As inspirational, or Christian-themed, fiction becomes more popular, Christian authors are branching out in different directions to satisfy the demands of readers who want to be taken away from the real world without compromising their values and beliefs.  Robin Hardy, perhaps best-known for editing W. W. Melton's devotional, SIFTED BUT SAVED, gained a following with her series, THE ANNALS OF LYSTRA.  The complex political structure of the Lystran court is rich with stories, prompting Ms. Hardy to return there with NICOLE OF PRIE MER, Book One of the Latter Annals of Lystra.  Set one hundred years after the adventures of Surchatain Roman, Nicole's story will captivate new readers while giving Lystra fans a return visit to the palace at Westford.

Nicole, daughter of a tailor, meets Chataine Renée at the spring fair.  The daughter of Surchatain Cedric (ruler of the province of Lystra), Renée insists that her new friend visit her at the palace.  Nicole is falsely presented as Lady Nicole, a deception soon exposed as the limitations of her wardrobe become obvious.  Very much a fish out of water, Nicole must navigate her way through the intrigues and plots of the courtiers while keeping in mind her father's decree that she remain at court until she captures a rich or noble husband.  Although several men are interested in the fresh-faced, kind-hearted beauty, her sights are set on Commander Ares, scarred physically and emotionally by events in his past.

Readers new to this series will find the glossary at the back of the book very helpful, particularly if they discover it before they begin reading.  The complexities of succession and court life are as treacherous and serpentine as the court of the Medici in Renaissance Italy.  Nicole's shopping spree is as much fun to read about as it might have been to experience.  No concessions are made as Ms. Hardy creates a thoroughly detailed, realistic world for her readers:  anyone who's ever marvelled that characters in books never have to relieve themselves will find the opposite true in Lystra. 

More importantly, in Commander Ares, Robin Hardy has created a hero worthy of the title.  Ares is a one-woman man, and once he claims Nicole, no other will do.  The machinations of Cedric threaten the relationship between Nicole and Ares at every turn, but Ares' strength and devotion are matched in intensity by Nicole's kindness and determination.  The love scenes are by turns tumultuous and tender.  Ms. Hardy excels at giving just enough information to keep things moving, and yet surprising readers when what they know is put into place in her multi-faceted plot.  Faith and love are called upon equally to help characters through the perils of court life, and Ms. Hardy portrays both virtues simply and beautifully without being preachy or overwrought.

Without having read the first Lystra trilogy, it is impossible to compare Ares with Roman, but it seems quite likely that Ares is a worthy successor in every way.  Robin Hardy has written a compelling story that succeeds on every level.  The next book of this trilogy, ARES OF WESTFORD, is due in October 2004, which leaves readers plenty of time to catch up on Lystran history.  NICOLE OF PRIE MER is a treasure worth keeping.