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"Lady Ilena: Way of the Warrior" by Patricia Malone

Author:

Patricia Malone

Publisher:

New York: Delacorte Press, 2005

Reviewed by:

Holly Sanhuber, Muskego Public Library

This sequel to The Legend of Lady Ilena has the lady adjusting to her new role as Heredity Chief of Dun Alyn. An economical summary of prior events brings readers up to date on the actions in the prior book. Aided by an author's note and detailed map, Britain in the Dark Ages comes to life as a treacherous knight woos Lady Ilena, and her betrothed, Durant, is missing. Disgraced through a trick of the enemy's, Ilena chooses exile and questing after brave deeds over death. Scenes of action and valor are described in first person, and modern readers are made aware of the importance of courage and honor in a violent time. The depiction of women as successful warriors and clan leaders will be pleasing to them. It is an unsettled time, when the Saxons, and the Britons who cooperate with them, conspire to defeat Arthur's alliance and take over all of Britain. Slavers still prowl the coasts, and raiding parties capture village men to use as conscripts. The unrest extends to religion and the conflict of Christianity with the Old Religion of the Druids. Satisfyingly, Ilena's courage is recognized, and Arthur is rescued from the enemy. As the story ends, Ilena is given the signal honor of riding at Arthur's side, but she is taking the place of her murdered betrothed, and the company rides to war. A sequel looks sure to follow.