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english_lady03's review against another edition
4.0
Britain 604 AD.
Two centuries after departure of the legions Roman Britannia was gone- its cities abandoned, the land divided into petty kingdoms under barbarian warlords vying for wealth, glory and power. Christianity was a distant memory as the Britons were pushed out by the Anglo-Saxons from across the sea, men who served gods that only loved those that died in battle.
In this land a lonely royal exile, Edwin, heir to the Northern Kingdom of Deira hears of a plot to betray him to the King who killed his father and had sought his life for years. Wandering on the moonlit coast, despairing of his life, Edwin is witness to a remarkable sign which would change his life and the course, and the future of a Kingdom....
Since reading [b:The Ecclesiastical History of the English People/The Greater Chronicle/Letter to Egbert|379961|The Ecclesiastical History of the English People/The Greater Chronicle/Letter to Egbert|Bede|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1174322677s/379961.jpg|26217814] a famous work of history by an eighth century monk Bede as a teenager I have been captivated by Edwin of Northumbria’s story. When I discovered a novel about him from a well-known Christian publisher I snapped it up, and the effort of reading was well worth it.
Historian and archeologist Edoardo Albert is clearly familiar with the era,
and has bought this story to life with beautiful description of a long-departed landscape, and a richly detailed representation of the culture, customs and beliefs of the early Saxon people.
Warriors, feasting in the hall, listening to a bard singing tales of the gods and heroes of old, bound by promise of gold- and sometimes bonds of loyalty to their lord. Kings, the chief of warriors, givers of gold to the men who stood beside them on the shield-wall- on whose loyalty their very lives and kingdoms may depend.
In was in this world that Edwin rose to High King of Britain, conquering or gaining most of the Kings and Kingdoms around him with the strength of the sword, marriage or diplomacy. Yet Edwin does not act entirely out of a desire for glory and fame, but a desire to unite his people. He and his fellows are well-drawn and believable characters, coming to terms with a changing world in which they were in many ways behind.
The Christian content and its impact on the lives of the people was well-woven in with the characters of the King’s young wife her Roman priest Paulinus, and his companion James. With a will of Iron, and a pair of woolen drawers to ward off the freezing temperatures Paulinus preached the gospel amongst the pagan men. Though it takes many years, Edwin eventually converts alongside his family, many of his people, and his pagan priest. The presentation of the gospel message tailored to the pagan Saxons was intriguing and sensitive, yet not clichéd or contrived.
My only complaints were some descriptions of the great fortress of Bamburgh which spoke of a garderobe and spiral staircase more at home in a twelfth century castle then a seventh century fortress, and some language that was a little too modern. There is violence, as it was a violent age- but no sex, which is a real plus considering many secular novels of this genre. Christian readers may wish to note that there is some description of the pagan priest having convulsions, cursing people, and other manifestations. I believe though that such things were known in ancient pagan religions, and are clearly regarded by the Christians as false and demonic.
It is the mark of a good writer indeed that I enjoyed this book so much despite knowing what happened to Edwin already from Bede. Recommended for all those interested in the medieval period, the Vikings, the Anglo-Saxons, and Conversion period, accurate, evocative historical fiction or those seeking something different.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a review, and was not required to write a positive one.
Two centuries after departure of the legions Roman Britannia was gone- its cities abandoned, the land divided into petty kingdoms under barbarian warlords vying for wealth, glory and power. Christianity was a distant memory as the Britons were pushed out by the Anglo-Saxons from across the sea, men who served gods that only loved those that died in battle.
In this land a lonely royal exile, Edwin, heir to the Northern Kingdom of Deira hears of a plot to betray him to the King who killed his father and had sought his life for years. Wandering on the moonlit coast, despairing of his life, Edwin is witness to a remarkable sign which would change his life and the course, and the future of a Kingdom....
