The Black Dwarf - Walter Scott

The first volume in Scott's "Tales of my Landlord", "The Black Dwarf" is set right after the Union between England and Scotland in 1707. "The Black Dwarf" focuses on the character of Sir Edward Mauley, who plots his revenge from his prison cell. It is a tale of romance, intrigue and violence set against the backdrop of a divided nation, which deftly weaves mythical occurrences and supernatural elements throughout. The story is a portrait of the anti-social and at times hopelessly romantic behaviour of its characters. With political intrigue, conspiracies, ever changing loyalties, and marriage misadventures, "The Black Dwarf" is a sympathetic, though at times violent book that definitely deserves a place in your collection of classics. For the forlorn 'Game of Thrones' fans out there, this wonderful blend of mystery, intrigue, magic and the supernatural will certainly help tide you over till the next epic on-screen craze.