In the Shadow of the Sun King Book One in the Darkness to Light Series

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The setting is 17th-Century and Louis XIV, the Sun King, reigns over France. In an effort to unify his country under Catholicism, the minority Huguenots are suffering from persecutions, imprisonment and slaughter. Madeleine Clavell, a minor royal who has given up court intrigues for countryside family life, finds her family destroyed and scattered after the King uses religious pretenses to pursue a personal vendetta against Madeleine. In the Shadow of the Sun King is the first in a trilogy from author Golden Keyes Parsons, who is off to a very good start with this novel. Written by a Christian author and presented by a Christian publishing house, this historical fiction novel presents a fair and unbiased tale of religious persecution that should appeal to even a secular audience of readers. Parsons' characterization of the conflicting religious sects is particularly admirable. She criticizes neither sect, instead wisely observing that each, in it's own turn throughout history, has played the role of both victim and oppressor. Indeed, the author expertly paints individuals as just that - an individual is defined not by what religion they espouse, but by their own character and actions. Kindness, like destruction, is the human condition and can be found in the most unlikely of places. Louis XIV appearance in the novel is brief, but enlightening. Pressured by advisers and as petulant as only a person raised to be a king can be, the Sun King's misguided attempt to vanquish the new religion are, if not forgivable, possibly understandable in Parsons' expert hands. If you enjoy historical fiction set in this time period, In the Shadow of the Sun King is certainly a worthwhile read. Religious overtones abound but don't detract from the historical aspect of the story at all. For Christians and non-Christians alike there are thought-provoking religious and moral dilemmas presented which will keep you thinking about it long after you've finished the novel. I look forward to reading the next installment of this series.