The Duke and the Spirits of the Past
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A gripping historical novel full of intrigue, dark secrets, and deadly struggles for power!
France in the 17th century – an age of conflict, love, and honour, where any means are justified in the pursuit of power. Henri de Beauvoir is a man who will stop at nothing — even making a pact with the devil — to achieve his sinister ambitions. As the ruthless cousin of the Marquis de Beauvoir and Duke of Hertford, he spins a perilous web of deception, intrigue, and betrayal to bring about his cousin’s downfall.
A secret enemy from the past threatens to destroy the Marquis.
Danger lurks in the shadows — always ready to strike.
An unexpected love may change everything.
When the fate of the Marquis hangs in the balance, a deadly game of cat and mouse unfolds — one where every move is could prove fatal. Can Henri carry out his dark plans, or will the secrets buried in his past become his downfall?
Bright bells rang out again; Joseph beat his drum, faster and faster, until the rhythm lulled Jacques’ mind and put him into a trance. Jacques lost all sense of time and the present and plunged into a dark tunnel, into a cold world without time, without beginning or end.
Power, wealth, and status are the only things that truly matter to Henri de Beauvoir, and he cares little about what route he must take in order to achieve his goals. Whether it is turning himself over to the gambling table and taking everything he can from his opponent, or making a deal with the devil himself, there seems to be no limit to how far he is prepared to go.
However, an ageing and decrepit body is beginning to hold Henri back. He can no longer do all that he once could, and the path forward seems increasingly uncertain. That is, until he finds himself consulting with one of his slaves, a priest of the Voodoo sect, who calls upon the Black Iwa to open up new opportunities for Henri and give him another chance at exacting retribution against his cousin.
The Duke and the Spirits of the Past by Michael Stolle is a thrilling historical novel of espionage, deception, resentment, and revenge. With strands of the supernatural and religious undertones woven throughout the narrative, the result is a captivating story that draws you in and keeps you captive as the different threads gradually begin to come together.
This novel follows several narrative threads, all of which are carefully woven together into a well-rounded and enthralling story. With such a large cast and relationships that have developed over the course of the series, it may benefit the reader to catch up on the previous books before beginning this one, simply to gain a fuller understanding of the characters and their histories. However, this is not a necessity. Stolle provides enough context for the reader to understand who the characters are and how they fit into the wider story without allowing explanations of past events to overwhelm the narrative.
The inclusion of supernatural elements certainly helps to elevate the story beyond a simple tale of resentment and revenge. The fight between good and evil plays a significant role, represented by the Black Iwa and its natural adversary, the White Iwa. These guardian spirits cling to those who appease and represent them, and Henri’s decision to turn to the Black Iwa to fulfil his deepest and darkest desires creates an intense atmosphere that is impossible to ignore.
Henri is deeply jealous of his cousin, Pierre de Beauvoir, who took the title of Marquis from him, but what might otherwise have remained a bitter family rivalry becomes something much darker once Henri seeks the aid of the Black Iwa. I found this representation of good versus evil made for an intensely fascinating and engrossing story. Henri becomes increasingly consumed by his hatred and desire for retribution, to the point where there seems to be very little humanity left within him. This makes him a particularly unsettling antagonist, for there is something deeply disturbing about a man willing to surrender himself so completely to darkness in pursuit of what he believes should rightfully be his. He is a character who truly makes your skin crawl as you read.
In contrast, Pierre de Beauvoir brings a fairly amusing side to the story. His plans to sail to England are fraught with danger, and the reality of such a journey brings a vast number of adversities along the way. His travels are perilous, but with his companions, Armand and Charles, at his side, their interactions help to lighten the mood of the novel considerably.
Through thick and thin, their banter with one another remains, and I found myself genuinely looking forward to the chapters in which they took the lead. Although they frequently find themselves in danger, or trouble of some kind, there is a warmth to their companionship that prevents these sections from becoming relentlessly tense. They are entertaining characters who are easy to root for, and the levity they bring to their often treacherous and life-threatening travels creates a welcome balance against the darker aspects of the story.
This novel boasts a large cast of characters, many of whom take control of the narrative at some point, allowing the story to be viewed from several different perspectives. A character I found particularly interesting was Constance de Tessier, official mistress to Louis, Prince of Condé. She is a woman of significant substance within the story rather than being relegated wholly to the role of mistress. She has a clear mind of her own and finds herself trapped in an impossible situation, one that she must attempt to escape through tact, patience, and careful planning.
Constance also gives the reader a glimpse into life at court while many of the other characters are travelling or making social connections elsewhere. Her position is particularly interesting because she exists within the tight inner circles of court while, in many respects, remaining on the outside. She is kept close while she is useful, but that usefulness offers little genuine security, meaning she must proceed warily at every turn if she is to maintain her position of trust.
Her plight carries a great deal of emotion, for she truly feels trapped by the life she has found herself living. I thought this came through particularly strongly as she attempts to create something for herself and dreams of a future that may never become a reality. Beneath the politics and social manoeuvring is a woman searching for a degree of control over her own life, which made her one of the more compelling characters in the novel.
Another character of significant note is Jean. Although officially Pierre’s valet, his importance to the story extends far beyond his position. He is accustomed to keeping Pierre out of trouble and danger and does so on multiple occasions throughout the novel. I found myself gaining a deep admiration for Jean as I read, for he is fiercely loyal and works hard to do right by those around him, particularly Pierre.
His otherworldly insight also gives him a meaningful role within the supernatural side of the story. Jean possesses the foresight to recognise that danger may be lurking on the horizon, although he does not necessarily know what form that danger will take. This uncertainty adds another layer of tension, particularly when the reader knows that Henri is actively working against Pierre. Jean’s determination to protect Pierre and those around him places him in a unique position of trust, and the respect he garners from the other characters is truly deserved.
The historical detailing of this novel is spectacular and brings the period vividly to life. From the silken gowns of court to the harsh burn of sub-par rum, the seventeenth century lives and breathes within the pages. Rather than simply providing a backdrop for the characters, the historical setting surrounds them, shaping their journeys, their relationships, and the political world through which they must carefully navigate.
It is abundantly clear that Stolle is well versed in this period of history. His depictions and careful descriptions demonstrate the research that has gone into crafting a novel that is not only exciting, intriguing, and thrilling to read, but one in which the history feels firmly embedded within the narrative. The political manoeuvring, courtly expectations, social divisions, travel, clothing, and everyday details all help to create a convincing sense of time and place.
This is also a novel in which it is incredibly difficult to predict the outcome. With so many characters following their own paths, political schemes unfolding behind closed doors, and supernatural forces adding another level of uncertainty, there is always the sense that something more is waiting around the corner. Deceit and betrayal run throughout the story, while Henri’s pursuit of revenge provides an increasingly sinister thread that draws many of the novel’s darker elements together.
With supernatural and political themes underpinning an intense story of deceit, betrayal, and revenge, The Duke and the Spirits of the Past by Michael Stolle is an engaging and suspenseful read. Political intrigue, carefully concealed plots, memorable characters, and a climactic fight between good and evil come together to create a story that keeps the reader invested in the fate of its characters. This is a novel that will keep your attention rapt until the final page is turned.
The Coffee Pot Book Club
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