"Spellbinding historical fantasy"
In 1047, William the Duke of Normandy tries to ignore the
magic that flows through his veins as he battles pretenders
and contenders who wish to replace him. The old magic
thrives in Normandy with beneficial spirits who want to
help mankind. Powerful sorceress Mathilda, daughter of the
Count of Flanders, is sent to the French King's court where
William has come after winning a decisive battle abetted by
King Henry. When William meets Mathilda, she lectures him on the use of
his magic so that he does not inadvertently hurt himself or
others. Fearing the magic that is the antithesis of
Christianity, William flees to his Normandy, but cannot
forget Mathilda. He proposes marriage and she accepts. They
may forge a dynasty across the Channel where the Church has
thrown out the magic, but William must first defeat King
Harold. The story of William's rise to power, consolidation of that
power, and his marriage to Mathilda are part of the history
books, but also cleverly interwoven into a spellbinding
historical fantasy that once again shows why Judith Tarr is
the mistress of the sub-genre. Her unique slant on the
events leading to 1066 makes for a fun and fascinating
read. The use of magic as a benign tool while the battles
provide a more mundane (though interesting) look at
William's claiming of the throne with church approval maks
for a fascinating juxtaposition. RITE OF CONQUEST is a
definite keeper. Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted September 12, 2004
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted January 25, 2007
|
