Three brilliant women. An ancient curse. And one last chance to break the cycle.
I am such a fan of C J Cooke’s books but my absolute favourite of hers are when historical fiction blends with the modern day contemporary storylines, and this is right up there with the best. It is going to be incredibly hard to do this one justice in a review without spoilers, but here goes!
The story explores the idea of a bloodline cursed across generations of women, and seven hundred years. It takes the real history of Isabella of France, and weaves it into a fictional story-line that crosses with modern day women.
Told through various narrations and timelines, the underlying tension is un-matched throughout, this is a tense and dark read, and some of the factual events blending with fiction were shocking.
C J Cooke tells history how it is.. how it was… with sensitivity but no holds barred. I’m only sorry that the book ended.
About the Book
Three Women. Seven centuries. One unbreakable blood curse…
It began in fire…
Paris, 1307. When eleven-year-old Princess Isabella of France watches four men burn at the stake, a dying knight curses her bloodline: love will destroy everything she holds dear.
It was forged in madness…
Bedlam, 1865. Lois wakes in Bedlam Asylum with no memory of who she is – only a precious red stone and the growing certainty that something ancient is hunting her.
Can it end before blood is spilled?
Present day. Artist Emma Harris arrives at a crumbling French château for her wedding and the exhibition of her life. But the walls remember everything, and something has followed her here.
Seven centuries of destruction. One woman left to fight.
About The Author
C J Cooke (Carolyn Jess-Cooke) lives in Glasgow with her husband and four children. C J Cooke’s works have been published in 23 languages and have won many awards. She holds a PhD in Literature from the Queen’s University of Belfast and is currently Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing at the University of Glasgow, where she researches creative writing interventions for mental health. Two of her books are currently optioned for film.
Picture source: Seren Books
Purchase the Book
This book can be purchased in our store either on its own or in a cosy Book Box.
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