The Crown Rose

by Fiona Kai Avery

The Crown Rose tells the story of Isabelle of France, born heir to the throne: her life from childhood to her later years; a life of turmoil and strife and longing.... The year is 1240. It is the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1591023122
• ISBN13: 9781591023128
• Release Date: May 2005
• Publisher: Pyr
• Length: 454 Pages
• Weight: 1.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 6.3" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

great historical with a touch of fantasy

In 1234, the stranger uses one word to halt a rapid dog from attacking nine years old Princess Isabelle, heir to the French throne. From that moment on she believes she will do great things for God and country. Six years later Isabelle's older brother King Louis IX rules in France. Lethal rivalries are everywhere as chivalrous knights join religious orders with each competing to be the One as well as battling the fledgling state for control while secret societies seem everywhere ready to fill any power void. While her sibling is a perfect role model as a pious individual setting an example for Isabelle, by 1844 she feels her destiny is elsewhere. Isabelle begins her life's quest accompanied by the mysterious Jean Benariel. He somehow knows what she seeks, who she is to him at long last and fully supports her on her endeavor. She also recognizes her companion from his one magical utterance that not only saved her life several years ago, but set her on this hallowed mission that is dangerous as knights battle one another claiming God's will and non-believers control the Holy Land. Three fourths historical novel and one fourth fantasy subplot come together in a fabulous thirteenth century thriller. Isabella is a terrific protagonist who holds the exhilarating story line together. Jean adds a touch of mysticism into the mix. The support cast includes many real personages of history that add to the feel of realism such as correspondence with Thomas Aquinas. THE CROWN ROSE is a fabulous fantasy historical thriller that grips readers from the moment the young Isabelle believes she knows her life's work and never slows down until the final codicil. Harriet Klausner

A I-don't-want-to-put-it-down-but-I-can-if-I-must novel

A wonderful novel full of mystery, romance, history, and fantasy. Parts of it reminded me of "The De Vinci Code" with its religious undertones and controversial questions about Christ and the Church. The characters were fully developed and very rich, although I would have like more depth to the so-called 'bad guy.' Its research was well done and paints a fascinating picture of France in the thirteenth century. Too often historical novels are too historical and leave the reader with the bitterness of there being no conclusion to life other then death and life's sufferings. Although this novel is not the happily-ever-after type (how could it be and still be historical?) it does not leave you at the end feeling hopeless and angry at the futility of life, rather it leaves you sort of mistily happy and inspired to do something, anything, with your life. I was very disappointed when I found out that Fiona Avery has not written any other novels. Hope this helps. P.S. Good book for teenagers with a little bit of patience. Nothing in it that a thirteen year old couldn't read, although intellectually it would be over their head.

A rich fantasy with a plot woven around actual events

Take French medieval history, blend in a healthy dose of fantasy, and then trace the life of one Isabelle of France, born heir to the throne in 1240 and facing an unusual, changed destiny from a man who may be more than an ordinary mortal and you have The Crown Rose, a rich fantasy with a plot woven around actual events, blending elements of the real and fantasy. Over a year was spent researching the period - and it shows in a rich, detailed setting.

mystical read

I grabbed this book thinking it was a historical novel and instead was treated to a great mystery in the purest sense of the word.