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The Ravenscar Dynasty (2006)

The Ravenscar Dynasty (2006)

Book Info

Series
Rating
3.59 of 5 Votes: 3
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ISBN
0312354606 (ISBN13: 9780312354602)
Language
English
Publisher
st. martin's press

About book The Ravenscar Dynasty (2006)

Barbara Taylor Bradford’s Harte Dynasty series is one of my all-time favorites.I had launched this Ravenscar Dynasty series by reading one out of order (“Being Elizabeth”), so I decided to back up and start at the beginning.“The Ravenscar Dynasty” is set near the beginning of the twentieth century, in England, and sweeps across Europe at points along the journey. The Deravenel family is poised to reclaim its birthright as head of the company Deravenels. This latest attempt to reclaim the company is propelled by the sudden deaths of several male members of the family—a father, an uncle, and two younger men—all believed to have been murdered by their bitter rivals, the Grants.Edward Deravenel is now the logical new head of the family, and a cousin, Neville Watkins, is all set to mentor him and to assist in finding the ammunition to overthrow the company. However, Edward is only eighteen years old and an inveterate womanizer. What chance does he have of taking control of such a huge dynasty?Over the pages we learn of how these contenders accomplish this feat, and root for them as obstacles thrown in their path are defeated one by one.Filled with the pursuit of power and passion, this novel takes us through a long-ago time; the ambition and treachery of this climb to power illuminates this dramatic epic saga.Now I cannot wait to begin the next tale in this family adventure.I deducted one star because I could not relate to the characters...but I had to admire their ambition and their persistence.

Don't think I've read a book by this author. Picked it up for a little "light" reading. Was disappointed in the character development and somewhat in the plot. Hard to accept that a 19 year old could step in and run a global company, even if this is set in early 1900's England. Characters are introduced into the plot and then not fleshed out completely. For example, I never could get a handle on Margot Grant and then she just disappeared in the plot even though some very dastardly deeds were hinted at being her machinations. Lots of loose ends, too, like who really killed the Deravenel and Watkins patriarchs and sons? At one point, I was sure the irascible Neville had a hand in it all (which actually would have been a very good twist to the plot). Having said all that, the author does a good job in set descriptions. And even though I don't feel she did a good job on characters all around, there are some in the novel that she is able to give enough life to that the reader can identify personality. All in all, I think she could have done with a few less characters and concentrated more on the central one, Edward Deravenel.

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Some books I come across look great from the outside and the blurb is interesting, but when I finally settle down and read them, I discover that it is a heap of steaming manure. Such was the case with this one, loosely based on the Wars of the Roses, moved to the early Edwardian period and a family rivalry that ignites murder, double-dealing, love affairs and revenge. Unfortunately, the story is transformed into such lightweight drivel that I was more than ready to fling it at the wall in annoyance. The author, Barbara Taylor Bradford, widely acclaimed (and for what I have no idea), manages to suck all of the life out of an exciting real history tale, and turns it into a novel of corporate and bedroom shenanigans. Yawn. Even the names and characters are merely transferred over with little to make them interesting or fresh. I gave this one just two stars, and a not recommended. You've been warned. For the longer review, please go here:http://www.bubblews.com/news/9739243-...
—Rebecca Huston

BTB's Ravenscar Dynasty was an easy, light read. However,I did enjoy the Harte Family series more. This is historical fiction with a plot of retaking the family business, which was illegally taken from them by another family member 60 years ago. The main character is Edward, who seems a bit too perfect, with the exception of his womanizing. I found him hard to like and did not get why he chose to marry a wife who was the "enemy" other than her beauty, which makes Edward rather shallow. I will probably read the next in the trilogy.
—Jody

Jaren geleden werden op de Nederlandse televisie series uitgezonden, naar boeken van Barbara Taylor Bradford. Daarom nam ik dit boek mee van de bibliotheek: ik wilde haar werk nu wel eens zelf lezen.Het boek was dik. Er kwam geen eind aan de lofzangen op de geweldige hoofdpersoon Edward Deravenel. Als hij achttien jaar oud is, komen zijn vader, zijn broer, en neven om bij een brand in Italië. Hij wordt dan gelijk hoofd van het gezin en zou ook het hoofd moeten zijn van de firma, die al jaren een heel belangrijke rol in de Britse economie inneemt. Een andere tak van de familie heeft de macht echter overgenomen. De leider van die tak is een slappeling, die het grootste deel van de tijd afwezig is. Zijn taken worden met graagte overgenomen door zijn vrouw, een nietsontziende Française. Edward zweert de leiding over te nemen. Hij verdenkt de rivaliserende familietak ervan zijn vader vermoord te hebben.Met hulpo van zijn neef Neville slaagt Edward er inderdaad in de macht in handen te krijgen.Het boek leest als een soap: korte hoofdstukken, met aan het eind telkens een soort cliffhanger. Mensen die verloren hebben, worden uit de weg geruimd, iedereen is even machtsbelust, verraad wordt niet geschuwd. De mannen horen de leiding te hebben, vrouwen zijn er om de mannen te behagen en zich van hun overspel niets aan te trekken. Blij dat het boek uit was. Het is misschien niet slecht geschreven, maar niet zo erg een onderwerp waar ik van houd.
—Weaverannie

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