Synopses & Reviews
Thirteenth-century Bohemia is a dangerous place for a girl, especially one as odd as Mouse, born with unnatural (perhaps supernatural) senses and an uncanny intellect. Is young Mouse a child of the church or a demon of questionable lineage? Even Mouse doesn't know for sure. When young King Ottakar shows up at the Abbey wounded by a traitor's arrow, Mouse breaks every church rule to save him. A nascent but powerful attraction sways Mouse to flaunt all propriety and travel with the handsome King to Prague as his personal healer. Caught in the undertow of court politics, Ottakar and Mouse work to uncover the threat against him and to unravel the mystery of her past as they try to find a way they can be together. But when Mouse's unusual gifts give rise to a violence and strength that surprise everyone--especially herself--she is forced to ask herself: Will she be prepared for the future that awaits her? A heart-thumping, highly original tale in the vein of Elizabeth Kostova's , heralds the arrival of a fresh new voice for historical fiction.
Review
"One of the best novels I've read in years. Wonderful writing, great characters, a fantastic story--everything a reader of historical fiction could want." Philip Freeman, author of Saint Brigid's Bones
Review
" is a fast-moving, seductive read. A fascinating mix of dark fantasy and rich historical detail, swirling around Mouse, a fiercely independent, brave young woman who struggles with a gift that is both a blessing and a curse." Linda Lafferty, author of The Bloodletter's Daughter
Review
"This entrancing and suspenseful story pulls you in as if you were reading a Grimm's fairy tale but with a strong, complex yet vulnerable woman at its core. is a historical novel with a fascinating look at 13th century Bohemia and a page-turner of eerie shivers and supernatural questions." Nancy Bilyeau, author of The Crown
Review
"A riveting, spell-binding tale that brings 13th century Europe vividly to life." S.D. Sykes, author of Plague Land
Review
"A thoroughly enjoyable read -- gripping and exciting with a wonderful and intriguing central character in the enigmatic Mouse and a sting-in-the-tail ending that is a genuine surprise. We will be hearing much more from Dana Chamblee Carpenter in the future." Diana Bretherick, author of City of Devils
Review
"A grand, thought-provoking adventure in sorrow, joy and magic, is a majestic historical novel. One of the most intriguing novels you'll read this year. Carpenter has crafted an unforgettable debut with an enchanting, compelling lead." J. T. Ellison, New York Times bestselling author of What Lies Behind
Review
"Like a rushing river,
Synopsis
Set against the historical reign of the Golden and Iron King, is the remarkable tale of a bold and unusual girl on a quest to uncover her past and define her destiny.
Synopsis
Thirteenth-century Bohemia is a dangerous place for a girl, especially one as odd as Mouse, born with unnatural senses and an uncanny intellect. Some call her a witch. Others call her an angel. Even Mouse doesn t know who or what she is. But she means to find out.
When young King Ottakar shows up at the Abbey wounded by a traitor's arrow, Mouse breaks church law to save him and then agrees to accompany him back to Prague as his personal healer. Caught in the undertow of court politics at the castle, Ottakar and Mouse find themselves drawn to each other as they work to uncover the threat against him and to unravel the mystery of her past. But when Mouse's unusual gifts give rise to a violence and strength that surprise everyone especially herself she is forced to ask herself: Will she be prepared for the future that awaits her?
A heart-thumping, highly original tale in the vein of Elizabeth Kostova's The Historian, Bohemian Gospel heralds the arrival of a fresh new voice for historical fiction.
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About the Author
Dana Chamblee Carpenter