Set in the fourteenth century, this novel about the lives of the people of Develish - nobles and serfs alike - is gripping. It is not a dry historical account of the time, but an story of adventure, evil plotting, pestilence, feminism and love (not necessarily in that order). I'm not sure how credible the plot is, but I really enjoyed the adventures and cunning plans of the characters, especially the cool-headed Thaddeus. I had not read the first book in the series, but I soon caught up with the story and did not feel that it mattered. I enjoyed the double-narrative style - a mixture of third person narration and a record written from the point of view of Lady Anne. I intend to read more by this author.