Philippa Gregory's simple elegance easily time travels readers to worlds past. Her latest release, "Changeling" does not disappoint.
Book One of her new series Order of Darkness moves like a detective novel through medieval landscapes, sorting out realities beneath dark magic, werewolves and witchery.
Three main characters are as believable as a fairy tale:
- Luca Vero has been gifted with a Sherlock Holmes mind, analytical and even Monk-ish. Yet, beneath it all, he is a mystery to himself; he knows nothing of his parentage. Is he of noble lineage? Further revelation will tell. Meanwhile, despite vows of chastity, he finds himself attracted to a beautiful-- though troubled-- Lady Abbess.
- The once wealthy Lady Abbess, betrayed by those she loved and trusted most, is stuck inside an Abbey and seemingly sworn to chastity- a theme that also awaits further revelation. Swaddled inside an awkward habit, Isolde relies on her somewhat barbaric yet loyal companion Ishraq for safety and sanity. Are these two witches, as claimed?
- Every serious protagonist needs a comic sidekick. Luca has his Frieze, a supposed idiot who's insightful side comments to his horse-- or any other animal present-- inject humor at fortuitous moments. He is wiser than Luca thinks... Imagine a 17 year old Jimmy Fallon with heft.
The story reads like a chain of riddles, with unexpected solutions-- not too heavy, not too shallow; a good mix for entertaining, intellectual stimulation.
Some stories are meant to inspire readers; to educate and enlighten. This tale is simply an enjoyable read on a chilly winter's eve.
"Stormbringers"-- Order of Darkness Book Two-- will be released on June 4, 2013. Gregory plans four books for this series.
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