Leaves or Larks
Majik would be a useful skill, if only Abrielle knew how to wield it.
A Tale of Medieval Life and Events Leading to the Magna Carta
When standing still is untenable, does she walk away or fly into the fray?
Abrielle wasn’t sure how she transformed the leaves of a tree into larks when she was eight, living at a Norman château in 1198. She doesn’t really know how majik works. But in her twenties, at a pivotal impasse between factions, she’s desperately trying to understand her abilities. The lives of her family and friends—barons, merchants, clergy, and peasants—would improve if liberties were secured in the laws of England. The risks they take to write the charter and procure King John’s seal in 1215 doesn’t ensure his compliance.
Abrielle doesn’t need to act alone if her premonitions could change the course of fate. She must find the courage and audacity to direct the energy of transformation, then trust the participants to fly with it.
Leaves or Larks is a tale of medieval life with characters who recognize the stakes of forcing a ruthless king to capitulate to their demands. Descendants of Norman families who know the land allocated by one King of England could be taken by another. Knights embroiled in royal service, placating to secure their legacy. An earl’s son disguised as a monk to learn the clergy’s intentions. A merchant’s clandestine ventures, appealing to wealthy barons to pursue objectives beyond their selfish agenda. A troupe of wayward youth engaged in spying, hoping a better future secures a roof over their heads. A bandit who becomes a fashion connoisseur. What else is he supposed to do with trunks of clothes he’s “acquired?” A young woman who learns just enough majik to concoct a scheme, uplifting the accord that came to be known as the Magna Carta.
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Review
As political turmoil roils medieval England, one girl’s ability to conjure magic may be the key to peace in DeLaurentis’ fantasy novel.
As Abrielle d’Alençon, the daughter of a knight, grows up in Chateau Montancien in Normandy, she slowly becomes aware of her supernatural abilities. One day, she changes the leaves of a tree into larks; the only witnesses are two boys— one of whom is her future husband, Jules. As she watches her family and friends become embroiled in the politics of the monarchy, she sees her mother, Lady Cherise, use her own magical premonitions to steer the present path to a better future for all. Also at Montancien is Earl Edouard de Montancien and his two sons, Curtis and Destin, who Lady Cherise predicts will end up in different roles than those that were chosen for them; Jules and Josette, his sister, are Curtis and Destin’s cousins. Vardon, the child of an abusive local weaver, takes a wayward path in life but later connects back to Abrielle and her friends. When King Richard dies and is succeeded by the mercurial and egotistical King John, the country and the lives of those around Abrielle are soon put in danger. The story, which starts in 1194 and leads up to the signing of the Magna Carta, delves into political intrigue of the era as well as painting a picture of the daily lives of people in medieval England and Normandy. The pace is steady and never falters, framing major historical events within engaging scenes.
DeLaurentis also delivers wonderful imagery throughout, immersing readers in such settings as a Normandy chateau, English manors, and the city of Paris. Abrielle and Jules’ romance is appealing and wholesome, and it never sacrifices the characters’ complexity. DeLaurentis expertly gives many characters their own distinct arcs, which all knit together into a compelling story.
A mix of fantasy and history that’s consistently intriguing and enjoyable. — Kirkus Reviews