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A review by 100pagesaday
Edwin: High King of Britain by Edoardo Albert
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.