The Silver Sword

Heirs of Cahira O'Connor #1

by Angela Elwell Hunt

The auburned-haired O'Connor women share a bond far deeper than their striking physical appearance. These courageous, high-spirited women all push against societal limits in this exciting historical, romantic novel that spans generations and countries from 13th-century Ireland to the excitement and mystery of 15th-century Prague.

It is said that as Cahira, daughter of the great Irish king Rory O'Connor, lay dying of a wound from a Norman blade, she beseeched God that others would follow her calling. To Kathleen O'Connor, Cahira's story was nothing more than a fable--until research divulged that the tale was true. As a stunned Kathleen realizes that she herself bears the mark of Cahira, she wonders if she is destined to continue the legacy.

To uncover the answers, Kathleen delves into the past to find the truth about the Heirs of Cahira O'Connor. It is a journey that carries her across generations, from the battlefields of 13th-century Ireland to the castles of 15th-century Prague. It is a past filled with peril, courage, vengeance, love, and sacrifice beyond anything she has ever known.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Romance, Historical, Fantasy

400 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1998

About the author

Christy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected in novels from this versatile author. With nearly six million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 165 works ranging from picture books (The Tale of Three Trees) to novels.

Now that her two children are grown, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards--one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.

Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.

Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, and “just about everything” except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life— in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.

Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, and American Christian Fiction Writers bestowed the same award in 2019.

In 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree and completed her second doctorate in 2015. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.

Reviews

[Madelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

FULL REVIEW AT LITERARY CAFE:
(http://literarycafe.weebly.com/home/t...)

"If revenge is sweet, why does it leave such a bitter taste? In disarming Peter, Christ disarmed every knight. Turn the other cheek."

The Silver Sword, by Angela Elwell Hunt, author of more than 100 titles, is one of the few books I can legitimately say I not only enjoyed, but also learned valuable historical details from that I won't soon forget. Many historical novels either focus on the individual fictional lives or only the historical aspect of the times, both of which tend to become dull. However, this author craftily weaves the novel to have an adequate mixture of both fiction and historical accuracy.

The leading plot in this first book is the battle the Hussites waged against the Catholic church. Although it is centered around a female protagonist, it's definitely not chic-lit. Actually, it's quite the contrary. Anika must disguise herself as a man and join knights in service. As you can imagine, her situation is not very feminine. That being said, although the main character is a woman, that doesn't mean it will only appeal to women. (If you've read the Blood of Kings series by Jill Williamson, you're familiar with this set-up. It's very similar.) ​I think all book lovers will enjoy this message-packed Christian fiction, which focuses primarily on revenge and God's grace to forgive.

If you enjoyed this, please check out the full review and blog here!:
(http://literarycafe.weebly.com/home/t...)

[Angelique Simonsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great historical tale! Set in Bohemia but with Irish characters. I had never really heard much of the hussites but I am the richer for reading this.
Anika is a wonderful main character with plenty of courage and intellect. Cant wait to follow this series as we discover the 4 piebald women and their lives

[Nonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

They story was very well written. My heart jumped from disappointment to surprise to not so surprised to thankfulness of the outcome. Novels like these are encouraging during times of self doubt, especially when you know that you are fulfilling a calling. It's still a novel, but I sincerely believe you can learn a lesson from everything you read. There is always something to take away, whether it be what not to do or what to do or new ideas or old ideas forgotten (which is usually the case).

I would give the plot 5 stars: Especially because it's based off of a historical event; a martyr of a great man. And then was developed fictionally around the facts. I know that takes a lot of effort. So Kudos to the author.

I would give the romance 5 stars as well: Because it was subtle but still obvious. And ended in a very good way. Plus the whole book wasn't simply a romance between Man and Woman but all man kind and God.

For the violence I would give 5 stars: There wasn't anything in detail, which is great. here isn't really any reason to go into depth in a story like this.

I would give the character development 4 stars: I would have liked to now more about each character, I still had question pertaining to the past of each essential character. But this may be because I'm so use to reading classic books which generally go into great depth and detail as to the past of the main character (I mean GREAT detail).

What I took away from the story is this:

Revenge is worth nothing if you know the truth, that God is just and good and does not tolerate sin. And that When you trust in God's truth, there is nothing to fear, not even death.

