A feckless musician and storyteller, all Teon wants is an easy life.

The new boy-king of Mercia needs a prophet to help him reclaim his father's kingdom. Teon simply has to convince him that he is the prophet to guide him on his quest.

​But the easy life comes with a price. It requires cunning, deceit and murder.
​Background reading: ​See A Brief Guide to the Dark Ages 

Reviews


Mar 05, 2016 Andy P rated it it was amazing

A little slow to start but very enjoyable. Teon (the character) is annoying and compelling all at the same time. The new king develops well, at first I thought he was going to be a very irritating boy with power but he soon grows into his new position, His relationship with his pet bird of prey is interesting, I would have liked more of this. The story rolls along at quite a pace once it gets going. Overall I just wish there was more.

Brian Kitchen
5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable novel set in the 7th Century English Kingdom of Mercia
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Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 October 2020

I enjoyed this novel set in 7th Century Mercia and which tells the tale of Teon a musician and storyteller. Teon is a bit of a rogue who likes the easy life and likes taking bright objects that don't belong to him. When the King of Mercia dies, the heir is a boy who is in hiding with his brother. To help him reclaim his father's kingdom, the boy king needs the help of a prophet and Teon who learns of this, sees an opportunity to fill the vacancy.

I won't spoil the story by giving the plot away, but it mixes known history with myth and legend and has obviously been well researched. Living as I do in what was once part of the old Kingdom of Mercia, I found it particularly enjoyable. I would recommend this novel for anyone wanting a good read set in this period of history.
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I read this on Kindle Unlimited, but it is also available to buy from Amazon.