"Fascinating fantasy"
In the mid-eighteenth century, Tyrrhia is a haven for all
races and religions including the Romani, who are vested in
magic and control the silk trade. Luciana, the Duchessa di
Drago, is a powerful mage who knows that her beloved sister
died at court before official word came. She learns that a
practitioner of the dark arts stole her sister's body and
Alessandra's spirit knows no peace because it is used in
evil spells. Luciana needs to find her sister's body and release her
spirit so it can pass on. To do so she must locate the
wizard who killed her sister and take her revenge on him.
When her husband, her one and only love, joins her at the
court those who want to replace the present king and queen
(Stefano's sister) drag them into regal intrigues, but the
plotters are the reason Alessandra was murdered. By
thwarting them, Luciana avenges her sister and makes sure
the Romani have a home. When Luciana tries to find her
sister's body on the palace grounds, she faces an enemy she
never expected to exist. The imaginary country of Tyrrhia is situated where Sicily
now exists only this kingdom is much larger and stronger
than Sicily ever was. The romance of the estranged Duc and
Duchessa is pivotal to the story line as the two star-
crossed lovers try to find their way back to each other.
The religious and racial tolerance that exists in Tyrrhia
is another reason for many to want a strong Roman Catholic
nation like France or Spain to annex the country.
Elizabeth Gilligan has created a fascinating realm that
readers will want to revisit in future novels. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted March 10, 2003
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