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John Dickinson
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Book
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Publisher | Kids at Random House | ||
ISBN | 0552548863 | ||
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Reviewer
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Jayne
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Synopsis
The tautest, most realistic medieval fantasy you could wish for - and a towering achievement for a first novel. Filled with immense characters, this thrilling novel of moral complexity and vision announces the arrival of a special new writing talent. Phaedra, the beautiful daughter of a baron, has been visited in dreams by an elusive knight for almost as long as she can remember. And when his presence becomes a reality, she is forced to choose him and a new life over her home and her father. But this sets off a chain of events that she could not have foreseen - a battle between good and evil which is in turn violent and psychologically compelling. This stunning novel grapples with the huge themes of life, and turns the reader's expectations upside down again and again, with one vertiginous plunge after another.' Detailed, glowing rich and unforgettable' Jan Mark, Guardian' An intelligent novel from a new author who promises much more' Ink' Has the claustrophobic feel of a political and moral thriller that constantly surprises your expectations' Books For Keeps
Review
This is the first fantasy book I have read. A triplet series the first one 'The Cup of the World' the second 'The Widow of the King' and the third 'The Fatal Child'
Okay this is a children's historical fantasy book but it is brilliant. I have found that I have been unable to put the book down. There is terrific detail within the text which is glowingly rich and really unforgettable. Not only that, the author seems to have put all his passion for politics and betrayal within this first book.
The characters show how they are fervant about their king and adament they do not enjoy the continuous battles over the separate parts of the kingdom. This story also carries the feel of a moral thriller and yet the content continually goes beyond the bounds of ones expectations.
The main characters are Ambrose, Warden of Trant Castle whose symbol is the Sun with an oak leaf, his daughter Phaedra with her husband Ambrose whom she wed in front of an unknown priest and her son Ambrose Umbriel.
These characters hold the plot together by magical means. Phaedra has put her trust in a man she has only known in dreams and refuses to wed others that had come to her door including the King's Son. Phaedra then escapes over the water because she is considered as a traitor and could be hung drawn and quartered if the King so desired.
I will say again this kind of historical fantasy is absolutely un-matchable by anything I have read before. John Dickinson has written a brilliant and enchanting first novel and the two books that make up the triplet I will read asap because if they are anyway nearly as enchanting as this one I will be hooked until I have finished them.
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