The Fatal Child
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The final novel in this compelling trilogy set in a medieval fantasy world.Atti is the Fatal Child. Beautiful and adored, she is troubled by a recurring nightmare of violence and betrayal. She can love no one and trust no one, and she wakes screaming in the night. Driven by his love for Atti, Ambrose, son of Phaedra, gives up his wandering existence and takes the throne. This is the story of his kingship and his attempts to remove the curse of Beyah, the weeping goddess, from his land. For while Beyah weeps, she poisons hearts, and only when the weeping stops can peace be restored to the kingdom. Seen through the eyes of Padry, close advisor to the king, and of Melissa, maid to the queen, this is a passionate story of love and betrayal, power and sacrifice, hope and loss. Prophecies are fulfilled and story threads are concluded as Ambrose and his mother struggle to come to terms with their destinies.Children's LiteratureDickinson wrote this breathtaking novel to end the trilogy begun with The Cup of the World and The Widow and the King. The book begins and ends with a fierce battle where the enemy has no compassion for the opposing side. Characters are well drawn and the protagonist, Melissa, a maid, is more honorable and likable than Atti, a beautiful girl who becomes the queen. There are elements of witchcraft, intrigue, court politics, and betrayal which keep the reader turning pages. Melissa is a faithful servant to Atti before and after she becomes queen. Atti's husband, the king, loves her dearly. When her reputation becomes scarred, the king does not believe it for quite some time. Melissa loves the king in ways more personal than expected from a lowly servant. Melissa also loves a young man who is working to improve himself educationally and socially. Atti does not appreciate all that Melissa has done for her. On one important occasion, Atti shows her concern and feeling for Melissa. Toward the close of the book, the ousted king's mother makes an effort to save Atti's life. The gesture was one of benevolence rather than love for her daughter-in-law. The book will appeal to young boys as well as girls since bloody battle fields are included as well as love trysts. The locale is an imaginary kingdom and apparently takes place during the "middle ages." Reviewer: Jennie DeGenaro
