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God's Concubine (The Troy Game book 2) by Sara Douglass
01/12/2007 . Source: Paul Hanley 
pub: TOR. 557 page hardback. Price: $27.95 (US), $38.95 (CAN). ISBN: 0-765-30541-0. 610 page paperback. Price: $7.99 (US), $10.99 (CAN). ISBN: 0-765-34443-2. Buy God's Concubine in the USA - or Buy God's Concubine in the UK  check out website: www.tor-forge.com and www.saradouglass.com
'God's Concubine' is the second book in Sara Douglass' intended series of four books entitled 'The Troy Game'.
This book covers the period from 1050 to 1066 and on one level is the events that lead to William of Normandy conquering Anglo-Saxon England and being crowned king. It opens with the wedding of a very reluctant Edward the Confessor, King of England, to the daughter of one of his powerful subjects, Godwine, Earl of Essex. This is richly and vividly described and if this were to be a straightforward historical novel it might well be quite an enjoyable read.
However, what underlies the story of William, Harold, their wives and so on is a deeper story. This is that, apparently endlessly re-born, are people from Troy who are replaying through the ages a game involving a labyrinth, the minotaur and six magic golden bands. The labyrinth and minotaur are part of the Greek myths about Crete borne out by excavations on the island.
In this story it seems that some of these re-born people recall this past but some do not so William of Normandy apparently remembers he is Brutus, a leader of Troy, but Harold does not recall his past.
I would say that whilst the writing is rich and various passages are brought to life the overall book is confusing and therefore disappointing. To add to the confusion in my copy of this book had a page headed London, March 1939 which I think refers to the 4th book in this series.
It may be that if I had read the first book in this series all might be clear. As it is, it seems that one of these characters, Asterion who was the minataur, is trying to re-establish the Game and win it which will release some magic which will usher in a fearful reign of unrestrained malevolence presided over by him. The other characters fall for or against him.
Whilst this might be in theory a strong thread to build the story on, especially one that is part of a series, I did not enjoy it. I found it disjointed and neither enjoyed this as historical story nor as a fantasy. I do not think I have read anything by Sara Douglass before. Whilst she has chosen a period of violent change in Britain and Europe's history the overall effect, I felt was lacking in action. It may be that because I like books with plenty of action that I am doing this author a disservice. I have however read the book twice several months apart because I thought I was being unfair and that it might grow on me on a second reading. Sometimes, as when watching a film for a second time, one sees thing missed the first time. Alas, I found this hard going so with some reluctance I would advise those who enjoy a coherent story with plenty of action to avoid this book.
Paul Hanley
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