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Rating:  -
This was released earlier this year entitled The Pendant by Mirella Patzer and I have published this review at Amazon.com
This novel caught my interest as it is set in Italy, however the historical genre and the medieval period that it is set in were not so appealing but I decided that I was interested enough to give it a try.
Also this was to be my first opportunity to read a book on my E-reader.
The year is 1270 and the young Duke Amoro Dragone has returned to his home Castle Dragone in Genoa, Italy to attend the funeral of his father Duke Bartolomeo Dragone.
He died as the result of an ambush and according to Amoro's mother Caterina, it was his father's dying wish that the feud between the Dragone and Monterossa should be resolved. He felt that the only way this was ever going to happen was if his son married into the family.
Amoroso is not happy about this as he had plans himself to marry for love Laria Malaeresta, although in his heart of hearts he knew this would never come about.
So with Roberto the commander of his fathers army he travels to Portovenere to try and learn the true identity of his father's killer and to settle the feud by asking for the hand of the Contessa Morena Monterossa in marriage. This action should settle the long running feud between the families over a previously broken marriage contract.
Things do not go quite as planned as he is unable to gain an audience with Umberto, Morena's father and he learns of an existing betrothal between Morena and Ernesto of Savonna a renowned scoundrel.
It is a month before he manages to meet the Countess Morena and tell her of his intentions.
What follows is a story of, murder, mayhem, passionate lovemaking, forceful sex and some bloodthirsty fights which the authoress Mirella Patzer has managed to convey to the reader in a very realistic manner with her descriptive writing.
She writes well about this period thanks to her fascination with both Women in History, Medieval History and her passion for Italy.
In conclusion as I have already admitted I am not a huge fan of this genre but I did enjoy this and would recommend it in particular to those who include this genre amongst their favourites. Also as this knowledgable author is definitely worth a read to anyone looking for something different from their normal choice.
Rating:  -
As I liked the first book of Mirella I was looking forward to read her second novel. It was worth the wait as this book has a gripping storyline with great & interesting characters who try to survive in a time when Italy was torn apart by family fueds while the shadow of the great Old Roman Empire slowly ebbed away into the dimness of what we like to call 'the good old days'. A most read if you like historical novels where emotions drive the characters to their limits and into the dark side of thier souls.
Rating: -
This is the Gothic romance novel lover's Gothic romance novel!
The atmosphere is dark and claustrophobic, reflecting the emotions of the denizens of Bloodstone Castle. The characters never disappoint, from the compellingly arrogant hero to the strong willed heroine whose body has other ideas than resisting, to the desperately scheming villain. There is death on the lonely Roman highway, a buried treasure, and the violent sea punding the foundation of an ancient castle. The tempral setting allows for both the allure of the Roman and the passion of the medieval.
When you finish "Bloodstone Castle" you will sit back and sigh, sated and happy, having feasted well on all you were served.
Rating: -
Review by Anita Davison
Historical Fiction Author
Based in Medieval Italy, the story begins with the birth of Morena and her dying mother's gift of the legendary bloodstone which holds a clue of a long forgotten Roman treasure said to be buried beneath Bloodstone Castle.
Eighteen years later, Duke Amoro Dragone races home to Genoa to be with his mother, Caterina. His father Duke Bartolomeo Dragone, is dead, killed in an ambush by brigands. His dying wish is that Amoro end a feud and marry the Contessa Morena Monterossa of Portovenere.
Amoro is more concerned with seeking revenge on his murdered father, and is reluctant to marry a woman he has never seen and cannot love. He breaks the news to his mistress, but Laria had harboured hopes he would marry her and surprises him with her grief when she swears she will fight to keep him.
Amoro goes to Bloodstone Castle to claim his bride, but his task is made more difficult by a rival, but Morena herself. Enemies gather, each of them is taken to the depths of despair and degradation until they come to realise the life of the other is more important than their own.
Can they save themselves and make a future together, or will their enemies defeat them both and will they lose the ancient treasure which is Morena's birthright?
No sweet love story this, Bloodstone Castle is an uncompromising tale of love, murder and betrayal, where the lives of the main characters are taken through a devastating chain of ordeals.
If you like your heroes bloody but unbowed, Mirella Patzer's novel will be exactly the kind of historical story you will love. Its characters will provide you with a roller coaster read with its array of twists and turns which plunge to the depths of ruthlessness and a love which refuses to die.
 
Bloodstone Castle
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