Book

Through a Dark Mist

📖 Overview

Through a Dark Mist transports readers to 13th-century England, where two men claim to be Lucien Wardieu, Baron De Gournay. The story centers on Lady Servanne de Briscourt, who finds her marriage plans disrupted when she is captured by a band of forest outlaws. The Black Wolf of Lincoln leads this group of outlaws, which includes a former monk, a dwarf called Sparrow, and other colorful characters operating from their base in an old abbey. The narrative follows the mounting tension between the two men claiming the baronial title, with Lady Servanne caught between them. Through a Dark Mist draws inspiration from the Robin Hood legend while creating its own distinct tale set in medieval Lincolnshire. The novel explores themes of identity, justice, and the complex nature of truth in a feudal society.

👀 Reviews

Readers rate Through a Dark Mist as an engaging medieval romance that reimagines the Robin Hood legend. Most reviews highlight the chemistry between the main characters and Canham's attention to historical detail. Readers liked: - Complex characters with detailed backstories - Action sequences and sword fights - Historical accuracy in settings and customs - The fresh take on familiar Robin Hood elements Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in the first third - Too many secondary characters to track - Some found the romance scenes overly explicit Ratings: Goodreads: 3.96/5 (2,300+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (200+ ratings) "The battle scenes are visceral and the romance smolders," notes one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads review claims "the historical details transport you completely to medieval England." Several readers mentioned struggling with the large cast of characters but feeling rewarded by staying with the story through the slower opening chapters.

📚 Similar books

The Thief's Mistress by Gaelen Foley A tale set in medieval England follows a noblewoman who becomes entangled with a notorious outlaw leader hiding his true identity while fighting corrupt lords.

The Wolf Hunt by Gillian Bradshaw Based on a medieval French legend, this story features a noblewoman discovering her betrothed's secret life as a werewolf in feudal society.

The Wild Hunt by Elizabeth Chadwick Set in 12th-century England, this tale chronicles a woman caught between rival nobles while living among outlaws in the forest.

The King's Man by Alison Stuart A historical narrative set during the English Civil War follows a noblewoman discovering the true identity of an outlaw leader working against the crown.

Lady of the Forest by Jennifer Roberson A retelling of the Robin Hood legend from Marian's perspective presents the story of a noblewoman joining forest outlaws to fight corruption.

🤔 Interesting facts

🏰 The Lincoln Cathedral, a prominent landmark in medieval Lincolnshire where the story takes place, was the tallest building in the world for over 200 years (1311-1548). 🌳 Sherwood Forest, which influences the setting's atmosphere, once covered 100,000 acres of medieval England but has shrunk to just 1,045 acres today. 📚 Marsha Canham wrote this as the first book in her "Medieval Trilogy," followed by "In the Shadow of Midnight" and "The Last Arrow." ⚔️ The 13th century saw the creation of England's first Parliament (1215) and the signing of the Magna Carta, which forms part of the book's historical backdrop. 🏹 The novel's theme of forest outlaws reflects historical reality - during this period, England's forests were home to numerous outlawed nobles who lost their lands in political conflicts.