What do you think?
Rate this book
Once and Future Hearts #3
Pendragon Rises
She is invisible to everyone but the blind man…
Anwen is the least favored companion to Lady Igraine, the Duchess of Cornwall. No man will marry her, for she is old and plain. Instead, she teaches Igraine’s children to read.
Steffan of Durnovaria was once a celebrated warrior in the Duke of Cornwall’s army, a friend to Prince Uther, the High King’s brother, and destined for greatness, until a Saxon war hammer stole his sight and destroyed his life.
To deflect Steffan’s anger from the warriors around him, Igraine directs him to help Anwen teach her daughters. The assignment brings him no happiness and terrifies Anwen, who has never spoken to a man directly in her life.
When the new High King, Uther, meets Igraine for the first time and becomes obsessed with her, Anwen and Steffan are drawn into a web of lies and deceit that could destroy Britain’s fragile peace.
This novel is part of the ancient historical romance series, Once and Future Hearts, set in Britain during the time of King Arthur.
1.0 Born of No Man
2.0 Dragon Kin
3.0 Pendragon Rises
4.0 War Duke of Britain
5.0 High King of Britain
6.0 Battle of Mount Badon
7.0 Abduction of Guenivere
8.0 Downfall of Cornwall
9.0 Vengeance of Arthur
10.0 Grace of Lancelot
11.0 The Grail and Glory
12.0 Camlann
Anwen is the least favored companion to Lady Igraine, the Duchess of Cornwall. No man will marry her, for she is old and plain. Instead, she teaches Igraine’s children to read.
Steffan of Durnovaria was once a celebrated warrior in the Duke of Cornwall’s army, a friend to Prince Uther, the High King’s brother, and destined for greatness, until a Saxon war hammer stole his sight and destroyed his life.
To deflect Steffan’s anger from the warriors around him, Igraine directs him to help Anwen teach her daughters. The assignment brings him no happiness and terrifies Anwen, who has never spoken to a man directly in her life.
When the new High King, Uther, meets Igraine for the first time and becomes obsessed with her, Anwen and Steffan are drawn into a web of lies and deceit that could destroy Britain’s fragile peace.
This novel is part of the ancient historical romance series, Once and Future Hearts, set in Britain during the time of King Arthur.
1.0 Born of No Man
2.0 Dragon Kin
3.0 Pendragon Rises
4.0 War Duke of Britain
5.0 High King of Britain
6.0 Battle of Mount Badon
7.0 Abduction of Guenivere
8.0 Downfall of Cornwall
9.0 Vengeance of Arthur
10.0 Grace of Lancelot
11.0 The Grail and Glory
12.0 Camlann
374 pages, Paperback
First published November 26, 2018
About the author
Tracy Cooper-Posey
211 books981 followersTracy Cooper-Posey is an Amazon #1 Best Selling Author. She writes romantic suspense, paranormal, urban fantasy, futuristic and science fiction romances. She has published over 100 novels since 1999, been nominated for five CAPAs including Favourite Author, and won the Emma Darcy Award.
She turned to indie publishing in 2011. Her indie titles have been nominated four times for Book Of The Year and Byzantine Heartbreak was a 2012 winner. Faring Soul won a SFR Galaxy Award in 2016 for “Most Intriguing Philosophical/Social Science Questions in Galaxybuilding” She has been a national magazine editor and for a decade she taught romance writing at MacEwan University.
She is addicted to Irish Breakfast tea and chocolate, sometimes taken together. In her spare time she enjoys history, Sherlock Holmes, science fiction and ignoring her treadmill. An Australian Canadian, she lives in Edmonton, Canada with her husband, a former professional wrestler, where she moved in 1996 after meeting him on-line.
She turned to indie publishing in 2011. Her indie titles have been nominated four times for Book Of The Year and Byzantine Heartbreak was a 2012 winner. Faring Soul won a SFR Galaxy Award in 2016 for “Most Intriguing Philosophical/Social Science Questions in Galaxybuilding” She has been a national magazine editor and for a decade she taught romance writing at MacEwan University.
