I love Iris Johansen's books. Usually. I read this, but really didn't enjoy it as much as I usually enjoy her works of fiction. I don't think it's because of the time, but perhaps it was the characters. I just didn't really like them too much. That's me, though. If you like romance thrillers set in the past, try it. This one might be good for you. ( )

In 1196 Syria Jabber Al-Nasim knows his power is waning and knows what he needs to do to regain what he is losing. He directs Captain Ali Balki to go to Scotland and bring home former assassin Kadar Ben Arnaud. If he refuses to come home, Ali is to inform him that Sinan King of the Assassins demands he pay the price of freeing the foreigners. Jabber knows Kadar will honor his pledge. Ali fears Kadar but does the bidding because he is even more afraid of Jabber. In Scotland Kadar looks forward to a long quiet life with his beloved former slave Selene Ware. However his years of respite end when Ali arrives with the summoning; Kadar is honor bound to go home. To be totally free he learns he must find a King Arthur relic possessed by the mystical Tarik in Tuscany. Selene insists on going with him. Danger accompanies them every step of the way.

There was no character chemistry, and repetition of the story of this big bad guy, that went no where. The heroine was whiny and got on my last nerve. But then she was 17 years old. Kadar must have been a saint. He should have locked her in the tower. ( )

It was an adventurous romance, with a nice touch of sexiness. This was my first book of hers, and definitely not my last!! ( )

Not my favorite. There wasn't enought contention between the main characters to make there eventuall pairing remotely satisfactory. There wasn't enough drama to be a thriller. Everything just seemed to happen too effortlessly. ( )

A disappointing book. The dialogue between the main characters was far too contrived. I usually enjoy this author's works. She's much better with plots that are set in modern day. ( )