The Courtesan is the second novel about the Cheney Sisters, wise women from the Faire Isle. It takes place against the backdrop of sixteenth century France with Catherine de Medici and Henry Valois playing significant roles as antagonists. Primarily it is the story of the second Cheney sister, Gabrielle, but is also a continuation of the first novel, The Dark Queen.
Gabrielle Cheney was, in her younger years, a talented painter and sculptor, but has lost her art as a result of being raped by a man she thought was a gentleman and suitor. She has since decided that the only way to protect herself and her sisters is to gain influence and power. She knows that men find her desirable and she leaves Faire Isle and makes her home in Paris becoming the consort of wealthy, influential men. Gabrielle feels responsible for the death of Nicolas Remy and is haunted by his memory. She has befriended a fellow wise woman, Cassandra Lascelles, who is a necromancer. Gabrielle approaches Cass and asks that Cass conjure Nicolas from the dead so that Gabrielle can ask his forgiveness. Cass is unable to contact Nicolas but does make contact with Nostradamus, who predicts that Gabrielle will become consort to Henry of Navarre and rule France at his side.
Captain Nicolas Remy is known as ‘the Scourge’ by the Catholic citizens of France and is loyal to the Huguenot, Henry of Navarre. In the end of the first book, The Dark Queen, he is dying in an alley on St Bartholomew’s Eve while someone is stealing his boots. He had been fighting to save Henry of Navarre and his comrades in arms when they were attacked by Catherine de Medici’s troops. Now Catherine de Medici is keeping Henry prisoner and Nicolas is determined to free him and return to Navarre. He has returned quietly to Paris with only one man by his side. Ironically, it is the man who was tried to steal his boots. He desperately needs Gabrielle’s help. Gabrielle believes Henry of Navarre needs to remain in Paris.
There are many things standing in the way of love for Nicolas and Gabrielle besides the obvious conflict of interest. The court of Catherine de Medici is a dangerous place of political intrigue, dark magic and witch hunters and there is trouble at every turn. This is a wonderfully written book that combines history, paranormal fiction and romance into a delightful story with authentic and interesting characters while still remaining to be lighthearted and fun to read.
Rating: 4 Stars
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