Behind the Throne
Written
By: M.J.
Dougherty
Reviewed
By: Harriet
Klausner
Genre:
Fantasy Adventure
Publisher:
Highbridge
Publisher's
Web Site: http://www.highbridgepress.com/
ISBN:
09687883202
Publishing
Date: April 2001
Publishing
Format: Trade Paperback
Price:
$19.95
Duke
Alvin Riall of Derlle is the top advisor to King Yantre Dar-Vian of Valdir.
Though very powerful and wealthy, the Duke is unhappy because His Highness is
weak and ineffective. Worse, King Yantre believes that his wife his sleeping
with Riall. Still, the Duke honors his pledge of loyalty even when he despises
himself for committing genocide under the royal command.
The
Queen's champion Baron Dev Terrik of Harvside uses his influence with the King
to persuade Yantre to send Riall on campaigns that will force the Duke to rebel
or feel even greater self-loathing. Both ways the kingdom will weaken and Terrik
will kill the monarch and assume control. His plan works as Riall is banished
and stripped of his titles.
However,
as outside forces loyal to Terrik threaten the kingdom, Riall amasses a counter
army, but is it to save the current monarchy or to place himself on the throne?
M.J.
Dougherty creates an exciting fantasy world where political and military power
struggle in a place where masks hide the treachery of so-called loyal
individuals. The characters are highly developed, complex, and realistic, which
turns Valdir into a place that seems like a small feudal European nation.
“Beyond The Throne” is an enthralling refreshing medieval historical fiction
fantasy.