mush, it’s just sad. I do not doubt the power a woman can hold over a man for a second, but he barely even puts up any resistance, it makes no sense. I don’t care how much he likes her in the beginning or admires her pluck, there is no way a guy like that with such a mean streak and history of violence would just start changing all of his habits, it isn’t happening. It just gets worse as the story progresses and he gets increasingly taken with her. Again, I don’t doubt the power love can have but I think Le Veque may have taken it too far.
The plot is really well done though. The story is intriguing, the battles, especially later on, are well done and include the usual array of tactics used at the time, details that are vital for a historical novel, even a romance-centered one. The pacing is good, if not stellar because of Jax constantly going back on his plans after being influenced by Lady Kellington, and keeps the reader engaged. I couldn’t put the book down until I had finished it, always a great sign especially given how distracted I can be by the internet’s awesome.
Overall I enjoyed The Dark Lord, but Jax’s character being slightly infuriating kept me from giving it as high of a review as I might have otherwise. One other thing to note, if I never read “dual-colored eyes” again it will be too soon. Seriously, the amount of references to Jax’s eyes is ridiculous. Anyway, for anyone who likes historical romances this is a solid read if you haven’t already, and for those who are trying to broaden their genre horizons like I am this year this would also be a good choice. Thanks as always for reading and come back tomorrow for Day 30!
Rating 3/5
September 13, 2018
One of my favorite Le Veque books. The reign of terror of Jax de Velt and his mercenary army is brought to a halt when the daughter of an enemy commander brings him to his knees. Disturbing acts of violence may be difficult to read, but are part of that period of time in war.
June 26, 2012
Another free Kindle download.
He- strong, brutal Knight
She- sweet and beautiful conquered damsel.
Great fun.
Just downloaded several more of this Author's Medieval romances which are free as well.
He- strong, brutal Knight
She- sweet and beautiful conquered damsel.
Great fun.
Just downloaded several more of this Author's Medieval romances which are free as well.
January 20, 2013
I liked it very much.....
October 19, 2015
3.5 stars
May 9, 2013
Loved this. Bad guy, good girl. Great adventure and very realistic. At times gory but I loved it.
June 2, 2021
Raramente leggo storici ambientati nel basso medioevo ,quando mi approccio a uno storico preferisco sempre la classe del periodo regency o del tardo ottocento. Eppure “ il signore oscuro” mi è piaciuto. L’ambientazione è assolutamente realistica nella sua rudezza , il clima è feroce e primitivo dell’Inghilterra di Enrico 2 nel 1180 e il fatto che non sia stata in nessun modo edulcorata, È stata ai miei occhi un punto a favore. Il libro inizia con un assedio. Lei, lady kellinghton è prigioniera di lui , l’usurpatore , lord Ajax De Velt, un brutale conquistatore assassino,Il suo modus operandi è conosciuto da tutti :è infallibile spietato e non fa prigionieri.
Quindi a differenza dei normali storici che sono abituata a leggere il personaggio di lui si presenta in maniera estremamente dark. Caratterizzato straordinariamente e calato magistralmente in un periodo storico in cui ogni giorno è una conquista perché non c’è certezza mai. Lei minuta e tenera ,cresciuta nella pace ovattata del suo castello , però non gli darà tregua. La sua determinazione ,unita alla dignità e all’intelligenza e alla bellezza fa breccia in lui quasi subito.
Ed ecco che le mani enormi e sanguinarie di Jax , come si farà chiamare da lei , diventeranno a poco a poco tenere sul piccolo corpo di lei , ecco che la personalità spaventosa dello spietato conquistatore acquisterà un barlume di misericordia, ecco che gli occhi dal doppio colore da glaciali diventeranno caldi e innamorati .
«È audace, testarda, disobbediente e impertinente,» disse (...) «Ma è anche bella, gentile, saggia e compassionevole. Penso di averla amata dal momento in cui i miei occhi si sono posati su di lei. Mi consuma»
Kelli riuscirà a umanizzare profondamente lui, a capire la tenerezza dell’uomo dietro l’armatura di brutalità innamorandosene e tenendolo per mano sempre, dall’inizio alla fine ,senza mai tentennare.
Tutta l’evoluzione dei sentimenti e gli intrighi che avvolgeranno la storia sono spalmati su un libro lungo e corposo che scorre piacevolmente con la giusta adrenalina e il giusto sentimento. Ho letto più di 1200 pagine digitali in un giorno solo ...questo la dice lunga.
Doverosa la menzione alla passionalità traboccante che mai diventa erotica, ma rende perfettamente e mi permetto di dire che ci vuole mestiere per fare una cosa del genere...
