The Duke of Shadows Reviews

• A debut of stunning skill and power

  
  By A3SQ0M2AG8526 on 2008-04-01
  After I finished this book, I immediately got on IM and sent messages to my friends, telling them I'd just glommed The Duke of Shadows. I begged them to get it at once, toss out their TBR list, and devour it immediately.
  
  I don't do story summaries. If you want the blurb, it's here on the page. This is homage. This is me, struggling to express all the ways the book succeeds, no, soars. Take a woman, saturated with loss. Cast her to a man who has worn so many faces, he is no longer sure which is his true self. In many ways, Julian is a soul divided, and Ms. Duran portrays it with such grace and valor that I will always, always remember this hero, and his love for the complex, passionate Emmaline.
  
  The Duke of Shadows was pitch-perfect, not a single wrong note. This book ravished me. The writing is lovely and luminous, bedizened with subtle poetry. It hit me like a fist in the chest, rousing a sudden, shocking ache. In reading this, you will be permeated with yearning. Some sentences are so lovely, they make you say, "Oh," in quiet, helpless admiration. This book is pure beauty married to elegance and simplicity.
  
  I could go on, but I think I will let you discover the rest yourself. I want to read The Duke of Shadows again, again, again. The characters were so well-drawn and compelling, and the plot smart and well-researched. And the emotional intensity...good God, it was gut-wrenching. I found myself in tears more than once, and that doesn't happen often. This book is perfection, better, in fact, than any historical romance I've ever read. I am astonished to find a work of such proficiency and power in a debut author.
  
  If Meredith Duran is not a superstar in ten years, taking her place amid such luminaries as Laura Kinsale and Loretta Chase, then the world is mad. Read this book.
  
  

• Phenomenal!

  
  By AYSGFQ8IISIZ4 on 2008-04-11
  Clear your schedules; you're not going to want to stop reading for a second!
  I have been absolutely blown away by this emotionally charged romance. Every now and again I come across a truly phenomenal read and this is one for the record books.
  
  Meredith Duran wove a love story so real with so much fire my stomach was in knots. The chemistry between the leads was palpable as was the sensual tension. The love scenes were steamy but on a very emotional level. These two characters belong together and I was totally convinced of their love. At no time was I compelled to skim. In fact, I wanted to start the book over as soon as I finished it- something I haven't done in years.
  
  Brava, Ms. Duran!
  
  

• A Stunning Debut:The Duke of Shadows

  
  By A2I9S6HS3NARW3 on 2008-03-22
  As described from the book, it is a debut novel of intrigue, murder, and of course, love. The lead characters are Julian Sinclair, the Duke of Auburn and Emmaline Martin. They meet each other at a military house in India where Julian is conducting business with the Commissioner in regards to the Indian crisis. Across the crowd, he spots Emmaline, who seems to be alone and bored. He is indeed curious about her and decides to introduce himself. When they meet, you can feel the sexual tension between them. I loved the character of Julian who was strong, sexy, and definately all male. Of course, Emmaline was a rebel of sorts, not conforming to society and their standards of womens roles.
  This author has caught my interest and I hope you all will read this stunning book. It leaves one breathless.
  
  

• Compelling, occasionally shocking, memorable

  
  By A2IYX5W3A1N3VB on 2008-04-14
  Emmaline and Julian come together under the most horrific circumstances. They find love in a war zone, and then become seperated. Emmaline keeps waiting for Julian to come back and rescue her, but he never comes, and she is subjected to levels of emotional torture nobody should have to endure. She deals with her post-traumatic stress by withdrawing from the world, and only expresses herself through art. It takes Julian's return into her life to bring her alive again.
  
  This story was beautiful and heart-wrenching. It was so well-written, at times it was painful to read. It was also very beautiful. Books like this make me feel lucky that the literary world can still produce authors who are able to write an instant classic. Thank you thank you thank you.
  
  

• strong Victorian romance

  
  By AFVQZQ8PW0L on 2008-04-05
  In 1857 her parents died in the shipwreck that Emmaline Martin was fortunate to survive. Although grieving she continues the journey to Delhi, India to meet up with her fiancé Marcus. He not only proves arrogant and snooty, he betrays her as the sepoy native soldiers revolt against the British. Half native and English heir Julian Sinclair saves her life bringing her to safety in the independent desert city Sheened, but they are separated when he follows his duty back to Delhi to negotiate a peace between the warring parties. When he returns to Sheened, she is gone; he can not find her so he sadly assumes she died. Shortly afterward Julian goes to England as a duke.
  