Since reading [b:The Ecclesiastical History of the English People/The Greater Chronicle/Letter to Egbert|379961|The Ecclesiastical History of the English People/The Greater Chronicle/Letter to Egbert|Bede|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1174322677s/379961.jpg|26217814] a famous work of history by an eighth century monk Bede as a teenager I have been captivated by Edwin of Northumbria’s story. When I discovered a novel about him from a well-known Christian publisher I snapped it up, and the effort of reading was well worth it.
Historian and archeologist Edoardo Albert is clearly familiar with the era,
and has bought this story to life with beautiful description of a long-departed landscape, and a richly detailed representation of the culture, customs and beliefs of the early Saxon people.
Warriors, feasting in the hall, listening to a bard singing tales of the gods and heroes of old, bound by promise of gold- and sometimes bonds of loyalty to their lord. Kings, the chief of warriors, givers of gold to the men who stood beside them on the shield-wall- on whose loyalty their very lives and kingdoms may depend.
In was in this world that Edwin rose to High King of Britain, conquering or gaining most of the Kings and Kingdoms around him with the strength of the sword, marriage or diplomacy. Yet Edwin does not act entirely out of a desire for glory and fame, but a desire to unite his people. He and his fellows are well-drawn and believable characters, coming to terms with a changing world in which they were in many ways behind.
The Christian content and its impact on the lives of the people was well-woven in with the characters of the King’s young wife her Roman priest Paulinus, and his companion James. With a will of Iron, and a pair of woolen drawers to ward off the freezing temperatures Paulinus preached the gospel amongst the pagan men. Though it takes many years, Edwin eventually converts alongside his family, many of his people, and his pagan priest. The presentation of the gospel message tailored to the pagan Saxons was intriguing and sensitive, yet not clichéd or contrived.
My only complaints were some descriptions of the great fortress of Bamburgh which spoke of a garderobe and spiral staircase more at home in a twelfth century castle then a seventh century fortress, and some language that was a little too modern. There is violence, as it was a violent age- but no sex, which is a real plus considering many secular novels of this genre. Christian readers may wish to note that there is some description of the pagan priest having convulsions, cursing people, and other manifestations. I believe though that such things were known in ancient pagan religions, and are clearly regarded by the Christians as false and demonic.
It is the mark of a good writer indeed that I enjoyed this book so much despite knowing what happened to Edwin already from Bede. Recommended for all those interested in the medieval period, the Vikings, the Anglo-Saxons, and Conversion period, accurate, evocative historical fiction or those seeking something different.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a review, and was not required to write a positive one.
cosmith2015's review against another edition
3.0
I don't have too much to say. I didn't exactly like the method of story telling (jumping forward years at a time in between chapters) nor did I connect with any of the characters.
The book is primarily about the Christianization of England starting with Edwin. I wasn't aware of this when I started the book. I finished it because I have never read a book set in England during that time frame and certainly not about the Christianization of any country.
I don't know if I'll continue onto. I may if I'm in between books.
The book is primarily about the Christianization of England starting with Edwin. I wasn't aware of this when I started the book. I finished it because I have never read a book set in England during that time frame and certainly not about the Christianization of any country.
I don't know if I'll continue onto. I may if I'm in between books.
krobart's review against another edition
2.0
See my review here:
http://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2017/02/09/day-1036-edwin-high-king-of-britain/
http://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2017/02/09/day-1036-edwin-high-king-of-britain/
100pagesaday's review against another edition
4.0
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 pronunciations 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.
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 pronunciations 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.
traceychick's review against another edition
2.0
If I could, I would give this book 2 and a half stars. It is well-researched and well-written and there is a good level of detail which helps to infuse the 7th century setting with a sense of real authenticity. But for me, it lacked a coherent plot-it read more like a series of individual events that didn't link together and the characters felt flat. I just didn't care enough about any of them. There were mentions of significant events which were glossed over and which I think if they had been explored, would have helped the reader to become invested in the emotional lives of the characters.
The final 50 pages or so were the best as without giving away any spoilers, they were filled with tension and a sense of jeopardy and I did want to know what happened as this isn't a period of history I am familiar with.
