Banners of Gold

Despite the cartloads of silliness or maybe because of them, I quite enjoyed this historical romance series and the second installment of the adventures of Alix of Wanthwaite.The historical background is researched, the author explains in detail her sources, her licences and how she set her fiction partly in a period when little was documented about Richard's movements, thus opening up to more speculation. The historical figures and particularly the descriptions of France and England are vivid, [...]

If I ever read the word "lickerous" again I will claw out my own frontal lobe.

I found this book at a garage sale and thought, "It's about King Richard, how could I go wrong?" Then I read many favorable reviews and felt that I had made a good find. I can only explain the difference between my own feelings and these encouraging reviews by saying that if these ladies liked the first novel in this trilogy it explains why they carried on and enjoyed this one. I did not read the first novel, which I do not believe took away anything from this one as the past between Alix and Ri [...]

==A masterful rendition of love obsessed==From events in the first book, Shield of Three Lions, we follow Alix from the Wanthwaite estate in Northern England to France where she soon becomes embroiled with the mercurial King Richard I (The Lionhearted) and his scheming mother, Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. The story is enhanced by the introduction of Richard’s Jewish envoy, Bonel, who fetches Alix to enlist her to be one of many who will venture to Germany and offer themselves to be collateral h [...]

Even being a fast reader, I whipped thru this book in no time for one reason -- I could not put it down. Having just enjoyed the preceding book, Shield of Three Lions, I was still surprised by how good this sequel was. As with all novels that walk the corridors of palatial power, you have to suspend some inner questioning and just "believe", but once again knowing so little of King Richard and his mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine, I found it remarkably easy to accept it all on face value. Not only w [...]

This is the sequel to The Shield of Three Lions, and it is much in the same vein of romantic medieval adventure. This time Alix is assigned to be one fo the nobles sent to Henry Hohenstaufen as hostage collateral for the release of King Richard. Except that Alix soon learns that she is instead to be the key element in Queen Eleanor's scheme to have Richard father an heir, since the king is repulsed by his wife Berengaria yet still loves Alix. Yes, it's complete invention, but makes for a good st [...]

This second part of the Alix of Wanthwaite trilogy begins to border on the ridiculous as Alix, now older, is approached by Eleanor, King Richard's mother to provide an heir to the throne. The historical facts do not support any of this imagining, so it is truly a product of fiction. Since I prefer my historical fiction about true figures of history to be more accurate, I only gave it a rating of two stars. It probably should have been one star as the portrayal of Eleanor and Richard is unflatter [...]

When I started reading “Banners of Gold”I had no idea that it was #2 in a 3 part series. I enjoy reading stories of knights and Medieval England. There were words that I didn’t recognize and assume, after seeing the author’s extensive research, that they were really Old English words and not some that she just made up. I am now anxious to read book #3 and eventually go back and read #1. Loved the story line and the “spunk” of Princess Alix.

This novel chronicles the period starting with Richard the Lion Heart's return from the Crusades through his death. The author develops the characters of Richard, Eleanor of Aquitaine (his Mother), Prince John (his brother) and the fictitious Lady Alix of Wanthwaite who is portrayed as Richard's lover.

I love historical novels. This one is set during King Richards reign in the middle ages and the heroine is a young woman named Alix. It tells the tale of her trials and tribulations in a time when women were treated as not much more than chattel. The book is well written and captures your attention through all three of the trilogy.

Sequel to Shield of Three Lions. This book ended with a real cliff hanger,so I am anxious to read the 3rd book in the series to find out the fate of the heroine. After King Richard's death and his mother Eleanor's surprise announcement concerning the succession, the heroine makes her escape. But where will she seek refuge now that she is carrying Richard's child?

This is a follow up to Shields of Three Lions which was a very fun read. Alix is an interesting character and this book features Richard the 3rd. Yes I would like to read some of the books in my To Read but this my sister passed on to me and it is free and fun. I passed on the Sheild of Three Lions so we are even. I think.

Fun romp through medieval U.K. I wasn't entirely sold on Alix's sudden reversal on King Richard, but otherwise enjoyed the characters. I'll probably pick up Book III - have to now with that cliffhanger. I didn't read the first novel in the trilogy but the background was explained well in this, but maybe doing so would help me figure out the Alix/Enoch relationship.

Years ago I read this eagerly-awaited sequel and remember not liking it. Well, heck, after a friend friend this and SHIELD OF THREE LIONS in a short space of time and heartily recommended it, I gave it another try. So glad I did. Rollicking and racy. Not hilarious like SHIELD, but very enjoyable all the same.

3.5 Stars. I did not read the first book in the series, but found that I didn't need too. The major conflict from the first book that drives the first half of this novel is clearly explained. Some scenes run a little long, and the motives of some characters are murky to the point of confusing, but overall, it's an enjoyable read.

This book kept my interest. I would have given it 4 stars if the character of Alix were modeled after a real person in King Richard's life. I would also like to see her character developed more. I am on to book three in this trilogy.

I love historical fiction and this series of books by Pamela Kaufman are the reason that I do.

Nowhere near as good at Shield of Three Lions, to which it is a sequel. I seem to recall there was a large gap between publication datesybe that was the problem.

highly recommend this series!

Years after putting down the book I wondered what happened to Alix of Wanthwaite.

the sequel to The Shield of Three Lions - nowhere near as good as the original, with an unsatisfactory ending. Crying out for a third part of the trilogy, but never written alas.

If the King had a mistress an inside look at the rules of the royal family. Does love matter?

Rarely is a sequel as captivating as the original. This one is! Lushly romantic, dark and wholly mesmerizing. I fell so deeply in love with this story. I can't recommend it highly enough.