  In 1861, paintings of India become the rage of London. Julian is ecstatic to find the artist is Emma as he never forgot her from their brief moments together. As they finish what they had no time to peruse in India, falling in love, someone tries to kill his Emma. Julian risks his life to keep her safe as he will not allow anyone ever again to split them apart.
  
  Though somewhat typical of the Victorian romance, fans of the sub-genre will appreciate THE DUKE OF SHADOWS as two honorable individuals, outcasts in many ways, fall in love. Especially refreshing is the India sequence as readers observe the Anglo-native interactions. Emma and Julian turn Meredith Duran's historical into an entertaining read.
  
  Harriet Klausner
  
  
  
• One of the Best Romance Debuts of 2008!
  By A1EJKQD72ZO2AP on 2008-06-04
  In a phenomenally written historical romance about the Rebellion in India during the mid-1800's, Ms. Duran brings the splendor and trauma of this time to life and shows the richness of a culture that fought to remain, and the soldiers of England who were traumatized by this war. Yet in all the chaos, there is beauty and love between two remarkable characters, the very young and beautiful Emmaline Martin and the handsome and cynical Julian Sinclair, The Duke of Auburn.
  
  When Emma's fiancé's betrayal leaves Emma trapped in India with no other family to help save her and get her out of India, she has no choice but to turn to Julian for help. The situation they find themselves in turns into an attraction for each other that deepened into an intense love. During the turmoil of the rebellion, Julian loses Emma and thinking her dead, returns to England and mourns her for years. But Emma is very much alive and has felt deserted by Julian. Using her talent as an artist, she sketches and paints the horrors of the India Rebellion over the years and is then encouraged to show her art in a special showing. Julian, struggling through his mourning, is finally pushed to return to society. Considered a traitor in India and a hero in London, Julian feels lost in both worlds until without Emma until he attends the special art show, recognizes the artist by the work he sees and discovers his Emma is alive! Emma's love has turned to indifference at feeling abandoned, while Julian's deep loss turns to anger at the thought that Emma was alive and never contacted him. But the years of feeling betrayed between them both has really intensified their love. Will Emma and Julian learn to come to terms with the past and the present, while at the same time discovering who the real traitor in India was?
  
  In this well-written story, there is much intensity, mystery, and sensuality in a story that shows the ugliness of war, yet beauty and love that can rise from it all. Ms. Duran has done a wonderful job at research about a complicated time in history. The characters have such depth throughout the span of time of the story. It is sensual in a way that no other story could be given the time and situation the characters find themselves in. A Gather.com contest winner, The Duke of Shadows is truly a wonderful debut that reads as if it were written by a master of history and romance.
  
  
  
• Absolutely Fabulous!
  By A39L3PN5VQDWYO on 2008-04-05
  Brava, Ms. Duran! What an amazing debut you have made. This book was absolutely luscious; once started, I could not put it down. It's a sweeping story of duty and honor, love and betrayal, loss and redemption. The author's use of imagery and her ability to evoke emotion is unsurpassed. I can't recall the last time I read a romance that so fully captured my senses. I fell in love with both Emma and Julian; both of these characters are unforgettable and their story will capture your heart. I knew this book would be good, but it exceeded all of my expectations, and I can't wait for Ms. Duran's next release. I'm also hoping that Lord Lockwood will soon have his own story!
  
  
• Very Average
  By A25REYBHDTV5F4 on 2008-04-25
  I am not sure what the other reviewers saw in this book. While it wasn't the worst I've read in this genre, it was by no means a top pick. While the characters were okay, if felt like the writer got them into situations she couldn't write them out of, so she just jumped to another element and relied on the reader to accept her back explanations. Overall, it felt disjointed, lagged in places and was essentially unsatisfying. I can't recommend you invest your time or money unless you have no other alternatives.
  
