The Puppeteer

The throne may have changed hands, but the chaos thrown up by Stephen and Matilda is far from over. With the north east of twelfth century England just as deadly with Henry II out of sight and out of mind, the elite of the Northern order are trying to stay one step ahead. Bran, son of a Christian mother and Jewish father, becomes their reluctant mascot: the symbol of their constant struggle to protect the civil from the barbaric. Always on the alert for their land-hungry adversary's next move, they contend with poisonings, smotherings, accusations of rape, enforced betrothals, executions under false allegations, religious differences, impostor suitors and betrayal amongst friends. Just as you're about to allow yourself an inward sigh of relief, the plot gives another stomach turning twist, dragging you through one tension filled scene after another.