What do you think?
The Gisborne Saga #2
Gisborne: Book of Knights
Once Lady Ysabel De Courcey had thought that if she had been a trobairitz, she might have written a song about herself - her courage in the face of adversity that would have had the men and women in any noble hall sighing as they listened.
Now, on the eve of the Third Crusade, the denouement of the ballad is beginning...
Ysabel races across the waters of the Middle Sea to seek out Sir Guy of Gisborne because she has vital information that could save a king.
But above all, she longs to tell the wronged knight she values him and will stand back to back with him in a vengeful battle that could threaten all their lives.
Now, on the eve of the Third Crusade, the denouement of the ballad is beginning...
Ysabel races across the waters of the Middle Sea to seek out Sir Guy of Gisborne because she has vital information that could save a king.
But above all, she longs to tell the wronged knight she values him and will stand back to back with him in a vengeful battle that could threaten all their lives.
294 pages, Paperback
First published July 9, 2013
About the author
Prue Batten
33 books53 followersPrue was born in Australia and studied history and politics at the University of Tasmania. She has worked as a hotel cleaner, a cosmetician in a major department store, and a bookseller. But most properly, she was been a journalist/researcher for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Prue is a multi-award-winning cross-genre writer of historical fiction and historical fantasy. Her Historical fiction books of which there are two trilogies with more to come, are set in the last decade of the twelfth century.
She has collaborated in a number of excellent anthologies, including a number that raise money for cancer research, a cause that holds great meaning for her.
Her most unique contract is as an ongoing short-story writer for www. bopressminiaturebooks.com in the USA
Prue can be found at:www.facebook.com/Prue.Batten.writer
www.pinterest.dk/pruebatten
www.instagram.com/pruebatten/
Prue is a multi-award-winning cross-genre writer of historical fiction and historical fantasy. Her Historical fiction books of which there are two trilogies with more to come, are set in the last decade of the twelfth century.
She has collaborated in a number of excellent anthologies, including a number that raise money for cancer research, a cause that holds great meaning for her.
Her most unique contract is as an ongoing short-story writer for www. bopressminiaturebooks.com in the USA
Prue can be found at:www.facebook.com/Prue.Batten.writer
www.pinterest.dk/pruebatten
www.instagram.com/pruebatten/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 15, 2013
Unless you feel like checking out my review of the first Gisborne novel, I will summarize book one as: a work of Medieval Romance mixed with hints of suspense that I found enchanting in its depth and feeling.
Gisborne was not my usual blood and guts, historical military or thriller fare, but being a lover of Prue's earlier Faerie fantasy works, I read it with some relish, only to find that while having nothing that would normally commend itself to my taste, I couldn't leave the book untouched for very long. It drew me in and along with the tale with the usual eloquent grace I have come to expect from Prue.
The second book of the saga - Gisborne: Book of Knights - has just been released on in E-format, and I finished it on Friday, having ploughed through it with gusto.
Book two has taken an interesting turn, as I suspected it might. The first quarter of the tale weaves along in much the same vein as the first, telling a tale of misplaced trust and hope, of damaged love and loss and the straining of hearts. To some extent I was a little wearied since the principle character (and narrator) seemed not to have grown up any in the interim and, if anything, had become a little more selfish and childish in her ways and actions, regressing a little.
Then, only a quarter of the way through the book, everything changes.
For Book of Knights is not a story only of the star-crossed and ever-troubled lovers, but also draws in threads of court intrigue, assassins, Templar Knights, deadly sea journeys, chases, escapes, duels and war. In essence, it has taken what I liked about the first book, but added a massive facet to it that will please a lot of people (myself particularly included).
The plot is well-crafted and not only follows seamlessly from the first book, but ties up many of the threads, reveals a lot of the hidden background, and excels in the growth of the characters. Ysabel very soon stopped irritating me and instead started pleasing me. Indeed, towards the last quarter of the book, she actively impressed me.
And that, possibly, takes me to where this book wins over the previous. Not because of the addition of intelligent, thrilling mystery and action (despite the pull that has) but because of Prue's characterisation. There is a visible change and growth in the returning characters, but the new characters in this are wonderful. A cameo from Coeur de Lion impressed, but the star and the oscar have to go to the little boy William. As the parent of a 3yr old, I saw the characterisation of the boy as absolutely faultless, including the speech, which reminded me a great deal of my Marcus.