  
• Unbelievable!! Impeccable!!
  By A1YFUCOLGKGGJE on 2008-04-22
  I'm sure the previous reviews have said it all....however I just wanted to say this book was absolutely fantastic; I emailed the author shortly after reading it to express how wonderful the book was; I've read MANY novels and this is without a doubt one of the best. It's mesmerizing and it grips you in a way that you just simply can't forget it. I can't wait for her next book.!!
  
  
• Stunning Debut!
  By A38TDY91Z7QM6F on 2008-05-08
  Lest you be deceived, this is not a rompy, light-hearted English historical like we see so often. This is a real, gritty story of love during wartime.
  
  In 1857, Emmaline Martin's parents are escorting her to India to marry her lifelong fiancé, but their ship is lost at sea and Emma is the only survivor. Continuing on to Delhi alone, Emma, an artist, begins to see the cracks in the English society she's always known, and also entertains the doubts she's held for years about her fiancé. Adding fuel to her new introspection is Julian Sinclair, her fiancé's cousin who is somewhat marginalized by society because he's one quarter Indian.
  
  Julian is a playboy straddling two worlds. Heir to an English Duke, he struggles to reconcile his two cultures. When an Indian uprising turns the English colonial world upside down Julian helps Emma escape and they take a rough journey toward safety.
  
  This book was magnificent. It has been so long since I enjoyed a new historical this much. It has so much going for it I don't know where to begin. First, the setting: the first half of the book takes place in India, which I love. Duran's India is raw and real and exhilarating. She has a grasp of action and battle scenes rarely seen in Romance, my heart was honestly pounding during one scene. Her grasp on not only colonial India, but on Victorian London society make the book more like an experience than a read. Clearly she knows her stuff.
  
  But the best part of this book--oh my gosh--is the characters. Emma is a complicated, genuine woman. She's independent for her time, but not a transplanted twenty-first century woman either. Her character development is the best I've seen in a heroine for longer than I can remember. She's a real artist: she feels her feelings, lets her heart overwhelm her, and doesn't fear passion.
  
  Julian takes a bit of a backseat to Emma's internal journey, but he's still a compelling hero in his own right. I love his struggle with his English and Indian identities, it's very well done. He's had a pretty hard luck life, but he doesn't have a lot of ridiculous hang-ups or anything. Really, he's the perfect hero for this book, he has depth and shadows, but they're not overwhelming.
  
  My only small quibble is that later in the book Emma gets emotionally hung up on something she did during the uprising that doesn't feel right to me. What she did, and why she did it was perfectly understandable, and it's hard for me to imagine the Emma from the first half of the book letting something like that get to her, and it feels like something forced to keep some suspense in the plot. But even still, it's a minor irritation in an amazing book.
  
  I give The Duke of Shadows 5 stars out of 5, which I've never done. It's a good thing I didn't check the Amazon reviews before I bought this (it was an impulse buy at Borders after I read the first couple of pages) or I may never have found it as it has only excellent reviews, but in this case I have to say I heartily agree with them. Imagine my surprise, though, when I see on Amazon that this was a debut novel! Wow. Can't wait to see what Duran does next.
  
  
  
• Good History Lesson. Slow and boring romance.
  By A264UDLWWRJ7X4 on 2008-07-27
  I bought this book because I like to give first-time authors a try. This author can definitely write. She also seems to know her stuff about the history of India. But as a romance novel? This sucks.
  
  It's slow, the characters are two-dimensional and the plot takes forever to get going. There is NO romance in the first 100 pages -- just a lot of boring backstory on Indian-British relations, circa 1857. If the author hadn't printed what year the book was supposed to be set in, you would never know from the writing whether this was set in 1857 or 1937. If you really want to read some great books about India, try the Raj quartet by Scott, or A Passage to India by Forster. If you want a romance novel, save your money and try another author.
  
  Very disappointing.
  
  
• Compelling, Emotional
  By A2UIAPDZ8TTSNP on 2008-04-12
  The Duke of Shadows is a powerful, emotionally provocative journey of the heart. Love. Love lost. And the heartache of reclaiming that love through redemption. Emmaline and Julian's emotions leap off the pages and twist at your gut. The inner struggle for the happiness they deserve is heart wrenching to the end. They are just so right together, the chemistry between them is fabulous and oh so right! I loved this book. Meredith Duran has a beautiful, compelling way with words. If you're one who tears up in books then I suggest you have a box of tissue handy. This one is a winner.
  
