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.
Chapter 1 Audio
Excerpt
Read by the
author's wife, Harriet Whitbread, with music from Flos Harmonicus.
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
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
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.
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
I’m afraid I’m still running behind schedule – my review
will post later this week. I apologize for not having the review ready today.
That has to be one of the best author bios ever!
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