Fast-paced intrigue enlivens dark tale
Novel travels to the past and back

The "black plague" conjures up visions of a dark and frightening era. Indeed, for the residents of London and surrounding
areas of England, the 14th century was a terrifying time to be alive. And it's a terrifying place to set a young adult novel,
as author Simon Rose done with his latest book, The Heretic's Tomb.
The book is a sweeping historical drama involving witchcraft, religious zealotry, life and death. Much, much death.
At the story's centre is Lady Isabella Devereaux, a woman who has lost her husband and two daughters to the plague. She
moves into the local abbey and becomes a healer, devoted to tending the sick and dying. Studying a time-worn journal
entrusted to her by a former monk, she learns to practise medicine. Her skills are soon well known and she travels far and
wide in her work. But then the monk, on his deathbed, tells her of another, very secret book. This one is filled with spells
and will allow her to practice magic.

Lady Isabella is then placed in a very dangerous position -- if she is caught owning a book of ancient magic, she would
certainly be sentenced to death as a witch. But she can't resist using the book's spells to help those in need around her.
The plot takes readers on a journey from the pastoral countryside of England into the teeming, filthy centre of London,
from the year 1349 to the present -- and back again.
It takes Annie, a modern-day girl from London, to unravel the mystery of the heretic's tomb. When Annie goes on a tour
of an archeological dig, she has no idea she'll stumble down a chimney and back in time. But that's just how she winds up
in the 14th century -- and meets a very confused Lady Isabella.
Together they embark on a journey to London, all the while attempting to keep the book out of the hands of an evil
landowner who plans to overthrow the kingdom by using its spells to raise an army of the dead.
The Heretic's Tomb is a fast-paced tale of intrigue, sorcery and adventure, set in a fascinating period of history. At times
the writing is stilted; feeling almost like a Reader's Digest condensed book version of what could be a much more detailed
story.
But young readers will forgive the summarizing as they get caught up in the quick pace, and enjoy the rich historical
details that bring the 14th century to life.