  
• 5 Stars does not do this story justice
  By AOXMX3E6G4JB9 on 2008-04-16
  The love story of Emmaline and Julian is an amazing debut novel. But before I get into the "how"...let's talk about "why".
  
  Julian is the half-Indian, half-English Duke of Auburn. He became the Duke ONLY because his grandfather did not want the title to leave the direct line. If he'd had another son or grandson to become his heir, Julians' grandpa would have left Julian a young orphan living on the streets of India. Instead Julian, who's parents had both died in horrible ways...had tired to be accepted by his Indian family, only to be rebuffed for his English blood. When his grandfather dragged Julian to England at a young age, Julian tired again to be accepted as English, but found he was resented and hated by the English for his Indian blood.
  
  Emmaline was betrothed to Marcus, a Colonel in the British Army serving in India. Emmaline did not want to marry Marcus because she felt nothing for him. Her parents however, wanted the marriage to raise their daughter from the merchant class of her birth.
  
  On the way to India for her marriage, Emmaline is the only survivor of a horrific shipwreck. After watching both her parents drown, Emmaline is picked up by a fishing boat two days after the wreck and brought to the Resident's house to be reunited with her fiancee.
  
  She attends a ball with Marcus and within the first hour realizes she doesn't belong with the ton anymore. To top that off, she overhears a conversation discussing her fiancee and the wife of the one of the English residents. It appears her "loving" fiancee is having a torrid affair with a married woman. Emmaline is shocked and feels betrayed by both her parents and her fiancee.
  
  She escapes to a balcony for air and a good cry, and meets Julian. He is enchanted with her because the first thing she says "pigs swill" is just not said by young English ladies! Virtually his first words to her are a warning to get out of the city and head for the hills as he fears an imminent revolt of the Indian conscripted troops under British control. It is precisely because Julian can blend with his Indian relatives that he knows the troop revolt is coming, and soon!
  
  The scenes of the revolt and the deaths Emmaline witnesses are vivid and you actually feel her disgust, as well as the mental confusion.
  
  Julian and Emmaline lose track of one another in the crisis and don't meet again until both are in England. Julian, who has not forgotten Emmaline, swiftly becomes her protector when she displays artwork which may contain information that will get her killed.
  
  I won't provide any other spoilers because this book needs to be read for it's entire content.
  
  As for the HOW this book makes you feel...I could almost smell the desert dust and feel the Indian sun beating down. The fear that Emmaline experienced was communicated to me in a visceral way. Her love for Julian as bright and pure. Julian's redemption comes from his love for Emmaline and is deftly managed to reflect inner strength.
  
  The time period was researched religiously as were the customs of the period. The racism felt by both the English and the Indians was well written and remains relevant today.
  
  These characters as well as the secondary cast were as real as fictional characters can get. Duke of Shadows will haunt you.
  
  I agree with an earlier reviewer that said this author is off to an outstanding start and will in several years outshine many authors.
  
  I recommend you buy this one in print. You will want it for re-reading.
  
  
• New author shows promise
  By A1MRQUGR3IXV7T on 2008-06-09
  As a debut book, this book deserves 4 stars; otherwise, I would have given it three. I won't go over the plot again but offer a few observations:
  
  The author dances around the edge of the politics of the Mutiny and makes some oblique references to the issues at hand but if fleshed out a bit more, there would have been a more substantial feel to the setting. I think she fails to capture the essence of India under the Raj and therefore deprives her characters of a real stage upon which to act out the story.
  
  I felt that the hero, Julian, was rather two dimensional. We never really learn what makes him tick. We know he has a mixed racial heritage but we never fully understand the implications for him and how it impacts on his world view, his social standing, etc. And Emma was also a little strange. I found her stiff and lacking in emotion although I accept that she was traumatised by the events in the novel, she still seemed not to be warm and loving; indeed, she comes to life only when she is having sexual relations with Julian.
  
  I love books set in India and the Mutiny is a poignant episode that many authors have used. When I compare this with Valerie Fitzgerald's Zemindar, or some of Emma Drummond's work, I think this book comes up far short.
  
  I think this author clearly has talent but she needs to create characters more rounded that the reader can truly emphathise with. She needs to exploit her settings if she is going to use those that are exotic and unfamiliar. Although I can't say I would rate this a keeper, it was a good effort and the author can clearly go a long way.
  
