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Orion Publishing, June 2006
Reviewed by Sally Roddom
It is 1235, and Brother Petroc is a novice monk in rural England. Life is
good. His only struggle with sin is resisting the advances of the local
village girls. While enjoying a drink with his friend, he is seized by a
sinister Templar Knight, Sir Hugh de Kervezey, who persuades Petroc to
fetch him a relic of the hand of Saint Euphemia from the local Cathedral
so it can be given to the Bishop. Shortly after, Petroc is fleeing for his
life. His best friend, and a church cleric, is murdered by Kervezey, and
Petroc is accused of both the murders and of thieving the priceless relic.
Petroc must avoid those seeking him and somehow bring the right man to
justice. What follows is a thrilling adventure story complete with faked
relics, murder, conspiracy theories, pirates, an evil Knight Templar and a
damsel in distress.
I get the feeling that RELICS is going to be the first of a series. Author
Pip Vaughan-Hughes spends a considerable part of his debut book
introducing, and giving background to, the main characters. Having said
that, this is a good first novel, and it is obvious that a lot of
historical research has gone into this book, so that the reader is drawn
vividly into thirteenth century life through the eyes of Petroc. He does
spend an excessive amount of time soul searching over the murder of his
best friend and his faith. However this is counteracted by sword fights
and street chases and sea voyages. A rollicking good read.
Aug 2006 review originally published on Murder & Mayhem
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