The Shadow of Albion

ISBN: 0-312-86427-2 Order from: Amazon.com

A hybrid novel combining a regency romance, continental derring-do, and a modicum of magic, this book suffers from lack of consistency and predictable characters.

Reviewed by David on April 04, 1999

Genre: Fantasy (Alternate Reality, Multiple Worlds, Historical, Regency, Romance)

Synopsis: In 1805, Sarah Cunningham, an impoverished American woman, is magically transported into an alternate England. Here, magic still works, albeit clandestinely. Sarah is needed to play the role of her doppelganger, Lady Roxbury, in the deadly games surrounding the Court, the war with Napoleon, and the defense of the disappearing fairy realms.

Full Review: In the parallel world, the Stuarts have held on to power in England, the Americas are still crown colonies in 1805, and the Imperial ambitions of France are assisted by sorcery. To counter this, England is also protected by several secret groups, utilizing such disreputable but occasionally necessary methods as espionage and witchcraft.

Sarah is forced into cooperation with the seemingly supercilious young Duke of Wessex, who was Roxbury's betrothed since childhood.

The plot veers between a pretty standard, Heyer-type romance, and the The Scarlet Pimpernel. There are a number of in-jokes, from letters to Dear Abby written by an English prisoner of war, to the Pimpernel-analogue calling himself Citizen Orczy.

The magic seems rather incidental, with a few instances designed more as plot devices than part of the fabric of the story. The alternate history, while interesting in concept, lacks both the excitement of the Napoleanic War novels, and the elegance, sensitivity and humor of the best Regency Romances.

The characters appear unconvincing as well. The Duke is heroically vacillating, along with his trusty valet. Sarah, the main character, spends her time between a helpless victim of the high society, and a resourceful, plucky rifle-wielding fighter. The romantic involvement is barely sketched, following most of the conventions, but containing little warmth.

In short, this is not a particularly satisfying effort at combining the genres.

Overall: 4.5; Plot: 4.5; Characters: 4.5; Style: 5; World-building: 4.5; Originality: 6;

ISBN: 0-312-86427-2 Order from: Amazon.com