Shadow of the Raven (Sons of Kings Book 1), by Millie Thom
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Shadow of the Raven (Sons of Kings Book 1), by Millie Thom
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"Historical fiction at its best.' 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 enmity- 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. The story takes us from the kingdoms of Mercia and Wessex to the Norse lands stretching north from Denmark to the Arctic Circle and east to the Baltic Sea. We glimpse the Court of Charles the Bald of West Francia and journey to the holy city of Rome. And through it all, the two boys move ever closer to their destinies.
Shadow of the Raven (Sons of Kings Book 1), by Millie Thom - Amazon Sales Rank: #270602 in eBooks
- Published on: 2015-05-27
- Released on: 2015-05-27
- Format: Kindle eBook
Shadow of the Raven (Sons of Kings Book 1), by Millie Thom Review 4.5/5 stars: SPR Classic Review "The real-life tales of 9th-century England are brought to life in Millie Thom's book, Shadow of the Raven, the first book in the Sons of Kings trilogy. The book mixes fact and fiction, with the two main characters in rivalling kingdoms being true-life Alfred ofWessex, and the fictional Eadwulf of Mercia. The author has relied on quality writing and her confidence in her thorough knowledge on her subject to sell her book and this really shines through from the first page and reels the reader in to the epic adventure inside. Details such as the necklaces of Thor's Hammer hanging from the necks of the Danes as they travel by sea, and how societies are set up for weddings, births and rites of passage mean it's difficult to put the book to one side. Even if there's a lull in the action, there's learning to do in the descriptions of a past so long ago that it seems almost exotic to read and wallow in the tiniest observation. Words like "scramseax" and "jarl" will have you poring over dictionaries and finding out all kinds of new things. This rich book traverses Scandinavia and South Europe, with landmarks of varying importance and geographical significance mapped in for added interest, such as the now-replaced Old St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. In a nutshell, despite some barbaric behaviour, you will want desperately to go back in time and experience the landscapes for yourself as you are treated to starry skies devoid of artificial lights, or the Thames River in London with its greenery. Well worth the time to get full involved and certainly it's good news that this is the first book of the trilogy."
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. ‘Being the son of a king could be so boring at times, Eadwulf decided …’ By Jennifer Cameron-Smith During the ninth century Danish raiders wreak havoc on much of Western Europe. The Danes (also known to us as Vikings) are fierce, pagan warriors whose moral codes and barbaric rites do not recognise the Christian laws of those they attack. Their need to plunder is driven by the demands of their gods, and they show no mercy. By the middle of the ninth century, Danish raids on Anglo-Saxon kingdoms have increased, and some raiding parties are spending winter on coastal islands at the mouth of the Thames where the kingdoms of Mercia and Wessex border each other. Until now, the kingdoms have been rivals and often enemies and their lack of co-operation makes it easier for the Danes. King Beorhtwulf of Mercia and King Aethelwulf of Wessex take the first steps towards unity in 849. This novel is about the early years of their sons: King Beorhtwulf’s fictional son Eadwulf, and King Aethelwulf’s son Alfred (later known as ‘The Great’). The Danes will not be their only enemies.‘You are destined to become a great warrior… Remember who you are…’I enjoy historical fiction set in this period and I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The lives, lifestyles and intrigues of the characters are well drawn, and the world they inhabit is vibrant and alive. While Eadwulf and Alfred are the major characters, I also liked a number of others, including the Danes Bjorn and Freydis. And this is a novel in which the secondary characters play important roles, especially in setting the day to day reality of life.‘Let me hear from your own lips why you’ve betrayed your own brother, your own people.’One of the raiding parties tears apart Eadwulf’s family and, in this first volume of what will be a trilogy, it’s Eadwulf’s story and struggle to be reunited with his family and, yes, to seek revenge that particularly held my attention. How will the turbulent events of their childhoods shape the men that Eadwulf and Alfred are to become? For those who (like me) are fans of Bernard Cornwell’s ‘The Saxon Stories’ (featuring Uhtred of Bebbanburg), this series starts earlier. ‘He was in no particular hurry, now. The first object of his revenge had been dealt with, and he’d ride on the elation of that success for some time yet.’Note: I was offered and accepted a copy of this novel for review purposes. I’m glad I did. I am looking forward to the second book in this trilogy.Jennifer Cameron-Smith
