by Guy Gavriel Kay
This is more ‘classic’ Kay - a historical fiction/fantasy. In this case, there are some interesting themes from a Pagan viewpoint
The dominant tension is between two kingdoms: Gorhaut, who worship Corannos (a god), and Arbonne, who workship both Corannos and Riane (a god and goddess, in other words). Arbonne, in addition, is much like the Aquitaine of Eleanor of Aquitaine’s day: a healthy and vibrant troubrador and jongleur culture, courts of love, and other aspects of the time.
I adore Kay’s dense plotting, but more than that, in this book, I found the different approaches to power absolutely fascinating. You have various noble lords, who handle their power and responsibilities differently (and some far better than others.) You have the ruling widowed countess of Arbonne) and her daughter, now ruler over the Court of Love. You have priestesses, knights, jogleurs, and all sorts of intrigue and interrelationship.
Worth reading for the views on power, responsibilty, and ethics - even without the excellent story.