Dark Roads: Book 1 Map Maker

by Bernard Davis

Mathew de Quincey, fourth Earl Pendle makes maps. Plus such other tasks as are required by the king and his court. Saving the kingdom, putting down the occasional rebellion and defeating the sources of evil are all part of his life. Aided by his apprentice Will and an occasional loyal friend he travels far in his quests.

Kindle Edition

Published January 27, 2021

Reviews

[J. Else · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author employs a rich, flavorful language that drew me instantly into the time period. There’s a nice mix of characters that interweave throughout the narrative. I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Eleanor and Guy. The plot is a complex web of shifting political plays with a bit of mythical influence, adding to the overall allure of this world. The tools of de Quincy’s trade was fascinating, a blend of Asian and European cultures.

There were a few editorial errors that I see often in Indie books, like missed punctuation or mis-capitalization of words like the name “De” Quincy, etc. However, this was overall very minor and did not detract from my enjoyment. The plot is paced at just the right speed to absorb everything that's happening and feel a sense of urgency weighing on the characters. This is a well-written and fantastically researched tale. With a dash of fantasy interwoven, this novel is an enchanting exploration of early English history.