John the Fearless by Anastasiya Baydachenko

Based on centuries-old history and filled in with some creative liberty, John the Fearless by Anastasiya Baydachenko is a brief but intriguing dive into the life and times of the Duke of Burgundy, who held power at the end of the 14th century. Part biography and part historical mural, the author examines the Duke’s tangled family tree, the idiosyncrasies that have made him a historical anomaly, and provides a glimpse into politics and power during the late Middle Ages. Baydachenko recounts the history impartially, but some of the more personal details feel out of place, and some patterns of speech in the invented dialogue feel overly modern. As a whole, this is a quick and original book about an often overlooked period of history, and Baydachenko delivers a richly layered and worthwhile read.