She is addicted to Irish Breakfast tea and chocolate, sometimes taken together. In her spare time she enjoys history, Sherlock Holmes, science fiction and ignoring her treadmill. An Australian Canadian, she lives in Edmonton, Canada with her husband, a former professional wrestler, where she moved in 1996 after meeting him on-line.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 28, 2018
Sigh. Wonderful romance. Exceptionally researched historical novel. Uther Pendragon, High King of Britain, discovers and takes his Queen. Anwen, the lady no one wants, finds her love—a man who sees only her.
February 2, 2023
Actual Rating: 4,5 ⭐️
I was pleasantly surprised by this novel.
Plot
The Duchess of Cornwall, Lady Igraine, dislikes Anwen the least among her companions. She is old and plain; therefore, no one will marry her. Instead, she instructs Igraine's kids in reading.
Before a Saxon war hammer stole his sight and ended his life, Steffan of Durnovaria was a renowned fighter in the Duke of Cornwall's army, a close companion of Prince Uther, the High King.
Igraine orders Steffan to assist Anwen in teaching her daughters in order to divert the warriors' wrath away from him. He is not happy about the job, and Anwen, who has never spoken to a man in person, is terrified by it.
When Uther, the new High King, first encounters Igraine and develops a crush on her, Anwen and Steffan become entangled in a web of lies and deceit that threatens to upend the tenuous peace in Britain.
Both the book and the pacing were really good. I loved every moment I spent reading this.
Characters
Anwen
Honestly, I connected a lot with Anwen. She is really insecure and shy, but she is also really intelligent and in some aspects even brave. She can also be really loyal, which is shown by the end of the book.
Steffan
Steffan was really good. I love how much he grew during the novel. He became blind during a battle, seven years ago and during the novel he still struggle because of that. He wants to have his old life back, he doesn't want to be a tutor. He wants to be a warrior and protect the country. It was really good to see his development.
Side Characters
It was good to see Ilsa and Arawn from the previous book and it was awesome to see how much they grew during this novel as well. After his brother death, Uther becomes High King and I found him to be complex. He is a fighter and has the loyalty of this men, but politics is not his best quality and one that is necessary for being king. He can be really impulsive. Merlin as always really good and mysterious. Igraine and Gorlois were both good characters. I felt sad for Gorlois, he really liked his wife and was Uther strongest ally, Igraine was a good characters, although I wish I could have seen her more.
Writing
The writing was good and I must say that I absolutely loved the dialogue between the characters.
World-Building
The reader sees how much Britain changed, but still has to get ridden of the Saxon.
Romance
I really loved the romance between Steffan and Anwen. It was so cute and I absolutely loved their dynamic and the developed of their romance. I hope I can have glimpses of them in the next book.
Final Thoughts
An awesome read about the birth of Arthur.
I was pleasantly surprised by this novel.
Plot
The Duchess of Cornwall, Lady Igraine, dislikes Anwen the least among her companions. She is old and plain; therefore, no one will marry her. Instead, she instructs Igraine's kids in reading.
Before a Saxon war hammer stole his sight and ended his life, Steffan of Durnovaria was a renowned fighter in the Duke of Cornwall's army, a close companion of Prince Uther, the High King.
Igraine orders Steffan to assist Anwen in teaching her daughters in order to divert the warriors' wrath away from him. He is not happy about the job, and Anwen, who has never spoken to a man in person, is terrified by it.
When Uther, the new High King, first encounters Igraine and develops a crush on her, Anwen and Steffan become entangled in a web of lies and deceit that threatens to upend the tenuous peace in Britain.
Both the book and the pacing were really good. I loved every moment I spent reading this.
Characters
Anwen
Honestly, I connected a lot with Anwen. She is really insecure and shy, but she is also really intelligent and in some aspects even brave. She can also be really loyal, which is shown by the end of the book.
Steffan
Steffan was really good. I love how much he grew during the novel. He became blind during a battle, seven years ago and during the novel he still struggle because of that. He wants to have his old life back, he doesn't want to be a tutor. He wants to be a warrior and protect the country. It was really good to see his development.
