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.
Praise for Edwin: High King of Britain
"In the first installment of the Northumbrian Thrones, a new historical fiction series, Albert launches readers into the tumultuous world of 7th century Northumbria. Edwin, the deposed king of the region, forges political alliances, is betrayed, and fights critical battles that form the arc of his rise and fall as High King of Britain. As he ages, he fears for the future of his kingdom, and war has simply become a necessary evil. His shifting worldview leads to conversion to the Christian faith - a slow process given special attention by Albert. But it is not a clear path, and sometimes Edwin and his subordinates doubt the validity and the power of the Christian God, as opposed to the pagan deities they have left behind. Albert?s focus on the religious element does not detract from the political and dramatic aspects of the history he is portraying. Rather, it lends an extra dimension of psychological turmoil, because characters must deal with the problem of not only individual identity but also the beginnings of a national identity related to religion. Albert's offering is a highly entertaining and refreshing work of historical fiction thanks to his emphasis on the precarious intersection of religion and identity." - Publishers Weekly
"A splendid novel that leaves the reader wanting more." - Bernard Cornwell, New York Times bestselling author
"A fast-paced and gripping tale of the great Northumbrian King Edwin, reclaiming one of our great national figures from the shadows of history." - Justin Hill, author of Shieldwall
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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.
Review
Review
Series: The Northumbrian Thrones #1
Release Date: 1 April, 2014
Publisher: Lion Fiction
Genre: Historical Fiction
Genre: Historical Fiction
ISBN: 9781782640332
Edition: Paperback
Rating: ★★★★☆
If it hasn't become abundantly clear, I have a particular love of Historical Fiction novels that focus on the medieval period and before. Edwin: High King of Britain definitely fits the bill of that love; set in a time around 625 A.D. (or C.E. if you wish to be politically correct) this book follows the story of a long-exiled king.
To be exact, Edwin is the king of Northumbria (an expansion of land that included both the cities of York and Edinburgh at the time), though he cannot escape the wrath of his brother Æthelfrith. Æthelfrith, having already conquered and united two kingdoms to form Northumbria, seeks to kill his brother and all his sons in order to secure the throne of High King within his own line. Full of battles, historical facts of the time period (have you ever considered that castle weren't as glorious as the romantic novels would have us to believe?), and an intriguing plot of Edwin's fate, this novel definitely can pull its own weight.
A definitely recommended read if you enjoy early British History, a thought of battles, or just simply are curious and looking for a quick read.
Thank you very much for the review. I'm delighted you enjoyed the book!
ReplyDeletei have added it to my wish list on Amazon. I will definately get this one before christmas
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