EM Castellan

I first talked about this book when I wrote up my France is for Romance post (http://www.loveinpanels.com/prose/france-is-for-romance). I'm happy to say that it was everything I wanted it to be. I live for the trashy people at the Sun King's court at Versailles and the addition of magic and an HEA was perfection. I'm also happy to say that Philippe's sexual and gender orientation was handled well. There's some jealousy but it's not about Philippe's relationships with men, but his relationships with... everyone. Louis is as selfish as you might expect, the setting is immersive and the villain dastardly.

Content Warnings: murder, misuse of magic (siphoning from magic users), cheating, childbirth (secondary character)

Suzanne purchased this audiobook.… (more)

Start with a very interesting point in history, mix in magic, intrigue, many real players of that time, simmer and stir carefully. What results is a most interesting story, one that takes readers back to 1661 and drops them into palace intrigue they will enter the lives and inner thoughts of English princess Henriette, Louis, the King of France, Henriette's betrothed, Louis younger brother Phillippe, ladies in waiting, and more, before dragging them through murder, magic and suspense. When they're done, they'll have been on a remarkable ride, bonded with a character or two and have a greater understanding/appreciation for that time in history. It's a very good choice for both school and public libraries.… (more)