Side Characters
It was good to see Ilsa and Arawn from the previous book and it was awesome to see how much they grew during this novel as well. After his brother death, Uther becomes High King and I found him to be complex. He is a fighter and has the loyalty of this men, but politics is not his best quality and one that is necessary for being king. He can be really impulsive. Merlin as always really good and mysterious. Igraine and Gorlois were both good characters. I felt sad for Gorlois, he really liked his wife and was Uther strongest ally, Igraine was a good characters, although I wish I could have seen her more.
Writing
The writing was good and I must say that I absolutely loved the dialogue between the characters.
World-Building
The reader sees how much Britain changed, but still has to get ridden of the Saxon.
Romance
I really loved the romance between Steffan and Anwen. It was so cute and I absolutely loved their dynamic and the developed of their romance. I hope I can have glimpses of them in the next book.
Final Thoughts
An awesome read about the birth of Arthur.
December 11, 2018
As always a surprising an impressive work from the author. The story follows the Arthurian myth but possesses a host of secondary characters that are actually the main heroes of these books. This structure is interesting because there is a thread that links all the books but also creates a feeling of predictability. Even so the stories are very enjoyable as is the case of Pendragon Rises.
Anwen and Steffan are the heroine and hero this time although they are actually more anti-heroes. Anwen is a timid and plain companion to the Duchess of Cornwall and Steffan is a blind warrior. Both of them have their limitations and hurts but together they learn how to conquer their limitations. Both of them will have important roles in the birth of Arthur.
This is a bitter sweet story with a somewhat melancholic development but the adventures and plot twists described by the author grab you to the end even if it is a rather bitter end that you already know if you are familiar with the Arthurian legend.
I read the first three books in a row and that helped with the continuity since the protagonists of the second volume have rather important roles in this story.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader copy of this book.
Anwen and Steffan are the heroine and hero this time although they are actually more anti-heroes. Anwen is a timid and plain companion to the Duchess of Cornwall and Steffan is a blind warrior. Both of them have their limitations and hurts but together they learn how to conquer their limitations. Both of them will have important roles in the birth of Arthur.
This is a bitter sweet story with a somewhat melancholic development but the adventures and plot twists described by the author grab you to the end even if it is a rather bitter end that you already know if you are familiar with the Arthurian legend.
I read the first three books in a row and that helped with the continuity since the protagonists of the second volume have rather important roles in this story.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader copy of this book.
December 6, 2018
I am in love with this series. It’s hard not to become emotionally invested in any Cooper-Posey character, but I found that especially true with Stefan and Anwen. A mighty warrior struck blind and the overlooked mouse in the corner.
I have always been fascinated by the legend of Arthur and his knights of the round table and the mysterious Merlin. The Once and Future Hearts series begins decades before the birth of Arthur which allows you to immerse yourself in the culture and political clime of that era and become more familiar with secondary characters from the original story of Arthur, painting a broader and more detailed picture. I had a lot of “ah, what happens later makes more sense now” moments. Tracy Cooper-Posey does an amazing job of not only transporting the reader to a medieval time full of magic and mystery, but also manages to give life to characters whom most would look over, but whom play their integral parts that make up the many puzzle pieces that create the legend of Arthur.
I have always been fascinated by the legend of Arthur and his knights of the round table and the mysterious Merlin. The Once and Future Hearts series begins decades before the birth of Arthur which allows you to immerse yourself in the culture and political clime of that era and become more familiar with secondary characters from the original story of Arthur, painting a broader and more detailed picture. I had a lot of “ah, what happens later makes more sense now” moments. Tracy Cooper-Posey does an amazing job of not only transporting the reader to a medieval time full of magic and mystery, but also manages to give life to characters whom most would look over, but whom play their integral parts that make up the many puzzle pieces that create the legend of Arthur.
December 10, 2018
The next book in the Once and Future Hearts series is “Pendragon Rises.” With each book the series just keeps getting better for I’m drawn into the book until completion. Tracy Cooper-Posey just has a way with her writing that draws a reader into her world. Especially with the characters, there is such depth. These two characters, Steffan and Anwen, had such depth between the two. Steffan of Durnovaria was a warrior who was struck blind who has such a way with languages. He was also Gorlois’ captain. Then there is Anwen who found herself plain and unremarkable. What I found absolutely amazing and romantic is even though Steffan was blind he still saw Anwen.