The final 50 pages or so were the best as without giving away any spoilers, they were filled with tension and a sense of jeopardy and I did want to know what happened as this isn't a period of history I am familiar with.
jmatkinson1's review against another edition
3.0
After the Romans left Britain, waves of incomers travelled from Europe and conquered the native Britons in many parts of the country. The history of the times is little known, the main source being Bede. During these ‘dark ages’ Christianity was also becoming and established religion. One of the Kings whose story is told is King Edwin, one of the first High kings who brought different tribes together. Edwin was of the noble family who ruled Bernicia (North Yorkshire and Northumbria) but had been in exile for many years after the death of his father. Living with hosts and always in fear of his life Edwin makes an important alliance and regains his throne but in the political machinations of Britain few Kings live to see old age.
Albert is a new writer to the historical fiction genre and the setting of this series of novels is unusual in that little historical fact is known which gives the opportunity for a large amount of licence. Anglo-Saxon terms are used throughout and are explained within context. The approach is fairly lightweight, this book is enjoyable and pleasant rather than gripping, but that is probably no bad thing considering the level of linguistic content. Albert is definitely knowledgable about the period and wears that learning lightly but the literary content leaves room for improvement.
Albert is a new writer to the historical fiction genre and the setting of this series of novels is unusual in that little historical fact is known which gives the opportunity for a large amount of licence. Anglo-Saxon terms are used throughout and are explained within context. The approach is fairly lightweight, this book is enjoyable and pleasant rather than gripping, but that is probably no bad thing considering the level of linguistic content. Albert is definitely knowledgable about the period and wears that learning lightly but the literary content leaves room for improvement.
jefffrane's review against another edition
3.0
Edwin is a fascinating historical figure and this period of early British history is intrinsically interesting to me. At times the book really caught and held my interest and Albert manages a delicate balancing act portraying the language but the pace of the novel is very uneven. The author is conscientious about including all the known and speculative information about Edwin and Northumbria but portions drag on and he doesn't have a good feel for battle scenes or weaponry. I wasn't at all convinced by his presentation of Edwin's conversion to Christianity and a number of characters simply rang hollowly. I was intrigued enough, however, to give the second novel in the series a try in the future.
clairby11xxx's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
jessicabeckett's review against another edition
4.0
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Before I start my review, I would like to clarify that I’ve rated this book a 3.5; nearly a 4 out of 5 stars. Second, let’s take a moment to talk about how stunning the cover art Edwin has. It’s absolutely perfect and while you mustn’t judge a book by its cover, I have to admit, the cover intrigued me.
Lastly, Edwin isn’t a novel I would typically pick up on my own.
In spite of my preference, it was still an intriguing read that will bring you into the folds of history. Any history buff will appreciate this novel and all it tells; it’s the perfect gift.
Edwin is a vivid, sometimes violent and descriptive, piece of historical fiction which takes place in England in 604AD.
Full review: http://bookgirl.co.vu/post/114706242134/edwin-high-king-of-britain-by-edoardo-albert
Before I start my review, I would like to clarify that I’ve rated this book a 3.5; nearly a 4 out of 5 stars. Second, let’s take a moment to talk about how stunning the cover art Edwin has. It’s absolutely perfect and while you mustn’t judge a book by its cover, I have to admit, the cover intrigued me.
Lastly, Edwin isn’t a novel I would typically pick up on my own.
In spite of my preference, it was still an intriguing read that will bring you into the folds of history. Any history buff will appreciate this novel and all it tells; it’s the perfect gift.
Edwin is a vivid, sometimes violent and descriptive, piece of historical fiction which takes place in England in 604AD.
Full review: http://bookgirl.co.vu/post/114706242134/edwin-high-king-of-britain-by-edoardo-albert
selfcareforcats's review
4.0
Not a bit of history that I've explored in depth, and Albert brings the era to life with enough drama to keep me interested. Does not take sides in the pagans-vs.-Christians conflict, though the Christians get a bit more sympathetic portrayal. Would have liked to have seen more of daily life and women's experiences.