I also took away a different perspective on justice. If God poured all the wrath upon you that you deserved, you be much less than even a memory. God knows this, and again cannot tolerate sin because He is perfectly just. Which would be why He sent His son. I guess it's not that it's a different perspective, just a refreshed one. When I feel like someone was not justly treated (meaning punishment wise) I will think a bit more carefully.

[Georgann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I knew from the outset the heroine was going to survive, I still had to keep putting this book down. So much tension! 50 pages from the end and I still could not imagine how this could possibly end well! The story of martyr Jan Hus was told well, and although I dreaded the chapter of his death, it was not so graphic that I couldn't handle it.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover of this book really turned me off, but upon the recommendation of a friend who said it was SO GOOD, I decided to read it. This was a great work of historical Christian fiction! I had never heard of Jan Hus and his contributions to the evangelical movement... and I enjoyed the fictional story about Anika of Prague! I look forward to reading the remaining novels in this series!

[Kristi Blackwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent series of mixed timeline. I love it and read it about once a year!

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Page turner! I loved how much research the author conducted on this period of history. So fun to learn while reading a novel. I also enjoyed the ending when Anika realized the truth about the gospel. Definitely would recommend!

[Hanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a tough book. But it was a really really good book. Objectively, it was an amazing book (five stars), but my heart is in too many pieces for it to reflect in my personal rating.

Setting: I can pretty confidently say that I've never read a book with this setting before. Bohemia, 15th century, during the time of Jan Hus' ministry. After the Great Schism, and so the issues caused by the multiple popes were prominent in the story. The cultural setting, with all its details where spread throughout the book and done extremely well. I was never in doubt as to what time period it was. The expressions of Christianity--even of the Hussites, who by definition were departing from the norm, were obviously a product of the culture.

Characters: Some of the characters weren't developed especially well (for good reasons that I can't disclose here), but the ones that were, were quite good. Anika had quite a strong personality, and though sometimes she irritated me, she was nicely consistent, flaws and femininity and all. Then there was Anika's father (thumbs-up, though he was a little lot dense at times), Sir Petrov (loved him greatly), Jan Hus (my goodness, what a precious, gentle man), Lord John (likewise precious), and Novak (absolutely the best character in the book--have I ever mentioned I like gruff men who don't show their emotions?). Quite a contrast from these amazing characters were the antagonistic characters in this book. D'Ailly was scum. Lord Laco and his son (especially his son, whose neck I would like to wring three times over) were scum. Were they unrealistically evil? Absolutely not. Their actions were not without cause (their motivations were plain), but they were not excused in the least. In that sense, the evil men were good/well-written.

Plot: Complex, difficult, and extremely well-done. The circumstances of Anika's life were the perfect basis for the decisions she made, and the opinions/decisions of those who loved her. The smallest details provided a strong thread throughout the book, even though the story covered a variety of places and changes of circumstances. The progression of Anika's and Lord John's flaws being righted was done extremely well; they had to run their course, but they weren't rushed. (So all good there, except my head might be damaged from beating it against the wall because of Anika's irritating desire of revenge)

Slightly different from the individual plotlines of Anika and Lord John was the global plot of the relationship of Bohemia and Rome and how that unfolded. I thought that was done extremely well (assuming it was accurate, which I couldn't really affirm, since I don't know much about it). It was especially regarding this aspect where I found Angela Hunt espoused great wisdom, particularly in the way many of the cardinals acted. The power struggle was so great, and even though this was set in the 1400s, before the Protestant Reformation, Hunt's writing revealed the similarities to the same corrupt power structure today.

Faith content: In a word, spot-on. Finding a balance of historical accuracy and honest, authentic faith in God is very hard to do in this setting. But Angela Hunt succeeded. Jan Hus was a role model for anyone. Anika's perspective was amazing, though she seemed to forget a key passage of Scripture (but, you know, what would a plot be if she was perfect?), and the virtue of the knights' vows was highlighted. I thought the balance of the church members' Christianity was done well--as in, the majority of church officials are concerned solely with their power and position. It makes one wonder ... how many prominent celebrity Christians today have the same mindset?