  
• Memsahib . . . huh?
  By A2V57HBXSC2A20 on 2008-04-07
  Wow! Never have I had to open a dictionary so much! Thank you Memsahib Duran for improving my active and passive vocabularies!
  
  Regardless, it was a poignant and gripping piece of prose about mischievous space monkeys and the vituperative inter-galactic cowboys that bring them to justice! Kudos Ms. Duran!
  
  
• Couldn't put it down.
  By A3Q02P580E3MR3 on 2008-04-25
  I love it when I discover a new author and a book that grabs me and keeps me thinking about it long after it is finished. I want a story you can sink your teeth into and one that makes you feel that ache in your chest. This book was just that. Each time I could get a moment to read, I couldn't put it down and only did so because I had to. I am so glad I gave this book a try and would suggest others do the same. I look forward to many more by this author and hope she continues to write unique, intriguing and "gotta read it" stories.
  
  
• Excellent!!
  By A2D4ME67NXG557 on 2008-05-15
  This was a great story! As other reviewers have said, well written, captivating plot, H/H interaction very believable. One of the better romance novels I've read in a while. A definite KEEPER!
  
  
• 3.5 Stars
  By AJ9AE2BVND0GS on 2008-06-23
  This book was too disjointed in the first half. The narratives and conversations were too short and cut off and the scenes were not well described. I also needed to know more of the emotions the characters were feeling during these conversations and in these scenes, especially in the beginning. I got bored in the first part when it seemed to progress too slowly as well. The idea for the story was good and the book got better, much better, as it progressed. I think this writer is talented and that her writing will improve and mature with experience. Great cover...hot! Extra points for originality - this story is memorable - and for being a debut.
  
  
• More real than the usual romance
  By A3IGNO7IC8U6BW on 2008-05-13
  I really enjoyed this book. It was driven by very real interaction between the 2 main characters. And they were believable, not simply convenient sticks to hang a story on. The sense of ambivalence about England in India was a welcome change from the normal Rah Rah Raj. And ther heroine's tenacity and emotional wounds make her very compelling. The end is satisfying without being sugary.
  
  
• Exotic Historical Romance That is Not to be Missed! (B+ Grade)
  By A1AKQ1YUS4BT82 on 2008-05-19
  Duke of Shadows is one historical romance that is a wonderfully written book by an author who is not to be missed. Meredith Duran is one author to watch and this freshman release shows how much she can bring to this genre.
  Emmaline Martin has traveled all the way from England to be with her fiancé who is an officer in the army and stationed in Delhi, India. Emma's journey has not been an easy since the ship that Emma and her parents were on sank and Emma was the only survivor. She has still come to India alone and very much afraid and her fiancé only cares for her massive fortune.
  One night at a party, Emma is noticed by Julian Sinclair, who is a Marquess of mixed English and native Indian descent and caught in between both worlds. There is something about Emma that calls to him. And even though it is not proper, he can't help but befriend her. Emma, in turn finds the Marquess to be a strange yet at the same time a man who makes her feel alive for the first time since her parents death.
  As India is on the brink of warfare, Emma is caught in the crossfire but Julian saves her. As they journey to safety, they try come to grips with their attraction to each other. But Julian must go back to find his family and leaves Emma, not realizing his mistake.
  When these two see each other again, it has been almost four years and now they are in England. Julian thought Emma was dead. Emma saw so much bloodshed and horror, that she still suffers and uses her pain to paint horrific paintings of her time in India as she waited for Julian to come back to her. And when Emma could possibly be a target for murder, Julian knows he must do whatever he can to keep her safe and this time he will try to win her heart back in the process.
  If there is one book you read this year, it must be Duke of Shadows. Meredith Duran has written a mature, intelligent and emotional story of suffering and angst. The setting and characters are so different and fascinating that you will not want to take your eyes away from the page.
  Meredith Duran is one author to watch for and with Duke of Shadows she has taken the historical romance world by storm. Do not miss out on one of the best romances this year!
  
