Destiny's godchild: A novel of intrigue and enchantment in Frankish Gaul [Paperback]

Diana M Johnson (Author), Diana M. Johnson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This one is really good. Pepin was a real person; the author can trace her family history back to him. The writing is very well done and shows a lot of research. Well worth the reader's time." --Paul Lappen, "Dead Trees Review"

From the Author

My family tree is drawn like a real tree with the great medieval king, Charlemagne, in the trunk, his earliest ancestors below ground in the roots, and my name and birth date 4 feet up, on the topmost branch. "Destiny's Godchild" is my explanation of why the Carolingians would even think to try to take the crown of the Franks from the royal Merovingians. After all, everyone knew the Merovingians were descended from a sea serpent, and no mere mortal could hope to prevail over a family with such an origin. This isn't quite Harry Potter meets Braveheart, but it does have magic and a real, honest to God, human hero.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 267 pages
• Publisher: Superior Book Pub (1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0966150406
• ISBN-13: 978-0966150407
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,487,810 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Diana M. Johnson is a fourth generation Californian, and a direct descendant of the great medieval king, Charlemagne. She is a member of the Conejo Valley Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) the First California Company, Jamestowne Society, and the Order of the Crown of Charlemagne. She attended Occidental College, and graduated from UCLA with honors. Her Masters Degree was earned from California State University of Northridge. As a member of the California Writers Club, she has served as Treasurer and President of the San Fernando Valley Branch, as well as CWC State Board Representative and State Treasurer. She was awarded the coveted Jack London Award for service to CWC. She was also founding president of the West Valley Branch. She is a retired teacher who taught music in the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills Unified School Districts, earning awards for Excellence in Education in both districts. Author of six historical novels, her first book, "Destiny's Godchild" was awarded the Book Publicists of Southern California IRWIN Award. Her other titles include, "Pepin's Bastard, the Story of Charles Martel" "Quest for the Crown, the Story of Pepin the Short" "Cradle of a Nation, a Story of Colonial Virginia" "Will & Davy, a Colonial Virginia Childhood" for young readers 10-14, and "Wagons to Hangtown a Story of the California Gold Rush." She and her husband Bill love to travel, and have even flown their own plane across the United States. She enjoys speaking to all kinds of groups, and can be reached at [e-mail].

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Really good historical novel, May 23, 2003

By 

Paul Lappen (Manchester, CT USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Destiny's godchild: A novel of intrigue and enchantment in Frankish Gaul (Paperback)

Set in Frankish Gaul (France approximately 1400 years ago), this is the story of Egar, a young man sent out into the world by his Master to find his destiny. Egar can earn a living with his harp, his juggling and some sleight-of-hand taught by his Master, but how can he "change the course of Frankish history" (according to his Master)?

Finding himself in the royal court in Paris, Egar meets Pepin the Vain, nobleman and tutor to Prince Dagobert, son of King Clothar. Egar feels that his destiny is somehow tied to Pepin. Clothar sends Dagobert to rule one of the outlying provinces from a town called Metz. Dagobert is still a child, so Pepin is sent along as Mayor of the Palace (literally, the power behind the throne). Pepin does not have royal blood, but he wants the throne very, very much, and figures this is his chance (he's not called Pepin the Vain for nothing). Dagobert loves the pomp and ceremony of being King, but hates the day-to-day routine; Pepin is only too happy to relieve him of the responsibility for running the palace. One day, Egar, who has accompanied them to Metz, has a vision of a great king; Pepin thinks it's himself, but Egar isn't sure.

Years later, Clothar dies, so Dagobert moves to Paris to become King of all Frankish land. Pepin and Egar stay behind in Metz, which, without a monarch in residence, becomes practically a ghost town. They ride to Paris to convince Dagobert to spend part of the year in Metz. They are shocked to find that the queen has been humiliated and forced into a convent, and that the castle has become a place for all-night partying with lots of prostitutes. The day-to-day business of the kingdom is the farthest thing from Dagobert's mind.

Pepin's ambition gets the better of him on a later trip to Paris to convince Dagobert to clean up his act. Pepin is confined to the castle, and releived of his position as Mayor of Metz. Egar, with help from some sorcery, races back to Metz to tell pepin's family to flee immediately, just minutes ahead of guards from Dagobert.

This one is really good. Pepin feels like a real person (he was a real person; the author can trace her family ancestry back to him), the writing is very well done and shows a lot of research, and, overall, it's well worth the reader's time.

5.0 out of 5 stars From Val Middler Middlebrook, February 7, 2001

By 

Val Middler Middlebrook (San Dimas CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Destiny's godchild: A novel of intrigue and enchantment in Frankish Gaul (Paperback)

I recommend Destiny's Godchild with great enthusiasm. Diana Johnson's ability to blend history and fiction, giving the characters personalities that captivate your emotions, adds intrigue to what could otherwise be just another history book. Diana Johnson's ingenious talent reaches into the hearts and minds of the people who played such an important role in the freedom we enjoy today. Her only fictional character, Egar, will amuse and captivate you as he moves through the pages so wisely. I could hardly wait to read the sequel. Both books still linger in my mind. Val Middler Middlebrook, author of "Val's Victory: Defeat was NEVER an Option."

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST read novel!, January 3, 2001

By 

Ken Wilkins (Northridge, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Destiny's godchild: A novel of intrigue and enchantment in Frankish Gaul (Paperback)

Up until now I've never been much of a historical novel fan, but Diana Johnson's DESTINY'S GODCHILD has made me a believer. What an exciting approach to history. NEVER a dull moment. Loved every page, every chapter. A MUST read novel in my opinion. Ken Wilkins Author of Marvin's Mansion