Skilled in passion, artful in deception, and driven by betrayal, she is the glittering center of the royal court–but the most desired woman of Renaissance France will draw the wrath of a dangerous adversary. The only person Ariane can turn to is the comte de Renard, a nobleman with fiery determination and a past as mysterious as his own unusual gifts.Riveting, vibrant, and breathtaking, The Dark Queen follows Ariane and Renard as they risk everything to prevent the fulfillment of a dreadful prophecy–even if they must tempt fate and their own passions.

Then a wounded stranger arrives on Faire Isle, bearing a secret the Dark Queen will do everything in her power to possess.

But this is a time when women of ability are deemed sorceresses, when Renaissance France is torn by ruthless political intrigues, and all are held in thrall to the sinister ambitions of Queen Catherine de Medici. She is Ariane, the Lady of Faire Isle, one of the Cheney sisters, renowned for their mystical skills and for keeping the isle secure and prosperous. 'A definite suspense thriller and a page-turning read.' Bookreviewscafe.From Brittany’s misty shores to the decadent splendor of Paris’s royal court, one woman must fulfill her destiny–while facing the treacherous designs of Catherine de Medici, the dark queen. 'Readers in the mood for a marriage plot spiced with magic should find that this one does the trick!' Publishers Weekly. Carroll sets the stage well for intrigue and magic spells and draws the reader into her web.' The Historical Novels Review. 'Enthralling historical detail, dark and intense emotions and the perfect touches of the paranormal, (Carroll) leaves readers to savor every word of this superbly crafted breathtaking romance.' Romantic Times (Top Pick) 'A riveting tale of witchcraft, treachery, and court intrigue. Nothing less than the surrender of her heart and freedom, for Renard is ruthlessly determined to claim her for his bride. The price of seeking his help may prove to be a higher cost than Ariane is willing to pay. Justice Deauville, the comte de Renard is a mysterious nobleman, his past as secretive as his supernatural gifts. Desperate to keep her home and family safe, Ariane is forced to turn to the one man she dreads. One night a wounded stranger arrives on Faire Isle and whispers to Ariane a secret that the Dark Queen would kill to possess. A difficult task during a time of strife when Catherine de Medici is known and feared by other Daughters of the Earth as the Dark Queen. witches.Īriane Cheney, the Lady of Faire Isle is famed for her mystical skills and keeping her island secure from danger. Long ago there lived a group of women known as the Daughters of the Earth, revered for their wisdom and knowledge, skilled in healing and white magic.īut as time passed, they came to be known by a far more sinister term.

The Dark Queen by Susan Carroll