"A wonderful historical fantasy"
Griffin Kirkwood was supposed to be this generation's
Pendragon but he turned his back on his magical heritage to
become a catholic priest. His twin brother Donovan was too
weak to pick up the mantle so the Pendragon skips a
generation. Griffin's daughter Deidre and Donovan's son
Hal journey to France with familiars to prevent the
massacres that are imminent. While working the spell, Hal
is captured by El Lobison and turned into a werewolf. Hal escapes and keeps his distance from the family for many
years while Deidre becomes a spy for Queen Elizabeth I.
Time after time Deidre helps prevent the plots of Mary,
Queen of Scots to oust Elizabeth. Mary eventually goes too
far and forces Elizabeth to act. Knowing that if Mary is
executed, Philip of Spain's armada will launch, Deidre begs
Elizabeth to stay her hand. When her efforts fail, Deidre
is willing to use powerful magic that may end up killing
her to keep England safe but Hal refuses to see the love of
his life die. The Merlin's Descendants series uses magic to explain
pivotal historical events that played a key role in the
history of Great Britain. Although never formally invested
with the title, Deidre is her generation's Pendragon
because she puts England's need above her own, willing to
give her life to see her country stay free. Hal is more of
a tragic heroic figure who doesn't succumb to his werewolf
nature and is a proper mate for Deidre even if they are
first cousins. Irene Radford's latest novel is a
magnificent fantasy epic using real historic events and
people to make the story line seems believable. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted March 16, 2003
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