The Measure of a Man by Maggie Lee

Title: The Measure of a Man

Series: The Mark of a Man 02

Author: Maggie Lee

Genre: Historical (1335/1336), England

Length: Novel (206 pages)

ISNB: 978-1-62380-251-6

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (28^th December 2012)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ – 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: After narrowly escaping the sinister plotting of Anthony Arlen’s City Guard and the wrath of the outlawed Sun League, Kit Porter and his friends, Alec Weston and Robert Warren, must flee or risk capture—or worse. With enemies dogging their every move, the friends risk a brief, heartbreaking meeting with Kit’s mother before pushing on to the town of Ludlow. There, they enlist the aid of Jamie McEwen, a rich merchant and old friend of Alec’s, who offers them a way out. But in order to make good their escape, they must first reach Boston, a port city on the other side of the country.

 

The tense journey across England tests Alec and Kit’s growing feelings for each other, while forcing Robert to confront unresolved guilt over past loyalties and actions. Just when escape seems within reach, the Sun League closes in, and the three friends face a desperate battle to evade the awful fate in store for them.

 

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3474

Review: This story is part of a series and best read in order. Kit and his friends and rescuers Alec and Robert are on the run from two powerful factions, the Lord Chancellor’s City Guard and the criminal Sun League. Staying ahead of them as they flee is difficult and they have to be weary of being sold out, Alec turns to an old friend, Jamie, for aid and he gives them the perfect solution to their immediate problems but first Alec, Robert and Kit must get to Boston and the ship which awaits them. Each man must face the past and resolve their feelings for what has happened in the past and Kit and Alec act on their attraction for each other, but the Sun League close in and they have to act quickly to avoid the fate that awaits them.

 

This is a really good historical story that pulls you into the fourteenth century and weaves a tale of trust and justice. Kit has placed his life in the hands of the guards that first captured him; he is now on the run with them from both the Lord Chancellor and the Sun League with no idea how the three of them can outrun two powerful factions. Alec has some idea what to do but needs help, he heads to his old friend Jamie for aid, and Jamie helps him as much as he can with his disapproving mother looking over his shoulder. Robert is a loyal man and he sticks with Alec a man he knows to be honorable and honest, having his back and bringing rescue when they are facing death.

 

This is a chase across the country as Alec and Robert seek to protect a man who has had no say in his own life for three years, a man who was to be sacrificed because of the pride of the Lord Chancellor, a man who can trust no one, and now they seek freedom for all of them. They face opposition from those that were friends, sword fights, and fleas. I really liked that Alec and Kit wait before consummating their relationship, both men understood that the other had scars deeper than those on the surface, all the characters are really well written and I enjoyed getting to know them better.

 

Following their journey across the country is interesting and not just because of flight but also because of the wealth of history and the world building that was put into this story. It sets the stage perfectly for a hard journey dodging enemies and never knowing who can be trusted, not knowing if family and friends will turn on you, and knowing that running into the wrong person will be the end and that men in power are vindictive and cruel, with very little hope of forgiveness if caught. The Measure of a Man truly shows exactly how these three men measure up and if I ever find myself fleeing across fourteenth century England with enemies nipping at my heels these three are the ones I want at my back.  

 

I recommend this to those who love historicals, men who will do anything for justice, vindictive men who seek revenge, loyalty and hope and a happy for now ending.