There's a group of women on Faire Isle, known as the
Daughters of the Earth, who govern themselves and are
deemed equal to men. But as time passes, this balance of
power is shifting, men coming to dominate in warlike ways.
Most of the Daughters of the Earth have sorrowfully
accepted these changes and given up their power. Some have
become embittered and are taking vengeance by learning the
darker arts. They're no longer revered as wise women and
are now known as witches. When we first meet Catherine de
Medici, the Dark Queen, she's rid herself of one of her
many rivals and has set her sights on the next.
Ariane is the Lady of Faire Isle and the eldest Cheney
sister. She's revered for her wisdom and knowledge and
skills in the art of healing and white magic. Ariane
inherited her title from her beloved mother, who met with
an untimely death. Ariane has some very large shoes to fill
and will do anything to keep her sisters, as well as all
the women on Faire Isle, safe.
One day a stranger arrives, close to death and possessing
incriminating evidence against Catherine de Medici, the
Dark Queen. Ariane must seek the help of Justice Deauville,
Compte de Renard, a nobleman who harbors secrets as deep as
her own. Justice knows that his and Ariane's lives are
entwined. Justice is told he will come upon a woman with
quiet eyes, who will lead him safely back to the life he so
richly deserves. She is his destiny.
Their time has arrived. Even though Ariane battles the
attraction, it is stronger than she can fight. Justice
gives her a magic ring - a ring matching his own. They
strike a bargain. Ariane must keep the ring with her
always, and when she needs his help, all she need do is
slip it on her finger and he will come to her. But there's
a cost. If Ariane uses the ring three times, she must wed
him.
THE DARK QUEEN is a compelling first novel in a sweeping
new series. Keeping true to her spellbinding historicals,
Ms. Carroll has spun a tale of mystery and intrigue, wonder
and magic. In every breathtaking word, Ms. Carroll conjures
up the deepest power of love and takes us to places where
anything is possible. You just have to believe. This book
is magnificent, and I can't wait for the next chapter, THE
COURTESAN, coming in August.
From Brittany’s misty shores to the decadent splendor of
Paris’s royal court, one woman must fulfill her destiny–
while facing the treacherous designs of Catherine de
Medici, the dark queen.
She is Ariane, the Lady of Faire Isle, one of the Cheney
sisters, renowned for their mystical skills and for keeping
the isle secure and prosperous. But this is a time when
women of ability are deemed sorceresses, when Renaissance
France is torn by ruthless political intrigues, and all are
held in thrall to the sinister ambitions of Queen Catherine
de Medici. Then a wounded stranger arrives on Faire Isle,
bearing a secret the Dark Queen will do everything in her
power to possess. The only person Ariane can turn to is the
comte de Renard, a nobleman with fiery determination and a
past as mysterious as his own unusual gifts.
Riveting, vibrant, and breathtaking, The Dark Queen follows
Ariane and Renard as they risk everything to prevent the
fulfillment of a dreadful prophecy–even if they must tempt
fate and their own passions.
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