Dark Angels (edició 2006)

Before there ever was a Duke or Duchess of Tamworth, there was Alice Verney, daughter of Baron Verney and member of the court of Charles II. Knowing her from her later years, this is a fascinating look at who she started out being and why she became the person we knew as the Dowager Duchess of Tamworth.

This book also shares the same political intrigues and maneuverings as Koen's earlier novels. We meet historical characters; tragic Marie Henriette, the Duchess d' Orleans, aka Madame; the outrageous and obnoxious Barbara Villiers, Duchess of Cleveland, and her new rival for the affections of Charles II, Louise de Keroualle.

A major player, previously seen only in memories, walks onto the stage in the form of Richard Saylor, the future Duke of Tamworth. Previously known to us only as crones, his sisters Elizabeth and Louisa have been transformed into lovely young maidens. Their mother, Jerusalem Saylor, is introduced and has become my favorite new character in this novel. This wonderful woman seems to be a throwback to an earlier time, an old fashioned Celtic pagan in a world obsessed with which form of Christianity to embrace, a 17th century Boudicca treading carefully among the Catholics and Protestants. I could read more about her.

This book wraps up the early phase of the life of the Duchess of Tamworth; it would be wonderful to read a book or two that bridges the gap between this novel and Through A Glass Darkly. I can see either Alice or Richard (or Perryman or Jerusalem Saylor)giving Henri Ange his final comeuppance in a sequel. ( )

the reign of King Charles II and his wife, his lovers, and their courtiers, on 17th century England and France. Hopefully very based in history, it was a fascinating intrigue that kept me interested until near the end. Sometimes it would be interesting to see the behind-the-scenes machinations at work and be reminded how the role of women was so limited. I actually found the Queen to be the most interesting. She certainly was the only character that had some sense of self-awareness and realization. the main character's pride nearly made me leave the book completely. Still, very fascinating, for those interested in this era. ( )

ANAQUEL DEL CENTRO, GAVETA SUPERIOR.

I could NOT finish this one at this time and therefore cannot review or rate fairly. I am disappointed in myself. Even if a book is bad I have to finish it but this is just not going to happen with this book. Perhaps I shall come back to it. Ooops!! Dropped in the tub and now it's soaking wet and ruined.

This was a really good book. I had trouble putting it down. Read it in appx 3 days. I had never really read anything about Louis XIV's Court and this gave a good overview. Good characterization and good descriptions. I would recommend this to anyone. I have not read either of her other books but his has inspired me to do so. I'm not big on giving the story line in reviews. That can so easily spoil the book for someone else. It's a "Court life" book. ( )