The Green Branch

The Green Branch is the second book in a trilogy, the first being The Heaven Tree and the conclusion being The Scarlet Seed. It is a highly dramatic and satisfying piece of storytelling, concerned mainly with the theme of honor and the difficulty of honoring one's vows. The quote above is from the author's introduction to the 1993 edition of the trilogy.Taking up thirteen years after The Heaven Tree, we find Harry Talvace's widow in Wales, married to his best friend, and Harry's son (also named Harry) a young warrior eager to prove himself and carry out his blood feud against Ralf Isambard, who ordered his father's death. Harry is captured by Isambard, who offers him his parole to fight for the Welsh prince against England if he returns when the war is over. In spite of terrible temptations, Harry keeps his promise, even to the point of refusing to kill Isambard in battle.This book is not as strong or moving as the first and last books, but is an essential part of the trilogy nevertheless, carrying on the author's themes and plots and setting up the climactic events of the third book. The interactions between young Harry and Isambard are wonderfully drawn, as Harry all unwittingly learns about honor and oath-keeping.