Age of Gods and Mortals (Earls of East Anglia Book 3)

Tresta D’Mearc is angry and heartbroken. Her husband and love of her life, Teague D’Mearc, Lord Dorstone, has chosen to answer His Majesty’s call to arms. Teague leads his knights into battle, not to defend their home, but to join King Richard’s Crusade for the Holy Land. Tresta knows she will never see her husband again if they are separated. She makes every attempt to sneak her way into joining his company. Once discovered, her husband charges his most trusted knight, Tarran du Reims, with the unenviable task of escorting Tresta home and keeping her there, using any means possible.

The Crusades were a deadly and pathetic endeavour, plagued by chaos, disease, poor planning, and acts of nature (or God). Only one of every two men came back alive. Kathryn Le Veque shines the spotlight on one family, a love triangle of sorts, bringing the tragedy into sharp focus. She poignantly captures the pain of the home front, with Tresta left behind and Tarran denied the opportunity to serve alongside his liege. It is a slow read, burdened by the cycle of two reluctant individuals continually butting heads over their unfortunate circumstances. It also tends to repeat itself, recounting information multiple times for emphasis. “Age of Gods and Mortals” carries a great deal of sadness, while preserving optimism and purpose. Readers who enjoy historical romance will find the Middle Ages wonderfully re-created. History, faith, love, and poignancy are thoroughly and violently stirred together, as if tossed in the maelstrom that features prominently in this tale. This story is original and moving!

Joan Lai