Dave Duncan, you have a new fan! My husband introduced me to this prolific Canadian science fiction/fantasy author when he brought home Trial By Treason (#836) from the library. It's Book Two of his Enchanter General series, set in the England of Henry II and his queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine.
Durwin of Helmdom is a recently qualified sage, and is summoned along with his helper, Adept Eadig son of Edwin by the king to accompany one of his knights, Sir Neil d'Airelle, to Lincoln Castle. The king has received an alarming letter from Sir Courtney there, hinting at dangerous plots against him. The letter also hinted at enchantments and magic being involved, thus Durwin's summons.
All is definitely not well in Lincoln. Black magic is being invoked to assassinate Henry. When Sir Neil and his brother Piers fall victim to the evil enchanters, it is up to Durwin and Eadig to find a way to foil the dastardly plot.
Humor, derring-do and a little romance all add to the brew of bubbling magic and spells in a fascinating cross of sacred and secular in this well-plotted mystery. I can't wait to go back and read the first book in this series, Ironfoot, to find out how Durwin first met King Henry. I will definitely have to keep my eye out on the Fantastic Fiction website ( Fantastic Fiction) to watch for future additions to this series, and to follow some of his other series as well. The marriage of well-researched historical fiction, mystery and magic is irresistible!
No comments:
Post a Comment