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. It truly soars. By Christine J Randall Shadow of the Raven is beautifully written, edited and formatted. The story follows the early years of Alfred of Wessex and the fictitious Eadwulf of Mercia: the sons of kings.The unfamiliar names are hard to grip at first, but ring with charm: Morwenna, Ocea, Aethelnoth, Thrydwulf, Burgred, Sigehelm, Beorhtwulf, Beornred, Aethelbald, Osbuh, and Aethelswith! The Old English for Alfred is Aelfred or Aefraed. I'm happy the author stuck with Alfred. A handy cast of Characters helps you keep track.SPOILER ALERT.The story opens in 851, at a time when the fierce Danes (Vikings) routinely plundered Western Europe. Betrayed by one of their own, the Mercians fall to the Danes. His father slain, young Eadwulf is taken away as a slave. Morwenna, his mother, is also captured. Much later, their brief reunion is one of the most poignant scenes in this tale.We are given a glimpse of Alfred the Great's early life. When we leave him, he is barely nine years old but we see how a trip to the Holy City when he was only four shaped his beliefs. Two years after his mother dies, young Alfred accompanies his father on a second voyage to Rome. Before they leave, King Aethelwulf splits Wessex in two, setting a son to rule each part in his absence. This abdication makes things difficult on his return in 856.Earlier, in May 853, Alfred's sister Aethelswith marries Burgred, now King of Mercia, sealing the liaison between the two kingdoms.It is difficult to believe that Eadwulf of Mercia isn't a real person telling his own tale - his new life of slavery in a bewildering Danish culture is so richly portrayed. Reviled by his first master's wife, he finds himself befriended by his new owner until he falls in love with the wrong girl. To save his life, Eadwulf must leave, and find his way home to Mercia. But first, there is a matter of revenge to be sorted. I wonder if his savage upbringing will have consequences on his return.I loved Bernard Cornwell's Saxon Tales, and looked forward to Millie Thom's Book Two, beginning in 864, confident she will give a vibrant account of the next few years.Fortunately I did not have to wait long for Book Two - The Pit of Vipers has just been released. I could have asked for a review copy, but I hold the standard of the author's research and her writing in high regard and was only too happy to buy myself a copy as soon as I saw it available. I hope Millie Thom writes fast.NOTE: Shadow of the Raven is Book One of the Sons of Kings trilogy. I received a free kindle copy of this historical novel from the author, Millie Thom, in return for a review.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. I loved it :) By Galit Balli Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.4.5 Stars :)ReviewPlot/Story:The story follows the early years of Alfred of Wessex and the fictitious Eadwulf of Mercia – the sons of kings.I have to say that the first third of the book was very slow read for me. I struggled with the names a lot (didn’t know how to pronounce them), but after that I got used to the author’s style and from there on it was a fast read and I enjoyed it very much. As the author takes you with her all over Europe and the adventure you take with the characters are both exciting and dangerous.Characters:The author takes both real characters from history and fiction and placed them together in such a unique and wonderful way that is so believable. The characters are so well thought off and it shows she really knows her history. Eadwulf has grown so much in this story and I’m really looking forward reading more about his adventures. I am so happy that the author placed a ‘characters list’ it was very helpful.Romance/Kills:This is the time of the Vikings who are known for their violence and ruthlessness. You see the harsh life and the slavery of this period. In this story there is love, sex, kills and betrayals, all written in a very wonderful way.Writing:The author did a wonderful job; bringing back that dangerous time for the Vikings in a very passionate way. Millie Thom wrote the story and the characters with so much details and knowledge of this time in history, which made me immersed in the story even more. It’s a wonderful bled of history and fiction :)Beginning:The beginning of the book was a bit hard and it did take me a bit getting used to all the names and all the details for that time period.Ending:There are so many things left unsolved for me and the story of Eadwulf and his mother Morwenna are so sad and heartbreaking.Blurb:The blurb from Goodreads was very accurate on the book’s plot and didn’t have any spoiler of the story or the characters (just the way I like it). It puts you in the right mood to start reading the book and hints of things to come.Cover Art:The cover art is so beautiful and compelling. I truly love it.You can also read this review at Goodreads and Amazon.Other StuffOpening Line: “The snowball caught him completely unawares; a solidly packed pellet that smacked into the side of his head with considerable force, sending him reeling.”Memorable Quotes:“You are destined to become a great warrior, and I a simple healer. We are surely opposites, you and I. But I know deep inside that you could never be evil.”Highlights: There is so much, from the detailed story of this great Kingdom to the well-developed characters. From the first time we see the young boy to his exciting adventures over the years as he grows up. The greatness of this story for me is in the details.Lowlights: The names were a bit too much at first and it made it harder for me to get into the story.Final Thoughts: A very well written story, which has both real history and fiction. I learned so much about the time of the Vikings in a very fun and exciting way. It’s a very interesting historian fiction. The fight for power will continue and I can’t wait to read the next book and see where the story will go on from here.Read the original review at: http://thereadingbud.com
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Shadow of the Raven (Sons of Kings Book 1), by Millie Thom
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