Veena’s review of Throne Of Darkness by Douglas Nicholas
Historical Fiction published by Atria/Emily Bestler Books 31 Mar 15
I enjoy this type of fiction because it adds a special richness and texture to a factual narration of events that occurred in an almost forgotten past. King John also holds a special fascination for fans of English history not only because of his association with Robin Hood and the sheriff of Nottingham but also because he is the original signatory of the Magna Carta, which was created to hold the king and nobles in check. So when the back cover of this book talked about the Magna Carta and King John’s use of dark magic and sorcery to gain the upper edge against the barons, I knew I just had to read it even more so since this year marks the 800th anniversary of that landmark event.
Exiled Queen Maeve of Ireland, along with her merry band of warriors: granddaughter Nemain, ward and Nemain’s husband Hob and lover Jack, roam the English countryside action as troubadours and gathering information. They are hired by the pope to help defeat John’s use of black magic and sorcery in exchange for favors from the church.
While the story opens with a bang, it evolves slowly leaving Maeve and her band ample time to scout their opposition and even pay a short visit to Hob’s childhood home along the way. Maeve has flashes of insight on how to complete her quest during their journey and finally employs her own brand of white magic to hold sway and win the day.
While this story is stand alone and can be read on its own, it is part of a series of stories featuring Maeve and her band, and there are references to characters from earlier books. If anything, the paranormal elements are definitely played down and are not as grisly and scary as I expected. I enjoyed the glimpses into the contrasts between the simple lives in the village where Hob grew up and the great castle of Chester where Maeve and her group had the chance to perform for the King and glimpses of his insane rages.
It took me a little longer than I expected to finish the book, but I am glad for the reading and recommend it to people who enjoy their history a little dark and mixed with fantastical elements.
Grade: B
Summary:
It’s 1215 in northwest England—the eve of the signing of the Magna Carta—and mystical Irish queen Maeve and her unlikely band of warriors must protect the region from a chilling fate. Word of a threat reaches the Northern barons: King John has plotted to import an African sorcerer and his sinister clan of blacksmiths, whose unearthly powers may spell destruction for the entire kingdom. Along with her lover, Jack, her gifted niece, Nemain, and Nemain’s newlywed husband, Hob (whose hidden talents will soon be revealed), Maeve must overcome a supernatural threat unlike any she’s seen before.
Other books in this series
