Another really good historical novel from Joanna Courtney. I look forward to reading the final book in this trilogy when it comes out. ( )

This was better than the first book but not by much. The characters actions, thoughts and desires are distractingly modern. This is primarily historical romance. The best part of the novel for me is the historical notes at the end. So much interesting history I'm flabbergasted at this dull story. ( )

Frequent readers must by now be aware of my undying love for all things historical fiction. I adore stories set in World War II and, of course, I also love me some stories set in Britain (those that revolve around court-life is, especially, a weakness). So, when I received an ARC of The Constant Queen by Joanna Courtney from Pan Macmillan SA in December 2015, I dove right in. I finished the book in a few days, and just as I was about to type up my review of this excellent book, lo and behold! I realized it wasn't due out until April 21, 2016. Well, now that I can finally share my thoughts on this one, I don't seem to come up with the right words ...

Let's start off with the obvious: I don't know how accurate this story is, because Vikings and pre-King Arthur Britain never really held any interest to me before. I mean, I'm well-versed when it comes to everything post-1500s, and a lot of stuff that's deemed ancient history, but everything between the 5th and 11th Century is a total blind spot. That said, I really loved how Elizaveta, Princess of Kiev, was portrayed. Considering the time, her position in society, and her fate, she came across as a strong, fearless woman.

Then there's the romance part ... Now, ladies, it's no Outlander, but The Constant Queen is full of intrigue. I'm also not a fan of ol' Harald the Viking, but then again, it's a different time. I'm used to the whole court-life thing, not the savager parts of kingships and whatnot.

All that aside, The Constant Queen is a solid book that'll keep you entertained from beginning to end. Joanna Courtney's breathed new life into this part of history, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next. Bravo! Also, there are some other books she's written that plays off in the same time, following different queens ... Let's just say, I might just get myself some of the other ones ... Okay, fine, there's no "might", I will.

Review originally posted at:

I knew with the first book in this series on the Norma Conquest queens that I’d hit on something special. Courtney pleases with this book as well. It’s rich with historical details, larger than life personalities, and a relationship so emotional it’ll make your heart burn.

Before delving into this book, Elizaveta of Kiev was just a name on Wikipedia to me. Harald Hardrada was a remote vicious Viking king who I only knew for trying to conquer England at the end of the Viking era. Now, my eyes have been opened to a stubborn, courageous, and adventurous queen who pushes people to their limits. I also see a king who was as dedicated to building trade and peace within his kingdom as he was to conquest and warfare.

Courtney seems to have this talent at giving historical figures a personality as human as anyone on the street today. This is a talent she shares with such greats as Elizabeth Chadwick and Susan Higginbotham. Elizaveta and Harald benefit from this skill, giving us two figures who try to build a kingdom and empire al the while living life to the fullest and pushing their boundaries. They vibrate with life and feel like real people to me. I liked that Courtney didn’t downplay the faults to benefit the virtues; everything was portrayed and incorporated into their portrayals.

I adored the main romantic relationship between these two as well. From an instant connection after first meeting to the end when they had to say farewell in spirit, their emotional pull to each other is amazingly shown. Mutual adventurous spirit and fiery personalities make for a sometimes rocky road; yet, their support of each other shines through regardless.

I have got to give props to Courtney for her delicate use of the relationships in the story and how they impact the story as a whole. I’m thinking, as a prime example, the trio relationship of Harald, Elizaveta, and Tora. What could have been used as a plot device for melodrama and angst was actually handled very diplomatically with all parties behind it handled well. While there was some initial jealousy and drama, ultimately all three characters came to an understanding dynamic and worked together like a well-greased wheel to take care of Norway and build a future.

From the sophisticated court of Kiev to the pine-filled forests of Norway, this book tells the epic tale of two people that history has either forgotten or misrepresented (depending on who you ask, I guess). The reader gets a passionate romance, suspenseful tale of conquest and blood, and a humanization of obscure historical figures. This book is a historical fiction lover’s dream. I can’t recommend it enough! Now I can’t wait for book three on Matilda of Flanders and William the Conqueror. Keep ‘em coming, Courtney! ( )