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Silver Angel

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you're a fan of swoony historical romances with daring heroines and mysterious, exotic settings, "Silver Angel" is a classic pick! Johanna Lindsey delivers a lush, escapist adventure with plenty of intrigue, court politics, and slow-burning passion. The story's harem drama and culture-clash romance make it an irresistible choice for readers who enjoy sweeping, old-school romance tropes, especially those set outside of England's ballrooms.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Modern readers may be put off by outdated attitudes, consent issues, or the romanticized depiction of harems and captivity. If you prefer your romance on the more politically correct side, or if you aren't comfortable with historical "sheikh" romances, this might not be your cup of tea. Also, those looking for steamy love scenes or believable instant chemistry may find the romance a bit lacking or problematic.

A quintessential guilty pleasure - dramatic, exotic, and over the top. Perfect for lovers of vintage historical romance, but not for everyone.

About:

Silver Angel by Johanna Lindsey is a historical romance novel set in the exotic eastern desert. The story follows Chantelle, a young English heiress who is kidnapped and sold into slavery, entering the harem of the Dey of Barikah. The plot unfolds with intrigue, mystery, and political schemes, as Chantelle navigates her new reality and forms a complex relationship with Derek Sinclair, an adventurous Englishman who gets involved in a plot to assassinate the Dey. Lindsey's writing style weaves together elements of romance, suspense, and cultural exploration, creating a captivating tale of love and survival in a foreign land.

Characters:

The characters are complex, with Chantelle as a strong-willed heroine and the male lead presenting a blend of charm and contradiction, supported by intriguing side characters.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by rich, immersive descriptions and engaging dialogue, effectively drawing readers into the historical context and characters' emotional journeys.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot follows Chantelle's harrowing journey from attempted escape from her relatives to captivity in a Pasha's harem, intertwining themes of love, intrigue, and the harsh realities of her situation.

Setting:

The setting is vividly rendered in the Middle East, focusing on the complexities of an Ottoman harem, which adds to the overall romantic and dramatic tension.

Pacing:

The pacing features slow character development and backstory, interspersed with moments of tension that keep readers engaged despite occasional lengthiness.
On the Street of the Jewelers, the pearl merchant, Abdul ibn-Mesih, closed his shop in anticipation of the singsong chant of the muezzin calling the faithful to prayer. Abdul had at least ten minutes ...

Notes:

Chantelle Burke, the protagonist, is an English heiress orphaned at a young age.
She tries to escape greedy relatives but is kidnapped by slavers.
Chantelle is sold into a harem in a Middle Eastern country, which is not specifically Turkey but rather North Africa.
The story echoes real historical events, reminiscent of Aimee Dubuc de Rivery's capture by Algerian pirates.
Chantelle's journey involves seduction and a battle for her virtue.
The book combines elements of suspense, intrigue, and romance, making it a memorable read.
There are 48 other slaves in the harem alongside Chantelle.
The novel explores the dynamics of a harem and the emotional struggles of its captives.
Despite dark themes, many readers find the story charming and lighthearted.
The characters experience an emotional connection that leads to a happy ending, contrasting with historical realities for many women.
The author, Johanna Lindsey, is a noted name in the romance genre and has a loyal fanbase.
Some readers appreciate the blend of political intrigue with romance, while others note issues with pacing and plot development.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for Silver Angel include themes of slavery, sexual violence, and dubious consent, which may be troubling for some readers.

Has Romance?

Romance is a central component of Silver Angel, with a strong romantic arc between the protagonist and the Pasha.

From The Publisher:

A classic historical romance from #1 New York Times bestselling author Johanna Lindsey.

Abducted and sold into slavery, Chantelle Burke has been brought to the palace of the mighty Pasha. Vowing never to bow to this ruthless master's will, the young Englishwoman weakens within the silken splendor of his chambers, and after on glance into his piercing emerald eyes.

The stunningly handsome Pasha is a powerful, muscular figure yet he caresses the lovely addition to his harem with a fond tenderness that only succeeds in driving her wild. But beneath his exotic eastern garb, the cryptic Pasha shrouds his true identity - one that he finds difficult to conceal when he wants so much to surrender his hearty and soul to the irresistible Chantelle.

1988
438 pages

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