The Raven and the Crown is a historical fantasy that takes us to the picaresque world of medieval England, but an England where power lingers in ancient stones, light spilling from the faerie kingdoms twinkles in night’s dim alcoves, and dark shadows may be doorways to the grim lands where the dead wander, searching for their final fates.

In this England certain people can draw on that power, follow those lights and pass through those doors. Some search the lands beyond for knowledge, others for power. One of the power-seekers is Roger Mortimer, a darker version of the real Roger Mortier who overthrew King Edward II in 1327 and took Queen Isabella as his lover.

The exciting and tragic story of that reign becomes a darker epic of evil rising. An epic with a question: is there anyone in this corrupt, divided land with the strength to oppose Mortimer’s sinister plans? Not among the freat of the realm. But perhaps some strength abides among the common people.

Across the moors of Yorkshire rides a young man, Thomas of Penrith, on his way to serve as a royal clerk. He meets a woman, Eleanor Rushmere, heiress to powers passed down through the women of her family, but recently widowed and haunted by the ghosts of her children. They come together for one night of wonder but then travel separate paths through England’s troubles.

In the other lands Eleanor meets Mortimer in the guise of a great wolf. He teaches Eleanor much and tempts her with talk of even greater power. When Mortimer and Queen Isabella seize the throne, Thomas and Eleanor become hunted exiles. On the run their love for each other grows, and their understanding of what will be needed to heal the land.

While Thomas works to overthrow Mortimer’s regime, Eleanor seeks out the knowledge she needs to face Mortimer in a final confrontation. To overcome her great enemy she must overcome her own despair, come to terms with her losses, and find strength in herself where she once saw only weakness and failure.