The Stone Maiden

by Susan King

Book Overview

Alainna MacLaren is the last hope of her Highland clan, now that her father, their chief, has been killed in battle. According to legend, the ancient enchantment that protects her people will fade... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0451199707
• ISBN13: 9780451199706
• Release Date: March 2000
• Publisher: Signet Book
• Length: 340 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 4.3" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

Pure Poetry

I'm having trouble believing that some of the previous reviewers read the same book I did. Susan King writes wonderfully, with beautiful, poetic language and a deeply layered understanding of Scottish history and culture. The book isn't paced like an MTV video, nor should it be, since that wouldn't suit this story. I've never read a Scottish historical that gave me a better sense of what it was like to live in the wild, remote fastnesses of Britain. (There's a battle in the snow that gives me chills even to think of it.) Alaina and Sebastien Le Bret are both fully realized, believable characters, and their developing relationship was utterly convincing. As in all King's books, hero and heroine are unique, their conflict specific and rooted in their time and place. I think she's one of the best historical romance novelists writing today.

An amazing and beautiful story!

I love romance, and I prefer novels with depth, meaning, and sophistication. THE STONE MAIDEN offers all of that and more, one of the most satisfying historical romances I have read in a very long time. The author drew me into the twelfth century setting, and the intricate, well-developed story and characters never let go until the last page. It's fascinating, thought-provoking, and multi-dimensional. It is not a quick, simplistic read. Ms. King has a lyrical style and a subtle command of her story. Very few stories can wring genuine tears from me anymore, and this one did. A special story, and a special talent, and definitely one to savor. Love the cover too--elegant and classy.

The Stone Maiden is a Must Read ! ! !

Susan King is a remarkable, uniquely-talented author. She shares her Scottish devotion and knowledge in a sweet, memorable way in the story of Sebastien and Alainna in The Stone Maiden. From the first dreamy scene to the last, you will love every page-turning moment of this book. If you listen real close, you may even hear the bard's harp weep as the story of The Stone Maiden unfolds. I truly enjoyed this one!

A beautiful romance!

I loved this book! In fact, I love the way Susan King writes, and I'm definitely going to get her other books! I read The Stone Maiden very quickly, since I was so wrapped up in the story and came to love her characters, and I did not want to leave them when it was over. The twelfth century seemed very real, not vague or shallow, and I read a lot of medieval settings, especially Scottish, which Susan King is known for writing. The Stone Maiden is a beautiful romance, not only because of its great research, but because I honestly felt the emotions of the characters, and could feel the love between Alainna and Sebastian as it grew. This book will melt your heart. Very special!

A special romance

In 1170 in the Highlands, Clan Laren is dying after generations of a feud and raids from Clan MacNechton. There are no young people left except for the clan leader, Alainna MacLaren. The legend of the nearby STONE MAIDEN is that after seven centuries of protecting the Laren clan, their safety will end unless Alainna marries a warrior willing to adopt her name by the spring.Desperate for help, Alainna petitions King William for a heroic Scottish husband. William sends Breton Sebastien Le Bret, who has a beloved son living in Brittany, a good enough reason in his mind not to adopt Alainna's name. As Alainna and Sebastien fight with each other and war with their common enemy, they fall in love. However, the surname remains an issue as she believes in the legend and he loves his five-year-old son.THE STONE MAIDEN is an exciting Medieval Highlander tale that centers on duty, honor, and love. The story line is filled with excitement that picturesquely provides the audience insight into clan life, survival and period politics. The lead couple is a warm pair even though Sebastien's patience with Alainna seems stretched. The support cast augments the tale with a feel for the twelfth century. Susan King shows why she is considered by fans and critics to be one of the monarchs of the sub-genre.Harriet Klausner