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Merlin's Descendants #4
Guardian of the Promise
Now in paperback, the fourth novel in Irene Radford's acclaimed saga of Merlin and his descendants follows the children of twin brothers Donovan and Griffin, in a magic-fueled struggle to protect Elizabethan England from enemies-both mortal and demonic.
592 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
3 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Irene Radford
127 books135 followersAlso uses C.F. Bentley, Phyllis Irene Radford, Julia Verne St. John, Rachel Atwood, Phyllis Ames, P. Irene Radford and P.R. Frost.
Irene has been writing stories ever since she figured out what a pencil was for. Combining a love for Medieval history and a fascination with paranormal, Irene concentrated on fantasy writing.
In her spare time, Irene enjoys lacemaking and is a long time member of an international guild. Check out THE LONELIEST MAGICIAN, The Dragon Nimbus #3 for an exploration of her favorite obsession. A piece of magic lace is the obvious patch for a dragon wing. She has published numerous magazine articles about the history and technique of lacemaking as well as self publishing two lacemaker's fairy tales with lace patterns that can be made up to illustrate the stories. When she isn't writing or making lace she enjoys exploring the back roads and many museums of the Pacific Northwest.
For many years Irene was active in Ballet du Lac, a semi-pro ballet company. She taught ballet to youngsters in her local community school program. At the same time she led a Cub Scout pack and frequently found her home the preferred playground in the neighborhood for many more children than she thought possible.
Irene has held many full and part time jobs from Insurance underwriter to assistant curator of a museum to clerk in a fabric store. Writing is now her “day job.”
Two years ago, Irene took up fencing as research for GUARDIAN OF THE FREEDOM, Merlin’s Descendants #5. She figured one quarter would give her some vocabulary and a feel for a weapon in her hand. But that wasn’t enough to write realistic battles on the Ottoman frontier or convincing duels. So she signed up for another quarter. And another. Now she’s addicted and needs to add fencing to more of her books and let her subjects range further afield.
A native Oregonian living in Oregon, Irene is a member of an endangered species. As a service brat, she lived in a number of cities throughout the country until returning to Oregon in time to graduate from Tigard High School. She earned a B.A. in history from Lewis and Clark College, where she met her husband, Tim. Historical research has remained a lifelong passion and finally became a part of her job with the historical fantasy series Merlin’s Descendants.
Irene and her husband currently make their home in Welches, Oregon where they share their back yard with deer, coyotes, bear (check the pictures), raccoons and too many bird species to mention.
Irene has been writing stories ever since she figured out what a pencil was for. Combining a love for Medieval history and a fascination with paranormal, Irene concentrated on fantasy writing.
In her spare time, Irene enjoys lacemaking and is a long time member of an international guild. Check out THE LONELIEST MAGICIAN, The Dragon Nimbus #3 for an exploration of her favorite obsession. A piece of magic lace is the obvious patch for a dragon wing. She has published numerous magazine articles about the history and technique of lacemaking as well as self publishing two lacemaker's fairy tales with lace patterns that can be made up to illustrate the stories. When she isn't writing or making lace she enjoys exploring the back roads and many museums of the Pacific Northwest.
For many years Irene was active in Ballet du Lac, a semi-pro ballet company. She taught ballet to youngsters in her local community school program. At the same time she led a Cub Scout pack and frequently found her home the preferred playground in the neighborhood for many more children than she thought possible.
Irene has held many full and part time jobs from Insurance underwriter to assistant curator of a museum to clerk in a fabric store. Writing is now her “day job.”
Two years ago, Irene took up fencing as research for GUARDIAN OF THE FREEDOM, Merlin’s Descendants #5. She figured one quarter would give her some vocabulary and a feel for a weapon in her hand. But that wasn’t enough to write realistic battles on the Ottoman frontier or convincing duels. So she signed up for another quarter. And another. Now she’s addicted and needs to add fencing to more of her books and let her subjects range further afield.
A native Oregonian living in Oregon, Irene is a member of an endangered species. As a service brat, she lived in a number of cities throughout the country until returning to Oregon in time to graduate from Tigard High School. She earned a B.A. in history from Lewis and Clark College, where she met her husband, Tim. Historical research has remained a lifelong passion and finally became a part of her job with the historical fantasy series Merlin’s Descendants.
