Fair, Bright, and Terrible

Welsh Blades, Book 2

By: Elizabeth Kingston

Narrated by: Nicholas Boulton

Laura Kinsale presents...a second novel by talented new author Elizabeth Kingston. Fair, Bright, and Terrible is the riveting companion to The King's Man.

Wales is conquered, and Eluned has lost everything: her country, her husband, her hope. All that remains is vengeance, and she will stop at nothing to have it.

When Robert de Lascaux is asked to marry the woman he has loved for 18 years, he never hesitates. No wealth has ever mattered to him as much as Eluned has. But she, it seems, does not want him at all. Trapped in a web of intrigue, revenge, and desire, they cannot forget their past - but can they dare to share a future?

“The title of this book tells you everything. We’re accustomed to loving heroines and dark heroes, and while there’s nothing wrong with that, the power of Elizabeth Kingston’s tortured and ferocious heroine Eluned creates one of the most unforgettable stories of love you’ll ever experience. Of course it's narrated by Nicholas Boulton. Like many of you, I've been waiting a long time to hear him read new works by fresh new authors, and we're making it happen. Enjoy! Be sure to let us know what you think of Nick’s performance!” (Laura Kinsale, author of Flowers from the Storm).

Chosen as AudioFile Magazine's 2017 Best Audiobooks

©2017 Elizabeth Kingston (P)2017 Hedgehog Inc.

Critic reviews

"Part history lesson, part romance and wholly engrossing, this book is fair, bright and wonderful. I loved it, hated it and in the end, I can't recommend it highly enough. Readers new to Ms. Kingston - clear your book queues and get ready to immerse yourself in her medieval world. You won't regret it." (All About Romance, Desert Isle Keeper review)

"Elizabeth Kingston writes historical romances that make me fall in love with the genre all over again. Fair, Bright, and Terrible is a ravishing, vividly rendered journey through medieval Britain - and a truly epic romance. Kingston's luminous prose draws us back in time and holds us in breathless suspense as we ache, cheer, and sigh for two extraordinary characters destined for each other." (Meredith Duran, best-selling author, Duke of Shadows)

"Nicholas Boulton's imposing presence lends authority to the scheming heroine of this historical novel... Boulton's clear, engaged reading allows listeners full access to a distant time and place and its intrigues." (AudioFile Magazine)

"Long-time audiobook listeners will already know that a good narrator can elevate a mediocre book and a poor narrator can ruin a good one. But some days, if we’re really lucky, we get to listen to one like this, in which a wonderful story and sublime narration add up to make something a bit special." (AudioGals)

"In my opinion, Elizabeth Kingston is one of the best - if not THE best - newly published author writing in the historical genre. Fair, Bright and Terrible, the second in her Welsh Blades series ticks every single box on my list of requirements for a stimulating, entertaining and engrossing read/listen. With narrator Nicholas Boulton added into the mix I was quite literally in book heaven - enthralled from beginning to end." (Romantic Historical Reviews)

Really good

Good listen . It good continuation from the first book. Good writing, action and adventure. Strong, courageous women.

Well researched, well written, beautifully read!

This is a refreshing change from so many historical novels. It picks up the story from Elizabeth Kingston's "The King's Man" without descending into the maundering cheesiness and historical anomalies that so many books of this genre fall into. I shall definitely read this one again whilst waiting for another to continue the series. Nicholas Boulton's reading is sublime!

A second chance romance for the ages

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would definitely recommend this audiobook for someone who enjoys historical romances outside of the normal regency era. The narration by Nicholas Boulton is spot on.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I loved the hero and heroine equally. Elunid is a complex woman who is flawed but there are reasons for it that make it easy for the listener to understand her choices. Robert de Lascaux is a nice guy hero in a world where nice guys rarely win.

Which character – as performed by Nicholas Boulton – was your favorite?

I can't choose - I love the way he narrates all the characters!

Any additional comments?

I hope to listen to more set in this fascinating medieval world.

The Narration and Story are Wonderful!

This is my third Elizabeth Kingston book. This book is narrated by the outstanding Nicholas Boulton, who at this point I think I’ve come to the conclusion I’d listen to him read the back of a cereal box. His narrative coupled with Elizabeth Kingston’s vibrantly drawn characters and backgrounds make for a wonderfully written story. Although not as fast paced as The King’s Man and The Fallen Lady, it’s written in such a way you are drawn into the lives of a couple that may get a second chance at love. Palace intrigue, betrayal and hidden passions are served up gloriously. Well done Ms Kingston and Mr Boulton!!

Give this author a Cwtch!

I think I have fallen hard for this author and Personally, I would love to give her a big ole' cwtch! The heroines in the first 2 books of this series have really unique characters & voices. A rare thing for fictional characters set in this time and among actual people/events. It feels like a real homage to the spirit of Welsh women. The historical period is well researched and made a vital part of the conflicts in the story. (Audible) Nicholas Boulton's narration is stellar, as always - his talent shines through. Looking forward to book #3 when the time comes.