Trial by Treason

Duncan’s second Enchanter General standalone fantasy mystery (after Ironfoot) provides another complex conspiracy for Sage Durwin of Helmdon, a 12th-century Saxon magician, to unravel. In 1166, the skilled 22-year-old, who wears an iron boot on his deformed foot, is commissioned by King Henry II of England to accompany stuffy young Norman knight Sir Neil d’Airelle and his squire, Piers, to Lincoln Castle on a mission concerning high treason. In Lincoln, Durwin and spunky magical adept Eadig learn that castle Lord Richard de la Haye is incapacitated by a curse. Neil and Piers are taken prisoner by Richard’s sage, Quentin, and Lincoln’s four healers and sages have been replaced with traitorous Normans—allowing the conspirators to perform the five-person pentacle magic required to summon Satan. Durwin and Eadig must stop the summoning and prevent demon-possessed Neil and Piers from murdering the king. This brisk, breezy tale is diminished by occasional repetition and a too-convenient ending. Nevertheless, Durwin’s humor and confidence—and his love at first sight with the large and buxom Lorvise, a remarkably talented magician—are entertaining. Readers who enjoy a medieval setting and intricate descriptions of deciphering magical spells will be immersed in Duncan’s enchanted world. Agent: Richard Curtis, Richard Curtis Assoc. (Oct.)