Subject
Inquisition -- Fiction Books
Best books
Laurence M. Janifer
Wizard
"Wizard" by Laurence M. Janifer is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The story is set in a medieval-like world where telepathy exists but is hidden under the guise of a "Masquerade" to protect telepaths from persecution, particularly from an Inquisition. At its core, the book explores themes of identity, courage, and the struggle against oppressive authority. The protagonist, Jonas, is a telepath who arrives in the town of Speyer with the intention of helping a family under threat from the Inquisition, represented by a ruthless Inquisitor named Knupf. As Jonas navigates this dangerous environment, he faces the challenge of proving his abilities without being considered a wizard, which would lead to his execution. The story unfolds as Jonas becomes entwined with the Scharpe family, who have suffered under the Inquisitor's regime. Through a series of cunning moves, he ultimately confronts Knupf, revealing the truth about his telepathy in a way that protects him and begins to dismantle the Inquisition's power in Speyer. The narrative blends elements of adventure and moral dilemmas, culminating in a significant step forward for the Brotherhood of telepaths that he represents.
Ann Ward Radcliffe
The Italian, Volume 1 (of 3) : $b or, the confessional of the Black Penitents
"The Italian, Volume 1 (of 3): or, the confessional of the Black Penitents" by Ann Radcliffe is a Gothic novel published in 1796. When young Vivaldi falls for the beautiful but poor Ellena, his aristocratic mother enlists her sinister confessor, Father Schedoni, to destroy the match. What follows is a dark tale of kidnapping, disguise, and persecution set against the backdrop of the Inquisition, where mysterious monks issue warnings, convents imprison innocents, and shocking secrets threaten to surface in shadowy confessionals.
Ann Ward Radcliffe
The Italian, Volume 2 (of 3) : $b or, the confessional of the Black Penitents
"The Italian, or the Confessional of the Black Penitents" by Ann Radcliffe is a Gothic novel published in 1796. When Vincentio di Vivaldi falls for the beautiful but poor Ellena di Rosalba, his proud mother enlists her sinister confessor, Father Schedoni, to prevent their union. What follows is a dark tale of kidnapping, mysterious monks, the dungeons of the Inquisition, and shocking revelations that bind victim and villain in unexpected ways.
Grace Aguilar
The Vale of Cedars; Or, The Martyr
"The Vale of Cedars; Or, The Martyr" by Grace Aguilar is a historical novel written in the mid-19th century that explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the conflicts arising from religious and cultural identity. The story centers on Marie Henriquez, a young woman of Jewish descent living in Spain during the late 15th century, and her struggle between her love for Arthur Stanley, an Englishman, and her loyalty to her faith and family. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to the rich and tumultuous landscape of medieval Spain, where the protagonist, Marie, finds herself torn between her feelings for Arthur and the societal expectations of her Jewish heritage. The opening depicts her encounter with Arthur, igniting a forbidden romance filled with tension and heartache. Amidst her father's deteriorating health and societal pressures, Marie grapples with her emotions, leading to a poignant revelation about her love for Arthur and the consequences of her choices, setting the stage for the unfolding drama of love amid persecution and sacrifice.
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