Besides the romance there are other aspects of the book that draws a reader in. There is the intrigue, and the history. I highly recommend this book for it especially drew myself in until I was finished.
I was given an advanced reader copy of this book for my honest review.
Besides the romance there are other aspects of the book that draws a reader in. There is the intrigue, and the history. I highly recommend this book for it especially drew myself in until I was finished.
I was given an advanced reader copy of this book for my honest review.
December 29, 2018
Anwen and Steffan seem like an odd couple but along this book they match. This is an amazing series and Pendragon rises although centered on Anwen the teacher and Steffan the blind ex warrior struggling at the Cornwall state, shows more of Merlin and his role with everyone’s destiny.
Uther’s obssession with a certain lady unravels big changes in the kingdom. Prince Merlin plays a big role in the making of great kings while he cannot be one.
I really liked Anwen’s happily ever after. She is plain and old for her times, but her heart is made of gold. Steffan is a great warrior, wise beyond his years but his blindness stops him from been the great man he wants to be, near Kings and important men. Together they will find their way. The plot thickens in the most beautiful weave of lives changed and futures made. Superb writing I say 😉
Uther’s obssession with a certain lady unravels big changes in the kingdom. Prince Merlin plays a big role in the making of great kings while he cannot be one.
I really liked Anwen’s happily ever after. She is plain and old for her times, but her heart is made of gold. Steffan is a great warrior, wise beyond his years but his blindness stops him from been the great man he wants to be, near Kings and important men. Together they will find their way. The plot thickens in the most beautiful weave of lives changed and futures made. Superb writing I say 😉
January 15, 2019
This book was so good. This series is all about the time, set in Britain, of King Arthur. This book was all about Anwen, companion to Lady Igraine, the Duchess of Cornwall, and Steffan of Durnovaria who was a celebrated warrior in the Duke of Cornwalls army and friend to Prince Uther, the High Kings brother. Steffan was hurt during the war and ended up blinded. Since he could no longer fight, he was sent to Lady Igraine to help teach her children. He meets up with Anwen, who is also a teacher to Lady Igraine's children. Together they make a great pair, but do not trust each other. They both are dragged into court intrigue. Very descriptive and a lot of deception on all parts. Held my interest right from the very beginning. Highly recommend.
December 13, 2018
This is one of my favorite series set in the world of King Author. I love how the author uses history to tell the story. Each new addition has kept me turning pages and wanting more once I reached the end. I can't wait for the next one. Love the descriptions and settings that transport me to that world. Well told and well written. The main character is this one story were so unique, different, and unexpected. Highly recommended.
I volunteered to read an ARC and this is my honest opinion..
I volunteered to read an ARC and this is my honest opinion..
December 15, 2018
very good romance, Anwen and Steffan are perfect for each other, i loved how they love grew while they learned about each other.
it's really well written.
However i don't really like the part of treachery in the arthurian legend and we get that here so i would have prefered the focus only on Anwen and Steffan
it's really well written.
However i don't really like the part of treachery in the arthurian legend and we get that here so i would have prefered the focus only on Anwen and Steffan
December 13, 2018
What an immersing story! You will get lost in this fantastical and mythical world created by Tracy Cooper-Posey. The story told is a great continuation of the series. While the romance might be a slow burn, the story around it makes up for and adds a palpable tension.
December 8, 2021
The book had more politics than romance which is why I skimmed soo much. I like romance pure and simple so this was just not for me but if you like the Merlin tales and the politics with a sprinkle of romance, you may like this.
December 18, 2018
Pendragon Rises is the third book in the Once and Future Hearts series.
I devoured this book which, if you've read any of the reviews I've written for this series, won't be a surprise. I challenge anyone to put this book down willingly.
As each book progresses, we build towards the Arthurian story we all know. But what I love here is that this series is cleverly building the momentum, including stories for Uther, Igraine, Merlin, Nimue, and Morgan - all before Arthur has even been born.