Prue has tied off a number of important loose ends here, but there are clearly threads that will lead us on into... The Book of Kings, Prue? I for one, and really looking forward to seeing what direction the saga will take from here.
If you're looking for something a little more character-based and cerebral, with oodles of atmosphere and the smoothest of writing, which almost transports you entire to the Medieval Mediterranean with in depth-research showing in every brick, then you'll find it hard to beat the second Gisborne book (and by extension the first too.) And... I just checked the prices. For the Kindle copies, you can have both for £3.42. That's cheaper than a bottle of wine, people. Buy them so that Prue's inclined to write a part 3 for me to read! ;-)
Gisborne was not my usual blood and guts, historical military or thriller fare, but being a lover of Prue's earlier Faerie fantasy works, I read it with some relish, only to find that while having nothing that would normally commend itself to my taste, I couldn't leave the book untouched for very long. It drew me in and along with the tale with the usual eloquent grace I have come to expect from Prue.
The second book of the saga - Gisborne: Book of Knights - has just been released on in E-format, and I finished it on Friday, having ploughed through it with gusto.
Book two has taken an interesting turn, as I suspected it might. The first quarter of the tale weaves along in much the same vein as the first, telling a tale of misplaced trust and hope, of damaged love and loss and the straining of hearts. To some extent I was a little wearied since the principle character (and narrator) seemed not to have grown up any in the interim and, if anything, had become a little more selfish and childish in her ways and actions, regressing a little.
Then, only a quarter of the way through the book, everything changes.
For Book of Knights is not a story only of the star-crossed and ever-troubled lovers, but also draws in threads of court intrigue, assassins, Templar Knights, deadly sea journeys, chases, escapes, duels and war. In essence, it has taken what I liked about the first book, but added a massive facet to it that will please a lot of people (myself particularly included).
The plot is well-crafted and not only follows seamlessly from the first book, but ties up many of the threads, reveals a lot of the hidden background, and excels in the growth of the characters. Ysabel very soon stopped irritating me and instead started pleasing me. Indeed, towards the last quarter of the book, she actively impressed me.
And that, possibly, takes me to where this book wins over the previous. Not because of the addition of intelligent, thrilling mystery and action (despite the pull that has) but because of Prue's characterisation. There is a visible change and growth in the returning characters, but the new characters in this are wonderful. A cameo from Coeur de Lion impressed, but the star and the oscar have to go to the little boy William. As the parent of a 3yr old, I saw the characterisation of the boy as absolutely faultless, including the speech, which reminded me a great deal of my Marcus.
Prue has tied off a number of important loose ends here, but there are clearly threads that will lead us on into... The Book of Kings, Prue? I for one, and really looking forward to seeing what direction the saga will take from here.
If you're looking for something a little more character-based and cerebral, with oodles of atmosphere and the smoothest of writing, which almost transports you entire to the Medieval Mediterranean with in depth-research showing in every brick, then you'll find it hard to beat the second Gisborne book (and by extension the first too.) And... I just checked the prices. For the Kindle copies, you can have both for £3.42. That's cheaper than a bottle of wine, people. Buy them so that Prue's inclined to write a part 3 for me to read! ;-)
August 7, 2013
Book 2 of The Gisborne Saga by Prue Batten
Ysabel is now De Courcey’s widow, Gisborne has been caught, imprisoned and tortured with the accusation of killing her husband. Ysabel knows he is safe now but why can’t he come back to her and their little son?
Gisborne and her, their love, just past memories. She’s been left alone with their little boy, William. Gisborne has her helped and protected by loyal Ulric and a bunch of reliable servants. She must hide and move throughout Europe, as Gisborne disposes. Problem is she is not a woman who easily accepts to be ordered .
Gisborne has been far away for long now, a man of King Richard the Lionheart, who spared his life and trusts him. She fears she will never see him again and doesn’t know what her fate is going to be, she fears for her little William’s future, William of Gisborne. Will she ever see father and son together again?
The memory of them together “plucks at her heart like a troubador’s fingers” and makes her fall in love with Gisborne each time, though her feelings are torn.
In this second volume of the saga, Ysabel has to face a new incredible series of adventures in a long troubled journey toward reunion.
