From the back cover:
"A mirror foretold her execution - yet the sorceress Margaret would deny such a fate . . . would even sacrifice her daughter Elinor to shatter the mirror's prophecy. A witch, however, cannot spill the blood of her offspring and long remain of this world. And so, Margaret must somehow bring about her daughter's demise without death coming directly from her own hand.
"The fair Elinor knows not why she loses home, husband and child. And though plague and starvation replace love and beauty as her constant companions, she remains unbowed. For Elinor gradually comes to recognize the powerful spells that surround her - and vows bloody vengeance on their creator."
"A mirror foretold her execution - yet the sorceress Margaret would deny such a fate . . . would even sacrifice her daughter Elinor to shatter the mirror's prophecy. A witch, however, cannot spill the blood of her offspring and long remain of this world. And so, Margaret must somehow bring about her daughter's demise without death coming directly from her own hand.
"The fair Elinor knows not why she loses home, husband and child. And though plague and starvation replace love and beauty as her constant companions, she remains unbowed. For Elinor gradually comes to recognize the powerful spells that surround her - and vows bloody vengeance on their creator."
A wonderful fable set in a country that's a lot like medieval England. There is a lady in distress - who isn't all she appears to be. There is a dashing young king - doubting his sexual preferences. There is an enchantress - more beautiful than good. It's a tale about love and responsibility, kinship and revenge. Eminently readable, lyrical, poignant...
