In Shadow on the Crown, Patricia Bracewell has written an engaging story about Queen Emma and her journey from Normandy to England, embellished with forbidden love, crushing sense of duty, and ultimately hope.
King Aethelred (the Unready) of England’s uncrowned wife has died in childbirth, and admidst unrest on his council and Viking raiders on England’s shores, he is forced into an alliance with Normandy. Emma is to be the peaceweaver whose influence spans the Narrow Sea. To Emma’s disappointment, her husband is a misogynist brute who resents and mistrusts his young Norman bride, and many do not agree with his choice of a wife, including the Lady Elgiva who wanted the throne for herself. The only light in Emma’s new life is Aethelred’s brood of young children, and surprisingly his eldest son Athelstan, though any child of her body would be rival for the eldest aetheling’s status as heir.
Emma is the victim of an uncaring husband, a hostile witan, and even the Vikings themselves, but she never displays a victim mentality, or self-pity. Emma is the annointed Queen of England, and she does everything she can, even at her own personal cost, to do the best thing for England and it’s people.
This book was very well-written, the plot moved quickly and easily and the author did a great job of keeping all the characters straight. I would have liked to see a little more development in the early stages of the above-mentioned “forbidden love.” But once it was established is was a lovely and heartbreaking relationship.
Shadow on the Crown is the first in a series of books and I eagerly await the second installment.
I have this one for review - I'm really looking forward to it!
ReplyDeleteDaphne, carve out some time, because you won't want to take a break :)
DeleteI look forward to reading this book when it comes out in the UK. As author of the US bestseller novel about Emma (The Forever Queen US title / A Hollow Crown UK title) my first thought when I heard about Patricia's book was akin to "oh no, I've got a rival" - but on the contrary I then realised this was far from the truth. Patricia's book sounds very different to mine - although we both seem to have hit the spot for historical accuracy - and the one thing that stands out a mile, we both admire this remarkable woman. So bravo Patrica - its about time Queen Emma stood proud and in the foreground!
ReplyDeleteAgreed, Helen! Your stories and characters are quite different, but share the qualities of strength and perserverance. I think you will enjoy this take on Emma and her world, and I look forward to hearing (reading) your thoughts.
DeleteI finished reading this story last Sunday and what a stunning story it is!
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is!
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ReplyDeleteI put this comment in the wrong spot :/
DeleteI can't even come close to telling you how gratifying it is to read such a positive and eloquent review of "Shadow on the Crown." After years of struggle (and many prayers to St. Edward the Confessor!) to get the book into the hands of readers, Shadow's publication strikes me as nothing short of miraculous! Many thanks are due to the book reviewers like yourself and Stephanie and Daphne who help nudge our darlings into the world, as well as to successful authors like Helen who inspire and so generously support writers following in their wake. And I agree with Helen, it's about time for Queen Emma to become more than just a footnote in the history books!
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely my pleasure to not only spread the word about your work, but also about Queen Emma herself. As an avid reader/reviewer, many thanks to the brilliant authors who not only fill my life with wonderful stories, but take the time to let us, the readers, know how appreciated we are. I truly treasure you all!
DeleteThe more authors who write in the period the better. It helps all of us who do! I'm also looking forward to reading this book.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, Paula. I am happy so many talented authors are bringing the period to life!
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