  Katiebabs
  
  
  
• A Rich, Sensual Adventure: The Duke of Shadows - You WON'T PUT IT DOWN
  By A68271DP5D4F0 on 2008-05-22
  
  
  Not only is this novel superbly written - the language is as rich and complex as the period in which it is set - 1857 Delhi and London - but this young woman, whose dream from age four was to publish a novel - has read broadly and deeply not only in the genre but also in the period, making it unlike and far superior to nearly every other romance I've ever read.
  
  This is NOT just a genre romance; it is 384 pages of adventure, packed with witty dialogue, sharp characterizations penned in delicious, sensual language that begs you to read on. It is a cultural period piece that rivals the best Regency romances.
  
  You will NOT be able to put down this book. I actually read it in one day.
  
  
  
  The cover teaser is excellent. "Born an outcast. Raised to nobility. Only one dangerous passion can unlock his heart."
  
  The story concerns Miss Emmaline Martin, a young English woman in Delhi who just lost her parents in a tragic shipwreck (the imagery is evocative of the larger-than-life Titanic shipwreck) and who is engaged to a man whose lack of mettle she soon discovers is not worth the anguish he has caused her. But long before she is finished with her fiance, Emma becomes fascinated by a man she recognizes as dangerous but a man she cannot avoid: Julian Sinclair, a man of both Indian and English ancestry.
  
  
  EXCERPT:
  
  
  ***
  
  One
  
  Delhi, May 1857
  
  
  
  Julian first noticed her because she looked so bored. Waiting for the Commissioner's arrival had put him on edge. He stood at the top of the room, half attending to the feverish chatter around him, his eyes fixed on the door. Rumors in the bazaar daily grew darker, and it was clear to him now that if Calcutta would not act, the local government must. Tonight he meant to exact a promise on that account.
  
  
  
  He became aware of the woman gradually. It was her stillness that drew his attention. She was leaning against a wall, not ten feet away. Though several people surrounded her, sipping negligently at their wine and laughing, she seemed somehow apart. Tired of it all. Her eyes, which had been resting vacantly on the space over his shoulder, focused on him. They were a penetrating blue and gave Julian a start. He saw that she was not bored at all, but unhappy.
  
  
  
  She looked away.
  
  
  
  ...She paused at the edge of the lawn, one hand coming to her throat, and seemed content to stand there, an abstracted look on her face. A breeze came over the grass, and her fingers loosened, letting the shawl flutter around her shoulders. Fleetingly, her pale lips curved in a smile.
  
  
  
  Again, he was struck by the impression that she stood at a great remove from the scene around her. Curious.
  
  
  
  ...She was young, no more than twenty-two or -three years, with smooth white skin that bespoke a typical memsahib's routine. What was there to wonder about her? She would spend her days closeted in a bungalow, reading or at needlepoint. When the monotony began to wear, she would take heart in her zealous belief that the English way of life was the only one of merit in the world.
  
  
  
  She muttered something beneath her breath. Despite himself, he leaned forward. He could not quite make it out. Surely, she had not said--
  
  
  
  With a violent gesture, she splashed her wine into the bushes. "Pig swill," she said clearly.
  
  
  
  ..."Who's there?"
  
  
  
  A form emerged from the trees, offering her a toast from a silver flask. "Pig swill indeed", he said, and lifted the pocket pistol to his lips for a long swallow.
  
  
  
  ...His eyes were a luminescent green-gold, catlike as they reflected the faint light spilling from the bungalow. They watched her as though he waited for something.
  
  
  
  ..."I see my reputation does not precede me."
  
  
  
  "Oh, is it very bad?" The question was out of her mouth before she could reconsider, and she blushed as he laughed again.
  
  
  
  "It's even worse."
  
  
  
  ...His cat's eyes moved over her shoulder, and he smiled again, this time rather unpleasantly. "Here comes your betrothed," he said, and took a swig from the flask.
  
  
  
  ..."Emmaline! There you are!"
  
  
  
  ...[Marcus's] voice died away as he stared at her companion. "What in blazes are you doing here?"
  
  
  
  "Lindley," the man said curtly. "A pleasure."
  
  
  
  Marcus made a rude noise. "I'm sure I can't say the same. I had no idea Mrs. Eversham was so indiscriminate with her guest list."
  
  
  
  ...[Emmaline speaks to Marcus] "I cannot credit your behavior," she said. "How could you behave so loutishly!"
  
