A highly immersive read' Anne O'Brien, bestselling author of The Royal Game 'This masterly and intense portrait creates a convincing three-dimensional character from the young peasant woman gifted with visions who, in her short life, followed her destiny to fight for the disputed French crown, even at the cost of her life. I loved the writing, the imagery, the feeling of authenticity: this novel will stay with me for a long time' Elizabeth Chadwick, bestselling author Joan possesses a mystical, spiritual quality that gleams within the dirt and brutality of war, while her kindness and compassion shine through. 'Pacy but lyrical, which takes great skill. This is a haunting and deeply insightful novel' Rebecca Stott, Costa award-winning author of In the Days of Rain Chen has given us a new Joan for our times, who is tender, magnetic, and courageous. I loved it' Jo Baker, author of Longbourn A triumph!' Annie Garthwaite, author of Cecily 'An electrifying creative leap - a re-imagining both vivid and compelling. With unforgettably vivid characters and propulsive storytelling, Joan is a thrilling epic, a triumph of historical fiction, and a feminist celebration of one remarkable - and remarkably real - woman who left an indelible mark on history. The battlefield and the royal court are full of dangers and Joan finds herself under suspicion from all sides - as well as under threat from her own ambition. Reckless, steel-willed and brilliant, Joan has survived a childhood steeped in both joy and violence to claim an extraordinary - and fragile - position at the head of the French army. Yet out of the chaos, an unlikely heroine emerges. *Times Best Historical Novels of July 2022 Pick*įrance is mired in a losing war against England. Chen Joan as a beguiling, fully human mix of wariness and confidence, and fiercely protective of those she loves' Guardian If you liked Ariadne, then this has to be your next read' Red Magazine a hypnotic heroine for our time' Telegraph

'Chen earns the comparison thanks to her vivid, visceral and boldly immediate storytelling. Richly imagined, poignant and inspiring' Jennifer Saint, author of Ariadne 'It is as if the author has crept inside a statue and breathed a soul into it, re-creating Joan of Arc as a woman for our time' Hilary Mantel, twice Booker Prize-winning author of The Mirror & the Light A stunning feminist reimagining of the life of Joan of Arc - perfect for fans of Cecily, Ariadne and Matrix

Joan katherine chen