In her biographical statement on her website and in her publicity materials, Carl says: Lillian has lived for many years in North Texas, in a book-lined cloister cleverly disguised as a tract house.

In a time where Christian fiction with an apocalyptic bent — led by the wildly popular Left Behind series — is a multi-million dollar industry, it was inevitable that more traditional fantasy writers would eventually turn their hand to these tropes and themes.

Carl opens the book by throwing almost the entire cast at the reader, making it hard to grasp and identify with any of them, much less the setting of contemporary Glastonbury.

The other major problem I had with Lucifer's Crown is infuriating simply because it's so utterly unnecessary: The novel takes place in the final months of the year 2000.

[8]Library Journal wrote: Blending historical mystery with a touch of the supernatural, the author creates an intriguing exploration of faith and redemption in a world that is at once both modern and timeless.

[9]In Green Man Review Matthew Scott Winslow wrote: Lillian Stewart Carl's latest fantasy novel, Lucifer's Crown, effectively combines Arthurian legend, Grail myth, and British folkways to create a powerful novel.The highest praise I can give this novel is that it reminds me strongly of Charles Williams, but it succeeds where Williams always failed: it has believable characters.

A Martian exploration setup is developed nicely with rich allusions to the Minotaur legends of ancient Crete, culminating in the "sacrifice" demanded by the beast in the maze.

The interpersonal relationships are the real driving force to the narrative, as by this point, the astronauts' explorations are mechanical efforts done out of habit more than enthusiasm.... "Upon this Shoal of Time" is another ambitious science fiction story cloaked in the trappings of mythology.

At turns disturbing and impressive, with MacBethian overtones, Carl crafts a moving tale around the strength and impact memories can have on a person.

[11]in Thrust Ardath Mayhar writes: Anyone who believes that fantasy must contain magic and elves has never read the work of Mary Renault...in Lillian Carl we have found another who can offer her readers an alternate reality that will live inside the mind long after the book has been finished.

Carl may well be the finest stylist working in fantasy today.."[12]In the Ohioana Quarterly Barbara Leskey writes: ...characters come to life through Carl's ear for everyday dialogue...especially spell-binding is the realistic description of the ghostly presence that stalks the twisted corridors...the reader is drawn into the mystery as well as the love story that unfolds...a believable story laced with historical fact and delicious humor.

I highly recommend it..."[13]In Murder Express Kay Martinez writes: The setting is wonderful, Ms. Carl describes the village of Somerstowe and the English climate so well that this reader felt as if she were viewing a film.

[16]Library Journal writes: In pursuit of information about Bonnie Prince Charlie's legendary lost gold, reporter Jean Fairbairn discovers a new corpse instead.

[18]Publishers Weekly's reviewer wrote: Authentic dialect...detailed descriptions of the castle and environs, and vivid characters recreate an area rich in history and legend.

In fact, she had so many clues and details involving the present and not one, but two time lines from the past, I was a little worried that Carl wouldn't be able to pull off a satisfying ending.