"A must read for Sci-Fi and history lovers"
It is not generally known but on the day that Richard
the Lionhearted was crowned King of England, he turned down
another crown, which would have bound him to Great Britain
in the Old Way. Richard chose the mundane over the
mystical, leaving the island vulnerable to the evil spirits
on the other side of the veil. An innocent cleric is duped into opening the door to
let unholy evil into the world. Only the ruler of Great
Britain can close the door. Arslan, born of a Provence
lord and a fire spirit is sent to John Lackland in
England. John must put on the mantle his brother
rejected. Arslan is very persuasive as are the other
guardians and John proves his right to use the mystical
forces to protect the land. However, he must do it secretly
so Richard does not get wind of his plans and think he will
try to overthrow him. John, using all the magic at his
command, closes the door but the curse is not over yet.
Danger lies in the form of Prince Philip of France, the
mystical king of his land, who will willingly sacrifice the
living to further his ambitions. Judith Tarr has shown a John and Richard unlike those
found in Shakespeare or Robin Hood. Using actual
historical events, she weaves a different version of their
actions during a troubled time. PRIDE OF KINGS is an epic
fantasy work of alternate history that thoroughly enchants
the reader with a powerful drama, mystical and earthly
intrigue (both deadly), and vivid pageantry. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted July 30, 2001
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