After being exiled from Queen Mary Tudor’s court in 1558, lady in waiting Katherine Sutton is sent to live in a remote castle rumored to be a “perilous gard” or gateway to an underground world of Fairy Folk who still practice ancient pagan customs like human sacrifice. Sensible Kate is determined not to believe the rumors and anticipates a quiet, uneventful exile until she learns of the mysterious disappearance of her guardian’s young daughter Cecily at the Holy Well and the rumors begin to come true.
Based on the Scottish ballad Tam Lin, the Perilous Gard is an enchanting historical fantasy with a touch of mystery and romance. It’s no surprise this is a Newbery Honor book. Kate is a strong, independent heroine who really comes into her own. I especially love the banter between her and Christopher Heron. The fairy world is richly drawn; at times mysterious, entrancing, and frightening. Pope knows her stuff; she spent most of her career as an English professor specializing in Elizabethan England. Unfortunately she only wrote this and The Sherwood Ring, but I will definitely be recommending and re-reading both.