Overall, this was an action-packed book whose characters may just steal (and break) your heart. Its subtleties will also make you think, if you let it. Especially recommended for those who are interested in a little-known era of pre-Reformation Christianity.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Christian historical romance novel is a good, light read. At times, I felt that the story was more about John Hus than Anika since Anika played a very minor role during those sections. Since Hus was a preacher and Anika avidly listens to his sermons and acts as a scribe to help spread his teachings, the story is almost by definition "preachy." Hus' views on the problems with the Catholic church and on the corruption present in the church at that time might turn off Catholic readers.

While, to my knowledge, the information about Hus was accurate, there were a myriad of details wrong with the "knightly" aspects of the story. (For example, in the novel, the knights wear full armor every waking moment, even when eating in the safety of the castle. The knights practice foil-style fencing while using long swords and wearing jousting armor.)

I also felt there were several logic flaws, like Anika has a burning desire to kill one man responsible for her father's death and yet she's horrified by the idea of killing the other man responsible (who also wants to rape her). I also couldn't understand how Anika was so beautiful and girlish (based on comments by friends to her father and by the lustful noble's son) and yet the moment she needs to fit in as a squire, she's described as boyish in figure and no male questions her disguise.

The characters were likable, the heroine spirited, and the plot enjoyable enough, especially if you're interested in the reformation. There was no sex or cussing. Overall, it was good, clean fun.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m sure not a lot of people have heard of this book. But you should. This is the first book in the Heirs of Cahira O’Connor series, and each of the four books is set in a different century. I guess the closest genre for these books would be historical fiction, but they’re so much more. I was given this series while I was in middle school, and I was so excited, because these books would be the first adult novels I ever read. Now I can’t even count the times I’ve reread all four books, but I’ve had to buy new copies.
There are strong female characters, some action, some romance, and they have a strong message. More specifically, The Silver Sword is great for people who love reading stories about lords, ladies, & knights. And it’s great to read about a female character that is strong and has a purpose. The author does a great job setting the historical scene and developing the characters. The writing style is somewhat contemporary, with some influences from the time period in which each novel is set. Each book also has some historical accuracy which adds to the realism of these novels. Because each book is set a couple centuries apart, you get a variety of settings beginning in the fifteenth and ending in the twenty-first century. And each book starts with a prologue & ends with an epilogue about Kathleen O’Connor & her research project, which is the thread that connects all four books. I would recommend these books to anyone who enjoys a little history with their well-developed characters, action, & romance.

[Alycia Morales · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a chapter or two to get into this book, but once I did, I couldn't put it down. I love the story line, which starts with a college student being approached by an unknown professor. He recognizes a particular streak in her hair, and the rest is history. As she researches the ladies she may be related to, she brings their stories to life. I am currently reading the fourth book in this series and have thoroughly enjoyed every one.

[Jeni Enjaian · Rating 3 out of 5]

For about half the book, I thought this book might actually survive the purge. Hunt created an intriguing premise on which to begin the book and series and then delved into a compelling narrative with a dynamic protagonist.

That lasted until just after the halfway point. From here until nearly the end of the book, the narrative becomes bogged down in the trial of Hus, a minor character until this point. While history confirms the story of Hus and his martyrdom, the fictional characters of Hunt's narrative have no basis in history. In fact, their story nearly disappears in the political machinations that I do not believe Hunt actually understood, at least not to a level at which she could communicate clearly to her readers.

This book, and the remaining books in the series, do not survive the purge from my personal collection.

[Debby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kathleen O'Connor is an English major doing research in the library when she's approached by a professor of European History asking about the possible link between her and Cahira O'Connor - daughter of Irish King Rory who died in 1235. Both have red hair with a white streak. A legend of valor was attached. Intrigued, Kathleen starts to do research and comes up with 4 O'Connor women with piebaldism - each 200 years apart. She then researches and writes the story of the first - Anika of Prague, a follower of religious reformer Jan Hus in Bohemia. When her scribe father is killed by a cardinal and lord, Anika disguises herself as a page and goes to serve John of Chlum. She becomes a knight, tries to defend Hus, avenge her father and falls in love with John.

Well done story - 1st in the series.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down! It started out slow for me, but when Anika disguises herself as a boy, the story really picks up. I enjoyed all the different characters, the rich history, and the quickly moving plot that kept me hooked. I especially enjoyed the begrudging love story between Anika and Lord John--although denying their feelings for one another all along, there were so many beautiful scenes in which they're actions spoke loudly of their love for one another. Really lovely. I rushed to finish the book and now I'm wishing it hadn't ended!! I will definitely be re-reading this in future.

