Category: book Nook
Pride of Kings by Judith Tarr
Book Number:RC 57407
451 pages on 4 sound cassettes
Below is a very good review that I found. I've included the reviewers name
in order to give her credit. Also at the bottom of this is the home page
for Judith Tarr. I loved this book. It carried me away completely. I give
it a big 5 out of 5.
Happy reading,
Carla/TexasRed
This is a retelling of the King Richard, Prince John and Robin of the
Greenwood tale, taking actual people and events and underpinning it with
magic and fairy motivations. When Richard the Lionheart, shortsightedly
mortal and obsessed with the Crusade to conquer Jerusalem, refuses to accept
the fairy crown of Arthur, the mystical Guardians of Britain approach his
younger brother John. Having the lineage of an otherworldly countess in his
blood, John has ancient knowledge that he can call upon when confronted with
otherworldly challenges. Commanded to guide John to the spiritual center is
Arslan, a half mortal whose father was a baron of the County of Anjou and
mother was an ifritah (fire spirit). All the Guardians' skills and loyalties
are tested as Arslan finds the Door has been opened and the Wild Magic
pushing it wider, straining to be released. The true king of Britain must
close it again before the darker creatures are freed, and the Guardians must
both convince and protect John long enough to be able to bring his magical
heritage to bear. Even as they do battle with the wild and elusive spirits,
they must contend with a more physical threat--Philip of France has decided
that with King Richard absent on a failing Crusade, England is ripe for the
taking. Sacrifices are made, politics played, love both found and
unrequited, and throughout it all, the magical creatures vie for control of
the mortal ones to rule the heart and soul of Britain. The wording is as
elegant and graceful as a ballad, with a fine appreciation for the ancient
stories of the fairy folk, ley lines and Arthurian magic. The descriptions
of the mythical characters such as the Green Knight, Lady of the Lake, and
the Green Man are traditionally rendered yet done with a jeweled polish.
There is a feel of Tolkein in the casual magic and sense of established
history among the characters that provides satisfaction along with plenty of
strategy and romance. Some well-handled sexual situations. Perfect for
reading on a long winter's night.
Review by Liz LaValley, Mattapoisett, MA
http://www.sff.net/people/judith-tarr/library.html
Sounds interesting, I'll definitely check it out.
Bob
Yeah, have to pick it up.