written by Millie Thom
Summary
By the mid ninth century, Danish raids on Anglo-Saxon kingdoms have escalated. Several bands even dare to overwinter on the coastal islands, particularly those at the mouth of the Thames, where the kingdoms of Wessex and Mercia border each other. The kings of these lands must put past hostilities aside and take the first steps towards unity; steps they see as vital in the face of this newfound threat to their lands.
Alfred of Wessex and Eadwulf of Mercia are the sons of kings, whose futures have been determined since birth. But the turbulent events in their childhood years change the natural progression of things and shape the characters of the men they will become. Their roads to manhood follow vastly different routes, but both learn crucial lessons along the way: lessons that will serve them well in future years.
Discovering that the enemy is not always a stranger is a harsh lesson indeed; the realisation that a trusted kinsman can turn traitor is the harshest lesson of all.
Alfred of Wessex and Eadwulf of Mercia are the sons of kings, whose futures have been determined since birth. But the turbulent events in their childhood years change the natural progression of things and shape the characters of the men they will become. Their roads to manhood follow vastly different routes, but both learn crucial lessons along the way: lessons that will serve them well in future years.
Discovering that the enemy is not always a stranger is a harsh lesson indeed; the realisation that a trusted kinsman can turn traitor is the harshest lesson of all.
Review
I 'met' Millie Thom via Twitter and via BookTasters. Immediately the
book series about the Anglo Saxon Royal History attracted me.
While reading books, I always put some key words on paper,
in case I forget, what I want to write down. These are my key words to
describe this wonderful book:
* Beautiful cover : The cover is very attractive with amazing pictures and colors.
* Large list of characters : The characters were very well and clearly defined.
* fascinating : It was so fascinating to read this book and especially about the
society during the Anglo Saxo time
society during the Anglo Saxo time
* good story teller : Millie Thom is a fantastic author. She can tell a story and
make it her own.
make it her own.
* A page turner : I wanted to know what was going to happen.
* very emotional : I immediately empathized with the characters (mostly
with the women)
with the women)
* Great historical royal family drama
So, if you like to read about historical royal family drama, don't hesitate to buy
this amazing book. I give it a 5 star on 5 rating. It's sad that I can't give even
more stars.
this amazing book. I give it a 5 star on 5 rating. It's sad that I can't give even
more stars.
The Author
Millie Thom is a former geography and history teacher with a degree in geology and a particular passion for the Anglo Saxon and Viking era. She was born in Southport, Lancashire, in 1947, and happily admits to being a 'boomer'.
After completing a teacher training course in Liverpool in 1968, she moved to Yorkshire to take up her first teaching post. This was at a secondary school in a small mining village, where most of the children - and more than a few of the staff - spoke in a dialect riddled with 'thees', 'thous', 'hast thas' and wilt thas'. She also met her husband to be at this time, a teacher at a rival school - the rivalry always being in the not-so-gentle sport of rugby!
In 1970 Millie and her husband moved down to Wantage for six years. Wantage is known a King Alfred's town, since it is the place where he was born. In 1976 she moved up to Nottinghamshire, and still lives there with her husband, midway between Lincoln and Newark. Their six grown up children all live close by.
Since retiring from teaching, Millie has been writing the trilogy about King Alfred that has been screaming to be born for so many years. Book 1, 'Shadow of the Raven' is already published on Amazon, and Book 2, 'Pit of Vipers' is presently nearing completion.
After completing a teacher training course in Liverpool in 1968, she moved to Yorkshire to take up her first teaching post. This was at a secondary school in a small mining village, where most of the children - and more than a few of the staff - spoke in a dialect riddled with 'thees', 'thous', 'hast thas' and wilt thas'. She also met her husband to be at this time, a teacher at a rival school - the rivalry always being in the not-so-gentle sport of rugby!
In 1970 Millie and her husband moved down to Wantage for six years. Wantage is known a King Alfred's town, since it is the place where he was born. In 1976 she moved up to Nottinghamshire, and still lives there with her husband, midway between Lincoln and Newark. Their six grown up children all live close by.
Since retiring from teaching, Millie has been writing the trilogy about King Alfred that has been screaming to be born for so many years. Book 1, 'Shadow of the Raven' is already published on Amazon, and Book 2, 'Pit of Vipers' is presently nearing completion.
I 'met' Millie Thom - as I mentioned before - on Twitter. She really is a very nice and interesting lady, who knows lots about history. She also is very interactive with other authors and reviewers.
Booktasters
I received an advanced copy for free by Booktasters and by the author @MillieThom.
I'm leaving this review voluntarily and I really enjoyed reading this splendid book. So,
thank you very much for this fantastic chance.
Source picture: Book Cover
