Book Review: The Dowager's Daughter by Isabella Berdyna Zysk

The Dowager's Daughter is a historical fantasy set in a medieval-like kingdom. Kimberly is the only child of the dowager countess of Arnaby's second marriage. In a quest to find the widow and orphan of one of her mother's Arnaby grandsons believed killed in battle, Kimberly is rescued from a kidnap attempt by Roderic, the captain of a marshal's troop. Their meeting seems providential as Roderic assists the Arnaby family in ways Kimberly could never have expected.

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REVIEW

A tale of royal tragedy and deception follow the earls of Arnaby Abby in the Kingdom of Wanda. When the first-born grandchild of Lord Klemens and Lady Leona wants to marry a commoner her son Lord Kresmir disowns him banishing from Arnaby Abby. This foolish act incurs a strike after strike of tragedies on the Arnaby family. It is a curse? Or is it something more humanly sinister? Kimberly one of the remaining seeks out to find the truth. When on her travels some marauders try to rob and capture her carriage, she is saved by Captain Marshal Roderic. Roderic assists in Kimberly’s quest for truth, but also perhaps with her heart as well.

 The Dowager’s Daughter is an attention-grabbing read! Zysk writing captures the medieval era and all its customs eloquently it is like an enjoyable history lesson. I also enjoyed how she weaved a bit of woman’s empowerment in there. Our heroine Kimberly is no damsel in distress often going against what society says of how women should be. If you love historical fantasy, strong female characters you will fall in love with The Dowager’s Daughter. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Isabella Berdyna Zysk was born in Michigan, raised in southern California and central Virginia worked and lived in several states and foreign countries, and now resides in Florida where she enjoys retirement.

Her interests include the writings of Jane Austen and William Shakespeare, horses, trees, sustainable farming, and art.

Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbenart1

Book Review: The King’s Niece by Isabella Berdyna Zysk

The King's Niece is a historical fantasy set in a medieval-like world. Robbie is the king's niece but she has never met her uncle. In fact, she's forbidden from leaving the eastern lands of Penrith to journey to the west, where the royal palace is. Until that is, her cousin and best friend Margo, the king's daughter Princess Margaret Rose, asks her to. The two had spent the last six years together at convent school, and now that Margo was of age to marry and was called to return to the palace, she wanted Robbie with her. Neither of the two young women have any idea of the threats that lay over Margo's head from the notorious Maulds people, whose chieftan wants her throne.

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REVIEW

An enjoyable medieval fantasy read as we meet an orphan named Robbie who escorts us through this tale. When the Kings own daughter comes to stay at the Convent to be schooled due to the King's re-marriage to a young maiden. Robbie and Margaret discover their cousins and their family’s sordid past. When it is time for Margaret to return to the palace to be married Margaret implores Robbie to come with her. Hiding her family red locks Robbie gives in posing as Margaret’s personal servant.

The King’s Champion Sir Cadwalder is sent to bring Margaret back to the palace. Robbie’s instincts instantly grow suspicious of him. Then at the place, Robbie catches Sir Cadwalder secretly meeting someone at the water's edge. What is he up to? Why is Margaret’s betrothed keep backing down? When the Prince of Keswick arrives for Margaret’s initial wedding, he is then asked to receive Margaret’s hand. The danger then ensures as Sir Cadwalder's deviousness is revealed. Can love be found amongst the chaos?

Not my normal genre I found this book quite enjoyable. The author pulled me in this adventurous tale of secrets and medieval espionage set among Kings, Queens, and kingdoms. 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Isabella Berdyna Zysk was born in Michigan, raised in southern California and central Virginia, worked and lived in several states and foreign countries, and now resides in Florida where she enjoys retirement.

Her interests include the writings of Jane Austen and William Shakespeare, horses, trees, sustainable farming, and art.