Insomma ha tutto quello che ci si aspetta da uno storico medievale e anche qualcosa di più ...consigliato. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Quindi a differenza dei normali storici che sono abituata a leggere il personaggio di lui si presenta in maniera estremamente dark. Caratterizzato straordinariamente e calato magistralmente in un periodo storico in cui ogni giorno è una conquista perché non c’è certezza mai. Lei minuta e tenera ,cresciuta nella pace ovattata del suo castello , però non gli darà tregua. La sua determinazione ,unita alla dignità e all’intelligenza e alla bellezza fa breccia in lui quasi subito.
Ed ecco che le mani enormi e sanguinarie di Jax , come si farà chiamare da lei , diventeranno a poco a poco tenere sul piccolo corpo di lei , ecco che la personalità spaventosa dello spietato conquistatore acquisterà un barlume di misericordia, ecco che gli occhi dal doppio colore da glaciali diventeranno caldi e innamorati .
«È audace, testarda, disobbediente e impertinente,» disse (...) «Ma è anche bella, gentile, saggia e compassionevole. Penso di averla amata dal momento in cui i miei occhi si sono posati su di lei. Mi consuma»
Kelli riuscirà a umanizzare profondamente lui, a capire la tenerezza dell’uomo dietro l’armatura di brutalità innamorandosene e tenendolo per mano sempre, dall’inizio alla fine ,senza mai tentennare.
Tutta l’evoluzione dei sentimenti e gli intrighi che avvolgeranno la storia sono spalmati su un libro lungo e corposo che scorre piacevolmente con la giusta adrenalina e il giusto sentimento. Ho letto più di 1200 pagine digitali in un giorno solo ...questo la dice lunga.
Doverosa la menzione alla passionalità traboccante che mai diventa erotica, ma rende perfettamente e mi permetto di dire che ci vuole mestiere per fare una cosa del genere...
Insomma ha tutto quello che ci si aspetta da uno storico medievale e anche qualcosa di più ...consigliato. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
July 11, 2018
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
This has to be one of my all time favourite books , not just by Kathryn Le Veque, but ever .
What an amazing setting , battles , with such fantastic descriptions and emotions written into the pages , the whole thing just comes alive.
You can almost hear and smell everything that takes place .
The minute you read the first page your transported to a whole world of Medieval England.
Your senses seem to go on high alert , waiting for the next siege to begin .
Ajax de Velt is one of this authors most bloodthirsty and violent characters and he pulls no punches, he’s totally ruthless.
But slowly he discovers mercy and love with the help of Kellington .
Considering what she must go through , she retains her strength and humanity and helps Ajax to gain a little humanity too.
I can’t praise this book enough and even though I’ve read it 5 times now it never looses its magic .
A wonderful read and a perfect way to loose yourself in another world for a while .
💋💋
This has to be one of my all time favourite books , not just by Kathryn Le Veque, but ever .
What an amazing setting , battles , with such fantastic descriptions and emotions written into the pages , the whole thing just comes alive.
You can almost hear and smell everything that takes place .
The minute you read the first page your transported to a whole world of Medieval England.
Your senses seem to go on high alert , waiting for the next siege to begin .
Ajax de Velt is one of this authors most bloodthirsty and violent characters and he pulls no punches, he’s totally ruthless.
But slowly he discovers mercy and love with the help of Kellington .
Considering what she must go through , she retains her strength and humanity and helps Ajax to gain a little humanity too.
I can’t praise this book enough and even though I’ve read it 5 times now it never looses its magic .
A wonderful read and a perfect way to loose yourself in another world for a while .
April 9, 2015
I love a good medevil story and this story filled the bill and more. If you have opportunity, purchase the audio version. The narrator adds a delicious level of masculine tension to the story. Kellington is saved from torture after the castle is overtaken by a roguish brute. But every man has a soft side and Kellington finds her way into his. But not everyone is comfortable with the relationship building between them.
Anymore would be full of spoilers but I can't stress enough how much this story comes to life in the audio version.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a Dark Knight.
Anymore would be full of spoilers but I can't stress enough how much this story comes to life in the audio version.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a Dark Knight.
November 16, 2014
This was a did not finish book for me. The hero killed babies. And left rotting enemies up on a spike and made the heroine walk through them.
Then we had to watch the heroine's best friend mourn her husband and baby.
Did not finish. Maybe the other books don't have such a dark hero.(I made a pun)
Then we had to watch the heroine's best friend mourn her husband and baby.
