Three stars because I, personally, enjoyed it, but not a very good book, and certainly not Heyer's best. If I read the forward correctly, she even tried to have it banned. Simon the Coldheart is about Simon (shocker!), a knight known for his frigid ways. Part 1 begins with him as a page, and follows him till knighthood. Part 2 is when the "plot" (esque? Maybe?) begins. Since his youth, Simon's stuborness gets him everything. When he desires to become a page, he simply walks into the castle. He quickly becomes a general with no rival but the King himself. He has won every battle...Until he meets the Lady Margaret. Determined to conquer her castle, Simon may have met his match in the stuborn, fiesty countess.Or at the very least, loose the heart no one thought he had. Spoilers Included In ReviewUmmmmm....enjoyable reading and I really liked a lot of the secondary characters, but Simon really was a bore. His half-brother Geoffrey, friend Alan, even King Henry are more likable and interesting. Geoffrey's romance had me in stiches of smiles. But Simon got boring after a while. And Margaret! Talk about a disapointment. Her castle never had a chance. Her character was so emotional, one minute burning in fury and the next collapsing in tears. I had hoped she would give Simon some difficulty! And their romance! Arrrgghhhh, I'm not opposed to "wooing with daggers", it can make some amusing scenes, but there really was little contest. Though at one point Simon gets a little "worried", there is no real strain on him. Margaret does not humble him, he humbles her. And that is what I disliked the most strongly about this book.Sexist comments about woman's weakness? Okay, I can take that.Dialouge peppered with "if I don't do such and such, may I be demned eternally"? I can take. Even slightly cliche groupings, (for example, that "powerful trio" of The Soldier, The Knight,and The Poet)But! How disapointed I am in Margaret. The main love interest! Simon is already a boor. I was hoping she would tame him. But does she? No, not really. He still gets everything he wants by stuborness. He sees and conquors. Margaret gives up with less fight than her castle! Though of course, through plenty of "agonizing". Though I enjoyed the plot well enough, Margaret/Simon annoyed me excessively. I liked the secondary characters and plot, that is what made this book for me. I believe one revewier said this was only for "dedicated fans of Heyer". I'd agree. Don't make this your first experience with her. It is not her best (though I would argue it beats some of her regency...just a few. Just saying)
OK. So, there’s this tough, cold-hearted illegitimate knight that rises through the ranks, becomes best friends a poet lady’s man and his courtly and courageous half-brother, but no woman can tame him. Then, he goes to war against the French Countess, Margot, a fiery Amazon that leads her men into battle and fails to submit. Will Simon bring her to submission, or will it be he that finds himself submitting?Think this sounds like a trash history romance? Think this is clichéd garbage?Oh, no. No, my friend.This is so much more. This is a “trash” fun tale of high romance, adventure, and chivalry in history for those of us who are so snobby that the poor writing and bad history of trash and even most contemporary writing makes it so painful and unbearable that we are not having any fun at all. Because this is actually well-written. Oh, so wonderfully, perfectly, refreshingly well-written! And well-researched. Excellent history that I just want to climb into. Sure, the old language takes a bit getting used to, and there’s some 1920s sexism that leaks through, but it is worth it for the powerful, refreshing, original characters. The characters are distinctly, wonderfully written. The period, characters, and action are beautifully drawn, and perfectly, masterfully so: pulling the reader in, but also to keep the action moving forward. There are no lengthy descriptions or overly done explanations; the writing is tight and forceful. The best part is the dialogue between the characters. The banter reminds me that of Jane Austen or Shakespeare. It was hilarious and brilliant, crisp and clever. Most of all, though, the book was fun. It was a time travel to high adventure and romance that was brilliantly done.Those of us called prudes for not liking trash, and snobs for needing proper writing free from modern sensibilities and language, and overdone tropes, apparently need to seek out the 1920s for “trash” beach reading.I’ve never read anything like this book, but I’ve been looking for it forever. I can’t wait to read everything that this author has penned. For all my friends that like high adventure, chivalry, history, romance, and good writing, you have found what you are looking for. Grade: A+
What do You think about Simon The Coldheart (2006)?
I like Simons humor but suspend your sense of reality for a bit. This is one book to pick up for the historical accuracy and to get a feel for the era. But be prepared to stretch you brain with thees and thous. I kept asking myself "How can he be so successful and respected at 18?" She suspposed to be cold hearted/unfeeling yet somehow he knows everybody's name, and enquires after the wife and kids and thus is beloved by all?? Simon is a larger than life "mythical" man. I like his character it grows on you, I like him in the way I like a fluffy fantasy novel. Enjoy it but know it's like a roller coaster at the amusement park. Fun and exciting but it is not real, so just relax and enjoy the ride. Cause it is kinda fun :-)
—Sara
I really admire Georgette Heyer's research and her incredible ability to give voice to her characters. This was actually the first Georgette Heyer novel placed in my hands. I have since started to read Arabella and more of her Regency type books...which I love completely! I did skim this book a lot, because it was filled with so much information, at times. I found that I would get lost in the Old English: dost, thee, thou, methinks, art thou. Which is true to the time period, but its just my preference that for me its difficult to take what is being said seriously. Especially, when a character cries, 'Methinks you look very fine" or "Stop, art thou tired!". Very well researched but not my favorite.
—Kelli
Before Rambo, there was Simon, the soldier's soldier, the self-made legend in his own time, hard and unyielding, except to little boys, who can twist him 'round their wee pinkies. He's got no time for love, he thinks, but of course he falls for the first woman who tries to stab him. As you might guess, this novel was not to my taste. Actually, I had the most problems with the leading lady, who mostly reminded me of a 40's era silver screen star: spit-fire one moment, swooning the next.I will admit that the dialogue between the supporting couple was mildly amusing.
—VMom