  
  
  "How could I?" Marcus pulled her around to face him. Do you know who that man is? Do you know?"
  
  
  
  ..."That is my cousin, " he managed, his face purple. "That is the half-breed who would have the dukedom instead of me."
  
  
  
  "That--" She stopped, understanding. "That man is Julian Sinclair?"
  
  
  
  "One and the same."
  
  
  
  ***
  
  
  
  A sensual, delicious, adventurous - and superbly written romance. I could (but won't) excerpt the sensitively written, exquisitely lusty love scenes, but I won't because the beauty of them is in the emotional anticipation and thrill that builds between the two characters during the course of the book. You'll just have to read those for yourself.
  
  Terrific. You will NOT be disappointed. I've ordered several more copies for my female relatives.
  
  
  
• A beautiful and original debut...
  By A2WJ50YRF7AEKJ on 2008-06-28
  Everyone has already said it but I will too. This book held me hypnotized. The characters were flawed but real and felt so deeply for each other, it was quite moving. Please, write more books, Ms. Duran. Your originality and talent are a breath of fresh air in the romance genre.
  
  
• Can't wait for more books by Meredith Duran!!!
  By A1VT8XIBNYZI2K on 2008-08-26
  I read this book because I wanted to get a PBS credit, and the wish list for it was dwindling. I bought the book from all they hype almost 6 months ago, the winner of an online contest got a book deal and I wanted to check it out. I've tried to start this book 3 times. Once I started reading the book, I was immediately transported to English influenced India. The description of India was impressive, the political struggle of this time, was one that I felt deep down, I knew what side I was on, but was torn as the h/h were. Though this book has a lot of war in it, I felt like I was reading this wonderful adventure about survival. First, from an awful betrothal, to a whirlwind love, to life, to dealing with demons of the past. While I feel that the hero does not act himself for a little while, it's not enough to bump the review to a 4. I can recommend this book highly! I emailed Ms. Duran and she has 2 books coming out next summer. You can bet, I will be there buying them.
  
  
  
• Fantastic Debut
  By A28D95F7QYK2F8 on 2008-09-03
  This book is well written and well researched. She is able to make the history and the location a character in its own right, though the romance and RS plot are kept to the forefront. Think MM Kaye's THE FAR PAVILLION but with a London twist and you will have THE DUKE OF SHADOWS. Brava to Pocket for publishing a book with a unique setting. You can't call yourself a serious romance reader if you haven't read this book. Get it new or get it used, but GET THIS BOOK, you won't be disappointed.
  
  
• Amazing Debut
  By A2T3AG7XPSG229 on 2008-09-13
  If you're looking for a historical romance featuring intelligence, passion, emotional nuance and depth - this is it! I truly loved this book. The writing is amazing and the story actually brought me to tears at times. It is a great debut by author Meredith Duran and I eagerly look forward to her next book.
  
  
• A Romance Novel with Real Substance is a Rare Find. Ms. Duran wrote a Soulful Tale that I could not put down.
  By A2SAVTYOEBSNPF on 2008-10-14
  What an amazing debut! Upon first seeing this book on the store shelf, I had thought "The Duke of Shadows" was going to be a light and easy read. Another in a sea of soup opera romances. I started reading it for fun and quickly found myself captivated. I was hooked by the amount of devastation, hope, despair, triumph, and genuine love this new author was able to portray through her characters and overall story. Both the hero and heroine are smart, brave, and utterly "real". Both become forever changed by the horrors of the war they live through. In the end, they each have lost any semblance of naivete but they find a new chance to hope through their love for one another. Very powerful!
  
  
  PART 1:
  Julian has lived his life torn between loyalty to two waring nations. He is a mix of English and Indian. Never completely embraced by either, he has learned to accept being an outcast. His challenge is only eased by his English title, "Duke of Auburn".
  
  The English have been slowly taking over Indian lands. More and more of English society have been moving to India to claim a piece of it for their own. Young and naive, Emma arrived in India to meet with her fiance. She has lost all of her family. The only thing keeping her in society is her huge inheritance. At a ball announcing her engagement, Emma meets the mysterious Duke of Auburn. Her fiance warns her to stay away from Julian, but Emma is intrigued. Julian can't help but feel charmed by Emma's willingness to thumb her nose at society.
  
