The Lord of Misrule by Debbie Henderson

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The Lord of Misrule fits its title. It is a medieval romp. The main characters view rowdiness as a virtue, and are out to prove it.

Raurdyn, the Lord of Misrule, is a beautiful, sensuous, drunken fellow who is also an accomplished thief. His best friend, nicknamed Ratsey, appropriately, is the scion of a titled family who gave it all up for a life of thievery and debauchery. Raurdyn possesses a charisma that makes strangers cheer him and women clamor for him, and he and Ratsey lead family and friends from one debased episode to another.

The way is not smooth, however. Raurdyn possesses a magic that actually possesses him, and from which he cannot rid himself. He must overcome enemies real and surreal, and is nearly bested by a demon. Grief drives him to sobriety; love rescues him.

Ms. Henderson has an understanding of medieval culture. This can be seen by her vocabulary throughout the book. However, she is not above throwing modern slang into the mix of The Lord of Misrule. After all, this is a romp, is it not? Best not to take it too seriously.

Reviewed by Ruth McIntyre-Williams
Author of the Celtic Medieval Novel "Clovenstone".

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