With the clever blending of historical facts with the author’s vivid creativeness, BLACK DRAGON takes the reader to a setting and time where political unrest is widespread and battles are frequently fought over beliefs. December Quinn has superbly researched this era and crafted a most rewarding story filled with dynamic characters.

When Isabelle de Harvington attended a royal wedding six years ago, she was rather naive and found herself aided by Gruffydd ap Hywel during a humiliating situation. Though the Welshman was appealing in looks, his manner was haughty. It has now been decreed for her to wed this man whom she never wanted to see again, as her English king tries to improve relations with Wales. Isabelle unenthusiastically agrees to the marriage, though she had always thought to marry a kinder and more agreeable man, not one who seems completely daunting in size and behavior. She soon finds herself at his home in Wales, where Gruffydd seems just as unhappy about the circumstances as she does.

A devastating event in his childhood caused Gruffydd to dedicate his life to helping those around him. He never planned to marry, as he feels he does not deserve happiness because of his failures during this tragedy. Throughout the day, he is the lord of Trwch Maenol. However, at night he is the Black Dragon and roams the area in case anyone tries to harm those under his protection. Although Gruffydd never lets anyone get emotionally close to him, Isabelle begins to work her way into his mind and heart, causing him to question what he wants in his future. Gruffydd and Isabelle come to realize they must decide whether to declare their feelings for each other or let them remain unspoken.

Stories written by December Quinn are always convincingly depicted and totally entertaining. The information given at the beginning of the book is very useful in helping the reader to better understand the parts of the story shaped by history and those conceived in the author’s own mind. Through Ms. Quinn’s skillful writing, I found myself believing all the events in the story in fact took place those many years ago. The attention to details is extensive, portraying the surroundings and the characters in a plausible manner. There are situations where individuals had to stand up for their principles all through this time period, and Gruffydd and Isabelle are shown as being strong-willed yet dedicated to carrying out their appointed duties. Even though neither of these two wanted to marry the other, they demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility in how they try to accomplish what is expected of them, regardless of how they truly feel inside. Watching this couple learn about each other plus discover more about themselves is beautifully told through sincere reactions and earnest conversations. They each suffer not only emotional heartache but physical pain as well, since actions were repeatedly harsh during those tumultuous years. Gruffydd and Isabelle try to keep their passionate desires for the other buried, but their hearts will not let them. These scenes are tension-filled at first and then explosively fiery when control is lost. If historicals and especially the medieval period are the genre you like, then this story is definitely for you. BLACK DRAGON is a poignant story about life, redemption and finding true love.

Filed Under: Cerridwen Press February 2008 Reviews	About the Book: Genre: historical ISBN: 9781419913099 Page Count: 204 Price: $ 6.99 Reviewer: Amelia Richard
	Sensuality Rating: Sensuous Star Rating: 5 Stars