Adalindis

A Tale of Generosity

Romance - Historical
130 Pages
Reviewed on 06/18/2020
Buy on Amazon

Author Biography

Isabella Berdyna Zysk is a self-published author who enjoys a story in which good guys win in the end even if there's a struggle along the way which all don't survive. She's a storyteller at heart and keeps the narrative suitable for both adult and young adult readers. She loves a medieval-like setting in fantasy worlds where knightly chivalry and noble valor are the goal but with access to better hygiene.

Isabella Berdyna Zysk was born in Michigan, raised in southern California and central Virginia, worked and lived in several states and foreign countries, and now resides in Florida where she enjoys her retirement years.

Her interests include the writings of Aleksandra Layland, Ronnda Eileen Henry, Jane Austen and Shakespeare, history, horses, dogs, trees, sustainable farming, and a variety of arts and crafts.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite

Set in the medieval era, Adalindis: A Tale of Generosity by Isabella Berdyna Zysk is a romance novella that follows a noblewoman’s thrilling adventures. When Kenric finds Lindy reading in the dark palace library away from the ballroom where she is supposed to be, he is convinced she is there for a tryst. However, the more he learns about her, the more he is fascinated by Lindy. Though Kenric is a fierce, courageous fighter who has risen through the ranks to become a knight commander, he is of common birth with little to offer a countess. Still, Lindy sees more in him than he can see in himself. Through their adventures together, they learn more about each other and their inspiring qualities.

Isabella Berdyna Zysk beautifully animates the characters and settings in the story. The main characters are original and intriguing: Lindy rides a war horse and wears a dagger and sword, which is uncharacteristic of a lady from her era. There are many humorous bits in the story that enliven the scenes. I especially enjoyed Lindy and Kenric’s amusing dialogue. The work includes many descriptive details about the historical period in which the story is set which bring it to life. I found its exploration of generosity as an essential leadership virtue useful and timely. The plot also contains fascinating twists and captivating action scenes. Adalindis: A Tale of Generosity by Isabella Berdyna Zysk is a lovely, witty short story told through likable characters. Fans of fantasy stories will love its striking scenes and setting.

Risah Salazar

In a medieval world where women are only expected to be pretty, get married, and give birth to heirs to the throne, Adalindis begs to differ. Thanks to her supportive and loving father, Lord Morris, she grew up to be a fighter in every sense of the word. She knows how to wield her weapons and always goes the extra mile to help others in need. Upon meeting Captain Kenric, however, her name is unintentionally tainted. With all the grit Adalindis possesses, the captain is easily fooled into thinking that she is not worthy to be called a noblewoman. But fate brings them together and this ugly misunderstanding blossoms into something beautiful.

Isabella Berdyna Zysk's Adalindis: A Tale of Generosity is a touching feminist romance. The majority is told in alternating points of view between Kenric and Lindy in the first person; then there are parts that are told in the third person. Since there are clear page breaks, these shifts are not that bothersome. With the engaging imagery, the world-building is done well and the language and tone set the mood right. Given that this is a novella, readers already know that it will be short but the story's pacing does the trick. It doesn't feel like it's a fast read because the plot carefully unfolds scene after scene. This story has the power to elicit intrigue in a few pages. Aside from several changes in scenarios that are a little confusing, this book is magnificent. This sweet and slow-burn medieval romance is not perfect but it is substantial enough to inspire.

Diana Lopez

Adalindis is known to those who are close to her as Lindy. She is a young woman with great courage and a spirit of commitment. Although she belongs to the nobility, she can fend for herself and is self-sufficient, but that does not mean she neglects her responsibilities or her family. On the other hand, Kenric is a loyal guardian of high principles. Because of the circumstances and some adverse comments he heard, he questioned Lindy's behavior and at first was not sure what to think of her. The truth emerges and although they come from two different worlds, they soon discover that they have much in common. Adalindis: A Tale of Generosity by Isabella Berdyna Zysk combines romance, conflict, and action perfectly.

Adalindis has characters with strongly defined personalities. I liked Lindy because she is energetic, compassionate, and cares about helping others. She even ignores how others might view her. She is a character that conveys her kindly temperament to the reader. In addition, Isabella Berdyna Zysk knows how to hold the reader's interest throughout. She has a narrative style that is easy to follow and manages diverse scenarios and all types of conflicts effectively. The transition between romance and action maintains a consistent and natural flow. I was surprised and pleased to see that so many adventures were recounted in such a short book. It is a perfect read for young adults who want to enjoy a romantic story.

Essien Asian

In Adalindis by Isabella Berdyna Zysk, it is that time of the year again in the kingdom of Adri, where lords and ladies seek out suitable lifelong partners for their wards, thereby securing their futures and those of their respective houses. It is during this melee that a chance meeting in a dark library between a knight and a lady marks the beginning of a sequence of interesting events. Kenric is only interested in protecting his king so he sees the beautiful lady Adalindis as nothing more than a distraction that will not lead to anything good for him if he decides to feed it with attention. What the good knight does not know is that fate has its way even with the most obstinate of individuals.

Adalindis: A Tale of Generosity by Isabella Berdyna Zysk is not your classic tale of romance; it focuses more on the actions of the heroes than the chemistry between the primary individuals and in so doing creates a novel with a unique twist. The characters in the story have simple yet believable backstories which built up the stark difference in their origins in a way that lets me understand the friction between them much better. The storyline feels somewhat predictable but the exciting subplots make up for that admirably. Adalindis is a beautiful story with a nice storyline making for some rather interesting reading. It is guaranteed to pique the interest of avid romance genre readers. I enjoyed reading the story and I must commend Isabella Berdyna Zysk on her work.

Pikasho Deka

Adalindis: A Tale of Generosity by Isabella Berdyna Zysk is a romance adventure novella set in the fictional medieval Kingdom of Adri. Born to the Duke of Ogledd Lord Morris, Adalindis (Lindy) gives up her inheritance in favor of her little sister, Eileen. Moved by her generosity, her godmother Queen Heledd grants Lindy the title of Countess of Duddon. After entering her first season in the palace, Lindy is reading in the library when she meets Kenric, captain of the guards, who is quite taken aback by Lindy's blunt nature and outspoken personality. However, as the days go by, Lindy and Kenric begin to enjoy each other's company, and when Lord Morris offers to make Kenric the castellan of Duddon, he readily accepts. But on the way to Duddon, Lindy and Kenric are attacked by Taskaran raiders, and they realize their feelings for each other.

For readers who love romance adventure stories, Adalindis is an absolute treat to read. Isabella Berdyna Zysk tells a heartwarming tale that follows a tenacious young noblewoman who feels more comfortable wielding daggers against raiders than entering her first season in the palace. The two main protagonists, Adalindis and Captain Kenric have contrasting personalities. While Adalindis trained from an early age in martial warfare, growing up in Ogledd, which was prone to raids by Taskarans, Kenric initially felt it was unmaidenly for a woman to behave as she did. It is Lindy's generosity that wins over Kenric, and Kenric's bravery that draws her toward him. If you like romance adventure tales, don't miss out on this one.