THE PLAGUE
Joanne Dahme
Running Press
Historical Fiction
ISBN: 9780762433445
272 pages

Nell and her little brother, George, have been orphaned by the horrible plague that is sweeping across Europe in the mid-1300s. But one strange twist of fate saves them from scrounging for survival on the dirty streets: Nell looks exactly like Princess Joan. In fact, they could be identical twins. After the king discovers this phenomenon, he invites Nell to move into the castle and act as a security double for his daughter. Nell and George continue to mourn the death of their parents, but at least (for now) they’re safe.

By the time Nell is 15, she has been living with the princess for a few years and they have become good friends; Nell admires Joan’s grace and wisdom, and Joan appreciates having company. But like it or not, their lives are about to change again, for the princess is engaged and boarding a ship to join her fiancé. Nell, of course, is accompanying her to continue to act as her security double, and wherever Nell goes, George goes as well. They may never return to England, which both scares and excites them. Joan’s older brother, the Black Prince, looks forward to expanding the castle’s relations and joins them on the journey. However, the union between nations screeches to a halt when the princess tragically dies from the plague.

The Black Prince refuses to give up this powerful union, despite the death of his sister. He forces Nell to take over Princess Joan’s life as they continue their journey. Nell attempts to protest with all of her might; her loyalty to the now-dead princess and the king is strong and deep. Only the prince’s threat of killing her little brother forces Nell to go along with the masquerade. But not everyone is in agreement with the prince. A plan is hatched, enabling Nell, George and a young soldier named Henry to escape. With the help of some loyal friends, the trio flees into the night. But will they be able to elude the Black Prince’s clutches and warn the king in time?

Following her horror- and suspense-filled debut, CREEPERS, Joanne Dahme takes a different route in her second book, choosing to delve into the historical past and a Plague-infested 14th century Europe. She brings this frightening time of danger, disease and death to life with vivid descriptions --- “It was cold and damp in this three-walled room, and I swore I could smell the fear of the hundreds of souls who had made this same journey before us. I wondered if our fear, too, would cling to the air long after we left this place.” --- and presents readers with a colorful cast of characters that will long be remembered. Nell is especially vibrant, with her tender heart and brave spirit.

THE PLAGUE is truly captivating, and I look forward to seeing what she has in store for fans next.

    --- Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman, author of FINDING MY LIGHT, GHOSTS OF THE UPPER PENINSULA and THE BLACK POND

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