Machiavellian intrigue and adventure combined with just a touch of romance set the stage for The Girl Of Many Crowns, a novel by D.H. Morris. The story takes place in 856 AD, and the Roman Empire is just a memory as petty kings and nobles with petty hearts squabble over a bleak land of superstition called Western Europe. Baldwin, a 16-year-old knight, is invited to join King Charles and look after his son Louis, a kindhearted youth lacking confidence at a time when those traits were fatal. At the king's court, Baldwin meets Judith, the prince's younger sister, who is facing challenges as the scheming Archbishop Hincmar convinces her father to have Judith marry a foreign king four times her age. After her husband dies, his conniving son decides to marry her himself for political gain, much to Archbishop Hincmar's delight. As Judith realizes that kings and queens are sometimes the biggest pawns, she must choose between accepting her fate or shaping it herself.

The Girl Of Many Crowns by D.H. Morris is also a book of many stories. The lives of numerous protagonists are chronicled and woven together in multiple plots that combine into an enthralling tale of the Dark Ages based on historical fact. Survival, Viking raiders, and grand adventure are expertly used to explore themes of ambition, duty, and free will. A rich cast of well-developed characters with distinct motivations enhances immersion and creates one of the better medieval tales I've read in a long time. The pace of the story is brisk, leaving no possibility of boredom, and the writing style is impeccable. Guaranteed to please fans of multiple genres and ages, The Girl Of Many Crowns is an excellent example of a unique approach to storytelling, serving as a wonderful reminder that the greatest kingdom one can wish for is to be happy in life.

When two kindred spirits are united, one would expect a happily ever after ending, but in an era where class means everything, that was quite another matter. In D.H. Morris’s The Girl of Many Crowns, a princess, Judith of Francia, who marries and becomes a queen, finds her kindred spirit and her love in the knight that serves her and her father, the king. But power, politics, religion, and a royal father, King Charles, are determined to keep them apart. He pledges his daughter to one older royal after another and even imprisons her when she refuses to accept his latest pledge. That’s when she meets Count Baldwin, a fierce and powerful knight, and their love is sparked.

D.H. Morris’s novel, The Girl of Many Crowns, demonstrates a sound knowledge of the historical period in which this story unfolds – the ninth century, an era considerably overlooked by historical fiction fans. The plot follows the young princess’s position in several courts as she navigates the royal protocol and politics of the time. A parallel plot follows Count Baldwin as he enters royal service. This is a knight with a reputation for being fierce, bold, and powerful in battle. The story that unfolds is riveting and spell-binding, keeping the reader engaged to the very end. Like Sharon Kay Penman and Philippa Gregory (among others), the author weaves an adventurous tale based on historical facts. Engaging and educational, this novel is a must-read for historical fiction enthusiasts.