Meg Lytton, a young witch in service to Princess Elizabeth, has not only her mistress to worry about, but the additional threats of the Spanish Inquisition and her old enemy Marcus Dent.
When the fanatical Queen Mary calls Elizabeth back to court, the danger increases as Mary's false pregnancy goes on and on. When the ruse is finally ended, and it is obvious that there will be no birth, Elizabeth is once again removed from court.
The power of the Inquisition has grown along with Mary's persecution of Protestants. Suspecting Elizabeth as a secret Protestant, the Jesuits hope to expose her, guilty or not.
This is a fine YA novel with lots of historical detail. Meg is secretly betrothed to Alejandro de Castillo, who tries to protect both Meg and the outcast Princess Elizabeth, but whose efforts to protect them puts him in danger, as well.
John Dee, that fascinating polymath who studied both science and magic, makes an appearance along with his young apprentice. Dee has always fascinated me, both in history and in fiction, and provides additional interest to the novel.
Another entertaining adventure that manages to combine fact and fiction in an engaging way.
NetGalley/Harlequin Teen
Historical/YA. March 2014. Print version: 336 pages.
Oh, sounds good!!
ReplyDeleteKelly - I've enjoyed both book in this series, and they read pretty quickly, instead of falling into that "may or may not finish" category.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you enjoyed this one as well as the first, Jenclair! I will have to give this series a try.
ReplyDeleteWendy - It is always a relief when a sequel keeps my interest!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds really good! I would of course have to read the first in the series, first!
ReplyDeleteIliana- this is definitely one that needs to be read in order.
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