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Historical The Merlin of Oak Wood: Book Two of the Joan of Arc Tapesries by Ann Chamberlin $24.95 / Tom Doherty / 2001 A worthy sequel to The Merlin of St. Gilles' Well, Ann Chamberlin's The Merlin of the Oak Wood chronicles the emergence of teenaged Jehannette d'Arc from a struggling, rebellious adolescent into the long-awaited La Pucelle (or Daughter of God), known as Joan of Arc. Intermingling accurate detail with the magic of pagan fantasy, Chamberlin skillfully weaves the tale of Jehannette's resistance to her calling as the Maid of God with the historical 15th-century conflict between England's Arthur de Richemont and Charles the Dauphin of France. Along with Jehannette's coming to terms with her fate, we follow the ongoing relationship between Gilles de Rais and his milk brother, Pere Yann, the story of which began in the first book in this enchanting trilogy. In this story, the men, both trained in witchcraft, await the fulfillment of ancient pagan prophecy which foretells of a maiden who will reunite France and heal the people. Magical battles between rival villages allow Jehannette to sample her destiny, but she thirsts for a role in history that would remove her from her family and her home. The story immediately grips one's attention, thanks to Chamberlin's well-researched and historically accurate descriptions of medieval castles, characterization, and setting. She maintains a smooth yet intense pace, switching easily between Jehannette's personal struggles and the intervention of pagan magic, as well as the devastating impact that warfare has on the people of Domremy, Jehannette's birthplace. The author's imaginative use of magic to explain the curious happenings that lead to Jehannette's acceptance of her destiny adds a deeper dimension to the historic figure, yet does not interfere with the traditional view of Joan as God's messenger. Indeed, the intertwining of fact with fantasy actually enhances her historic persona and makes her seem even more remarkable. The Merlin of the Oak Wood is a thoroughly enjoyable read. One can only await the final sequel with anticipation! —Lise Hull

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