Adam de Guirande has cause to believe the turbulent times are behind him: Hugh Despenser is dead and Edward II has been forced to abdicate in favour of his young son. It is time to look forward, to a bright new world in which the young king, guided by his council, heals his kingdom and restores its greatness. But the turmoil is far from over… After years of strife, England in the early months of 1327 is a country in need of stability, and many turn with hope towards the new young king, Edward III. But Edward is too young to rule, so instead it is his mother, Queen Isabella, and her lover, Roger Mortimer, who do the actual governing, much to the dislike of barons such as Henry of Lancaster. In the north, the Scots take advantage of the weakened state of the realm and raid with impunity. Closer to court, it is Mortimer’s increasing powers that cause concerns – both among his enemies, but also for men like Adam, who loves Mortimer dearly, but loves the young king just as much. When it is announced that Edward II has died in September of 1327, what has so far been a grumble grows into voluble protests against Mortimer. Yet again, the spectre of rebellion haunts the land, and things are further complicated by the reappearance of one of Adam’s personal enemies. Soon enough, he and his beloved wife Kit are fighting for their survival – even more so when Adam is given a task that puts them both in the gravest of dangers. Under the Approaching Dark is the third in Anna Belfrage’s series, The King’s Greatest Enemy, the story of a man torn apart by his loyalties to his lord, his king, and his wife.
Adam and Kit are still trying to come to terms with their son’s death in the previous book and it also brings some strains into their marriage. Tom died when they were away and they never saw the body so there is the possibility that he is alive and Kit clings into that believe. But despite the circumstances of the start of their marriage, they have grown to love each other and are able to move on from these hard times.
But Adam is finding it ever more difficult staying loyal to both the young King and Mortimer. Edward is growing more frustrated because his mother Queen Isabella and Mortimer are holding the real power but as Edward grows older it becomes clear that sooner or later there will be a confrontation since its less than likely that Mortimer will just hand over the power. In the end, who will Adam serve?
I love that Edward III is getting more scenes in this book. I thought it was well presented how he dealt with the death and stuff concerning his father Edward II. Some conflicting emotions there! I’m so glad that he’s marriage to Philippa starts off well and I like how she is portrayed.
I’m also really starting to like Thomas of Brotherton. There’s so little written about him and I love how big role he has in this. And it’s great for Adam to have such a friend.
Another great book from the author and I can’t wait for the next book! I want to see how it goes between Edward and Mortimer.
