📖 Overview
Simon Lowell is feared across medieval England as a sorcerer and assassin in service to the king. When Lady Angelique arrives at his isolated castle to serve as companion to his sister, she finds herself drawn to the mysterious lord despite his dark reputation.
Simon keeps his distance from all who enter his domain, protecting dangerous secrets that could lead to his death. Yet Angelique's presence begins to challenge his carefully maintained solitude and the walls he has built around himself.
The story combines elements of medieval romance with court intrigue and rumors of magic, set against the backdrop of political tensions in 12th century England. The relationship between Simon and Angelique develops amid threats both external and internal to the castle.
This historical romance explores themes of judgment versus truth, the power of reputation, and the courage required to trust after betrayal. The medieval setting provides context for examining how people navigate societal expectations and personal desires.
👀 Reviews
Readers describe Lord of Danger as a romance with gothic and medieval elements. The book has maintained a dedicated following since its 1996 release.
Readers highlight:
- Complex relationship between hero and heroine
- Detailed portrayal of medieval life and customs
- Dark, brooding atmosphere
- Morally grey characters
- Strong supporting cast
Common criticisms:
- Slow pacing in middle sections
- Plot predictability
- Some find the hero too cruel initially
- Period accuracy questioned by history enthusiasts
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,200+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.1/5 (80+ reviews)
From reader reviews:
"The chemistry between Simon and Alys crackles from their first meeting" - Goodreads reviewer
"Historical details make the setting come alive" - Amazon reviewer
"Takes too long to get to the main conflict" - Goodreads reviewer
📚 Similar books
The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss
A Norman knight captures a Saxon noblewoman during William the Conqueror's invasion of England, leading to a battle of wits and hearts against the backdrop of political intrigue.
Shield of Three Lions by Pamela Kaufman A young noblewoman disguises herself as a boy squire to survive in medieval England while searching for justice and finds herself entangled with a mysterious knight.
For My Lady's Heart by Laura Kinsale A medieval knight binds himself to protect a princess who speaks in riddles and holds dangerous political secrets.
The King's Man by Elizabeth Kingston A Welsh warrior and a Norman lady navigate a complex web of loyalty and betrayal during the Welsh resistance against English rule.
Shadow of the Moon by M.M. Kaye A half-English, half-Spanish noblewoman travels to India during the Sepoy Rebellion and forms an alliance with a British officer who harbors dark secrets.
Shield of Three Lions by Pamela Kaufman A young noblewoman disguises herself as a boy squire to survive in medieval England while searching for justice and finds herself entangled with a mysterious knight.
For My Lady's Heart by Laura Kinsale A medieval knight binds himself to protect a princess who speaks in riddles and holds dangerous political secrets.
The King's Man by Elizabeth Kingston A Welsh warrior and a Norman lady navigate a complex web of loyalty and betrayal during the Welsh resistance against English rule.
Shadow of the Moon by M.M. Kaye A half-English, half-Spanish noblewoman travels to India during the Sepoy Rebellion and forms an alliance with a British officer who harbors dark secrets.
🤔 Interesting facts
🌟 The author Claire Delacroix is also known as Deborah Cooke and Claire Cross, writing under multiple pen names for different genres and audiences.
🏰 Set in medieval England in 1172, the novel explores the complex dynamics between the Church and practitioners of alchemy during a time when such practices were often viewed as heresy.
⚔️ The main character, Simon of Navarre, is known as the "Lord of Danger" - a title earned through his reputation as a skilled assassin and master of dark arts.
🔮 The book weaves together historical elements with medieval beliefs about magic, incorporating authentic alchemical practices and terminology from the 12th century.
💝 This medieval romance was first published in 1996 and remains one of the author's most popular works, earning particular praise for its unconventional hero and strong-willed heroine.