Irene and her husband currently make their home in Welches, Oregon where they share their back yard with deer, coyotes, bear (check the pictures), raccoons and too many bird species to mention.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 26, 2018
took longer to read because of the history involved...good story line
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November 12, 2025I received this eBook free from the LibraryThings early reviewer program. This is the fourth book in a series of novels focusing on the mythical bloodline of Merlin. As this was the fourth book, I decided when I received it that I would find and download the first three in the series. I hate coming in to the middle of a series. I have already posted my reviews of the prior three books. This story is set about 13 years after “Guardian of the Vision,†which places the story in the 16th century, it is about the children of Griffin and Donovan Kirkwood, whom were the protagonists of “Guardian of the Vision.†The main protagonist is Deidre (Dee) Kirkwood the illegitimate daughter of Griffin Kirkwood and Roanna Douglas. Unlike the prior books in this series, to know what is happening, the reader really does need to read at least the third book if not the entire series first. In this installment Elizabeth still rules and England is plagued by werewolves. There is confusion as to who will be the next Pendragon, Dee or one of her Cousins Hal (whom Dee is in love with) or her other cousin Betsy (who is insane). This book spans a 16 year period and we see Dee, Hal and Betsy grow from pre-teens to adults. The Antagonist is Meneur de Loups more commonly known as El Lobison and his pet Werewolf Yassmine.
Many of the characters from “Guardian of the Vision†return in this book, so it was nice to know the backstory, although I suppose maybe if I hadn't read the earlier novels this one wouldn't have seemed so tedious. This book took me 2 tries and 4 months to read, I was just unable to focus on the story and had to take copious notes to not forget what happened from one chapter to the next. I think Radford made the same mistake in this book as she did in “Guardian of the Vision,†instead of focusing on and developing one character she spread herself to thin developing multiple characters. Radford had Dees storyline, Hal's storyline, Betsy's storyline, Donavan's Storyline and Yassmine's storyline. It was too much. I was unable to connect to any of the characters, they were all too shallow. What I really liked about the first two books in the series (which focused on a single protagonist) was that Radford went deeply into the characters, I connected to them. These last two books the characters are like shadows, an outline of what they could be with not enough detail to really see them. Also Radford dwelled too much on the history and not enough on the story. I like having historical facts being part of the story, but if I want to read only historical events and details I'll pick up a history book.
Overall I give this book a 1 star. I have also received the fifth installment in this series through the LibraryThing early reviewer program, but I am not looking forward to reading it. I'm hoping Radford goes back to her writing style of the first two books, but I wouldn't place money on it.
For additional reviews please see my blog at www.adventuresofabibliophile.blogspot...
Many of the characters from “Guardian of the Vision†return in this book, so it was nice to know the backstory, although I suppose maybe if I hadn't read the earlier novels this one wouldn't have seemed so tedious. This book took me 2 tries and 4 months to read, I was just unable to focus on the story and had to take copious notes to not forget what happened from one chapter to the next. I think Radford made the same mistake in this book as she did in “Guardian of the Vision,†instead of focusing on and developing one character she spread herself to thin developing multiple characters. Radford had Dees storyline, Hal's storyline, Betsy's storyline, Donavan's Storyline and Yassmine's storyline. It was too much. I was unable to connect to any of the characters, they were all too shallow. What I really liked about the first two books in the series (which focused on a single protagonist) was that Radford went deeply into the characters, I connected to them. These last two books the characters are like shadows, an outline of what they could be with not enough detail to really see them. Also Radford dwelled too much on the history and not enough on the story. I like having historical facts being part of the story, but if I want to read only historical events and details I'll pick up a history book.
Overall I give this book a 1 star. I have also received the fifth installment in this series through the LibraryThing early reviewer program, but I am not looking forward to reading it. I'm hoping Radford goes back to her writing style of the first two books, but I wouldn't place money on it.
For additional reviews please see my blog at www.adventuresofabibliophile.blogspot...
April 26, 2015
This book was a LibraryThing Early Reviewers book. I'd already won one of the previous books (Guardian of the Balance) from LTER, and they were kind enough to give me this one, as well, a few months later. I'm sure I'm desperately late in reviewing it, but nevertheless, here's my review.
I finished this book yesterday, during the Read-a-Thon. It was good. Better than the last one in the series. Again, I'm not sure whether this is because I prefer reading about a female protagonist (in this case, Deirdre, Griffin Kirkwood's illegitimate daughter who was born at the end of the last novel), or because there was more magic in this book. And werewolves. There were werewolves in this book, which I kind of enjoyed. I hadn't yet read any novels that deal with werewolves, so it was an interesting introduction to the trope.
