The King's Daughter

In Dickason's (The Memory Palace) epic story of royal secrets and love, the court of James I is a tumultuous place, with warring factions and a mercurial ruler creating a heady climate for the king's eldest children, Henry and Elizabeth. Henry is the golden heir, wildly popular with the people and painfully noble. And while Elizabeth is groomed for her role as a marriageable pawn fit only to secure English interests abroad, she is also a willful girl out to secure her own destiny and have a say in her choice of mate. The story comes alive when Elizabeth recruits Thalia, a freed slave, to gather intelligence from the king about her pending nuptials, finding herself embroiled in a dangerous game; unfortunately this most compelling thread is quickly dropped. When Henry dies, however, Elizabeth's marriage becomes of even greater concern to England. With a delightful touch, Dickason immerses readers into a difficult period of English history. Her Elizabeth is a powerful, compelling character, equal parts vulnerability and nobility, and other characters are drawn with respect. Fans of historical novels will enjoy her newest and eagerly await the next. (Nov.)