Son of the Morning

Fans of alternate history leavened with wry humor will enjoy this fast-moving epic from the author of the Wolfsangel series. Alder imagines the 14th-century conflict between England and France with a supernatural dimension, as each country’s rulers have the power to summon angels or demons to their cause. The action begins in 1337, with the opening salvos of what will become known as the Hundred Years’ War, as England’s King Edward contests France’s King Philip’s claim to Aquitaine. The English fear that the angels allied with Philip may guarantee a French victory, and to counter those spiritual forces, they seek out help from hell, using a key passed down as a family heirloom to Bardi, a banker. Alder effectively employs a large cast, including historical figures (Isabella of France, Edward’s mother) as well as his own inventions (such as Bardi), while making it easy for the reader to keep track of who’s who. The book follows the conflict between the British and the French through 1346, leaving the door open for a sequel. (Feb.)