[Joy Lokey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned many things about religious reform from this story I was previously oblivious to. I should probably like to explore a little more into that history. Anika was certainly a brave gal that I easily learned to hold in high esteem as she maneuvered many unfortunate challenges and uniquely plowed through them. Sir John and his head Knight also midnight also proved to be to be quite gallant gentlemen. While his rowdy priest was anything but. Quite a cunning story. I highly recommend anyone pick up this series where you will find quite interesting aspects of history presented through this family line over 8 centuries.

[Tiffany Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading The Silver Sword and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I found the entire premise behind the series to be very interesting. The characters are incredibly well written and I found myself empathizing with them at various times. I loved that they weren't just flat, static characters but well rounded and dynamic. I particularly enjoyed seeing the transformations in Anika and John. I loved the plot line and all the historical details that the author included.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably closer to 3.5 stars, I enjoyed this book, but it wasn't one of my favorites by Ms. Hunt. Set during the 15th century crusades against the Hussians, it was farther back in history than I am used to reading about. There was a tie in to a present day college student at the beginning and the end, which was intriguing and will probably cause me to read the rest of the series, but it was also hard to read about some of the horrible things done at that time in the name of "religion." Learning about a time in history I am not as familiar with was a plus.

[Ruth Jessen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be inspired...

A true heroine, Anika is a fiercely independent woman who is trying to get past the evil find to her family and fight for justice. Along the way she discovers faith, friendship, romance, and family. She makes you want to stand up and speak out against current injustices.

[Cara Noyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved learning about martyr John Hus in this story!
His Christian philosophy was way ahead of its time. Hus’ writing influenced Martin Luther and the Reformation over 100 years later. Hus believed that the church should be for all, not just those who paid for penance.
The female knight (Anika) was great! I cannot wait to read more in this series!

[Carol Pummell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo!

Bravo Angela Hunt! Oh my to think I almost didn’t start reading this story! It was only her writing style that made me give it a go. This is absolutely my favorite story of the year! I’ve read almost everything Ms. Hunt has authored. She never stops surprising me. Thank you so much for always staying a true warrior for our Savior! God bless you!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this historical fiction novel set in Bohemia in the time of Jan Hus, a Reformer in the church in the 1400s. Although the main characters aside from Hus were fictional, it was a good mix of fictional story with history. Well written. Quick read. I hope to go on with the rest of the series.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating = 4.25/5. One of my favorite series, although this one (and perhaps the other books) have so much historical data and they can read like a textbook at times. It seemed like there was more of a focus on Jan Hus in this than the main character's story, which was sometimes frustrating, but the subplot of romance was enough to satisfy me at the end and I still really enjoyed this.

[Natalie Barksdale · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book but sometimes Anika acted a little too childish or weak to me. I understand that she wouldn’t be as strong as a man but you’d think she would know how to fight and defend herself as well as act like it. Overall though the book was good and really made you feel for the characters and some parts were definitely shocking.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good historical account of Jon Hus, follower of Wyclyff and precursor to Martin Luther.

In the prologue, we're introduced to someone doing research in the library. Someone interrupts Kathleen O'Conner, and introduces himself as Henry Howard, professor of European history. He was inquiring about Kathleen a streak of white in her hair that wasn't inherited from any of her known relatives. What did he want from her? He told her about Cahira, the daughter of King Rory O'Connor, who had defended herself & her attendants with a sword and prayed that would use her descendants to right the world of men. Cahira had also had a streak of white hair. Kathleen had been teased all her life about the white streak in her hair. Professor Howard believed that Kathleen was a direct descendant from Cahira O'Connor and gave Kathleen his card in case she had any questions. She was researching piebaldism, and decided to do a search for O'Connors with piebaldism. While waiting for the search results she considered the Professor's story. There were four results to her search, the last king of Ireland's daughter, The Hussite Crusades, Exploring & seafaring, women at sea, and Civil War, women in battle. She started to imagine the scene of Cahira's death, had God allowed her descendants to grow strong to restore right? The four women had lived 200 years apart under very different conditions, and had red hair with a white streak like hers...was she the next one? She decided to change her semester project and research the women. If Professor Howard were telling the truth it could change her life. She would start by searching for Anika of Prague.

