In Pursuit of the Green Lion: A Margaret of Ashbury Novel

I read the first part of this series and loved it, but this one was better! It felt more relaxed. The story was less tear-jerking than the first, but Margaret was just as powerful and emotional as ever. I enjoyed seeing the characters from the first story return to continue with Margaret. I would highly recommend this second novel.

What is 14th century historical fiction without a touch of the arcane, folk mythology, faith healers and alchemists in search of the secret of life? In a European continent riddled with religion, politics and rampant superstitions, ghosts converse freely with the living, good and evil jousting for ascendancy. Such is the case in 1358 England, when Margaret Kendall, widow of a rich merchant, is wed to Gilbert, the second son of Hubert de Vilers. Formerly in training for the priesthood, the once Brother Gregory is ill-suited for marriage, especially when it includes two small, mischievous step-daughters. To further complicate the marriage, Margaret is blessed with the power of healing, although she tries to conceal it, and burdened with a bad-tempered and jealous brother-in-law, first-born Hugo, heir to Hubert's estate. The knighted de Vilers charge into France under the local Duke's banner, but their return is tragic, Gilbert (Gregory) assumed dead, Hubert perhaps mortally wounded and Hugo determined to wrest Margaret's fortune from her. Marrying quickly, Hugo has plans to bury Margaret in a convent, but she escapes to London with her children, too quickly to learn of the Duke's offer to give her, and her fortune, shelter. Believing Gilbert is alive, Margaret goes in search of a hidden fortune to purchase her husband's freedom. After much confusion, Margaret discovers that Gilbert's ransom has been bought by a man of evil intent who thrives on twisting the wills of others to his own, determined to break Gilbert rather than release him. An enthusiastic student of alchemy, the Count de St. Medard pursues the same magical clues as Margaret's friends, Bother Malachi and Mother Hilde. Malachi and Hilde are conversant with the spirit world and willing to travel to France with Margaret to retrieve her husband and outwit the evil St. Medard. It is a journey plagued with dangers and betrayal at every turn. Riley has a talent for tapping into the marrow of 14th century Europe, the intriguing mix of religion, alchemy, knighthood, misbegotten villains and truculent ghosts, an uncanny cast of characters that tumble through the French countryside, accompanied by the ghost of Master Kendall and Margaret's deceased mother-in-law, The Weeping Lady. Easy prey, Margaret is quickly trapped by the evil Count who feasts on little children and damsels in distress. Even after Gilbert's rescue, the party is besieged by difficulties, chased across the mountains by a renegade Archpriest and his murderous band, unable to secure passage home. The harrowing journey is fraught with disaster, the party buoyed only by their stubborn determination to survive the ordeal. This is historical fiction at its best, energetic and utterly consuming. Luan Gaines/2006.

In Pursuit of the Green Lion takes up where A Vision of Light, Riley's first novel, left off. After the death of Margaret's first husband, she marries Gregory and moves to his family home, where his overbearing father and fatuous brother irritate them both. Despite the inauspicious surroundings, Margaret and Gregory manage to fall in love. But as a knight, Gregory and his male relatives must go where their lord goes: in this case to France, where Gregory is captured by an evil former rival and Margaret must rescue him. Pursuit focuses more on Margaret and Gregory's romance and relationship, and less on Margaret's own adventures than Vision did; however, Margaret is still the main character and Pursuit is definitely her book. Riley's characteristic attention to detail and intricate plotting pay off for the reader. This isn't a typical romance or historical novel; it blends both genres to create a fully fleshed out story. It's also more humorous than Vision-especially the scenes with Gregory's overbearing father. Although this isn't Riley's best work-that honor goes to either The Oracle Glass or The Master of All Desires-In Pursuit of the Green Lion is very good and extremely readable.

What a great story of a gutsy woman of the '90's -- except she lived in the 16th century! I especially enjoyed her encounters with her ghostly assistants. My favorite line from her dead husband: "I may be dead, but I'm not stupid!" This book has everything a great book needs: well-researched history, a little romance, suspense and a bit of humor.

This exquisite sequal to "A Vision of Light" touched my heart. Riley's excellent writing abilities are both entertaining and enlightening. I hope she will write many more.