ISBN: 0-441-00983-2 Order from: Amazon.com
A pleasant Shakespearean fantasy, full of airy court intrigue and passion, but with a predictable plotline.
Reviewed by David on April 04, 2004
Genre: Fantasy (Elves)
Synopsis: Young Will Shakespeare has a difficult life: just married, with a wife and young child to support, he works for a pittance as a teacher. However, he is happily in love with his sweet Nan, and hopes for a bright future.
His life takes a turn when the fairy tales encroach on his wonderings. Cought between ancient superstitions and real enticements, Will and Nan's love and life are in mortal danger.
Full Review: A pleasant fantasy, filled with vivid images of powerful but strained fairy nobility, deadly intrigue and strong magic—magic that can overwhelm a mortal unless he has allies.
As Will and Nan struggle to recover their lives, the fairy court struggles with the questions of royal succession. In this deadly game mortal can play a part—but at a price.
The resolution of the plot is predictable, and many familiar elements from Shakespear's plays as well as fairy tales make their appearance. The result is literate, pleasant, but not particularly deep.
Overall: 5; Plot: 5; Characters: 5.5; Style: 5.5; World-building: 5; Originality: 6;
Copyright date 2001, Berkley Publishing Group (Ace), October 2002, Mass-market, 298 pages
ISBN: 0-441-00983-2 Order from: Amazon.com