The story starts with six year old Anika searching for her Mama. They were moving to Prague, where her father planned on going into the book business. Anika noticed the smells around her & tried to keep the attention of the dogs. One of them took the hem of her dress & led her downstairs, where one of the men noticed a fire in the barn, she watched the confusion. Someone carried her outside. The innkeeper pointed out men holding a ladder for a man in red to climb down. Ernan O'Connor tried to get the ladder to use to get his wife and some other women down out of the fire. Since the men refused to relinquish the ladder, Father encouraged his wife to jump. Anika's mother moved to jump, the fire was hot! But when she landed her neck broke, and it was the cardinal's fault. She heard her father weeping and closed her eyes, telling the man in the red robe to go away.

Anika's father woke her up. She had had these dreams for years. Her father rocked her back to sleep.

Anika had a book she was reading hidden under the parchments. Archbishop Albik visited her father's bookshop. There were other copyists, but none of them were close to Jan Hus. He asked what Ernan was copying, but he had not had the parchment prepared for writing yet. Eventually the archbishop and his attendants left. He probably didn't think that Anika would be allowed to copy Hus's sermons. Anika's father went back to getting the parchment ready, but she knew that he knew what she had been reading, "The Art of Courtly Love."

Sir Petrov, one of the family friends, came to visit and asked why the archbishop had visited them. Their shop was busy because of their closeness to the university. Petrov enjoyed telling stories about his service as a knight, but had left his master's house when he died. Anika knew that he was lonely. Jan Hus was a master at the University of Prague, but he was friendly to everyone. Petrov offered his services to Jan Hus. There were three popes, and Ladislas, king of Naples, had threatened Rome, so Pope John had announced a crusade against him. Hus refused to make the announcement because he was trying to lead people to peace. Pope John had been a murderer & a soldier before becoming the head of the Church by shrewdness. Anika had read about such things. Although the O'Conners copied Hus' sermons, God provided for them. Hus wanted to talk to Ernan privately, so Anika was sent on an errand. Petrov went with her and continued his story, although she wanted to stay & hear what he had to say. Eventually, she & Petrov went through the streets of Prague.

Petrov also wanted to know what the conversation was about, so he left Anika at her destination and returned to the copy shop. Hus was of the opinion, as most were, that a woman in a trade was unacceptable and Anika wasn't trained for domestic persuits. Anika's strength was in reading and copying books. Ernan felt that Anika didn't need to marry, that he was providing for her. Hus was glad that Petrov had returned because he knew the nobility. There was a nobleman who was interested in Anika, but not as his wife. Ernan wanted to know who the person was, but Hus wouldn't tell his identity, but encourage Ernan to make plans for Anika's future. When Hus & Petrov left the copyist, Hus wanted to know where she had been left. Hus told Petrov that the young man was Miloslav, the son of Lord Laco of Lidice, who was expecting Anika to need to seek employment as a serving maid. Petrov promised to keep the identity of the man from Ernan O'Connor.

[Lisa Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The silver sword was another good read!

I always enjoy books by Angela Hunt! Who wouldn’t? This was no exception. In fact I thoroughly enjoyed the entire trilogy. Read them. You will too!

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love learning while reading such a well written book. The historical research is amazing. I learned more about Hus and European history in this one book. The characters are almost secondary to the overwhelming events of this first step.in the Reformation. Who knew His was so far ahead of Luther.

[Moses Khelani · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classical well written traditional novel, one with an interesting twist and excitement as you read, lovely peace of art am so happy to finally find this after 10 years, my favourite book of all time⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Brenda Selner · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 - 4.5. Great fictional story that incorporates basics of Jan Hus who struggled against the corruption that eventually murdered him, but could not stop the truth. One big drawback is the miraculous solution of the main character’s dilemma.

[Aly Syrek · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't mean to be so critical, I had some fun reading the book. I love a good, damsel in distress disguised herself as a knight, story. However the cheesy and pushy Christian message made it a very slow and hard read which I didn't appreciate

[Christine Davage · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't love it. Great idea for a story but I just couldn't get into it.