More than anything else, she has to fight her own soul’s demons: can she trust the man she loves or not? Why does he go on keeping some parts of his life secret to her? Has he ever really loved her?
She can’t bear being moved from one place to another as a pawn in a game of chess, being lied to, being kept unaware of Gisborne’s real plans. His soldiers and servants are loyal and extremely kind to her, but they would never reveal their master’s secrets. Hence, she must discover the truth herself, and in her attempt to do it, she risks all their lives since she ends up in the hands of Gisborne’s most rageful foe, Halsham.
Templar knights, secret agents, exciting twists, thrilling scenes make Gisborne: The Book of Knights an adventure- packed, fast- paced read.
But that is not all. I had been eagerly waiting for this second installment in The Gisborne Saga and when I started reading it, I immediately noticed it was even better than the first book, which I had been fond of.
On several occasions I have sung the praises of Prue Batten’s skills at creating magic with words, since I must admit, I am one of her fans. I wrote once and want to state it again: “Her rich, refined prose creates an embroidered picture full of little delightful details, stitch after stitch” (from my own review of Gisborne Book of Pawns). But this time what I most admired while reading Gisborne: Book of Knights was characterization.
All the characters have their own peculiar voice, their portrayals are so vivid, even if they are only minor ones . Ysabel , Gisborne and Ulric are more mature, complex and even more gripping in this second book, but the new characters are extraordinary . I love little William very much, for instance.
This is first –rank historical fiction, thoroughly researched, with relatable characters, rich language, gripping plot, unexpected twists and unforgettable moments.
If you love historical fiction, I highly recommend you to grab your copies of book 1 and 2, and undertake the wonderful ride with Ysabel and her Gisborne.
(see my post at FLY HIGH! http://flyhigh-by-learnonline.blogspo...)
Ysabel is now De Courcey’s widow, Gisborne has been caught, imprisoned and tortured with the accusation of killing her husband. Ysabel knows he is safe now but why can’t he come back to her and their little son?
Gisborne and her, their love, just past memories. She’s been left alone with their little boy, William. Gisborne has her helped and protected by loyal Ulric and a bunch of reliable servants. She must hide and move throughout Europe, as Gisborne disposes. Problem is she is not a woman who easily accepts to be ordered .
Gisborne has been far away for long now, a man of King Richard the Lionheart, who spared his life and trusts him. She fears she will never see him again and doesn’t know what her fate is going to be, she fears for her little William’s future, William of Gisborne. Will she ever see father and son together again?
The memory of them together “plucks at her heart like a troubador’s fingers” and makes her fall in love with Gisborne each time, though her feelings are torn.
In this second volume of the saga, Ysabel has to face a new incredible series of adventures in a long troubled journey toward reunion.
More than anything else, she has to fight her own soul’s demons: can she trust the man she loves or not? Why does he go on keeping some parts of his life secret to her? Has he ever really loved her?
She can’t bear being moved from one place to another as a pawn in a game of chess, being lied to, being kept unaware of Gisborne’s real plans. His soldiers and servants are loyal and extremely kind to her, but they would never reveal their master’s secrets. Hence, she must discover the truth herself, and in her attempt to do it, she risks all their lives since she ends up in the hands of Gisborne’s most rageful foe, Halsham.
Templar knights, secret agents, exciting twists, thrilling scenes make Gisborne: The Book of Knights an adventure- packed, fast- paced read.
But that is not all. I had been eagerly waiting for this second installment in The Gisborne Saga and when I started reading it, I immediately noticed it was even better than the first book, which I had been fond of.
On several occasions I have sung the praises of Prue Batten’s skills at creating magic with words, since I must admit, I am one of her fans. I wrote once and want to state it again: “Her rich, refined prose creates an embroidered picture full of little delightful details, stitch after stitch” (from my own review of Gisborne Book of Pawns). But this time what I most admired while reading Gisborne: Book of Knights was characterization.
All the characters have their own peculiar voice, their portrayals are so vivid, even if they are only minor ones . Ysabel , Gisborne and Ulric are more mature, complex and even more gripping in this second book, but the new characters are extraordinary . I love little William very much, for instance.
This is first –rank historical fiction, thoroughly researched, with relatable characters, rich language, gripping plot, unexpected twists and unforgettable moments.
If you love historical fiction, I highly recommend you to grab your copies of book 1 and 2, and undertake the wonderful ride with Ysabel and her Gisborne.
