Forbidden: Medieval Trilogy, Book 2

It's been a few years since I read Lowell's medieval trilogy and I must have forgotten how much I disliked this second entry. Problem is Duncan is an anti-hero (well, he's an ass) and Lowell never makes him properly repentant for his cruel treatment of Amber. A good grovel was called for here and the lack of it left me feeling cheated. Amber is one of those born victims (I'm not making this up -- there was a prophesy) who suffers in martyr-like silence. This is a case of two people each with their own set of unattractive personality disorders finding each other and making a go of it. Good luck with that, but it left a bad taste in my mouth.

The narrator does not have the gravitas of Anne Flosnik who brought such fun and enthusiasm to Untamed. Untamed is the better book by far. This one is something of a dirge.

I was looking for a fun romance, but this was just terrible. Granted - maybe I'm just not the right audience for this kind of thing.

I was looking for something fun, sexy and smart. This was not it. Both the writing and the narration made me cringe.

I didn't realize the all 3 of the Disputed Lands book would be so good. I knew Untamed (book 1) was highly reviewed and I liked it very much. But this story appealed to me more than the first. It took me a little while to get used to the narrator. But soon she became as intergal as the characters themselves. This is a very unexpected tale, passionate and heartbreaking. Seriously be prepared to love and then hate and then love again. I also applaud the ending, as it contains a very natural setup for the final book- Enchanted: about Simon and Arielle. It's not forced at all. I felt there was some unspoken backstory between them and am eager to start the final book.
I suggest starting from the beginning. This is book two. Untamed is the first book. The story is rich with character development. This is a trilogy that literally starts where the last book ended. Many of the chracters are in all three books. For anyone embarking on the journey of this Medieval Trilogy, consider yourself lucky. Enjoy every minute.

I'm highly recommend this book and this trilogy. One of the best "series" you will find.

Quick note: there is a lot of sadness in this one. Duncan can be cruel. And Amber is such a lovable heroine. But it is worth it. I was prepared from reading reviews. I said in my review for Untamed that I couldn't review it better than the DIK review online. I feel the same about this one.

Cheers.

I had to stop listening. The narator's high thin voice sounded very silly when reading the part of a war hardened warrior. Not the story or characterisation I expected after enjoying the first book of the series.

I do not quite understand how this book fits into the trilogy other than the characters reappear in book three. It is a good read but you are lost in the beginning and I do not think the story is every really developed totally.

Elizabeth Lowell never fails to entertain! This is book 2 of a Medievil series, so be sure you get the first one....even though the story does stand alone. Get the series....you'll love it!
Attention to detail, but not so much that you are inunduated with "noise," cleanly written and a wonderful escape!