Quest For the Crown

Quest for the Crown, Diana M. Johnson, Superior Book Publishing Co., 2002

Set approximately 1300 years ago, this novel is the story of Pepin the Short, one of the heirs of Charles Martel. After Martel's death, his kingdom (present-day France and Germany) is split between Pepin and Carloman, his older brother. A huge secret in the family is the very old prophecy that someone of this bloodline will become King of All Franks, a prophecy that Pepin would very much like to fulfill. Since the Merovingians have held the throne for the past several hundred years, public knowledge of the prophecy would upset many people.

Pepin can't exactly fight Carloman for the crown (Carloman is next in line), but he has no such problem dealing with anyone else who gets in his way, including a treasonous, younger, half-brother named Grifo. Years later, Carloman is racked with guilt over a cold-blooded murder he committed in the heat of battle. He is convinced that the only way to atone for his sin is to "give" Pepin the crown, and join a monastery.

Pepin is constantly on the move, consolidating and expanding his territory. With help from the Pope, he establishes the Divine Right of Kings. He takes an army over the Alps, and almost does not make it, to help out the Pope in Italy. The conquered Italian cities are donated to the Pope, and become the Vatican.

This novel is a first-rate piece of writing. As much as possible, it's based on historical fact, so it feels very plausible. It's well done, and is a fitting end to a really good trilogy.