Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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."

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

Destiny's Godchild is a book that literally takes you back to 617 AD and through very lifelike characters makes the happenings of the time come to life. I was quickly caught up in the story line and appreciated knowing what was fact and what was fiction. I feel the strength of the story is that so much is based on fact. I didn't want the book to end.

Destiny's Godchild reminds me of the historical novels I read so voraciously as a young girl. I have not seen one of this caliber surface in many years. Although set in a time far removed from now, it is appealing in its universal theme which transcends time.

Diana Johnson's passion for medieval French history shines through on every page of Destiny's Godchild. Her meticulous research makes this a fresh and inventive story for readers not only of history but of fiction.