Part of the Dark Ages Collection
A brutal tale of Anglo-Saxon kings, destiny and survival.
A stranger arrives during a savage and bloody battle in seventh century Mercia. He prophecies the end of the world.
Nobody is sure who he is. Some believe that he is a brother, a prince, Jesus or a god. Or a charlatan.
As the last pagan kingdom slides towards Ragnarok, Gulfyrian attempts to change fate and save the life of the king.
A stranger arrives during a savage and bloody battle in seventh century Mercia. He prophecies the end of the world.
Nobody is sure who he is. Some believe that he is a brother, a prince, Jesus or a god. Or a charlatan.
As the last pagan kingdom slides towards Ragnarok, Gulfyrian attempts to change fate and save the life of the king.
Reviews
Tricia Preston
5.0 out of 5 stars A little bit different!
5 March 2016
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
This tale covers the adventures of Penda, King of Mercia, beginning with the 'Battle of Maserfeld' in 641 continuing through to the 'Battle of Winwaed' in 655. This is a very pivotal period, because Christianity is sweeping the country at an alarming rate and Penda is a stalwart supporter of the old faith and still believes that a battle is needed to sort just about anything out. I couldn't resist a quick peep into the 'Anglo-Saxon Chronicles ' for the period when I'd finished to get more information and it was clear that the author had researched the period extensively.
I've given the book 9/10 in my reading files because I was a little confused with what was going on in the early stages and I found some of the sudden first person chapters of Edric initially a little distracting but with hindsight it is certainly a very inventive and engrossing read, fully deserving 5 stars.
It tells of the appearance of our eponymous hero, Gulfyrian, claiming to be the illegitimate son of Pybba and hence the half-brother of Penda. Following the 'Battle of Maserfeld', where Gulfyrian is wounded in the eye, he acquires the gift of prophecy. He is able to warn Penda of forthcoming events and assist him with the decisions he is forced to make. As a consequence, Penda and his family are more than happy to accept Gulfyrian as the long lost brother he is claiming to be. Various other people surrounding the King are not so sure. He could be one of various Norse Gods, a reincarnation of Jesus or just an imposter!
While we are determining the identity of Gulfyrian, we are treated to the historical actions of Penda with some very interesting insight into life during this period in time. Politics, village life, shield maidens, the expansion of Christianity and also some of the more unsavoury aspects, deception, treachery, flagellation and the depraved actions of so called 'holy men' in pursuit of atonement with their 'God of Peace'.
It is an action packed, quirky tale in which everything gets neatly explained in the final chapters. There is a special warmth to the ending which, without giving anything away, reminded me of the ending of the 'Arthurian Trilogy' by Bernard Cornwell.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have already bought 'Teon' which also promises to be that little bit different! I look forward to it arriving at the top of my reading pile in the future.
Mark
4.0 out of 5 stars Great stuff
18 June 2015
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
I am always a little wary about the 99p kindle books, but thought I'd give this one a shot, as it's set in a period I am fascinated in. I also have an interested in King Penda, the last heathen king of mainland England.
The author has done his research on the old gods of England and as a practising heathen, I enjoyed the references to those pagan times, such as the 'nine herb charm'.
I did find the character dialogue a trifle thin however. It was as if the author didn't want to put too much effort into the character's conversations and the conversations often seemed somehow rushed.
I have to say though, that I thoroughly enjoyed the story and would easily recommend this book - for 99p, you can't go wrong!
caroline
5.0 out of 5 stars Love it!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 March 2013
Verified Purchase
LOVE this novel. Can not wait for the next one. Hurry up AJ Sefton! Please continue to write the trilogy!
5.0 out of 5 stars Love it!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 March 2013
Verified Purchase
LOVE this novel. Can not wait for the next one. Hurry up AJ Sefton! Please continue to write the trilogy!
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