The story of magic, the Middle Ages, war and love is sweeping. Clearly this author has a passion for her subject matter. The glossary at the back is extensive and far longer than any of the chapters of the book.

As a reader, I struggled with feeling connected emotionally to any of the characters. Big things were happening to them, and yet, the storyline didn't evoke any emotional response from me. Things felt academic and slightly wooden.

I would've preferred perhaps a pared down scope and a chance to get to really know the characters and care about them. That said, it may be this just isn't the type of book to which I'm drawn. ( )

I did not expect to like this novel as much as I did based on the description of the plot. I love historical fiction and I kind of like fantasy. This novel combines both in a unique and very enjoyable way!

The story takes place in the early 13th century in France with a female protagonist who employs the dark arts in order to maintain her hold on her estate and fiefdom, a hold that is at time tenuous due to her sex, marital status and vulnerability to intruders, her own family members, and political upheaval. In magic ceremonies gone wrong, she summons dying souls from other times and places and has them inserted into bodies of people close to her, with results disastrous to herself and leaving the victims of her soul-switching confused, in straits and at the mercy of the new circumstances they find themselves in. they interact with the Lady and with each other in various ways, and have to find their way in this new life and new body with different obstacles and challenges which take them on travels to various places.

This unlikely premise works in several ways. If you like historical fiction, the story is satisfies, with a realistic and thorough look at life at this time and place, including the perils of being a single woman looking to defend her status, home and serfs. The fantasy part of this brings a very unique perspective, as outsiders to this time and place present the reader with their own unique perspectives on what they see as very strange times and situations. The narration alternates between the various points of view of the characters. So at the same time, the reader gets the perspective of the characters within that time and place, and also characters who are not of the time and place.

I greatly appreciated the author's not imposing 21st century readings onto historical characters, as many authors unfortunately like to do. The Lady is very much of her time and place, with fears, thoughts, feelings, and ideas of her time.

The book is totally readable and enjoyable on its own, but in case you want a deeper dive into medieval life, the author provides a comprehensive afterword with an index of concepts, terms and ideas inherent in that time period. It provides an overview of historical and philosophical points that undergird the time period. Again, not at all necessary to enjoying the novel but a great added bonus.

I found this a very compelling and engaging novel and I read it in two sittings. ( )

The Lady of Miremox tries to protect her town and daughter by using magic but each time she does at what price. The story is written in a way that you see the characters perspective of what is happening. Lady Mirefox struggles to do what she feels is right but can be so terribly difficult. I enjoy books that you go back and forth between the characters. The book is can be a bit long winded at times but a very easy read. I actually went back and forth from audible to reading the actual print book. ( )