In this book Anwen teaches Igraine's daughters at Tintagel. Steffan is a soldier who formerly served with Uther but was blinded and has been tutoring future leaders before ending up at Tintagel. These two are caught up in the inevitable story of Arthur's parents.
I would love to know what Tracy's research process is like for this series; from Roman bath houses in the previous book to life as a blind man in this book, the sheer wealth of description she includes as almost throw-away snippets is just astonishing. And I suspect it's this attention to detail that is what sets this author apart and keeps me coming back for more book after book, series after series.
Greedily, I want more and more.
I devoured this book which, if you've read any of the reviews I've written for this series, won't be a surprise. I challenge anyone to put this book down willingly.
As each book progresses, we build towards the Arthurian story we all know. But what I love here is that this series is cleverly building the momentum, including stories for Uther, Igraine, Merlin, Nimue, and Morgan - all before Arthur has even been born.
In this book Anwen teaches Igraine's daughters at Tintagel. Steffan is a soldier who formerly served with Uther but was blinded and has been tutoring future leaders before ending up at Tintagel. These two are caught up in the inevitable story of Arthur's parents.
I would love to know what Tracy's research process is like for this series; from Roman bath houses in the previous book to life as a blind man in this book, the sheer wealth of description she includes as almost throw-away snippets is just astonishing. And I suspect it's this attention to detail that is what sets this author apart and keeps me coming back for more book after book, series after series.
Greedily, I want more and more.
April 23, 2020
The author never lets us down. This is the third book in the "Once and Future Hearts," a series that takes place during the time of King Arthur. A magnificent telling of finding love where least expected; of men and women both strong and weak. A new story told within stories of old, filled with adventure, lust, betrayals, beauty, and blood. It takes hold of the reader, makes our hearts beat faster, has us sighing at the wondrous feeling of love, gasping at the disaster that lust brings and the "ohhh" when you can put two and two together from having read about King Arthur and you realize what's coming and can't do a thing about it. Pick up this book and read a story that will immerse you within the legends of old while giving you a new view of circumstances that you'd swear was always there but somehow just missed it.
December 21, 2019
I really loved the couple, Steffan and Anwen, in this book, they were both damaged people who found love with each other. They both struggled with their pride, and there were a couple times where I wanted to shake Steffan and make him realize how important Anwen was to his happiness, but thankfully he eventually came to that conclusion on his own. I have to admit that I wasn't as very interested in the parts about Uther and the Arthurian legend, I sometimes found myself skimming over those parts in the beginning, so I could get back to Steffan and Anwen, but those parts do become important plot wise in the later half of the book. As others have said, this book has a a bittersweet ending, Steffan and Anwen do get their HEA, but other characters do not fare as well, as per the Arthurian legends.
July 29, 2019
The Saga Continues...
Another great story in the Once and Future Hearts Series, the fight for a peaceful Britain continues as the True High King dies and his brother becomes king.
This story is filled with treachery, lies, deceitful plotting, and fear.
The price each person has to pay to get what they want is steep. As usual, the cost isn’t negotiated beforehand. Power, selfishness, and greed yield bitter harvests.
If you enjoy Arthurian legends with Merlin and a host of others, I recommend this book to you.
Another great story in the Once and Future Hearts Series, the fight for a peaceful Britain continues as the True High King dies and his brother becomes king.
This story is filled with treachery, lies, deceitful plotting, and fear.
The price each person has to pay to get what they want is steep. As usual, the cost isn’t negotiated beforehand. Power, selfishness, and greed yield bitter harvests.
If you enjoy Arthurian legends with Merlin and a host of others, I recommend this book to you.
April 13, 2020
This is a great story filled with action and intrigue. And that goes double if you are a Mary Stewart fan. Tracy puts together a wonderful story that parallels the Arthurian legends and history of that time while keeping the characters relatable and realistic. A definite read!
December 4, 2019
Love this series
I have read hundreds of novels of the Arthurian era & this series is fabulous. I can't put the books down once I get started. The basic legend with some interesting characters that fit well with the story!
I have read hundreds of novels of the Arthurian era & this series is fabulous. I can't put the books down once I get started. The basic legend with some interesting characters that fit well with the story!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews