The Lily and the Sword

by Sara Bennett

Book Overview

Trapped in an old Saxon church, Lady Lily is dragged from her hiding place to the very feet of the warrior who's been hunting for her--Radulf, the King's Sword, a man whose name all speak in fear. Yet when she looks into his coal-black eyes, it is not fear that makes her tremble...but desire. So she lies to save her life--and prays to save her heart. Even though some instinct whispers that Lily's not who she claims to be, Radulf is helpless against...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060002697
• ISBN13: 9780060002695
• Release Date: March 2002
• Publisher: Avon Books
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 4.2" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

Well Worth Reading

The interesting thing about Sara Bennett is she's unpredictable in her story telling. If you've read many romance novels, you've probably noticed that it usually takes a very, very lo-o-o-ng time of endless pages of subjective dialog before the characters actually "join". I think this style of writing is to keep the reader engaged and on edge, but often I find myself bored and skipping pages which is something you don't want to do while reading your book. As many reviewers before me have detailed the story of "The Lily and the Sword", I'll simply say I thoroughly enjoyed it and couldn't put it down. The book moves along well, the characters are solid as well as interesting, and their dialog believable. I'm always appreciative of people sharing their talents, and just ordered several more of her books.

Outstanding Debut Medieval Novel

Setting - Northumbria - North of England 1070 --- Lady Lily is running for her life from Radulf, the `King's Sword' - the scourge, the hideous ogre with a bloody sword, who has been sent by the king to slay all who fought him. She is the Saxon widow of Vorgen, the Norman traitor who betrayed King William. Vorgen, despised husband, who killed her father, then wedded her over his dead body. Lily arrived exhausted at Grinswade Church, where she sought the priest and to bid a final farewell at the graves of her parents- but luck was not with her. Radulf arrives at the church and discovers Lily. When he asked who she was, she lies and gives him the name of Lily, the pet name her father used for her, and also tells him that she is the daughter of the Earl of Morcar, who remains a loyal vassal to King William the Conqueror. Radulf finds himself fiercely attracted to this cool silver blonde beauty and accepts her story at face value. He has been betrayed by a woman before and is wary, but he has also never had this overwhelming attraction before. He vows to protect her and return her to her father. Lily herself is drawn to this man, her enemy, who would slay her should he discover that she is the `she-wolf' he hunts. Not only do they both fall in love (of course, they don't admit this to each other) they have an exquisitely hot and sensual time of it before he discovers that he has been deceived once again, by a woman. THE LILY AND THE SWORD follows the mold of an exciting medieval romance with a lusty, gorgeous alpha-male and divine female. Radulf is the mighty warrior but with the respect and love of his men and vassals - the tales of his brutality are just that - tales! Lily is a by-product of being the abused wife of an old, impotent and hateful man. Out of necessity and self-preservation she has hardened her heart to not trust her feelings or any man, before enduring any more betrayals and pain. Their love story is that which will bring a tear to your eye at the inevitable conclusion. This is a stellar start for a debut novel from this new author who bears watching. I found this fast paced novel to be an outstanding and truly enjoyable read for lovers of medieval historic romance.

Passionate Medieval

Lady Wilfreda, English noblewoman, grandaughter of Norse King Harold Haardrada is being hunted by the Normans - namely by Radulf known as "the King's Sword". Radulf's fierce and frightening reputation has preceded him into Northumbria and Lady Wilfreda has fled. It is Radulf's mission to find her and bring her before King William who will either marry her off to one of his nobles or kill her. Radulf has no sympathy for a treacherous woman - he's had one in his life already and has no intention of repeating his past mistake of trusting a woman. The Lady Wilfreda, called Lily by those who love her, has been used by men. Her father was murdered and she was forced to wed his murderer - renegade Norman Vorgen. She endured a dreadful life with him full of abuse. Then when Vorgen was killed, her kinsman, Hew took up arms in her name. All Lily wants is peace and prosperity for her people - she's no rebel. But she knows that neither William nor his Sword will believe she is innocent. When Radulf encounters her she lies and tells him her name is Lily and that she is the daughter of a loyal vassal. Radulf is not sure he believes her, but takes her to his camp. He'll find out what's true eventually, but in the meantime, he is attracted to her in a way he has never felt before. And if he is not mistaken, she feels a similar pull toward him. And so begins a very passionate relationship founded on lies, fear and suspicion, but with the potential to be the real thing. For both want each other despite their doubts and wariness. Even finding out the truth about Lily does not dim his need to have her and so to save her from his king, her marries her. But there are still lots of obstacles to overcome and trust to be won on both sides. I liked both Radulf's and Lily's characters and their romance was full of passion and longing. The story moved along well and had lots of action to augment the romance. But I do have a pet peeve: the cover is one of those gross Fabio-esque deals with the hero sporting long flowing hair. But to quote the book "His hair was very dark and cut short over his skull, shorter even than the Norman fashion". A little more accuracy and class in the cover would be welcome - sleeveless chain mail with nothing under it but heaving chest and bulging biceps - UGH!.

A Great Scottish Romance

The story revolves around Lily and the Kings Sword Radulf. Lily is running away and hiding from the war that has been fought between Scotland and the new King of England who is a Norman. Radulf is sent in and is known as the Kings Sword. The fierce Roman Knight finds Lily and believes that she is someone else. He can't help but be drawn to her. Lily is also captivated by Radalf. He is not what he seems to be or what the rumors have spoken of. Against all odds these two people find the gift of love with each other. Of course there are many twist and turns before you get to the happily ever after part but that is half the fun of reading this book so I won't give anything away.This is my first by Bennet and I look forward to reading more from her.

exciting Conqueror romance

In 1070 England, the King's Sword Radulf seeks the traitor Saxon Lady Wifreda whose Norman husband Vorgen turned against William and is already dead. Zigzagging across the countryside in an exhausting effort to stay free, Lily arrives at Grinswade Church seeking sanctuary, but no one remains at the House of God. Radulf arrives at the church finding Lily there. She insists she is the daughter of a vassal of the Earl of Morcar, who remained loyal to the Conqueror, using the name Lily as only her father called her. Radulf accepts what Lily says, but remains wary as not only does he trust no one, but also disbelieves women after once being badly betrayed by one. As he uncovers Lily's identity, Radulf and his "guest" fall in love. However, once he knows who she is he feels like the fool, duped again by a female, but unable to idly allow William to destroy his Lily. THE LILY AND THE SWORD is an exciting Conqueror romance. Though the plot strictly adheres to the era's star-crossed lovers theme, nonetheless the story provides an exhilarating spin on the era. Radulf may be a giant of a warrior, but runs the human gamut of emotions such as love, hurt, anger, possessiveness, and protectiveness towards his beloved. Lily is an intrepid heroine trying to first stay alive though she loves Radulf (Maslow's hierarchy). This duo turns Sara Bennett's debut book into a worth reading medieval romance for sub-genre fans.Harriet Klausner