2015 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: The Duchess of Manusk by Jordan Falconer

[reviews_and_ramblings]

The Duchess of Manusk by Jordan Falconer
Lesbian Fantasy
Paperback: 270 pages
Publisher: Bedazzled Ink Publishing Company (February 12, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1939562902
ISBN-13: 978-1939562906
Amazon: The Duchess of Manusk
Amazon Kindle: The Duchess of Manusk

When Elizabeth St John is asked by her father, King Vincent, to govern the duchy of Manusk, she knows she's not in for an easy time. It's a dark place ridden with corruption and thieves holding the honest people at ransom. What she doesn't expect is to find an unmanned trader tied up at the docks and ship-wreck survivors on the beach. To make matters worse, neither one are from the King's Heartland's duchies. Who is the young maiden the survivors are protecting? Why is the ship in the harbor and where are her sailors? Elizabeth struggles to find answers to these questions as the threat of war with marauding, neighboring armies looms ever larger and her fate is left in the hands of the mysterious maiden.


This story was an absolute joy to read. The Duchess of Manusk is what all historical fiction should espouse to be; rich, sweepingly epic, full of both stunning heights and painful lows. The pacing was smooth, the manner engaging. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, and demand anyone who enjoys historical romance set in medieval times read it. 

I love a good historical. I'm a huge history nerd. So because the author introduces a sort of historical feel to the book with the clothing, means of transportation, titles, weaponry, etc. I read this book with an eye sort of turned toward certain historical elements; giving leeway to the fact that this was still a fantasy novel, therefore, anything was literally possible. There were moments when the spelling, speech, and dialogue were incorrect or changed/switched from one part to another, but in spite of that, this story, filled with non-stop action, adventure, survival, strength, endurance, courage, intrigue, trust, betrayal, friendship, loyalty, and love was simply brilliant. The actual plot in and of itself was delightfully refreshing, and certain elements of it were heart-wrenchingly emotional. I was very invested in the characters and the plot, and though there were times when I was lost when it came to the setting, it was still beautifully described. The entire book was amazing and I am so glad I read it twice.