Witch Week co-host Lizzie considers two fantasies in which treason and plot figure as a main trigger for the action.
Heavy Lies the Crown
Lizzie Ross
I’m convinced that plotting is a common, often unconscious, human behavior against those in charge. Events akin to Antonio’s coup and Prospero’s later revenge happen to or are witnessed by anyone who has ever worked within a group – business, school, hospital, co-op board – although perhaps with fewer magical aides. Gossip during the office coffee break is but a form of plotting against the powerful, whether it be the CEO or the person with the key to the copy machine. After-work grumbles at the bar with a few colleagues slides easily into treasonous murmurs that could result in someone being deposed. Perhaps this is why we so enjoy tales of mutiny, rebellion, betrayal, treason.
Add royalty, and you’ve got yourself a story that could fly. Rulers live under the constant threat of their own violent death. Surrounded by secrets and lies, a ruler can’t help but wonder what a courtier, advisor, ambassador, minor aristocrat, bored guard, or miffed servant might be planning. Prospero, busy with his books, was spared this concern, but he’s a rarity, and he was lucky to have survived his own downfall.
Which brings me to today’s set of fantasy books, two novels about seditious plots to murder rulers and gain ultimate power.
Continue reading “#WitchWeek2021 Day 5: Power and revenge”
Calmgrove 