LEAVES OR LARKS

As political turmoil roils medieval England, one girl’s ability to conjure magic may be the key to peace in DeLaurentis’ fantasy novel.

As Abrielle d’Alençon, the daughter of a knight, grows up in Chateau Montancien in Normandy, she slowly becomes aware of her supernatural abilities. One day, she changes the leaves of a tree into larks; the only witnesses are two boys—one of whom is her future husband, Jules. As she watches her family and friends become embroiled in the politics of the monarchy, she sees her mother, Lady Cherise, use her own magical premonitions to steer the present path to a better future for all. Also at Montancien is Earl Edouard de Montancien and his two sons, Curtis and Destin, who Lady Cherise predicts will end up in different roles than those that were chosen for them; Jules and Josette, his sister, are Curtis and Destin’s cousins. Vardon, the child of an abusive local weaver, takes a wayward path in life but later connects back to Abrielle and her friends. When King Richard dies and is succeeded by the mercurial and egotistical King John, the country and the lives of those around Abrielle are soon put in danger. The story, which starts in 1194 and leads up to the signing of the Magna Carta, delves into political intrigue of the era as well as painting a picture of the daily lives of people in medieval England and Normandy. The pace is steady and never falters, framing major historical events within engaging scenes. DeLaurentis also delivers wonderful imagery throughout, immersing readers in such settings as a Normandy chateau, English manors, and the city of Paris. Abrielle and Jules’ romance is appealing and wholesome, and it never sacrifices the characters’ complexity. DeLaurentis expertly give many characters their own distinct arcs, which all knit together into a compelling story.

A mix of fantasy and history that’s consistently intriguing and enjoyable.