Blurb
As if being commissioned to create a book to turn back the Apocalypse isn’t enough, intrigue and romance threaten to destroy everything he’s come to rely upon.
Medieval London, 997 AD. Galen and Alcuin finally arrive at the King’s Hall only to be plunged into the middle of a dangerous blood feud, a forbidden romance and a miracle that brings more questions than answers.
Surrounded once again by harsh men with full knowledge of the shocking event that led to his banishment, Galen has only one person he can depend on. But Alcuin is being pulled away by family duty and a new obsession. Is it time for Galen to stop relying upon others and solve his own problems?
Will Galen survive this dangerous new world and forge a safer future for himself and his friend?
The King’s Hall is the fourth book in the compelling Life of Galen historical fiction series. If you like stories about friendship overcoming the odds, mystery and intrigue at court and authentic depictions of the early Middle Ages, then you’ll love Marina Pacheco’s riveting novel.
My Review
In Book four of the series, we follow Galen and Alcuin to London, where they are commissioned to create a codex for the king, featuring a portrait of Aethelred on the frontispiece. Needless to say, it was a command performance, though Galen was terrified to find himself placed in the company of the most powerful men in the kingdom—and, worst of all, the enemies of his own house. During the first meeting before king and court, all his fears were dramatically realized, and poor Galen was in fear for his life. Fortunately for him, Alcuin was willing to defend him, even at his own risk:
‘What is the meaning of this?’ Maccus snarled. He held bunches of Alcuin’s black habit in both fists as he pulled him close. His voice was fierce in its fury. ‘How dare you form a friendship with an enemy of our house?’
‘He is a fellow monk and therefore a brother,’ Alcuin said, impressing Galen with his bravery, for he kept his voice low and calm.
‘He’s an enemy and I’ll kill him and have my revenge on the accursed house of Hugh!’
‘No!’ Alcuin pulled himself out of his father’s grip and stepped between him and Galen.
However, our fragile monk had more going for him than he realized: word had gotten around that he was a miracle-worker, though he, himself, was more than dubious. Strange things kept happening that had no other explanation, and their attempts to keep quiet about it were useless. As long as Galen and Alcuin worked on the king’s project, they were relatively safe, but afterwards, then what? Would Galen’s reported sanctity keep him from harm? Although Galen is way more wimpy and terrified than your average protagonist, I couldn’t help but “root” for him, and the book was an easy read.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kings-Hall-novel-about-friendship-ebook/dp/B094XXLT51
