The Copper Sign by Katia Fox

This is an engaging story and I felt drawn into Ellenweore's story immediately.  Obviously, Ellen is a very strong woman, which she would have to be to survive - and prosper - as she did in the middle ages.  I have never in my life thought about how tools, knives, swords were made and I really had no idea the time it took and the attention to detail that is necessary to make a superior sword.  I didn't know there were steps to becoming a "Master Smith".  I was very fascinated by all of this information.

These books are difficult to read because so many people die - lots of good people and, fortunately, some of the bad. ;)  I thought it was odd that Ellen didn't mourn more deeply when Jocelyn was killed, because I thought she really loved him.  It bothered me that she seemed to just press on with her life even though a man that was to become her husband was murdered - because of her - and it seemed like she was ok to just move on.  I realize that so many people died back then that you would have a different attitude about death. I was happy that Ellen thought about Jocelyn several times after his death, which made her seem less indifferent to his death.

I was SO happy that Ellen finally realized that she was "just another woman" to William.  I didn't want her to blow it with Isaac, who actually really loves her!  I thought more highly of William in the beginning of the book, but when he basically rejected his son as "crippled", I lost all respect for him. Thibault was a horrible person!  His obsession with Ellen was outrageous. I thought he would rape her again - and was really pleased at his demise, finally.  

Jean is wonderful!  I loved him from beginning to end.  Talk about someone who had to grow up before his time - and they grew up early in those times!  He seemed to always be the voice of reason, no matter where they were or what was going on.  

I had never heard of this book - or really, the trilogy - but I really enjoyed it.  I will definitely read the next two books: The Silver Falcon and The Golden Throne.  

Good read!

Wendy's Rating: *****