Sarah McKerrigan, Knight’s Prize

Knight's Prize

Sarah McKerrigan

Warner, Mar 2007, $6.99

ISBN: 0446618861

In 1136, Miriel of Rivenloch is happy that her two older sisters, the Warrior Maids of Rivenloch have found men (see LADY DANGER and CAPTIVE HEART). With the addition of these strong males and their Knights of Cameliard, Rivenloch is defended apparently quite solidly. However, being the third Warrior Maid, though no one recognizes her as such since she is petit, Miriel keeps a vigil as the outlawed Shadow.

However her teacher Sung Li tells her in his cryptic way that the night comes to swallow the shadow. Soon afterward the Lord of Morbrach hires mercenary knight Sir Rand la Nuit to capture the notorious Shadow. She notices him lurking in the nearby forest while he hears her quiet movement. When he arrives at the castle, as a cover he claims he came to court Miriel, whose name he keeps saying wrong. She wants to learn what he is hiding so she kisses him, saying they met at a tournament. The game of love and sleuthing has just begun.

The final Warrior Maids tale is a terrific ending to a wonderful medieval romance trilogy as impressions prove false. The cast makes the storyline. Sarah McKerrigan's appreciative fans will adore the hero who courts the third Maid. It is funny that unlike the audience he doesn't realizing she is also the criminal he hunts. Miriel is an interesting protagonist able to perform feats that most westerners cannot because of her teacher, the fascinating Sung Li. Fans will enjoy this Night's prize as he tries to capture the heart of the shadowy Warrior Maid.

Harriet Klausner