Publisher: Viking Adult
Release Date: February 7, 2013
Format: DRC
Source: publisher via edelweiss for an
honest review
In this stunning debut of a planned
trilogy, Bracewell tackles the life of Emma of Normandy who was sent to marry
King Aethelred of England in the place of her ailing sister in 1002 A.D. One
condition that was requested by Emma’s father, Richard of Normandy, was that
Aethelred would anoint her as queen which leads to Aethelred instantly
regretting his decision after their marriage. Aethelred already paranoid and
mistrusting of everyone around him turns his anger towards his young wife. Emma
learns fast that she must tread lightly and that having a son would be the only
way to secure her position but even she can predict what Aethelred might do
next. Aethelred’s oldest son Athelstan is instantly attracted to his father’s
new wife even though he knows it is forbidden. He also knows he should fear
that Emma bears a son to replace him in line for the throne because his father
has no love for his eldest son and is constantly berating and humiliating him
in public.
Emma is thrown to wolves when she comes
to England. Even with her vast knowledge in languages she is unfamiliar with
court politics and her eyes are opened wide when her rival Elgiva of
Northampton comes to court and insinuates herself in the King’s bed in hopes of
him setting aside Emma. Emma knows she needs to win the hearts of the people of
England and forge some alliances with some influential men because Swein
Forkbeard and the Vikings are knocking at the front doors and ready to take
over England in revenge for the St. Brice’s Day Massacre in which Aethelred ordered
the extermination of all Danes that included Forkbeard’s sister.
Bracewell does a remarkable job mixing
the real events in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle with her own imagination without
detracting from the heart of the story. She weaves a story of innocence lost,
treachery, hope and love that ends with Emma realizing that she must do
whatever needs to be done to make her son the next king. This was a refreshing
storyline and I look forward to the next installment.
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