The Dedicated Villian (The Golden Chronicles, Book 6) - Softcover

In this sixth and final volume of The Golden Chronicles series, Roland Fairleigh Mathieson, sometimes called Otton, the wily adventurer familiar to readers of the earlier books, undergoes a gratifying change, once his heart is captured by mischievous Miss Fiona Bradford. A political opportunist and reputed rake, Mathieson is searching for treasure reportedly stashed among disguised followers of the Jacobin cause. This is his reason for infiltrating the caravan of traveling players, where he meets would-be actress Fiona. As their affection flourishes, Mathieson becomes the protector of the little band. There is much for him to do, as he skillfully leads them around ambushes, narrowly escaping death himself. With customary panache, Veryan animates the background of Georgian England, creates a hero in the grand manner and spins a satisfying romance redolent of the period.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Veryan has heard our cries and now gives Roland Fairleigh Mathieson (sometimes call Otton) his own story. And an incredibly powerful, moving, and riveting one it is! The tale opens with Roly (as he is called here) lying injured in Flanders in 1743 (The War of the Austrian Succession), then jumps to England in November of 1746 after Culloden. Roly is after Bonnie Prince Charlie's treasure for himself. Certain Jacobites are also hunting for the treasure to return it to donors who are truly needy. Fiona Bradford's father is one of the Jacobite adventurers. She and Roly meet and fall in love. While the story has realism and brutality, the style and substance lift it far above the norm. Veryan has again proved that the genre can hold its own when compared to "mainstream" fiction. Excellent in all respects.
- Paula M. Zieselman, Debevoise & Plimpton, New York
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.