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.
My review:
Four Stars
Copy received from Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for an honest opinion.
Edwin, High King of Britain was a fantastic read! The first line is a perfect indication of what's to come " The king is going to kill you." I thought this was a perfect opening because the rest of the book pretty much follows the same theme of intrigue. Edwin and Æthelburh were great heroes and made the story a fun and interesting read.The writing flowed and the story was engaging. There is adventure and action. The religious themes laced with the imaginative realm made this story very unique. Once I started reading I had a difficult time putting the book down. The struggles between religion and righteousness. I highly enjoyed and recommend this novel.
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
Buy the Book
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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.
Edwin: High King of Britain Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, August 25
Review at Princess of Eboli
Review at 2 Book Lovers Reviews
Tuesday, August 26
Review at Just One More Chapter
Review & Giveaway at Unshelfish
Wednesday, August 27
Review at Dab of Darkness
Thursday, August 28
Interview & Giveaway at Dab of Darkness
Monday, September 1
Review at Book Lovers Paradise
Review at Queen of All She Reads
Tuesday, September 2
Review at Flashlight Commentary
Wednesday, September 3
Review at The Writing Desk
Review at The Mad Reviewer
Friday, September 5
Spotlight & Giveaway at Passages to the Past
Monday, September 8
Review at A Book Geek
Review at Svetlana's Reads and Views
Tuesday, September 9
Review at Book Nerd
Wednesday, September 10
Review & Giveaway at 100 Pages a Day - Stephanie's Book Reviews
Interview & Giveaway at Thoughts in Progress
Friday, September 12
Review at A Bibliotaph's Reviews
Monday, September 15
Review & Giveaway at Words and Peace
Tuesday, September 16
Review at Layered Pages
Thursday, September 18
Review & Giveaway at Beth's Book Reviews
Friday, September 19
Review at Book Drunkard
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