Ever wonder what it might be like to travel back in time? What about the opportunity of spending time with a saint such as Joan of Arc? Reading this book will give you a great opportunity to do just that!
“The Warrior Maiden,” is written by Paul McCuster and is the second book of the three-book Virtue Chronicles series. McCuster takes us on an exciting journey back in time to 15th century France, where we travel with Andrew Perry and Eve Virtue, two teenagers from Hope Springs, Colo., and Joan of Arc who is on a mission from God to regain rule of France from England.
The story begins with Andrew and Eve exploring the basement of the Virtue Curiosity Shoppe, which is owned by Eve’s aunt and located in Hope Springs. Here, they discover the Radiant Stone that takes them back in time.
Andrew and Eve find themselves in Chinon, France, and they begin their journey by walking toward a castle off in the distance. It is here that they meet a “band of people” that includes no other than Joan of Arc. Joan invites Andrew and Eve to join the group and her quest to conquer the English and bring France under the rule of Dauphin. The two teenagers accept the invitation, and Joan soon begins to acknowledge them as her guardian angels sent by God.
From here, Joan begins to lead several different French armies against the English in various towns across the landscape of France. The quest to place Dauphin at the seat of rule for France, at times, seems to be quite hopeless. Never-the-less, Joan, relies on her faith, and remains focused and confident. Her consistent participation in daily Mass and the Sacrament of Penance seem to provide the sustenance needed, and she relies upon “voices of saints” to serve as her guides.
McCuster does a fantastic job of making it seem as though we are there with Joan, Andrew and Eve traveling through France, fighting the English, experiencing victories, defeats and the trials and tribulations that accompany war.
We also find suspense as Andrew and Eve struggle with the possibility of never returning to the present and their homes in England. Rather than spoiling the ending of this fascinating story, the “Warrior Maiden,” I encourage you to read the book. You won’t be disappointed!
I recommend this fictional account of Joan of Arc and the time travel of Andrew and Eve. One suggestion is before you begin reading this book, it may make it easier to understand the story if you take a few minutes to refresh your knowledge of Saint Joan of Arc.
John H. Dolezal is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.