Tähän saakka olen lukenut lähes yksinomaan kotimaisia historiallisia romaaneja, joten jo oli aikakin sivistää itseään myös muilla mailla. Mielenkiintoinen kirja, luen jatko-osat varmasti. ( )

In the Shadow of the Sun King introduces readers to Madeleine Clavell, a Huguenot during unsettled times in seventeenth century France. King Louis XIV’s quest to unify France under the Catholic religion plunges her family into chaos as the King’s dragoons seek to relocate her children to Catholic schools, and seize control of her family estate.

Seeking to divert the King’s minions, Madeleine departs for court, leaving her two young boys hidden in a cave with their uncle and her young daughter with her husband at home. Drawing upon a history of young love, she hopes to extract a promise of mercy, an exception from the countrywide disruption affecting those who profess a Reformed faith.

This, Golden Keyes Parsons first novel in the Darkness to Light series, is based both upon historical fact and her own genealogy. As a reader with great interest in the persecuted church throughout the ages, I was looking forward to a moving tale that put flesh on the difficulties faced by Huguenot’s and their response to the pressures applied to them. Instead, I found a story that uses persecution almost more as a plot device, without tapping into the broader undercurrents of the persecutions in France.

Disappointingly, Parson’s debut effort also suffers from an awkward writing style, I nearly gave up in the opening three chapters, but pressed on, hoping to glean more details of Huguenot life. Excessive use of character names during dialogue repeatedly slows the flow of action, the odd French word here and there also seemed out of place and somewhat annoying.

Madeline is a weak character – her girlish giggling seems to infatuate all manner of men – the King included, but failed to elicit any true emotion from me. I couldn’t fathom how all these men could instantly feel so deeply for her, even one she’d only met a handful of times. Her husband Francois is grittier and more believable as he toughs it out, but fails to rescue the story.

The passion the Huguenots must have held for their doctrinal beliefs and the freedom they experienced in Christ alone is barely felt. Far more emphasis is placed upon the “traditions” of the family faith rather than a deep personal commitment that refuses to surrender under hardship. Personal relationships with God are however evident in the lives of the characters.

I love Christian historical fiction that revolves around major historical events and held high hopes for Parsons’ series. With such a fabulous premise and time period, In the Shadow of the Sun King could have been both deeply moving and informative; instead, reading it became little more than a task to be completed quickly and removed from my to-do list.

Reviewed at quiverfullfamily.com ( )

The setting is France, the time is the reign of Louis XIV. Amidst the adventures of the musketeers and the splendor of the Sun King, the people of France are divided. There is a battle between Catholics and the Huguenots. Madeline Clavall and her family are swept up in this drama. They are Huguenots and must protect theirs sons from being taken to join the monastery. When the soldiers come and threaten their lives, Madeline makes a decision to return to court to Louis who was her childhood love. Will he remember their past and grant her family safety? Or will he force her to choose between the love of her childhood and the love of her one true God?

Sweeping and majestic are the only words to describe this book. The imagery in this book is absolutely fantastic. I'm not usually a fan of European history because there are so many kings and foreign names to learn but this book makes me want to change my mind. It brought to mind movies like The Man in the Iron Mask or Marie Antoinette. You could see the palace and the courtiers running around and envision the stark contrast between the wealthy and the poor. Religious oppression is something that has been happening since the dawn of time. Unfortunately we don't really know what that is like since religious freedom is one of rights and has been since the country was created. Reading about how scary it would have been killed, tortured or watch your children being taken away from you simply because your religious beliefs disagreed with the king was almost hard to comprehend. The Clavalls were totally believable as a French family and their staunch faith was something to be admired. It was obvious that a lot of research had gone into creating this book. And the cover is just to die for! There's romance and adventure in this book, perfect for when you want to escape back into history. It's a great alternative to all those historical romances that are bodice rippers in disguise. This was a wonderful debut for Parsons and I am eagerly looking forward to my next history lesson from her. For historical fiction fans this is HIGHLY recommended. ( )

The setting is 17th-Century and Louis XIV, the Sun King, reigns over France. In an effort to unify his country under Catholicism, the minority Huguenots are suffering from persecutions, imprisonment and slaughter.

Madeleine Clavell, a minor royal who has given up court intrigues for countryside family life, finds her family destroyed and scattered after the King uses religious pretenses to pursue a personal vendetta against Madeleine.

In the Shadow of the Sun King is the first in a trilogy from author Golden Keyes Parsons, who is off to a very good start with this novel. Written by a Christian author and presented by a Christian publishing house, this historical fiction novel presents a fair and unbiased tale of religious persecution that should appeal to even a secular audience of readers.

Parsons' characterization of the conflicting religious sects is particularly admirable. She criticizes neither sect, instead wisely observing that each, in it's own turn throughout history, has played the role of both victim and oppressor. Indeed, the author expertly paints individuals as just that - an individual is defined not by what religion they espouse, but by their own character and actions. Kindness, like destruction, is the human condition and can be found in the most unlikely of places.

Louis XIV appearance in the novel is brief, but enlightening. Pressured by advisers and as petulant as only a person raised to be a king can be, the Sun King's misguided attempt to vanquish the new religion are, if not forgivable, possibly understandable in Parsons' expert hands.

If you enjoy historical fiction set in this time period, In the Shadow of the Sun King is certainly a worthwhile read. Religious overtones abound but don't detract from the historical aspect of the story at all. For Christians and non-Christians alike there are thought-provoking religious and moral dilemmas presented which will keep you thinking about it long after you've finished the novel. I look forward to reading the next installment of this series. ( )