  The people of India are tired of being treated as slaves in their own land. A rebellion is rising. Julian has tried to warn English officials, but they arrogantly believe the Indian people won't dare to strike against English troops. When Hell brakes lose, Julian's first priority is to get Emma to safety. He will then return to help his Indian relatives escape the war zone.
  
  While traveling together for several days, Julian and Emma fall in love. Leaving Emma to return for his family is the hardest thing he has ever done, but Julian is sure she is in a safe place with his friends.
  
  The rebels are everywhere, slaughtering every English man, woman, and child. Emma is forced to run for her life. For months she travels with other English survivors, waiting for Julian to find her. He promised to come for her. He declared his love for her. When she hears that he has left India and returned to England without her, her soul is all but destroyed.
  
  Julian is devastated. After burying his Indian cousin, he set out to retrieve Emma. For months he searched for her. There is no trace. Only word that she ran for her life, with rebels on her heals. With no hope left, Julian is forced to accept that Emma has been killed. His heart broken beyond repair, Julian returns to England alone.
  
  
  At this point, PART 2 of the story begins. It is 4 years later. Both Emma and Julian are back in England. Julian has been living as an empty shell, never able to heal from the loss of Emma. Emma has been closeting herself from the world, too broken over her experiences in India and her belief that Julian left her in India to die alone. When Julian finds Emma alive, the odds against them are fierce. Is there any chance for them? Can he possibly bring Emma out of the dark and cold shelter she has built around herself? Both Julian and Emma are changed people... Perhaps they are each a bit "deranged" by all they experienced. Perhaps they are the only hope for one another. Perhaps love can restore light and life.
  
  
  If you are looking for pretty and sweet, look elsewhere. This story has far more depth. Julian and Emma get their HEA, but it is earned.
  
  
  If you love romance novels with deep emotional substance, try this two- book series:
  The Pride of Lions
  Blood of Roses
  Bring the Kleenex!
  
  
  
• amazing debut
  By A3W06WHU8VTB8F on 2008-04-27
  This was the best book I've read in years, hands down and I can't wait to see what Meredith Duran writes next. Everything from the plot and settings to characters and dialog are incredibly well crafted. The writing is beautiful and gritty and real. I can't say anything more about it. Her writing speaks for itself. If you are even curious, do yourself a favor and buy it.
  
  
  
• Wonderful debut.
  By AWN38KNZ9JSMR on 2008-05-02
  Refreshingly well written, intelligent, atypical historical romance. Well developed plotline set in the very interesting, turbulent/violent period of English colonization of India. Historical elements, facts and time line are seamlessly woven into story line, which in itself is soooo refreshing! Well written prose, well developed, believable characters. Wonderfully, characters can and do, stand on their own without destroying the singularly well drawn romance. Sexual tension is intimate, almost mystically erotic and essential to the story. Heroine is intelligent, well spoken, and believable, unto herself! Hero is a well drawn, and believable portrayal of a mysterious, and intelligent, barely tolerated outsider of English society in Delhi. Argument I had with the story - rather fast resolution and the transition to couple to England is sometimes grating to read. I wish the author had told story of heroine's at the time of her return, rather than related after the fact.
  
  
• Excellent read
  By A12LD96QQRFZBC on 2008-06-25
  I won't go over the plot, as so many reviewers already have. However, I will say that the author delivers an excellent story: full of wonderful imagery and interesting characters. The author allows the reader into the minds of the characters to understand the emotions behind their behaviors. I enjoyed this book tremendously and look forward to Duran's next book.
  
  
• Beautiful Book
  By A116C54TNP28Y2 on 2008-07-14
  This is one of the best historical romances I've read, period. Staying within the conventions of the genre, it explores post traumatic stress, survivor's guilt, and the healing power of art and love.
  
  The Raj India setting in the first half of the book is also a welcome change from the many books that are set in England. A small strand of sadness about England's over-reaching into all parts of the globe is woven into the book without ever detracting from the essential story.
  
  I was so impressed with the book that I went to Meredith Duran's web site and left her a note. A few days later I received a witty and sincere reply, and she mentioned that there are two upcoming books set in the 1880's. She also promised to eventually tell Lockwood's story. I'm ready to read anything she writes.
  
  

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