Bound by Honor

by Virginia Weldon

Book by Weldon, Virginia

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Lds Fiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

I was born in Warwickshire, England but my parents went to live in New Zealand when I was a young child. My passion for adventure and storytelling began as I was privileged to play freely around the cliffs and beaches of Bucklands Beach, a suburb of Auckland. Kids could run around freely in those days and making up, and acting out adventures was a happy pastime for me and my young friends.

When confined indoors I would read anything I could find and soon developed a love of history, and in particular the ancient world. When I won two short story competitions in Primary School it didn't really register that, as well as enjoying the actual process of storytelling, others might be enjoying it too.

I grew up in an atmosphere of creative expression as both parents were writers and actors and childhood years included accompanying My parents on tour as they refined successful careers on the British Stage and thereafter in New Zealand.

When adolescence hit me, those floods of emotions and confusion coalesced into poetry and I learned how cathartic writing can be. I became aware of the indomitable spirit of humankind. My own emotional, mental and spiritual journey was balanced through writing. Many, many, many times it has helped me work through problems, express feelings, overcome grief and lost love and, essentially, writing helped me find out who I was and what I believed in.

My first possibly publishable tales did not appear until my mid-twenties. Marriage, children and further education put writing on the back burner for several years, but the dream of having a book published finally came true in 2003 when Bound by Honor was accepted for publication in the USA.

I still don't think I am a really serious writer. I greatly admire those wonderful authors who devote their lives to writing - and it shows in their work - I just get involved in too many other things. But when I do write I love it and wonder why I don't do it every second of the day.

Leaving New Zealand when I was 11 to return to England was a wrench but I have since spent quite a few years of my life living in the lands of the Celts, in Scotland and for over 20 years in Wales. I have ancestry in all parts of the British Isles. Their ancient stories intrigue me. The Britannia Chronicles have come from that fascination.

And, by the way, book three of The Britannia Chronicles is in process . . .

Reviews

[Deitra]

I thought this was such a great book and I read it all night long till I finished it! great story line

[Shae Burton]

I enjoyed this book although it wasn't what I thought it would be. If you have an interest in Roman culture around the time of Christ and shortly thereafter, this book is an insightful read. I, myself, have never really taken the time to think about the lives of the Romans and their feelings as they led the Savior to his death. The back story here doesn't really touch on the Savior and his life so much as it creates a story where characters are touched by His teachings after his death. Unique in it's approach, it's a good read.

[Barbara]

Everything seemed superficial. The characters didn't behave like the humans I know. Sometimes it seemed like the action was moved along in a hurry to get to the next plot point. The story could have been compelling, but it seemed to barely scratch the surface of the characters and the setting.

[Teri]

I procrastinated writing this review, and now, after 3 other books, I'm afraid I can't do it justice. I will say I enjoyed the book and it was a good read. It kept my interest and I may come back and read it again.

[Emilou]

DNF

[Sarah]

I really wanted to like it, but it was just not to be. The dialogue and even some of the description felt wooden to me, and I just couldnt get into it.

[Wynette Hawks]

Meh. Perhaps my expectations were too high? Some good parts, but mostly not an enjoyable read.

[Cindy]

This is a pretty good novel. It starts off a little slow because it's refreshing your roman history facts while presenting the story line. Once the main characters are all taken captive to Rome, then the story is hopeful. That is something I enjoyed. Even though none of the story line ever happened in real Roman history (because the Romans were too cruel), it was nice to have a hopeful story of what May have happened if there had been honorable Romans. Also right near the end of the book, it introduces Jesus Christ in the story, and I really liked being surprised by that because I already had the picture in my mind of how Roman citizens were treated in Roman controlled areas, and this put a real picture in my head of what Saints in Jesus' time may have been facing - especially converts of Roman birth.

[Linnae]

Two young people from different Celtic tribes are caught by the Roman soldiers invading their lands and sold as slaves. Alana and Regan couldn't be more different in temperament, but both are passionately loyal to their people. Valerius is the young Roman commander in charge of the slaves until their sale, and surprisingly, he develops some compassion for these two. As time goes on, they each face trials that could destroy them, but if overcome, will leave them ready to face anything.

There were a few unexpected twists of the plot, but overall fairly predictable. The historical setting was interesting--it makes me want to know how much was factual about Rome and Britain at that time.

[Nellie]

Romans show display of force, and take captives to sell as slaves. Among the enslaved are Alana a brave, faithful young woman, and Regan, a proud and angry man whose rash behavior incurs the wrath of his captors, resulting in a savage whipping which barely leaves him alive. Alana pleads for his life, and is sent before Valerius, and honest commander. I loved this story. It was interesting, and had constant action. I wanted more, and wished the ending had a bit more, but overall I really enjoyed this author. I felt very drawn into the characters and felt their fear at times. I don't usually "feel" while reading mose authors. This was my first time reading this author, and I would absolutely read more from Weldon.

[Kristine]

I am still in the process of reading this book. I am enjoying the story, but it is not one of those books that I can't put down. The story is entertaining.

[Suzy]

Another fun LDS fiction and a good plot. I loved how noble the main characters were. It is a very idealistic book.

[Susan]

A.D. 43 and some young people are taken captive by the Romans in Britain. Sent to Rome to be slaves their lives are changed forever. Hows that for melodramatic!

[April]

It was a good historical fiction and it made me realize that I do like books based in roman empire time.