Flights Of Angels [Paperback]

Flights of Angels is a sweeping story, really almost an epic, which spans from the decadence of Rome to the shores of Britain. The characters are richly developed and the hero and heroine share a beautiful love story.

Hengist and three of his fellow Saxons are captured by slavers and sent to Rome. Rowena one of the beautiful Saxons, is sold first and she is terrified to leave Hengist to whom she is betrothed. Hengist is about to be whipped for insubordination at the slave market but is rescued by a girl. Elowyn actually throws herself in front of the whip protecting the hero.

Elowyn is drawn to the beautiful young slave, he is only 16 and she is about 14, she begs her step-father to buy Hengist and his friend. Her step father does so because he is a compassionate man and promises the slaves that they can earn their freedom.

Hengist hates being a slave but is enchanted with Elowyn who learns to speak in the Saxon tongue. Her servant, Gilda, teaches her the language but constantly warns her that the slaves are not to be trusted. Elowyn is not a Roman but a Welsh lady supposedly descended from Guinevere herself.

Hengist and Elowyn have a sweet romance and she plans on leaving with Hengist when he devises an escape but jealousy and mistrust abound and they are separated. She is heartbroken and Hengist believes he can never love again.

*Spolier* Ten years later, Henigist is back in Briton and doing his King's bidding by suppressing some Welsh rebels when he is attacked by Welsh warriors. He counterattacks and captures their leader who turns out to be his true love Elowyn. She has returned to her home land with her uncle.

These two leads are completely smitten with each other, but they have a mountain of distrust between them, however they create a completely sweet romance. There is so much turmoil in Briton with rival kings and dangerous assassination plots that it became a bit confusing. In fact, the politically maneuvering and endless fighting were the only drawbacks I have about this novel. The characters more than make up for this though, especially Elowyn who is smart, compassionate and insightful. There are some deeply moving scenes with Elowyn that do not even include her true love Hengist. Elowyn possesses all the skills of a warrior, counselor, friend and life partner. This is the first book I have read by this author and I must say I am impressed.

› Go to Amazon U.S. to see the review  4.0 out of 5 stars