LUCIFER’S CROWN (Suspense/Paranormal/Fantasy-England-Cont) – VG+Carl, Lillian Stewart - StandaloneFive Star, 2003, US Hardcover – ISBN: 0786253487First Sentence: The gate stood open beneath its ancient stone arch.*** Maggie Sinclair has brought a small group of history students from Southern Methodist University to visit Glastonbury Abbey in England. One of the students, Rose, comes across the body of a murdered woman and the group become embroiled in the police investigation. Maggie meets the interesting and intelligent caretaker at Glastonbury who turns out to be much more than he first appears as Thomas London is, in fact, an immortal man who was Thomas Becket. Having let another die in his place, he strives for redemption by bringing together the three elements of the Holy Grail in a battle against Robin Fitzroy, in all his guises, to prevent Armageddon at the turn of the 21st Century.*** I started this book when it first came out and just couldn't get into it. I didn't feel there was any real character development in the beginning of the story, so it was hard to feel any connection to the characters. But, as opposed to my usual move-on approach, and knowing I had enjoyed other books by Carl, I put it aside to try another time. That time finally came and am I glad I tried again. I still felt the initial hesitation but kept on reading past my 50-page rule and, by the time Thomas is introduced into the story, I was well and truly hooked. I loved this book, yet because there is so much going on, there were times I felt a bit overwhelmed by it. It sometimes felt like everything and the kitchen sink. It is fantasy, history, Celtic and Arthurian mythology, liturgy, religion, suspense and romance all in one. While I have a decent knowledge of those aspects, I kept stopping to look things up on the web. I wanted maps, pictures, drawings, and a musical soundtrack. Yet, I became absolutely immersed in the story. It was magical, moving and, due to the character of Maggie, who provided a bit of comic relief to make the book seem more “real,” even funny at times. Although there are strong elements of religion in the story, it is not a religious book supporting or denigrating any religion. It is a book about faith; of good versus evil. It's not an easy book to read, it stayed with me long after I finished it, and is one I'm certain to re-read.
