Shelf Control hosted by Lisa of Bookshelf Fantasies "is all about the books we want to read — and already own! Consider this a variation of a Wishing & Waiting post… but looking at books already available sitting right there on our shelves and e-readers."
Midnight Never Come by Marie Brennan (Orbit, 2008; 400 pgs)
Goodreads Summary:
England flourishes under the hand of its Virgin Queen: Elizabeth, Gloriana, last and most powerful of the Tudor monarchs.
But a great light casts a great shadow.
In hidden catacombs beneath London, a second Queen holds court: Invidiana, ruler of faerie England, and a dark mirror to the glory above. In the thirty years since Elizabeth ascended her throne, fae and mortal politics have become inextricably entwined, in secret alliances and ruthless betrayals whose existence is suspected only by a few.
Two courtiers, both struggling for royal favor, are about to uncover the secrets that lie behind these two thrones. When the faerie lady Lune is sent to monitor and manipulate Elizabeth's spymaster, Walsingham, her path crosses that of Michael Deven, a mortal gentleman and agent of Walsingham's. His discovery of the "hidden player" in English politics will test Lune's loyalty and Deven's courage alike. Will she betray her Queen for the sake of a world that is not hers? And can he survive in the alien and Machiavellian world of the fae? For only together will they be able to find the source of Invidiana's power—find it, and break it…
A breathtaking novel of intrigue and betrayal set in Elizabethan England; Midnight Never Come seamlessly weaves together history and the fantastic to dazzling effect.
How I got it: A holiday gift swap
When I got it: December 2009
Why I want to read it: I love the genre and novels featuring the fae. Not to mention Marie Brennan is an author I have been wanting to read for ages now. Her books come highly recommended, and I love the sound of them.
Have you read this book? If so, what did you think? Should I move it up in my TBR pile?
© 2016, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
Hidden catacombs beneath London, fae and mortal politics inextricably entwined ... what's not to like? This sounds like a read I'd be sure to enjoy
ReplyDeleteTracy - It does sound, good doesn't it? I really need to move this one up in my TBR pile.
DeleteThe blurb makes the book sound fantastic! I hope you get a chance to read it soon!
ReplyDeleteEustacia - I agree! I still am wondering why I haven't yet read this one.
DeleteI enjoyed Brennan's The Natural History of Dragons, but haven't read anything else by her.
ReplyDeleteJenclair - That's another of hers I want to read. I don't think I have a copy though.
DeleteOh yes! I would recommend this one. I enjoyed it and have reviewed it. My only caveat is that you'll appreciate it more if you have a reasonable grasp of Elizabethean history.
ReplyDeleteSarah - I am glad to hear you enjoyed this one! And thank you for the head's up about the book in relation to Elizabethan history. That's good to know going in.
DeleteI haven't heard of this book before but I love stories about the fae and royalty so it is a double win. Hope you get a chance to read it soon.
ReplyDeleteCarole - Me too! I hope I get to read it soon as well.
DeleteHaven't read any of her books but I do love that cover! I need to do more of these Shelf Control posts as it's a good reminder to read more from my stacks!
ReplyDeleteIliana - Isn't it beautiful? I really like the cover too.
DeleteI have read this, really liked it... Still have not read the sequels. I am so bad for that!
ReplyDeleteKelly - I am glad you liked this one. I noticed it is a series. I am bad about keeping up with series too. I have the best intentions at least.
DeleteHow is it I have not heard of this book until now? Elizabethan England, Fae, courtly intrigue, and what sounds like a romance? Count me in! *bustles off to add it to my groaning TBR list*
ReplyDeleteLark - I know, right?! It sounds so wonderful. I hope you do get a chance to read it. And hopefully I will too soon.
DeleteOh, this book is right up my alley, Wendy!! What an original and exciting concept!! I'm adding this novel to my Goodreads shelves right away!! Thanks for featuring it!!
ReplyDeleteThanks as well for commenting on my own "Shelf Control" post!! Sorry for the late comment back....
Maria - One good thing about this feature is renewing my excitement about the books already on my shelf. This one sounds so good. If you read it, I hope you like it.
DeleteI haven't heard of this book but it sounds interesting! Thanks for sharing, Wendy.
ReplyDeleteMelody - Too many good books just languishing on my shelves. It doesn't seem fair, does it?
DeleteI have zero shelf control myself...lol...and Midnight Never Come sounds good!
ReplyDeleteNaida - Haha! So we are in the same boat. :-)
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