I love the continuing adventures of Willa and Gerard Fox through 14th Century Europe. One day I would also love for them to get Gerard's excommunication from the church lifted (knowing that would likely be the end of their story). But not yet!!!
As always, this book was well written, full of adventure and excitement and clearly thoroughly researched. I'm a huge fan of historical fiction, although I would call this more like historical adventure. I can't say I knew much about 14th Century Spain, but really enjoyed learning all about it in the Duel of Beasts. I highly recommend this series to anyone and everyone, and honestly cannot wait for the next story in the Adventures of Willa and Gerard Fox!

I haven’t read previous books so it made the beginning hard to follow. But I enjoyed it. Characters are likeable and plot is interesting

This story picks up a few months after the previous book. Spain 1352, While it can be read as a standalone, I would highly recommend reading the earlier books first so you can fully appreciate Gerard and Willa’s journey and everything they have already been through. I have no doubt that if you start with this one, you’ll want to go back and read the previous three books.

Excommunicated Knight Templar Gerard Fox and his wife Willa are travelling to Spain in the hope of finding the priest who may hold the key to Gerard reclaiming his title and lands. If they succeed, they can finally return to England and begin the settled life they dream of. Before continuing their journey, they agree to personally deliver a letter from Christoval to his sister, Madelena Arrazola. Unfortunately, things quickly go wrong when they are arrested on a false charge of blasphemy. Their unexpected release leads them into a web of deception after they unknowingly deliver the letter to the wrong Señora Arrazola, setting off a thrilling chain of events.

When they finally meet the real Madelena, it becomes clear that powerful people want her silenced before the truth can come out. Gerard, Willa, and Madelena soon find themselves fighting for their lives as danger lurks around every corner.

I was completely engrossed from beginning to end. The setting of medieval Spain was vividly brought to life, and I loved the addition of Nayar’s extraordinary collection of animals, including hippopotamuses, crocodiles, bears, and wolves, which added even more tension to an already gripping story.

It was also lovely to learn a little more about Willa’s past with the introduction of Darras, whose arrival immediately sparks Gerard’s suspicions. Their relationship continues to be one of the highlights of the series, and I really enjoy seeing how they face each new challenge together.

This is a fast-paced historical adventure packed with action, intrigue, danger, and just the right amount of humour. From daring escapes and deadly plots to bullfights and encounters with dangerous animals, there was never a dull moment. I found it impossible to put down and loved every page.

This series just keeps getting better, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. If you enjoy historical fiction filled with adventure, memorable characters, and plenty of suspense, this is definitely a series you should be reading.

Thank you to #Netgalley and @HoZ_Books for an ARC of this book to read and review, all thoughts and opinions are my own and have not been influenced in any way.