Edwin: High King of Britain
Edwin
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- $13.99
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- $13.99
Publisher Description
“Edwin, High King of Britain, brings to life the heroic age of our distant past, a splendid novel that leaves the reader wanting more.” Bernard Cornwell
Embark on an epic journey through time with the breathtaking debut historical fiction series that vividly brings to life the awe-inspiring rise of the Christian kings of Northumbria, England. Prepare to be swept away by a tale of power, prophecy, and faith, as the rich tapestry of history unfolds before your eyes.
In the year 604 AD, a deposed king, Edwin of Northumbria, seeks sanctuary at the court of King Raedwald of East Anglia. However, a treacherous plot orchestrated by Aethelfrith, Edwin's usurper, threatens to extinguish his flickering hope. It is during this dire moment, as Edwin wanders along the shore, that a mysterious figure emerges—an enigmatic missionary named Paulinus. This fateful encounter forever alters the course of Edwin's destiny, as Paulinus prophesies that he will ascend to become the High King of Britain. A turning point is reached, and the stage is set for a remarkable tale of triumph and tragedy.
Through the crucible of battles and shrewd political alliances, Edwin defies the odds and ascends to great power, forging a marriage with the princess Aethelburh of Kent. Their union, however, comes with a unique agreement—the princess is permitted to retain her Christian faith. In an era fraught with danger and uncertainty, being a king is a precarious path, with no guarantees of longevity.
This turbulent period in British history bears witness to the conversion of the Anglo-Saxon settlers, who have forcibly established themselves on British shores. Initially driven by conquest and plunder, they eventually settle down to cultivate the land and engage in trade. Yet, they must grapple with the traditions and beliefs of the Celtic tribes they have displaced, as the winds of change sweep across the land.
Immerse yourself in the dramatic saga of Northumbria's Christian kings, the catalysts that shaped the birth of England as a nation, the birth of the English language, and the profound adoption of Christianity as the faith of the English. This awe-inspiring tale intertwines history, passion, and the indomitable spirit of a people on the brink of transformation.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
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.
