Title: Lair of the Lion
Author: Christine Feehan
First published September 1, 2002
366 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780843950489 (ISBN10: 084395048X)
Rating: 4.08
Overview
Whispers abound about Nicolai DeMarco, a powerful man who can control the heavens and the beasts that roam the earth. Some say he’s not entirely human, with a wild mane and piercing amber eyes.
Impoverished aristocrat Isabella Vernaducci would do anything to save her imprisoned brother, even dare to enter the lair of the lion, the infamous palace of the lethal Don Nicolai DeMarco. There, she meets a man whose voice is like velvet and whose gaze consumes her every thought.
As the don offers her a deal she can’t refuse – to become his bride – Isabella willingly enters his strong, muscular arms, hoping to save his tortured soul but fearing for her own life.
About the Author
Christine Feehan is an accomplished author who has achieved multiple #1 New York Times bestsellers with a portfolio of over 90 published novels. She has written five successful series, including the Dark Series, GhostWalker Series, Leopard Series, Drake Sisters Series, the Sisters of the Heart Series, Shadow Riders, and Torpedo Ink.
All of these series have hit the #1 spot on the New York Times bestselling list. Her debut novel, Dark Prince, won 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature (PEARL) in 1999, and she has won 7 more PEARL awards since then.
Publishers such as Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and Berkley/Jove have all published her work. As a writer, Christine Feehan has been passionate about her craft her whole life.
She writes for herself and has always been able to create pictures and emotions with words, which she finds to be a miracle. She loves to read all kinds of books, from novels to encyclopedias, and is fascinated by the written word and storytellers.
She feels privileged to be counted among them.
Editoral Review
Lair of the Lion by Christine Feehan is a classic paranormal romance novel that has captured the hearts of readers since its publication on September 1, 2002. Feehan is a renowned author in the field of paranormal romance, known for her ability to craft complex characters and a gripping narrative.
Lair of the Lion, set in 19th century Italy, follows the story of Isabella Vernaducci, a woman who, having lost her father and facing financial ruin, agrees to marry a hideous beast in exchange for the safety of her family estate. The novel is set in the Italian village of Gravina, located in the Puglia region of Italy.
Feehan’s detailed descriptions of the setting immerse the reader in the world of the novel, bringing to life the lush landscape and gothic architecture. However, this is not just a romantic novel.
There are dark, brooding elements woven throughout the novel that keep readers on edge. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and redemption.
The main character, Isabella, is a strong-willed, independent woman who is not afraid to speak her mind. She is a perfect match for the beast she finds herself marrying.
As she gets to know her husband, she realizes he may not be the monster he appears to be. The two of them navigate their relationship as they face external obstacles and inner demons.
The beauty of the novel lies in the character development. The protagonist is not the only character that is fleshed out; the supporting characters have their own stories to tell, which make the story even more engaging.
The pacing is steady and builds tension as the story progresses. The plot is intricately woven, with twists and turns that keep readers guessing.
The writing style is fluid and engaging. Feehan has a way of capturing the essence of the characters and their experiences, making the readers feel the emotions right along with them.
The dialogue is natural, and the descriptions are vivid, making the story come alive in the reader’s mind. However, the novel does have some flaws.
Feehan sometimes relies too heavily on clichs and tropes that can feel overused. Additionally, some elements of the plot can be predictable, but that is not necessarily a bad thing.
These minor issues do not detract from the overall quality of the novel. Overall, Lair of the Lion is a well-crafted novel that will appeal to those who love paranormal romance.
The novel brings a fresh take to the genre, with captivating characters and a richly drawn setting. Readers looking for a dark, atmospheric romance will find much to love in Lair of the Lion.
The novel receives an 8/10 from the Washington Post.