Rite of Conquest

By Judith Tarr

Book Overview

National bestselling author Judith Tarr's House of War was hailed as a beautifully researched, masterfully written fantasy (Booklist). Now she tells the tale of a land in turmoil and an epic battle that spans worlds and ages, magical forces and earthbound armies that will be drawn together by the young William as he fights to achieve his destiny--to reign as King of England.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0451460022
• ISBN13: 9780451460028
• Release Date: October 2004
• Publisher: Roc
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 0.5" x 6.3"

Customer Reviews

spellbinding historical fantasy

Rite of Conquest Judith Tarr Roc, Oct 2004, $16.00, 384 pp. ISBN: 0451460022 In 1047, William the Duke of Normandy tries to ignore the magic that flows through his veins as he battles pretenders and contenders who wish to replace him. The old magic thrives in Normandy with beneficial spirits who want to help mankind. Powerful sorceress Mathilda, daughter of the Count of Flanders, is sent to the French King's court where William has come after winning a decisive battle abetted by King Henry. When William meets Mathilda, she lectures him on the use of his magic so that he does not inadvertently hurt himself or others. Fearing the magic that is the antithesis of Christianity, William flees to his Normandy, but cannot forget Mathilda. He proposes marriage and she accepts. They may forge a dynasty across the Channel where the Church has thrown out the magic, but William must first defeat King Harold. The story of William's rise to power, consolidation of that power, and his marriage to Mathilda are part of the history books, but also cleverly interwoven into a spellbinding historical fantasy that once again shows why Judith Tarr is the mistress of the sub-genre. Her unique slant on the events leading to 1066 makes for a fun and fascinating read. The use of magic as a benign tool while the battles provide a more mundane (though interesting) look at William's claiming of the throne with church approval maks for a fascinating juxtaposition. RITE OF CONQUEST is a definite keeper. Harriet Klausner