New York Times and USA Today Bestseller!
An outstanding historical novel of 17th-century France ... based on a real-life scandal known as the Affaire des Poisons, this tale is riveting from start to finish.--Library Journal
Her ability to see the future may prevent her from living in the present...
For a handful of gold, Madame de Morville will read your future in a glass of swirling water. You'll believe her, because you know she's more than 150 years old and a witch, and she has all of Paris in the palm of her hand. But Madame de Morville hides more behind her black robes than you know. Her real age, the mother and uncle who left her for dead, the inner workings of the most secret society of Parisian witches: none of these truths would help her outwit the rich who so desperately want the promise of the future. After all, it's her own future she must control, no matter how much it is painted with uncertainty and clouded by vengeance.
More Praise for The Oracle Glass:
Absorbing and arresting.--New York Times
Fascinating and factual.--Los Angeles Times
Chilly, witty, and completely engrossing ... great, good fun.-- Kirkus Reviews
Take a full cup of wit, two teaspoons of brimstone, and a dash of poison, and you have Judith Merkle Riley's mordant, compelling tale of an ambitious young woman who disguises herself as an ancient prophetess in order to gain entry into the dangerous, scheming glamour of the Sun King's court. Based on scandalous true events, The Oracle Glass brims with our human foibles, passions, and eccentricities; it's a classic of the genre and unlike any historical novel you have ever read.--C. W. Gortner, author of The Confessions of Catherine de Medici
Industry Reviews
"I truly enjoyed the story" - That's What I'm Talking About with Twimom227 "It feels like peering behind the curtain of a great stage play to see what's really happening." - The Gilmore Guide to Books "The bottom line, I would definitely recommend the book if you enjoy the genre, or if you're looking for a really cheap trip to Paris and have a good imagination. And should I come across another of Riley's books in the future, I won't hesitate to add it next to The Oracle Glass on my book shelf." - Leslie's 2 cents "This book is packed full of treachery, murder, deceit, revenge, mystery, and secrets." - Romance Book Junkies "Historical fantasy is one of my favorite sub-genres, and it's so hard to find good books that fit, but this one was great!" - Readin and Dreamin "The Oracle Glass was a wonderful, magical read. " - She Reads Novels "Take a full cup of wit, two teaspoons of brimstone, and a dash of poison, and you have Judith Merkle Riley's mordant, compelling tale of an ambitious young woman who disguises herself as an ancient prophetess in order to gain entry into the dangerous, scheming glamour of the Sun King's court. Based on scandalous true events, The Oracle Glass brims with our human foibles, passions, and eccentricities; it's a classic of the genre and unlike any historical novel you have ever read." - C.W. Gortner, author of The Confessions of Catherine de Medici "This historically accurate, exciting novel -- and a true-crime story with the flavor of Umberto Ecco's The Name of the Rose and a little Mary Stewart thrown in -- is a remarkable tour de force and a compelling read. Don't miss this one! " - Jean M. Auel, author of The Clan of the Cave Bear series "Open the pages and out comes a whiff of brimstone, as The Oracle Glass transports you to the Paris of kings and witches, on a guided tour of corruption, love and sorcery." - Diana Gabaldon
