Just couldn't get into this book. Not sure if it was the setting or writing or what, but I gave up.

Brilliant book that kept me intrigued from start to finish.

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.

This is probably my least favorite of BTB's books. I don't know if it was the fact it mirrored War of the Roses or if it was the fact it came to a conclusion too fast, then faltered. The 3rd part of the book contained a weak, volatile marriage which dwindled into nothingness, and a plot which was foiled before gaining strength. I rather lost respect for Edward after reading a chapter or two into the 3rd part; his character stagnated. I'll probably reread this one in 10 years or so.

I liked the Harte saga so I thought I’d enjoy this one, but I didn’t. It’s flimsy, boring. Characters are underdeveloped. I get it- the guy is handsome, but what else is he besides horny? I looked forward to the end.
Can’t really recommend to anyone. I only gave it two stars because I liked the inclusion of history.

Ugh. The only reason this is a 2 is because I actually finished it, reserving 1s for those I bail early on. Everyone is beautiful and smart. Too many cliches. No depth behind the storyline and an abrupt ending. I appreciate trying to modernize a piece of history but just not good.

A random pick-up at the library. We shall see.
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I actually really liked this book. Although I have to say that I love reading about turn of the century England. I am looking forward to picking up the next book in the series from the library soon.

This book was an enjoyable read. I have to be honest that it didn't grip me as much as the Emma Harte series but nonetheless was a good plot and definately a series where I could read the coming two books

I thought this book was pretty good...I kept hearing people compare it to Woman of Substance and I just didn't think it was up to par with that. The plot is good and well-developed...in classic Bradford stye there are unexpected twists and connections. The characters are ok, but I don't like Edward as much as I'd like to since he's the "hero" of the family. And some of the dialog could use a revision.

I only finished it because I never leave a book unread that I have purchased. The characters in this book have the depth of a mud puddle. Ugh!!!! I love period pieces, but not this one. Edward is a character in the worst sense!

Om a bitter cold day in 1904, the Deravenel family's future changes forever. When Cecily
Deravenel tells her eighteen-old son, Edward of the death of his father, brother, uncle and cousin in a fire, a part of him dies as well. Edward and his cousin Neville Watkins are suspicious of their deaths. They vow to seek the truth, avenge the wrongdoings, and retake control of their family's business empire.
As he grows into a handsome, charismatic man, Edward is torn between duty and desire. There are women in his life for whom he'll risk everything-and one woman who might destroy him. But madness and secrecy lie at the heart of the family, and Edward's enemies are far more ruthless than he knows. He will need his strength more than ever when the house of Deravenel is fully rocked by betrayal from within. Who will become the ultimate ruler of the Deravenels? Power and money, passion and adultery, ambition and treachery all illuminate a dramatic epic saga that brings to life the glittering Edwardian Era.

God almighty, what did I get myself into reading this crappy book? Now I have comitted myself to finishing the series I can only hope it does not drag on like a bad soap opera for the final two instalments.

The book itself is long winded, overly written dribble that takes way too damn long to arrive at a point. Had the writer or editor shorted it by twenty or so chapters this would have been a fine read. Instead, they let it drag on..... and on.... and wait, even more ON, until it final ends. Only to conclude in the sadest fashioned any book can, WITH NO DAMN CONCLUSION!


Geez, the next book better not suck or I am no longer listening to goodreads on suggestions for future books.