In the Shadow of the Sun

A beautiful cover, amazing characters, a complicated magic system AND historical vibes, AND it's only the first in a series??? There's nothing more I can say about this book other than I loved it. I really, truly did. I don't even think I have critiques, which is RARE for me. It's spellbinding and one of the best historical fantasies I've ever read.

The French Royal but magic. Set during the early years of King Louis XIV reign , with real historical people as Prince Phillipe , Henriette of England , Armand de Gramont, Comte de Guiche and others. The royal palaces are grandiose, beautiful and bombastic but what if magic was the cause of it. Gold and glittery magic, The Sun KING deserves nothing less. Historical fiction goal is to entertain and educate or make known to an extend. Castellan makes me curious to research further into the lives of these complicated people. The marriage of Henriette and Phillipe had it's troubles and their presented personalities clash in this book but the fictional versions grow to love each other as people, friends and lovers what once only a marriage of convenience. Phillipe was my favorite character , in fact I had this debut on my radar because it mentions his queerness and him favoring men. Which I did not know and I had not learned about this royal in school. French history is not taught here. Henriette had to make peace with her husband being in a romantic relationship with Armand. Armand is a delight and I'd love to party with this fictional version. She eventually becomes friends with. Henriette can be frustrating when she is na??ve in situations but I have to remind myself that she is sheltered but with all this she is quick on her feet, brave and determent when the going gets though. They all hold each other together to stand up against the murderous and mysterious dark magician. If you are in need of a historical fantasy, In the shadow of the sun is solid choice. And i'll think of this trio now and then.