rachelruetz

I'm giving this 3 stars because though I thought the overall scope of the novel was well-handled, I thought some of the individual story lines and conversations seemed a bit stilted, awkward, and overly simplistic. I did like the inclusion of the legend of Melusina, and the various descriptions of tarot cards and white witchcraft that were used around this time alongside Christianity.
I also did like the inclusion of Jacquetta's relationship with Joan of Arc but it was a bit jarring to read about Joan's horrific death so early in the book; I'll admit it got me off to a bad start.
Overall though, it was a sweeping story that, with Gregory's usual finesse, helps history come alive.