Elisha Magus
Elisha, a barber-surgeon and powerful magus in an alternative 14th-century London, has killed the king and now finds himself at the center of court power politics—both Machiavellian and magical, but in every case potentially deadly.
This, the second volume of a trilogy, is a dark and complex book. It should please fantasy fans who love the feel of medieval England, in this case a place where magic, of the dark arts, alchemist’s variety, completely infuses life. Author E. C. Ambrose has created an alternative universe where London is palpably, absolutely medieval London—and yet not.
If you’re a historical fiction fan who loves stories set in the Middle Ages, be aware that you’ll need to divorce yourself from its actual history in order to enjoy this book. It threw me that there were different people in charge. (Who’s this Prince Alaric? Where were the Despensers? Edward III?) I had a hard time with all the magic and missed the Edwards, but absolutely admired Ambrose’s storytelling ability and how she conjured up a detailed, parallel world where magi and witches were powerful forces to be reckoned with. This is an intelligent book, written most especially for fantasy readers who crave action and magic.
