Review: A Taste of Copper by Elin Gregory

Title: A Taste of Copper

Author: Elin Gregory

Length: 104 Pages

Category: Historical

At a Glance: Author Elin Gregory uses every page of her novella to paint the story of unrequited love. For such a short novella, I was thrilled by the lush quality of this author’s writing.

Reviewed By: Sammy

Blurb: Your master has the field for today, but his name, whatever it might be, is without honour.

Olivier the squire worships the Black Knight and takes a fierce joy in his prowess as he defends a bridge against all comers. Olivier only wishes that his master loved him as much in return instead of treating him as a servant and occasional plaything.

Then word comes that the King desires to cross the bridge. With an army approaching, a bright eyed archer enticing him to desert and the first cracks beginning to show in the Black Knight’s gruff demeanour, Olivier is left wondering if his honour is worth more than a chance for happiness.

Review: A Taste of Copper is a re-release of an older work by author Elin Gregory. The first thing that strikes the reader is the effort that was obviously put into creating a story that was fairly historically accurate from the descriptions of armor and knights to the language itself. The second element that stands out is the fact that despite the close attention to detail, this story is incredibly accessible to the reader, with characters that really shine due to their depth, and a plot that is easily understood. The story is fairly simple and speaks of a time when chivalry and honor held the day—when a man’s promise meant his life was forfeit should he be called to make good on his vow.

Such is the case with the black knight, Maheris, who holds the bridge safe from friend or foe. After pledging to his king to make the way to his stronghold inaccessible, Maheris and his squire Olivier have faithfully taken on every man who would challenge them for access to the bridge itself. However, that pledge takes on an even deadlier cast when the new king comes to challenge the old, seeking passageway over the bridge. Despite Maheris knowing that this new man is honest and true, he has made a pledge to hold fast and offered his life in order to do so. Now he will fight not one but three of the new king’s fiercest champions and, in doing so, face not only his death but potentially that of his squire’s as well. Maheris has shown only contempt for Olivier in the past—using him to slake his sexual urges as needed but never giving him a crumb of affection. Despite his gruff behavior, Olivier remains true to his knight and loves him quietly and in secret. With their death imminent, Olivier is determined to show his knight his true affections, regardless of the consequences, but the real question is will Maheris return his affections?

Author Elin Gregory uses every page of her novella to paint the story of unrequited love. With careful detail we get to know much about the young squire Olivier and the deep feelings of loyalty and tender affection with which he holds his knight dear. For such a short novella, I was thrilled by the lush quality of this author’s writing. From the stark beauty of the countryside to the harsh living conditions that Maheris and Olivier endure while guarding the bridge, I felt fully immersed into this medieval tale. I rarely find many novels in this genre that have both a ripping good storyline as well as such attention to detail. A Taste of Copper managed to both educate and entertain, and that places this historical romance at the top of the genre for me.

You can buy A Taste of Copper here:
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