100 Pages A Day.... Stephanie's Book Reviews
  • Blog Tours
  • Historical Fiction
  • Sci Fi & Fantasy
  • Thriller & Horror
  • Non-Fiction
  • Middle Grade & Children's
  • Literary Fiction and Other Genres
  • Challenges
  • Promo's
  • Product Reviews

Edwin: High King of Britain

9/9/2014

3 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
About the Book: 
Publication Date: April 1, 2014
Lion Fiction
Formats: eBook, Paperback
Genre: Historical Fiction
Series: The Northumbrian Thrones (Book 1)

Debut historical fiction series vividly recreating the rise of the Christian kings of Northumbria, England.

In 604 AD, Edwin, the deposed king of Northumbria, seeks refuge at the court of King Raedwald of East Anglia. But Raedwald is urged to kill his guest by Aethelfrith, Edwin’s usurper. As Edwin walks by the shore, alone and at bay, he is confronted by a mysterious figure–the missionary Paulinus– who prophesies that he will become High King of Britain. It is a turning point.

Through battles and astute political alliances Edwin rises to power, in the process marrying the Kentish princess Aethelburh. As part of the marriage contract the princess is allowed to retain her Christian faith. But, in these times, to be a king is not a recipe for a long life.

This turbulent and tormented period in British history sees the conversion of the Anglo-Saxon settlers who have forced their way on to British shores over previous centuries, arriving first to pillage, then to farm and trade–and to come to terms with the faith of the Celtic tribes they have driven out.

The dramatic story of Northumbria’s Christian kings helped give birth to England as a nation, English as a language, and the adoption of Christianity as the faith of the English.

Buy the Book
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Barnes & Noble
Book Depository
IndieBound


Review: 
I love reading historical fiction in order to learn about history I would have never otherwise be exposed to.  This first installment of The Northumbrian Thrones did just that. 

Telling the story of Edwin, the King who united Britain  in the 600's among a land divided by many rulers and religions. Exiled from his own kingdom, Edwin seeks refuge with King Readwald.  When King Readwald is coerced to give Edwin to his usurper, King Aethelfrith, a battle ensues.  Edwin comes out on top in the battle after a visit from a mysterious man who offers Edwin the Kingdom in return for the worship of a new God.  

 I wasn't sure how well I would do relating to a story about people so long ago, but with a dramatic story line that at some points seemed magical and intriguing characters with powerful motivations, this time period came to life.  Edwin's quest to become the High King of Britain is worth being told, he uses both strength and intelligence to unite the kingdom.  When he marries Aethelburh from Kent, he is not only open to allowing her to practice her religion of Christianity, but Edwin is open to learning more about it as well as learning how to read and write. I would be really interesting to know more about Aethelburh's story! One of my favorite characters was Edwin's protector Forthred, he felt very real in addition to being brave and selfless.  At the end I found out that Forthred was real, but named Lilla.  All of the old English names and pronouciations were a bit tricky for me in the beginning (and there is a guide), but I got a hang of it eventually.  Bound to fulfill his promise to a mysterious man long ago, Edwin does his best to unite the rest of his people under this new religion.  With a tumultuous ending, Britain is left in an uncertain state and I'll be looking forward to reading the next installment.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.  

Picture
About the Author: Edoardo Albert is a writer of Sri Lankan and Italian extraction based in London. The best response to his writing was when he reduced a friend to helpless, hysterical, rolling-on-the-floor-holding-his-stomach laughter. Unfortunately, the writing in question was a lonely hearts ad. He hopes to produce similar results in readers, without inadvertently acquiring another wife.

For more information, please visit Edoardo Albert’s website. You can also connect on Facebook and Twitter.


a Rafflecopter giveaway
3 Comments
Edoardo Albert link
9/9/2014 05:24:08 pm

Thank you very much for the review - I'm delighted you enjoyed Edwin! I'm busy writing the next volume in The Northumbrian Thrones right now and Oswald: Return of the King should be out early next summer.

Reply
Stephanie link
9/14/2014 02:09:48 pm

Awesome! I can't wait to learn about Oswald.

Reply
Anne
9/10/2014 03:44:06 am

British Historicals interest me greatly. This book sounds captivating and fascinating. I enjoyed learning about the author and his background. This book would be a treasure. thanks.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Follow at Bloglovin!

    Author

    Hi there! I'm Stephanie and I obviously love reading.  As, the title suggests, I read at least one hundred pages a day.  I enjoy most book genres; however, my favorites are historical fiction, fantasy, science fiction, thriller, horror and YA.  I also read a lot of non-fiction science and gardening books for my occupation.  I enjoy reviewing books and as always, any book that I receive for free is read in return for my honest review.  

    ​https://share.simonandschuster.com/stephanierhildreth

    Archives

    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013

    Picture
    Challenge Participant
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Reading Addiction Blog Tours
    Xpresso Book Tours
    b00k r3vi3w Tours
    - See more at: http://b00kr3vi3wtours.blogspot.com/p/collect-badges.html#sthash.R4DGlIHF.dpuf

    RSS Feed

    Picture
    Picture
    Pump Up Your Book

    This website uses marketing and tracking technologies. Opting out of this will opt you out of all cookies, except for those needed to run the website. Note that some products may not work as well without tracking cookies.

    Opt Out of Cookies
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.