The Shadow King

Set in the late seventeenth century, the story follows Balthasar Stuart, a biracial doctor grappling with his complex identity as the illegitimate son of a Bohemian queen and an African prince. After fleeing the plague in Holland, he navigates the morally ambiguous landscape of Restoration London, crossing paths with the enigmatic Aphra Behn. His journey leads him to colonial Barbados, a society rife with slavery and racism. The novel vividly portrays historical details, including speech, cuisine, fashion, and medical practices, creating an immersive experience.