A.D. 617. This year was Ethelfrith, king of the Northumbrians,
slain by Redwald, king of the East-Angles; and Edwin, the son of
Ella, having succeeded to the kingdom, subdued all Britain,
except the men of Kent alone
This quite enchanting look through the mists of time back to 7th century Britain finds Eadwine, son of Aelle who is driven out of Deira (Northumbria) by Ethelferth into years of exile.
Ethelferth is most likely brother-in-law to Eadwine and exactly why he pursued Eadwine is not known but Carla Nayland fleshes out those unknown years is a superb fashion. Her research and scholarly attention to detail is impeccable. The terrain as well as culture and customs of post Roman Britain are described beautifully.Her characters sprang to life and entertained me.
I recommend this book to historians and lovers of ancient British fiction and I anxiously await the sequel.
slain by Redwald, king of the East-Angles; and Edwin, the son of
Ella, having succeeded to the kingdom, subdued all Britain,
except the men of Kent alone
This quite enchanting look through the mists of time back to 7th century Britain finds Eadwine, son of Aelle who is driven out of Deira (Northumbria) by Ethelferth into years of exile.
Ethelferth is most likely brother-in-law to Eadwine and exactly why he pursued Eadwine is not known but Carla Nayland fleshes out those unknown years is a superb fashion. Her research and scholarly attention to detail is impeccable. The terrain as well as culture and customs of post Roman Britain are described beautifully.Her characters sprang to life and entertained me.
I recommend this book to historians and lovers of ancient British fiction and I anxiously await the sequel.
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