Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Themes
Synopsis
"The year is 1425. France lies in bloody fragments, torn apart by decades of warfare between Frenchmen, Burgundians, and the hated English. Gilles de Rais is a loyal soldier in the service of the Dauphin, driven by dreams of chivalry and sacred honor. But even Gilles has begun to despair, unable to stomach the ceaseless bloodshed. Merlin's ancient prophecy foretells that a Maid will come who will unite the kingdom and heal the Land, but Gilles cannot bear to wait much longer."--Jacket.
Is The Merlin of the Oak Wood appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 16 and up.
This historical fantasy depicts the Hundred Years' War with significant battlefield violence and bloodshed. The novel explores themes of despair, loyalty, and prophecy through the eyes of Gilles de Rais as he awaits Joan of Arc's arrival.
What to know going in
This book has strong violence, mild sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include graphic violence, death, and mass death (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens interested in Joan of Arc, medieval warfare, and Arthurian prophecy will find this a dark but compelling historical fantasy.