Queen Isabella of England prepares to attack her husband Edward II with the aid of her lover, Mortimer. England's lords and law keepers scramble to make the most of the weak king's corrupt reign. Hugh Despenser the Younger, the king's favorite, feels his world threatening to crumble. Hugh's one loyal night, Sir John Swale, sets out on a simple mission and finds himself caught amidst outlaws, family feuds and increasingly lethal encounters. It's the year 1326 and the law of the land is simple: there is no law, only different masters.

Folville's Law takes readers through many different perspectives. Everyone's world is narrow, full of their own ambitions and motivations. Author David Pilling does an excellent job at keeping his audience abreast of circumstances from the individual to the international while juggling storylines and his characters' perceptions. All of the voices Pilling uses to tell his tale are strong, consistent and eminently human. No one is concerned with an overarching history more than their own welfare; no one is outside their immediate surroundings and limited knowledge. Royals, bandits and widows all show glimpses into different lifestyles, giving Pilling's book a more up-front and direct feeling of authenticity than many.

Folville's Law fights and schemes through its pages, maintaining a quick and exciting reading pace. The ensemble cast and swiftly switching perspectives draw readers into the history and action of the plot, but also make it difficult to connect to any of the characters. The many actors and subplots make Pilling's debut novel engaging, an excellent lead work for a series (now in its seventh book). Throughout, Pilling wields a distinctive tone, a knack for explaining complications with flair, and a strategically balanced sense of pacing.

In a nutshell, Folville's Law is a gritty, well-researched adventure without a hero, just an array of humans. If you're looking for romance, this is not the book for you. For historical interest, action and intrigue, I recommend this work. It's always good when I'm left still wanting to know what happens next.

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