Product Description

Melisande is the daughter of the king's minstrel and lives among the royal French court. She, like many others, pays little heed to the dire warnings of Notradamus the soothsayer. Chantelle, Melisande's older sister is betrothed to the handsome courtier Armand, and there is the excitement of the forthcoming wedding to think about. And Melisande is fascinated by the mysterious and silent Melchior, the boy who looks after the king's leopard. Only Catherine de Medici, the king's mother, listens to Nostradamus and fears for the life of her son. But when misfortune befalls Melisande's family and she realises that it was predicted by Nostradamus, she turns to the soothsayer for help. Upon his death, he leaves Melisande with some papers which hold the secret of the royal line of France - it is up to her to help fulfil Nostradamus' final prophecy but will she have the courage to do so ...?

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #335295 in Books
• Published on: 2008-05-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 480 pages

From the Inside Flap
'Hark to the beating wings of the angel of death!'

When Nostradamus, wild-eyed and trembling, proclaims to the French court his prophecy of great massacre, the young King Charles only laughs. His Mother, Catherine de'Medici, pays more heed to the soothsayer's words - she believes he can truly see the future.

But Nostradamus's prophecies are not only for those who rule; he also has a message for Melisande, the minstrel's daughter. For he is certain that Fate links him and Melisande together. And as the Angel of Death approaches, the soothsayer gives into her keeping some very special parchments - parchments that the titled heads of France would give anything to see.

A rich, dramatic adventure set in the tumultuous years of the late sixteenth-century in France - a time of assassination, poisons, seers and the sword.

A time when a king must be saved...

From the Back Cover
Carnegie Medal-winning author Theresa Breslin

About the Author
Theresa Breslin is an award-winning Scottish author who is popular with children, librarians and teachers. Her first book, Simon's Challenge, won the Young Book Trust's Fidler Award for new writers and she was awarded the Carnegie Medal for Whispers in the Graveyard. The Dream Master was shortlisted for the Children's Book Award and Remembrance, a story of youth in World War One, was shortlisted for the South Lanarkshire, the Sheffield, and the North-East Book Awards. Divided City won the North Lanarkshire Children's Book Award in 2006 and was longlisted for the Carnegie Medal. The Medici Seal was nominated for the 2007 Carnegie Medal. Theresa lives in Glasgow.

Customer Reviews

Cool!!
When Nostradamus, wild-eyed and trembling, proclaims to the French Court his prophecy of a great massacre, the young King Charles only laughs. His mother, Catherine de Medici, pays more heed to the soothsayer's words - she believes he can truely see the future.

But Nostradamus's prophecies are not only for those who rule; he also has a message for Melisande, the minstrel's daughter. For he is certain that Fate links him and Melisande together. And as the Angel of Death approaches, the soothsayer gives into her safekeeping some very special parchments - parchments that the titled heads of France would do anything to see.

A great historical drama
*hugs book* I could read that again right now. Meliasand'es narration, from the fateful night when she and her sister danced before King Charles of France, to the end when her life, although happy, is forever marred by tragedy, kept me reading from cover to cover.

A story loosely based on historical events, I actually knew a little about the background of 16th century France. I enjoyed learning more about the rising tension between the Huguenots, Catholics and Protestants. It was a horrific time for Melisande to get by in. After several serious incidents which separated her from her family, she tries to make it alone. Fortunately, she gets taken in by Nostradamus, who'd created a prophecy for her in the beginning of the novel.

I have to say, the beginning had me labelling him as a madman. He's certainly portrayed as such. However, he had a gentle heart, for his wife loved him dearly and took care of his children while he was ill. Melisande came to him after fleeing the royal court, disguised as a boy so as not to arouse suspicion. Just before reaching his house she came under the notice of a distinguished noble, which was why Nostradamus' wife ordered to her be a girl again, but to forsake her mandolin that she revered and played beautifully. It was hard, but Melisande had no choice.

Her strength to carry on living, despite what she'd seen, saw her become an apprentice to Nostradamus' apothecary, Giorgio. During this time she was hunted not only by the distinguished noble, but also by the royal court. I can say she avoids death, but she gets betrayed, sees more death, and, thankfully, experiences love from her past that she didn't expect to see again.

Suspense and intrigue is placed in careful layers. There are clear points in Melisande's narrative where, as a reader, I knew the peace wouldn't last. Hints are dropped subtly with regard to the surprise twist near the end. I guessed correctly for one incident, but failed miserably at another, which proves how good a novelist Theresa is.

This isn't an overly violent book, there are scenes of violence, fighting and the like. There are a handful of incidents not suitable for younger readers, but they aren't graphic, merely suggestive.

This tale of familial love, friendship and betrayal has won a place in my heart, and on my bookshelf. I haven't said too much about the story, because I don't want to give anything away here. The main events had my gasping and smiling as I read it.