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The second book of The Crucible, an exciting new historical fantasy from the author of the popular Axis Triology. The plague has passed and for a while it seems evil has been defeated. Europe recovers; prosperity returns, trade resumes, and people slowly recover from the effects of the plague. Then, just as the Church relaxes its guard, war spreads across Europe. Widespread heresies challenge the authority of the Church. Revolts and rebellions threaten to topple the established monarchies and overturn the social order of Europe. And then the plague returns, worse than ever. Neville eventually discovers the cause. The minions of the Devil have been scattered throughout European society during the confusion of the Black Death. His task is to discover the identities of these shapeshifters so that the Church can move against them, but it is a dangerous task. They are master shapeshifters so he can never be certain of who he should trust.
As the Black Death recedes, a new, more insidious threat emerges in the form of demonic shapeshifters infiltrating the highest levels of European society. Neville, tasked with identifying these hidden enemies, must navigate a landscape of political instability, religious heresy, and renewed plague. The narrative follows his perilous investigation as he attempts to root out the minions of the Devil before they can dismantle the foundations of the Church and monarchy. Caught between shifting loyalties and the constant threat of betrayal, he struggles to discern friend from foe in a world where appearances are deceptive.
This work is characterized by its blend of historical detail and dark fantasy tropes, typical of the author's expansive world-building style. The narrative focuses on the tension between institutional stability and supernatural subversion, creating a sense of mounting dread as the plague returns. Readers likely appreciate the focus on the protagonist's internal struggle with trust in a world where identity is fluid and unreliable. The pacing reflects the complexity of the political and religious landscape, ensuring that the stakes remain high throughout the investigation.
Page Count:
610
Publication Date:
2002-01-01
Publisher:
Voyager
ISBN-10:
0007108478
ISBN-13:
9780007108473
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