Deirdre and Hal (one of Donovan Kirkwood's twins - the other is Griffin) are best friends from childhood. Donovan is raising Deirdre after her father's death, covered in the previous entry in the series. No one knows who will become the next Pendragon - Raven predicted that it would be Donovan's son, but the family wolfhound has bestowed her female puppy on Deirdre, and she certainly seems to have the aptitude for it. Hal has magic, too, but not as strong as Deirdre's. And Betsy, Donovan's elder daughter by his first wife, seems to think she is to be the next Pendragon.
To complicate matters, a Spaniard known as El Lobison is building a werewolf army to assist in Spain's invasion of England (through the Spanish Armada, for you history buffs out there). Hal and Deirdre seek to stop him, but major obstacles stand in their way. Will El Lobison succeed in turning one of them into part of his werewolf army? Can they work together to stop the coming Spanish invasion of England? Who is the REAL Pendragon of England?
Again, I enjoyed this entry in the series much more than the last. I'd give it four and a half out of five Whatevers. Definitely read the series from the beginning - it's not a series that will make much sense if you don't. Specifically recommended for those with an interest in Elizabethan England, werewolves, or a good, solid fantasy series.
I finished this book yesterday, during the Read-a-Thon. It was good. Better than the last one in the series. Again, I'm not sure whether this is because I prefer reading about a female protagonist (in this case, Deirdre, Griffin Kirkwood's illegitimate daughter who was born at the end of the last novel), or because there was more magic in this book. And werewolves. There were werewolves in this book, which I kind of enjoyed. I hadn't yet read any novels that deal with werewolves, so it was an interesting introduction to the trope.
Deirdre and Hal (one of Donovan Kirkwood's twins - the other is Griffin) are best friends from childhood. Donovan is raising Deirdre after her father's death, covered in the previous entry in the series. No one knows who will become the next Pendragon - Raven predicted that it would be Donovan's son, but the family wolfhound has bestowed her female puppy on Deirdre, and she certainly seems to have the aptitude for it. Hal has magic, too, but not as strong as Deirdre's. And Betsy, Donovan's elder daughter by his first wife, seems to think she is to be the next Pendragon.
To complicate matters, a Spaniard known as El Lobison is building a werewolf army to assist in Spain's invasion of England (through the Spanish Armada, for you history buffs out there). Hal and Deirdre seek to stop him, but major obstacles stand in their way. Will El Lobison succeed in turning one of them into part of his werewolf army? Can they work together to stop the coming Spanish invasion of England? Who is the REAL Pendragon of England?
Again, I enjoyed this entry in the series much more than the last. I'd give it four and a half out of five Whatevers. Definitely read the series from the beginning - it's not a series that will make much sense if you don't. Specifically recommended for those with an interest in Elizabethan England, werewolves, or a good, solid fantasy series.
March 30, 2008
I received this novel from the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program. I had read this book several years ago in paperback, but wanted to read it again now that the series is being re-released in e-book format.
Unlike the previous books in the Merlin's Descendants series, readers will probably do best to have at least read the previous book before reading this one to fully appreciate and enjoy this fourth installation. You can read it on its own as Ms. Radford does give her usual hints and reminders to help readers along, but there may still be some confusion.
In this book, Griffin Kirkwood and Roanna Douglas' illegitimate daughter Deidre has grown up as one of three potential candidates for the role of Pendragon and Merlin. Her cousins Hal and Betsy, Donovan's children, are the other two. As usual, there are magical and political obstacles threatening England: werewolves controlled by a mysterious man at the Spanish Embassy and the various Catholic stirrings known to all familiar with the history of Elizabeth I's reign.
Of course, Irene Radford's usual talent is on full display, easily tying in the magical nature of her characters to the historical events. Even readers who are unfamiliar with the Catholic plots against Elizabeth will find themselves drawn into the story. Those who already have some knowledge of the events will find themselves nodding along with Ms. Radford's portrayal of the various people who were key to the times and events. Historical pedants be forewarned, fiction writers find themselves in the unenviable position of having to decide which characters to keep and which can be safely ignored (or wrapped into other characters).
Due to the span of time covered in the book, there is a bit of time-jumping between chapters, and some people have complained that they felt the transitions were confusing. I didn't find it to be that confusing, but I have read a great number of books that have to jump months or years just to cover everything. Of course, as has been noted by several reviewers including myself, be aware that Ms. Radford does not censor her characters; sex happens, and we do not always "fade to black."
Unlike the previous books in the Merlin's Descendants series, readers will probably do best to have at least read the previous book before reading this one to fully appreciate and enjoy this fourth installation. You can read it on its own as Ms. Radford does give her usual hints and reminders to help readers along, but there may still be some confusion.
