Gloria: The Merlin and the Saint (From the Joan of Arc Tapestries) Book

Gloria: The Merlin and the Saint is the third novel in Chamberlin's Joan of Arc Tapestries series. The premise of the series is that Joan actually was a witch, and that her accomplishments were assisted by a coven of other witches. The witchcraft here has something of a Celtic pagan feel to it, not unlike Marion Zimmer Bradley's Avalon novels.

While I have read the two previous books in this series, there was such a long gap between then and now that I have forgotten many of the details. As such, my impressions of this volume will be somewhat different than those of a person who read them fairly close together. It's probably not necessary to read the two previous books first, since this is the one where the serious action begins, and the first two are more about Yann, Gilles, and young Joan, or Jehanne. I believe the first novel ends with her birth, and she's a child in the second, but don't take my word for it. This one, however, begins with Jehanne at Chinon, and ends with the Dauphin finally being crowned. Chamberlin has enough material for at least one more novel, but I don't know if one is planned.

The story is told alternating between Yann and Gilles' perspectives, although only Yann gets to narrate for himself. (Gilles, by the way, is none other than Gilles de Rais; this is one of the reasons why I wonder if Chamberlin will continue the series, because his later exploits ought to be one hell of an interesting story in the world she has created!) Chamberlin, always an excellent historical writer, has done her research well, and I like her portrayal of Jehanne, a nice blend of holy, crazy, wise, and magical. I've always liked her novels, and this is no exception.