by Judith Tarr
First published 2012
Brother Gerbert kneels in his monastery cell, but the Latin prayers on his lips mask far more dangerous studies. This young monk in 10th century Europe has stumbled upon ancient magical arts that could transform his destiny. As Gerbert masters these forbidden secrets, he finds himself ascending through the ranks of the medieval Church, gaining power and influence among the most elite religious figures of his time. But wielding magic while serving God creates an impossible tension. Gerbert must navigate the treacherous politics of the Church hierarchy while concealing abilities that could brand him a heretic. His magical knowledge becomes both his greatest asset and his most perilous liability. The higher Gerbert rises in the Church, the more precarious his position becomes, as he struggles to balance his mystical powers with his religious duties in a world where discovery could mean death.
Genres: historical-fiction, fantasy, magic
Vibes: atmospheric, dark, thought-provoking
Tropes: forbidden-knowledge, power-struggle, secret-identity
Setting: Europe, Monastery
Period: 10th Century
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