Did not finish. Maybe the other books don't have such a dark hero.(I made a pun)
Want to read
May 16, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/10/2020)! 🎁
June 29, 2021
Be Not Afraid of the Brute🐺🍆⛲💪👊🔪
ADULT Historical Medieval🏰🔪 Romance 💕and War💀 Adventure with Abduction.
1180 AD, Scots Borderlands.
AJax de Velt,🐺🍆⛲💪👊🔪 is known as The Dark Lord. He is a huge, ruthless killer💀, a conquerer, a brutal swordsman🔪, who gives no quarter, slaying his enemies as he goes from castle 🏰to castle🏰 with his army of mercenaries. He is building an empire!
When he captures castle Pelinom🏰, along with the commander and his daughter, Lady Kellington💃💋, she is able to persuade him not to kill💀 her father or her. Somehow, something in him wants to please her, and she is not afraid of him......
This book is quite violent with instances of impalement of the captured by Ajax and his men, among other brutalities. I was totally immersed in this ADULT novel!
ADULT Historical Medieval🏰🔪 Romance 💕and War💀 Adventure with Abduction.
1180 AD, Scots Borderlands.
AJax de Velt,🐺🍆⛲💪👊🔪 is known as The Dark Lord. He is a huge, ruthless killer💀, a conquerer, a brutal swordsman🔪, who gives no quarter, slaying his enemies as he goes from castle 🏰to castle🏰 with his army of mercenaries. He is building an empire!
When he captures castle Pelinom🏰, along with the commander and his daughter, Lady Kellington💃💋, she is able to persuade him not to kill💀 her father or her. Somehow, something in him wants to please her, and she is not afraid of him......
This book is quite violent with instances of impalement of the captured by Ajax and his men, among other brutalities. I was totally immersed in this ADULT novel!
September 7, 2018
Love this story. This book is pretty dark and will not appeal to everyone. I recommend reading some of the 1-2star reviews, there are more on amazon, so you know what you are getting into. I loved the darkness and the drama. Ajax is very dark hero who has done some pretty unforgivable things.
But, love can be blind sometimes like in Lady Kellington’s case, and it can make Ajax a better man. I like that the author wasn't afraid to make the heroine, what some might call, superficial and weak. I think women can like pretty things like jewels and dresses without being spoiled or off putting and can still be strong women even if they cry and like sparkly things.
Like all of the Le Veque’s books, that I’ve read, this one is too wordy with lots of exposition and unnecessary characters and dialogue. But, I’ve gotten good at skimming the meaningless dialogue with background characters. WARNING: there is sex in this book, it is not erotica, but enough to be a steamy & hot adult romance. Please do not read if you are looking for something PG.
Romance-5/5 Steaminess-4/5 Explicitness-3/5
https://bigcomfychair.wordpress.com/
But, love can be blind sometimes like in Lady Kellington’s case, and it can make Ajax a better man. I like that the author wasn't afraid to make the heroine, what some might call, superficial and weak. I think women can like pretty things like jewels and dresses without being spoiled or off putting and can still be strong women even if they cry and like sparkly things.
Like all of the Le Veque’s books, that I’ve read, this one is too wordy with lots of exposition and unnecessary characters and dialogue. But, I’ve gotten good at skimming the meaningless dialogue with background characters. WARNING: there is sex in this book, it is not erotica, but enough to be a steamy & hot adult romance. Please do not read if you are looking for something PG.
Romance-5/5 Steaminess-4/5 Explicitness-3/5
https://bigcomfychair.wordpress.com/
June 3, 2020
It's Okay
I wish authors would make the heroes a little more wicked. Like dude has the perfect opportunity to ravish the heroine, but he spanks her a little and that's it. The heroine is annoying sweet. Like thick disgusting sweet. It's not realistic. Warriors who put their enemies on pikes and kill babies don't shrink from a good ravishment. A spanking? Really? I wish Connie Mason has written this one.
I wish authors would make the heroes a little more wicked. Like dude has the perfect opportunity to ravish the heroine, but he spanks her a little and that's it. The heroine is annoying sweet. Like thick disgusting sweet. It's not realistic. Warriors who put their enemies on pikes and kill babies don't shrink from a good ravishment. A spanking? Really? I wish Connie Mason has written this one.
February 19, 2018
It was pretty good but I was ready to tear my hair out at the end of the book for the sheer number of times the phrase "dual colored eyes" or "dual colored orbs" was used. I get it. He has two different colored eyes. I don't need to be reminded every time he uses them.
January 1, 2021
A great story, interesting characters and situations. This book is worth a read.
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