This is the third in Nichols’ series telling the story of Maeve, an exiled Queen of Ireland and her family in a 13^th century Britain in which magic is real. Throne of Darkness follows Something Red, click here for review, and The Wicked, click here for review.

Maeve, known more commonly as Molly, travels Britain with her granddaughter Namain, her ward Hob, who is now Namain’s husband, and her lover Jack.  Molly’s troupe earns their living as itinerant entertainers while Molly makes allies for her eventual return to Ireland.

King John is planning action against his rebellious Lords with the help of evil shapeshifting mercenaries from North Africa and the Pope is working clandestinely against him. An agent of the Pope meets secretly with Molly, promising the church will aid her when she returns to Ireland and, more importantly, will not pursue Molly and her granddaughter as witches if she agrees to go destroy John’s unnatural allies. Molly reluctantly agrees to help, but who are they more in danger from, the Church or the King’s evil allies?

A glorious mix of magic, history and mythology Nichols has created a winning series. I cannot wait for the next entry. ~~ Stephanie L Bannon