Marie, Brennan. Onyx Court. #bk. 1

Read by Gabrielle De Cuir and Stefan Rudnicki

ABOVE The year is 1590. The City of London flourishes, the most brilliant jewel in the crown of Elizabeth I, Gloriana, the Virgin Queen. BELOW The Onyx Court is London's faerie shadow. Ruled by Invidiana, its heartless queen, it reflects and distorts the glory of the mortal court. BETWEEN Years ago, Elizabeth forged a pact with her faerie counterpart to secure both of their thrones. Now that alliance is in danger. Michael Deven, a rising star in Elizabeth's court, seeks the "hidden player" who has influenced mortal politics for so long. Lady Lune, a faerie out of favor, must infiltrate the mortal world to protect her vicious queen. Together this pair will uncover the secret of Invidiana's power-a secret that has the potential to shatter both realms. "Stunningly conceived and exquisitely achieved…History and fantasy blend seamlessly…[and] Brennan's myriad fantastical creations ring as true as her ear for Elizabethan and faerie dialogue. With intriguing flashbacks to historical events and a cast of deftly drawn characters both real and imagined, Brennan fleshes out the primal conflict of love and honor pitted against raging ambition and lust for power in a glittering age." "The plot is an archetypical romance, but it works. This novel should please fantasy, folklore, and romance fans alike."

Mode of access: World Wide Web