I'm not usually drawn to this period in history, but the description was alluring and I found I couldn't resist it. So glad I picked this up, because it was an excellent story. Powell clearly did her research, and her descriptions were detailed enough that I could see myself there, whether in the thick of the gory battle or in the feasting tents. A bit more gory than I like in spots, but it was that realism that kept drawing me further in. I will absolutely find her other works after this gem, and hope there are many, and many more to come.

Filled with action, this is a great story for historical fiction fans. It is one that I did not want to put down. Rich in historical detail, it taught me much about the era.
Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

One again, I jumped into a series without reading the two preceeding volumes (The Fifth Knight, and The Blood of the Fifth Knight).

Anyone with a basic knowledge of the reign of Henry II and the family intrigues will be able to pick this up and move forward. It is really just the backstory of the main character, Sir Benedict Palmer, that may remain a little elusive.

In this installment, we find Prince John in Ireland (1185), dealing with the over-reaching power of the Anglo-Norman lords, as well as those rebellious Irish Chieftains, who refuse to submit to English control. Unbeknownst to John, Henry sends in his man, Palmer, on a clandestine mission to curb the power of Hugh de Lacy, Earl of Meath. Palmer's wife, Theodosia (illegitimate daughter of Henry II and in the guise of a Nun), spies from within the entourage of John - but Palmer's actions will ultimately put her in increasing danger.

This is well written, action packed and fairly true to the detailed documented campaigns of John in Ireland (the Dominus Hiberniae of Gerald of Wales). This period in Irish history is fraught with intrigue, rebellion, murder, revenge, and Powell makes the most of the facts at hand to weave a compelling narrative.