(see my post at FLY HIGH! http://flyhigh-by-learnonline.blogspo...)
August 22, 2013
This is a remarkable book, just a tad short of the first one, which was a delicacy.There was a small part in this second installment when Isabel's lack of resolve became tedious, however briefly, and for perhaps thirty pages her character became irritating and disingenuous. When Ysabel scolds herself for her failure to grow up I am right there yelling, Right straight, Milady. Grow up! But once she decides upon a plan of action,the plot moves on at a breakneck pace that left me breathless. Her reaction when Gisborne trivializes her bold move is understandable. Once her confidence is crushed,she is vulnerable, feeling ugly and scarred. The end is heart wrenching, but satisfying. Knowing how far Lady Ysabel is willing to go to save the man she loves is awe-inspiring, but brings no joy. The resolution of this segment makes me want to cry, not cheer, and hovers like a potent of a coming storm. Like Ysabel after she has been drugged by her caregiver's poppies, I crave more even while I shudder. This is a very tough book with an ending that disquiets and entices. I will be looking for the third.
August 14, 2013
This book continues with the intensity set by the first part. The journey is hard for both characters, made brighter or sadder by the growing up of William a beautiful child that holds the best of his parents, so he also holds their hearts and everyone else's that meets him. The story takes us trough different scenes, exotic places full of history and dangers. Is difficult to feel that the family is save even by the end of the book, one is not certain every thing will be well.
A recommended reading for every reader of historical novels.
A recommended reading for every reader of historical novels.
July 31, 2014
enjoyed this but got quite frustrated by the main character - if she would just stay where she should, she wouldn't have to keep being rescued - but then if she followed instructions, there wouldn't be any further adventures
October 21, 2013
This is the second title in The Gisborne Saga by Prue Batten and as effusive as I was in my praise of book 1, I did feel some trepidation as I started reading book 2...hoping that the author would be able to continue the excellence. I am happy to report that she has.... Ysabel Moncrief/De Courcey/Gisborne is one of the most fascinating characters I have read in fiction. Impetuous, intelligent, and constantly at war with her conscience, Ysabel strides through this tale of turmoil, doubt and fear as she seeks answers and safety for her and her son. The story has a bit of everything but most of all it has drama,from the plight of Sir Guy Gisborne, a plot to kill King Richard and the ever growing tension and hatred between Guy and his cousin, the Templar, Sir Robert Halsham. As with most good tales this one has it's share of plot twists and surprises not the least of which happens at the end...I will say no more about that. Another reason for 5 stars are the author's incredibly rich characters...they imbue the story with their loyalty, their realness, their believable existence.
In a word, run don't walk to your internet bookshop of choice and read this marvelous series of tales. Book three Book of Kings is in the works...I am looking forward to that.
In a word, run don't walk to your internet bookshop of choice and read this marvelous series of tales. Book three Book of Kings is in the works...I am looking forward to that.
August 9, 2013
I believe I enjoyed this book even more than the previous one. There's more at stake – the existence of the child William guarantees that – and we get deeper into Ysabel's contradictory mind, witnessing the war between her keen intelligence and her emotional rashness. Her courage continues to impress. True, her readiness to plunge herself (and inadvertently others) into danger is sometimes enough to make me tear my hair in exasperation, but she's all the more real for that. Guy of Gisborne continues to intrigue and fascinate, and one is never a hundred percent sure about him...
I love the sensitivity with which the author shows us the child's world – his perceptions of what's going on around him and his relationships with the adults in his life. It's not easy to make such a small child into a real character with a distinctive personality, but she's done it.
Lyrical language, rich descriptions, and powerful scene-setting once again enhance the story, which moves along at a pace that feels just right, not too swift and not too slow. The author pulls off quite a surprise at the end. I look forward to more!
I love the sensitivity with which the author shows us the child's world – his perceptions of what's going on around him and his relationships with the adults in his life. It's not easy to make such a small child into a real character with a distinctive personality, but she's done it.
Lyrical language, rich descriptions, and powerful scene-setting once again enhance the story, which moves along at a pace that feels just right, not too swift and not too slow. The author pulls off quite a surprise at the end. I look forward to more!
January 21, 2014
I let too much time pass between reading the first volume and reading the second but I really enjoyed reading "The Gisborne Saga"
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews