Ahh, a new novel by Guy Gabriel Kay. It’s set in his Renaissance-flavored world of merchants and duchies and religious leaders all struggling to hold on to their territory or strike out against their neighbors and gain some more. The heart of this tale is the famous street poet Thierry Villar. He has a rapier sharp tongue and writes sublime poems that make him popular not only among the pub crawlers but courtiers too. Villar is roughly based on the famous French poet, Francois Villion. He is the thread of this story.

Kay is such a satisfying author, a master of his craft. His subtle touch with description and world-building carry the reader effortlessly along. Villar finds himself flung into a dynastic high level murder, one cold night. The king’s brother is brutally taken down in the street outside the tavern Francois finds himself in. The duke has gotten himself flung out because of terribly antisocial behavior (to put it mildly).  He’s attacked and dies on the cobbles. Because the current king has mental issues, who is on the throne next is a question of great importance and sword rattling becomes a loud chorus throughout the land.

Villar finds himself involved not only with the Queen of the fading king, but others trying to keep the kingdom from falling apart. He meets up with a woman poetess who’s quite involved with high society. Because of her status she is helpful in keeping the antagonists away and keeping Villar from finding himself on the end of a sharp sword.

In the midst of the escalating tensions a young woman rises out of the populace to lead an army to a decisive victory. She is modeled on Joan of Arc. Kay builds an unexpected and fascinating end for the brave soldier.

What I liked about this story more than anything is the deft handling of the characters and their blending into all allegiances forming and shattering. Kay, as always, brings a satisfying end to the weaving of his story ~~ Sue Martin

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