In this book, Griffin Kirkwood and Roanna Douglas' illegitimate daughter Deidre has grown up as one of three potential candidates for the role of Pendragon and Merlin. Her cousins Hal and Betsy, Donovan's children, are the other two. As usual, there are magical and political obstacles threatening England: werewolves controlled by a mysterious man at the Spanish Embassy and the various Catholic stirrings known to all familiar with the history of Elizabeth I's reign.
Of course, Irene Radford's usual talent is on full display, easily tying in the magical nature of her characters to the historical events. Even readers who are unfamiliar with the Catholic plots against Elizabeth will find themselves drawn into the story. Those who already have some knowledge of the events will find themselves nodding along with Ms. Radford's portrayal of the various people who were key to the times and events. Historical pedants be forewarned, fiction writers find themselves in the unenviable position of having to decide which characters to keep and which can be safely ignored (or wrapped into other characters).
Due to the span of time covered in the book, there is a bit of time-jumping between chapters, and some people have complained that they felt the transitions were confusing. I didn't find it to be that confusing, but I have read a great number of books that have to jump months or years just to cover everything. Of course, as has been noted by several reviewers including myself, be aware that Ms. Radford does not censor her characters; sex happens, and we do not always "fade to black."
May 16, 2012
NOTICE: I received this book from the author and nothing was asked but a review and nothing promised but a copy of the book.
This book was hard for me to rate at first. When I read an outline of the book it seemed like one I would like. Middle ages England, magic, human interest and even a werewolf thrown in for good measure but when I started to read it I found it hard to get interested in the characters as the author jumped from one character to another and I planned to give it no more than 3 stars. However after about the first half of the book I found myself getting more and more interested in the characters and wanting to see what happened next, thus the 4 star rating. Another note, this is book 4 of the series and perhaps if I had read the first 3 books my opinion of this book at the start would have been different.
In this book Deirdre is the daughter of the last Merlin (here a title more than a person). It follows her as she tries to understand her magic, survive her cousin Betsy, who also has magic powers and wants to be the Pendragon or protector of England and her family who all have different parts of her life. It is the story of her life starting when she is attacked by werewolfs. Follows her and her cousin Hal as they travel to France to try and stop another massacre of French Catholics. It tells how Hal is captured by the man who calls himself the master of the werewolfs and against his will turned into a werewolf. Her uncle who is walking a fine line between being loyal to Elizabeth and his love for Mary, Queen of Scots. How she is sent to London and becomes first a Lady-in-Waiting then a spy for Elizabeth. Her arranged marriage, her adventures as she tries to protect Elizabeth, keep her uncle from going too far in his love for Mary, trying to cure Hal and just figuring out who she is and will be.
As stated above, I found it hard to get interested in the first part of the book but if a reader continues on they will find they end up with a very good and readable book.
This book was hard for me to rate at first. When I read an outline of the book it seemed like one I would like. Middle ages England, magic, human interest and even a werewolf thrown in for good measure but when I started to read it I found it hard to get interested in the characters as the author jumped from one character to another and I planned to give it no more than 3 stars. However after about the first half of the book I found myself getting more and more interested in the characters and wanting to see what happened next, thus the 4 star rating. Another note, this is book 4 of the series and perhaps if I had read the first 3 books my opinion of this book at the start would have been different.
In this book Deirdre is the daughter of the last Merlin (here a title more than a person). It follows her as she tries to understand her magic, survive her cousin Betsy, who also has magic powers and wants to be the Pendragon or protector of England and her family who all have different parts of her life. It is the story of her life starting when she is attacked by werewolfs. Follows her and her cousin Hal as they travel to France to try and stop another massacre of French Catholics. It tells how Hal is captured by the man who calls himself the master of the werewolfs and against his will turned into a werewolf. Her uncle who is walking a fine line between being loyal to Elizabeth and his love for Mary, Queen of Scots. How she is sent to London and becomes first a Lady-in-Waiting then a spy for Elizabeth. Her arranged marriage, her adventures as she tries to protect Elizabeth, keep her uncle from going too far in his love for Mary, trying to cure Hal and just figuring out who she is and will be.
As stated above, I found it hard to get interested in the first part of the book but if a reader continues on they will find they end up with a very good and readable book.
