The King’s Witch
It’s hard these days to find a writer who doesn’t let you down. Who delivers, time and again, an exciting and original yarn, well conceived and even better told. Holland does this and more. In The King’s Witch, she once again, after more than 30 novels to her credit, hands over to readers a story true to its moment in history, beautifully crafted, peopled with convincing characters who capture our hearts and beg to live there long after the book closes.
Holland’s strong, spare writing highlights the historical details by dropping them seamlessly into her scenes. We feel we are there, in the time of Richard the Lionheart, along for the danger and adventure of the Third Crusade. Eleanor of Aquitaine has sent a young and mysterious healer, Edythe, to protect her son. Suspected at first of spying on the Crusaders, she will use her medical skills to save the young king. Edythe may not be a spy, but she does have secrets. And the revelation of one of them would be enough to cause her demise.
Lose yourself in this marvelous novel then pick up another of her titles … and another. Then hope that the mistress of history never stops weaving her magic. Highly recommended.
