Sander and Joan, whose relationship is instantly endearing, are coming of in an Elizabethan London of theater and philosophy. Sander's struggle to settle into manhood and its limitations, is paralleled expertly by Joan's struggle to accept her womanhood and its limitations, and both of them explore who they are beyond who they appear to be as they try to carve out a future for themselves and each other. 

Any lover of Shakespeare will immediately feel at home in this setting, though he is not a featured character, the story of love and ambition, and how they collide, is timeless. Galland has written two main characters who are very different from each other but whose love feels so easy and genuine, and wants feel so grounded and justified. The plot is intriguing and exciting. 

I would highly recommend this to fans of "A Tip for the Hangman" or any of those familiar with the world of Elizabethan Theater and political intrigue.