A Remedy for Fate
A Remedy for Fate is a beautiful, feel-good, cosy fantasy novel set in Prague in 1769. The cover art alone is worthy of comment, a sumptuous and luxurious artistic rendering of some of the novel’s main images giving the potential reader a foretaste of what to expect.
The central protagonist is Thea, who lives in Prague’s secret Magic Quarter beneath the city, a place where witches, vampires, shape-shifters and gifted humans can live in peace away from prying, suspicious eyes. Although Empress Maria Theresa outlawed the burning of witches in 1768, the Quarter’s inhabitants remain apprehensive and prefer the seclusion of their private location – invisible to outsiders and protected by magic – where they can live in harmony. Thea lives here under a curse, bound as an apprentice to Stiltskin’s Apothecary (and its ill-tempered owner, Jasper) but having lost her heart and former memories. With her friends, she forges a rich, new life but is constantly wondering about her previous existence. Akin to Grimms’ Rumpelstiltskin, only correctly guessing her real name can release her.
The city of Prague is vividly recreated with many of its major attractions providing a setting for the story: Prague Bridge, the statue of St John of Nepomuk, the astronomical clock, Prague Castle with its Giants’ Gate and Spanish Hall. Thea is a likeable hero and I loved all the sensuous descriptions of food and clothes. In this novel, there is little that a cosy bed, a good romantic novel, a slice of spiced cake and a fluffy rabbit companion cannot cure – until the Quarter comes under threat from malevolent external forces and the stakes are raised.
This is a warm-hearted novel about love, family and friendship, as well as the need for acceptance of difference. For anyone who enjoys cosy historical fantasy, there is much here to recommend.