October 21, 2012
Loved this book!! I got this free with a promise to review, and it was an amazing read, at least for me. It combines elements of Elizabethan English history (and her research and history are excellent!) as well as Arthurian legend with fantasy/magic to bring an interesting perspective to that era of British politics. Her characters are well rounded and her narrative style flows easily making the book very readable. There were some places where I struggled to understand all the interactions of the characters, but that is due primarily, I think, to the fact that this is book 4 in a series and I have not read the first three. But I enjoyed this one so much that I will read the rest now. The book appeals to me on multiple levels: her historical research and knowledge make the setting believable and contribute to the realism of her setting. She builds on Arthur and Merlin legends to bring a touch of legend to history, and then she sprinkles in a magical family who is ties to both Arthur and Merlin and who help the destiny of Elizabeth and influence the "holy war" between Protestant and Catholic. But there is evil astir, mixing up the politics and religion with a confusing threat and a desire to world dominance. Some of the heroic family whose destiny is to guard Britain and Queen get lost in their own desires, some get lost to the evil that threatens the land, and some overcome travail and turmoil to be victorious. While much of the plot is fantasy, the history is real and the struggles of the characters are struggles that many of us could easily relate to, no matter the era or time. Very well done, and I am glad to have an opportunity to read. I will be reading the rest of the series!
May 9, 2013
Received as part of LibraryThing's Early Reviewer's April 2012 batch, to mark this book being released as an ebook. There's the odd markup issue where some of the text continues on as italics where perhaps it should be standard text. Nothing that spoiled the reading of the book (it took me a while to work around what was "wrong") but it happened more than once.
Fourth in the series, this picks up 13 years after the previous book. Griffin's daughter has grown up with her cousins and her Uncle Donovan. Elizabeth is still on the throne, and Donovan still has a passing love for Mary, Queen of Scots.
Elizabeth is being threatened by the Pope, and Philip of Spain. Closer to home, both she and the Pendragons are being threatened by Werewolves, with one of their own being turned.
Didnt enjoy this quite as much as the previous books that I've read in this series. There's a slight change in pace and format, where years go by in between chapters, people are doing things you werent quite expecting in places you werent expecting it (e.g. Hal running around half of Europe and popping up in Paris and other places - did make me wonder whether I'd missed something or chapters had been cut from either the ebook or the original). Hal's relationship with Henri III was overplayed or his friendship with Henri IV was underplayed - I haven't decided which.
On the whole an enjoyable book, though I'm not sure it's the strongest in the series
Fourth in the series, this picks up 13 years after the previous book. Griffin's daughter has grown up with her cousins and her Uncle Donovan. Elizabeth is still on the throne, and Donovan still has a passing love for Mary, Queen of Scots.
Elizabeth is being threatened by the Pope, and Philip of Spain. Closer to home, both she and the Pendragons are being threatened by Werewolves, with one of their own being turned.
Didnt enjoy this quite as much as the previous books that I've read in this series. There's a slight change in pace and format, where years go by in between chapters, people are doing things you werent quite expecting in places you werent expecting it (e.g. Hal running around half of Europe and popping up in Paris and other places - did make me wonder whether I'd missed something or chapters had been cut from either the ebook or the original). Hal's relationship with Henri III was overplayed or his friendship with Henri IV was underplayed - I haven't decided which.
On the whole an enjoyable book, though I'm not sure it's the strongest in the series
May 23, 2015
This is a book set in the perilous Elizabethan time. Donovan Griffin is heir to the house established by Merlin. His niece Dee and son Hal are two very powerful mages, as he is. These are the people that stand against chaos. Betsy, another daughter of Donovan, and the werewolves of Spain, headed by The Master, are on the side of chaos. Time is running out for those trying to stop chaos from reigning. Hal and Dee go to Paris to try to stop destruction there. Donovan can't pursue them, as he is forbidden to leave England. The Master makes his major move against Hal and Dee in Paris. With The Master dogging their heels, will Dee and Hal be able to make peace return to the lands they have sworn to guard? I loved the plot. I just thought this book, so far into the series, was a bit write by number. It was as if the author had run out of ideas in some places, so had pulled old ideas from her other books. In other places, it was very exciting. If you like fantasy with a dark atmosphere, this book is for you.
May 22, 2012
This book continues the Kirkwood family saga, the main protagonist this time is Deidre Kirkwood the illegitimate daughter of Griffin Kirkwood and Roanna Douglas. Deidre is a possible candidate for the Pendragon of England along with her cousins Hal and Betsey. Deidre sets out to finish her Father's work and save England and Europe from evil. very enjoyable reading!
March 7, 2013
"Guardian of the Promise" is the fourth book in the series Merlin's Descendants by Irene Radford. It was an okay read but definitely geared to a younger audience.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews